Loving Others Well Jesus said a lot of things. Beautiful, enlightening, and important things. But there’s one command that sums up how we should live... "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 When we look at Jesus’ life, how did He live out this love? And how can we model His actions in our own lives? Love compelled Jesus to give up His privileges. As Creator and Lord, Jesus could've done whatever He wanted. But what He wanted was to temporarily relinquish His rights and even put on human skin—so that we could be made right with God. Love compelled Jesus to prioritize people: The woman at the well. The unclean leper. The woman with the issue of blood. The despised tax collector. The desperate centurion. The thief hanging next to Him on the cross. Jesus didn’t see problems—He saw people. Love compelled Jesus to serve others. He washed His disciples feet. He went out of His way for the marginalized. He stopped for the sick, weary, and broken. And in the end, He gave His own life. For the long-time sinner and the seemingly put-together person, Jesus died so that we can truly live. Love compelled Jesus to value truth and grace. In a world where some elevate grace and others prioritize truth, Jesus valued both. He turned over tables when God’s house was turned into a den of thieves, and He showed great compassion to a woman caught in adultery. If we’re ever unsure about how to love others, let’s look to Jesus as the ultimate example. He selflessly gave up His rights, prioritized people, served others to the point of laying down His life, and valued both truth and grace. And as we love like He loved, we'll become more like Him.

Dear Father, Edmund Gettier, a philosopher, proposed an addition to the concept of epistemology-- the study of knowledge, when he argued that a person can believe something without knowing it, but no one can claim to know something without believing it. How true is this of humanity? There is also a branch of epistemology called empiricism, which supports the idea that the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience or sensory perceptions. My problem with this view is that it limits the truth of humanity’s existence to what is attainable in his lifetime. I was reminded of Thomas, who, when the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” responded, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” The issue, however, lies not in the limitations that exist in obtaining the experience needed for an unwavering belief in You, but in how willing we are to pay the price to know what we have always believed. It is true that many of us are like Thomas, with certain doubts and confusions, believing in Jesus but not all that He purports to represent. Perhaps this is what Edmund communicates: that there is a risk in believing when sufficient knowledge is lacking. Isn’t this one of the reasons we struggle with our faith? Isn’t this the reason we doubt-- asking questions without necessarily seeking answers? Today, I took it upon myself to reflect on how much I have put into knowing all that I believe about You. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #believe #knowledge #doubt #Thomasstory

***The Mark of the Beast*** This is what I see the Bible says of the mark of the beast: Revelation 13:16-18 KJV And *he (the beast of Revelation 13:11) causeth all*, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, *to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads*: [17] And *that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name*. [18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding *count the number of the beast*: for *it is the number of a man*; and his number is *Six hundred threescore and six.* Here the beast of Rev 13:11 causes all but those whose names are written on the Lambs book of Life to receive a mark on their hands and their foreheads. Revelation 13:8 KJV And *all that dwell upon the earth shall worship* him, *whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world*. Now where else in the Bible does it speak of receiving a mark on the forheads or in the arms? If this mark is spoken of in the Bible, then the Bible must provide the answer as to what this mark is. When we examine the scriptures it points us to these scriptures: Job 10:14 KJV *If I sin, then thou markest me*, and *thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity*. Hebrews 10:26-27 KJV For *if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins*, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. We find that Job says that if a man sins, God will mark him and shall not aquit him of his iniquities. Paul later says that if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for our sins. Does the Bible give evidence of someone who sinned wilfullyagainst the Lord and received a mark? Yes, it does. Genesis 4:5-16 KJV But* unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect*. And *Cain was very wroth*, and his countenance fell. [6] *And the LORD said* unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? [7] *If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door*. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. [8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that *Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him*. [9] And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? [10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. [11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; [12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. [13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. [14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; *and from thy face shall I be hid*; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. [15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And *the LORD set a mark upon Cain*, lest any finding him should kill him. [16] *And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD*, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. God warned Cain and told him that if he doeth well, he would be accepted and if he did not do well, sin lies at the door. Cain did not take heed to God but rose up against his brother, who had the better sacrifice, and slew him. He sinned willfully after he had received the knowledge of the truth. And God put a mark upon Cain. And after Cain received that mark, it says that Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and that He was hid from the face of the Lord. In other words, the Lord had turned His face from dealing with Cain. Now, here is an interesting fact, the number of the beast is 666. There is only one Scripture in the Bible with the number 666: John 6:66 KJV _From that time *many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him*._ It speaks of those disciples of Jesus who, having come face to face with the Truth, chose to walk away from Him and to disbelieve Him. Like Cain, they went out from the Presence of the Lord and were hid from the face of the Lord. I do not think it a coincidence that the verse that speaks of this occurrence is the verse that bears the number of the beast. I believe this is God vindicating what the mark of the beast really is.

We are not just teaching children; we are making disciples. When the Word reaches the heart, talent becomes a tool for God’s glory. Intercession worship ministry works on discipleship through worship training. till now we work on so many kids and youth specially who are addicted i am working on my just own that is way i need helping hand. if you are one who like to work on youth so please help me. so many youth is waiting for help to become disciple.

📘 Daily Devotion — August 18 | Acts 19:6 (NKJV) 💯 Living in the Power of God's Spirit In Acts 19, Paul arrived in Ephesus and met a group of disciples who had not yet fully understood the work of the Holy Spirit. After teaching them about Jesus Christ and baptizing them in His name, Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. This event demonstrated God's presence and confirmed His work among these believers as the gospel continued to spread. The central truth of this passage is not the outward signs themselves but the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people. From the beginning of the church, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to live boldly, faithfully, and effectively for Christ. For believers today, every follower of Jesus is called to live in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. He gives wisdom, strength, comfort, and power to obey God's Word and to be faithful witnesses for Christ. Rather than relying on our own abilities, we can trust the Spirit to guide and equip us each day. Reflection Questions 1. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit in my daily walk with God? 2. In what areas do I need God's strength instead of my own? 3. How can I be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading? Prayer Lord God, thank You for giving Your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen Your people. Help me to depend on You each day instead of my own understanding. Fill my life with Your wisdom, power, and love so that I may faithfully serve You and glorify Your name. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. ● Trust God's strength when facing difficult situations. ● Look for opportunities to serve others through the Spirit's leading. Takeaway Thought A life surrendered to the Holy Spirit is a life empowered to glorify Christ. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August18 #Acts196 #HolySpirit #SpiritEmpowered #PowerOfGod #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

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The scene from today’s Scripture passage (Mark 10:13-16) occurs not long after Jesus had made another comment about children. As Christ and the disciples were “[passing] through Galilee” (9:30), His disciples got into a quarrel about which of them was the greatest (vv. 33-34). Jesus knew what they’d been discussing, of course, but He didn’t preach a sermon against their sinful ambition. Instead, “He took a little child whom he placed among them” and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (vv. 36-37). His object lesson about humility was obvious. That’s why it’s surprising when they “rebuked” people who were literally “bringing little children to Jesus” (10:13). They still hadn’t learned that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (v. 14). As we express our childlike trust in Christ, we’ll want to welcome all who’re overlooked and undervalued.

Dear Father, In discussing the life of Jesus, I am first occupied with His purpose on earth and then with the miracles He performed. It is so easy to sum up His entire life in redemption and the working of miracles while not paying attention to His heart. Jesus was perhaps the Man who experienced the greatest disappointment in His dealings with people, yet because of His divinity, we often pay less attention to His humanity. Perhaps the deepest hurt is borne by the strongest hearts and still goes unnoticed. After all, no one goes seeking the weakness in strength. When Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went with the high priest and soldiers to betray Jesus, the Scripture says, “Judas came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Jesus knew He was being betrayed, yet He called him “friend.” If it were not Jesus, I would assume it was a sarcastic word. But it wasn’t. In one word, Jesus revealed the state of His own heart, creating a new pattern for friendship: "Your act of betrayal may have changed you, but it hasn’t changed me." This is very profound because I respond to changing times in my relationships, not just outwardly, but also inwardly. I get hurt, I withdraw myself, I experience disgust, and one thing I would never do is call a betrayer a friend! But perhaps Jesus teaches us to guard our hearts. Perhaps because disappointments may change a man faster than resolutions. Perhaps this is His way of saying, “You can be hurt and still not be changed.” But how many of us bear so much hurt that we do not even recognize ourselves anymore? Father, what is the state of our hearts? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #friendship #hurts #weakness #disciplesofJesus

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah Introduction We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society. Yet, the Christian is called to live differently. Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV). The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone. A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them. 1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity. The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society. 1 Peter 2:9 says: «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”» You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable. Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you. You belong to Christ. 2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD A changing world needs an unchanging standard. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging. The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world. We must therefore become students of the Word. Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said. People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change. But the Word of our God stands forever. 3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM Romans 12:2 says: «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”» There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it. This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society. We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions. You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt. You can live among people who compromise without compromising. You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light. 4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH A challenging world requires spiritual strength. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience. There are battles that human strength cannot win. Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise. Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father. We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him. 5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH Challenges are part of the journey. James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity. This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it. Sometimes He uses the situation to change us. Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith. Your trial is not the end of your story. The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you. David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence. Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him. The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. God remains faithful in the fire. 6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART Proverbs 4:23 says: «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”» The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism. If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us. That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate. Not everything that is popular is profitable. Not everything that is trending is godly. Not every opportunity is an assignment from God. A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary. 7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD Jesus said in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.” He said, “You are the light.” Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines. The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ. Your workplace should experience your integrity. Your family should experience your love. Your community should experience your kindness. Your generation should see Christ through your character. We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives. 8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD A challenging world is also a hurting world. People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion. The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities. We must love. We must forgive. We must encourage. We must help. We must show compassion. Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting. 9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal. This world is not our final destination. Our possessions are temporary. Our positions are temporary. Our earthly achievements are temporary. But eternity is forever. Therefore, we must live with eternity in view. Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul. Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure. Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause. 10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit. Galatians 6:9 says: «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”» There may be moments when you feel tired. There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered. There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle. But keep going. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep trusting God. Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life. CONCLUSION The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God. We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him. We are called to stand when others fall. To shine when others walk in darkness. To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular. To demonstrate love when hatred increases. To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult. And to remain faithful until the end. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful. The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed. The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient. The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine. Therefore, stand firm. Stay prayerful. Stay in the Word. Stay holy. Stay humble. Stay faithful. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. PRAYER Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah #LifeofaChristian #PJCares

Dear Father, In discussing the life of Jesus, I am first occupied with His purpose on earth and then with the miracles He performed. It is so easy to sum up His entire life in redemption and the working of miracles while not paying attention to His heart. Jesus was perhaps the Man who experienced the greatest disappointment in His dealings with people, yet because of His divinity, we often pay less attention to His humanity. Perhaps the deepest hurt is borne by the strongest hearts and still goes unnoticed. After all, no one goes seeking the weakness in strength. When Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went with the high priest and soldiers to betray Jesus, the Scripture says, “Judas came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Jesus knew He was being betrayed, yet He called him “friend.” If it were not Jesus, I would assume it was a sarcastic word. But it wasn’t. In one word, Jesus revealed the state of His own heart, creating a new pattern for friendship: "Your act of betrayal may have changed you, but it hasn’t changed me." This is very profound because I respond to changing times in my relationships, not just outwardly, but also inwardly. I get hurt, I withdraw myself, I experience disgust, and one thing I would never do is call a betrayer a friend! But perhaps Jesus teaches us to guard our hearts. Perhaps because disappointments may change a man faster than resolutions. Perhaps this is His way of saying, “You can be hurt and still not be changed.” But how many of us bear so much hurt that we do not even recognize ourselves anymore? Father, what is the state of our hearts? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #friendship #hurts #weakness #disciplesofJesus