• The Story Behind the Hymns.
    THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE"

    “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life.

    The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance.

    The opening lines immediately establish its central theme:

    “Through all the changing scenes of life,
    In trouble and in joy,
    The praises of my God shall still
    My heart and tongue employ.”

    The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care.

    What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness.

    It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central.

    The message of the hymn:
    Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.
    The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE" “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life. The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance. The opening lines immediately establish its central theme: “Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.” The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care. What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness. It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central. The message of the hymn: Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 9 Vue
  • Your life has meaning because you were created by God and for God.

    #Faith #GodsPurpose #CreatedWithPurpose #LifeHasMeaning
    ✨ Your life has meaning because you were created by God and for God. #Faith #GodsPurpose #CreatedWithPurpose #LifeHasMeaning
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 33 Vue
  • Your Hope Isn't Built On Circumstances; It's Built On A Risen Savior.

    #Faith #LivingHope #1Peter13 #RisenSavior
    🌅 Your Hope Isn't Built On Circumstances; It's Built On A Risen Savior. #Faith #LivingHope #1Peter13 #RisenSavior
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 28 Vue
  • TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER!

    “Lord, Cover Our Family, Heal Our Bodies, Save Our Souls, and Supply Our Needs!”

    Heavenly Father,
    On this Tuesday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for life, strength, grace, mercy, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name.
    Your Word declares:
    “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
    Father, this morning we place our entire family into Your hands. Every mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member—we cover them in prayer.
    Lord, go where we cannot go. Touch those we cannot reach. Speak to hearts when our words are not enough. Protect our families from dangers seen and unseen, and let Your presence rest upon every household represented in our family.
    Your Word says:
    “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
    Father, be our strong tower!
    LORD, HEAL OUR FAMILY!
    Father, we lift before You every family member who is struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
    Some are dealing with sickness in their bodies. Some are carrying pain that others cannot see. Some are fighting battles in their minds. Some are exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained.
    But God, You know exactly where they are and exactly what they need!
    You declared:
    “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)
    So, Father, we ask You to restore health!
    Touch minds that are troubled.
    Touch bodies that are hurting.
    Touch hearts that are broken.
    Strengthen those who are weak.
    Comfort those who are grieving.
    Encourage those who feel discouraged.
    Give rest to those who are weary.
    Lord Jesus, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
    Your Word declares:
    “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20 (KJV)
    Father, send Your Word into every situation!
    Where there is sickness, send healing.
    Where there is bondage, send deliverance.
    Where there is confusion, send clarity.
    Where there is fear, send peace.
    Where there is despair, send hope.
    Where there is weakness, send strength.
    We stand upon Your Word and believe that nothing is too hard for You!
    LORD, SAVE OUR FAMILY!
    Father, our prayer is not only for physical healing—we are crying out for souls to be saved!
    We lift every family member who does not yet know Jesus Christ personally.
    Lord, draw them to You.
    Remove spiritual blindness. Break down hardened hearts. Remove every distraction, excuse, false teaching, and influence that keeps them from surrendering completely to Christ.
    Jesus said:
    “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44 (KJV)
    Father, draw our family!
    Let somebody become hungry for Your Word.
    Let somebody become tired of living without You.
    Let somebody realize that possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and money cannot fill the place that belongs to Jesus.
    Let the question rise within their hearts:
    “What must I do to be saved?”
    And just as Paul and Silas answered:
    “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:30–31 (KJV)
    Father, let salvation come into our households!
    Your Word declares:
    “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV)
    Let our family members call upon Jesus!
    Let them repent.
    Let them believe.
    Let them surrender.
    Let them be transformed.
    We are praying not merely that they will know about Jesus, but that they will know Jesus and develop a genuine relationship with Him.
    Lord, save our sons and daughters. Save our grandchildren. Save our siblings. Save our extended family. Let there be a spiritual awakening throughout our bloodline.
    LORD, OPEN DOORS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL PROVISION!
    Father, we lift every family member searching for employment.
    Some have submitted applications and are waiting.
    Some are looking for better opportunities.
    Some need promotions.
    Some need pay increases.
    Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
    Some are carrying financial burdens that nobody else knows about.
    Father, open doors that no man can shut!
    Your Word says:
    “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” — Revelation 3:8 (KJV)
    Lord, send the right opportunities.
    Give favor during interviews.
    Give wisdom when making career decisions.
    Give courage to walk through new doors.
    Let résumés reach the right people.
    Let applications receive favorable responses.
    Let promotions come.
    Let increases come.
    Let opportunities come that exceed expectations.
    And Father, for every family member struggling financially, remind us that You are our Source.
    Your Word declares:
    “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
    We stand on that promise!
    Provide food.
    Provide shelter.
    Provide transportation.
    Provide employment.
    Provide resources.
    Provide wisdom to manage what You place into our hands.
    And Father, teach us not only to pray for provision but to walk in wisdom concerning our finances.
    Your Word says:
    “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
    We declare that lack will not destroy our faith! We trust You as our Provider.
    LORD, BRING LOVE AND UNITY INTO OUR FAMILY!
    Father, strengthen our marriages. Strengthen relationships between parents and children. Restore broken relationships between brothers and sisters. Heal old wounds, misunderstandings, disappointments, and offenses.
    Where pride has entered, bring humility.
    Where anger has entered, bring forgiveness.
    Where communication has broken down, bring understanding.
    Where distance has developed, bring reconciliation according to Your will.
    Your Word declares:
    “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV)
    Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ.
    But Father, above everything else, teach our family to love YOU FIRST!
    Jesus said:
    “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” — Mark 12:30 (KJV)
    May our homes be places where You are honored.
    May prayer live in our homes.
    May Your Word live in our homes.
    May forgiveness live in our homes.
    May peace live in our homes.
    May love live in our homes.
    And may Jesus Christ always remain at the center of our families.
    Father, as we go throughout this Tuesday, order our steps. Protect us traveling to work, school, appointments, and wherever this day may take us.
    Keep Your hand upon our children and grandchildren.
    Watch over our elderly family members.
    Strengthen our caregivers.
    Comfort those who are grieving.
    Encourage those who are discouraged.
    Restore those who have fallen.
    Save those who are lost.
    Heal those who are sick.
    Provide for those who are struggling.
    And unite our families through the love of Jesus Christ.
    We declare the words of Psalm 133:1 (KJV):
    “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

    TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
    Today, we declare that our family belongs to God!
    We declare healing over the sick, peace over troubled minds, deliverance over those in bondage, salvation over the lost, employment for those seeking work, increase for those needing provision, and restoration over our relationships.
    We declare that Jesus Christ will be lifted up in our homes.
    We will love God first and love one another.
    We declare that God is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Savior, our Provider, our Protector, and our Keeper!
    And we believe that the God who began a good work in our family is faithful to complete it!
    In the mighty, matchless, healing, saving, delivering, and providing name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray.
    AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!
    TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER! “Lord, Cover Our Family, Heal Our Bodies, Save Our Souls, and Supply Our Needs!” Heavenly Father, On this Tuesday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for life, strength, grace, mercy, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name. Your Word declares: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Father, this morning we place our entire family into Your hands. Every mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member—we cover them in prayer. Lord, go where we cannot go. Touch those we cannot reach. Speak to hearts when our words are not enough. Protect our families from dangers seen and unseen, and let Your presence rest upon every household represented in our family. Your Word says: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV) Father, be our strong tower! LORD, HEAL OUR FAMILY! Father, we lift before You every family member who is struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Some are dealing with sickness in their bodies. Some are carrying pain that others cannot see. Some are fighting battles in their minds. Some are exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained. But God, You know exactly where they are and exactly what they need! You declared: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) So, Father, we ask You to restore health! Touch minds that are troubled. Touch bodies that are hurting. Touch hearts that are broken. Strengthen those who are weak. Comfort those who are grieving. Encourage those who feel discouraged. Give rest to those who are weary. Lord Jesus, heal, deliver, restore, and set free! Your Word declares: “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20 (KJV) Father, send Your Word into every situation! Where there is sickness, send healing. Where there is bondage, send deliverance. Where there is confusion, send clarity. Where there is fear, send peace. Where there is despair, send hope. Where there is weakness, send strength. We stand upon Your Word and believe that nothing is too hard for You! LORD, SAVE OUR FAMILY! Father, our prayer is not only for physical healing—we are crying out for souls to be saved! We lift every family member who does not yet know Jesus Christ personally. Lord, draw them to You. Remove spiritual blindness. Break down hardened hearts. Remove every distraction, excuse, false teaching, and influence that keeps them from surrendering completely to Christ. Jesus said: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44 (KJV) Father, draw our family! Let somebody become hungry for Your Word. Let somebody become tired of living without You. Let somebody realize that possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and money cannot fill the place that belongs to Jesus. Let the question rise within their hearts: “What must I do to be saved?” And just as Paul and Silas answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:30–31 (KJV) Father, let salvation come into our households! Your Word declares: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV) Let our family members call upon Jesus! Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them surrender. Let them be transformed. We are praying not merely that they will know about Jesus, but that they will know Jesus and develop a genuine relationship with Him. Lord, save our sons and daughters. Save our grandchildren. Save our siblings. Save our extended family. Let there be a spiritual awakening throughout our bloodline. LORD, OPEN DOORS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL PROVISION! Father, we lift every family member searching for employment. Some have submitted applications and are waiting. Some are looking for better opportunities. Some need promotions. Some need pay increases. Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet. Some are carrying financial burdens that nobody else knows about. Father, open doors that no man can shut! Your Word says: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” — Revelation 3:8 (KJV) Lord, send the right opportunities. Give favor during interviews. Give wisdom when making career decisions. Give courage to walk through new doors. Let résumés reach the right people. Let applications receive favorable responses. Let promotions come. Let increases come. Let opportunities come that exceed expectations. And Father, for every family member struggling financially, remind us that You are our Source. Your Word declares: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) We stand on that promise! Provide food. Provide shelter. Provide transportation. Provide employment. Provide resources. Provide wisdom to manage what You place into our hands. And Father, teach us not only to pray for provision but to walk in wisdom concerning our finances. Your Word says: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) We declare that lack will not destroy our faith! We trust You as our Provider. LORD, BRING LOVE AND UNITY INTO OUR FAMILY! Father, strengthen our marriages. Strengthen relationships between parents and children. Restore broken relationships between brothers and sisters. Heal old wounds, misunderstandings, disappointments, and offenses. Where pride has entered, bring humility. Where anger has entered, bring forgiveness. Where communication has broken down, bring understanding. Where distance has developed, bring reconciliation according to Your will. Your Word declares: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV) Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ. But Father, above everything else, teach our family to love YOU FIRST! Jesus said: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” — Mark 12:30 (KJV) May our homes be places where You are honored. May prayer live in our homes. May Your Word live in our homes. May forgiveness live in our homes. May peace live in our homes. May love live in our homes. And may Jesus Christ always remain at the center of our families. Father, as we go throughout this Tuesday, order our steps. Protect us traveling to work, school, appointments, and wherever this day may take us. Keep Your hand upon our children and grandchildren. Watch over our elderly family members. Strengthen our caregivers. Comfort those who are grieving. Encourage those who are discouraged. Restore those who have fallen. Save those who are lost. Heal those who are sick. Provide for those who are struggling. And unite our families through the love of Jesus Christ. We declare the words of Psalm 133:1 (KJV): “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION... Today, we declare that our family belongs to God! We declare healing over the sick, peace over troubled minds, deliverance over those in bondage, salvation over the lost, employment for those seeking work, increase for those needing provision, and restoration over our relationships. We declare that Jesus Christ will be lifted up in our homes. We will love God first and love one another. We declare that God is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Savior, our Provider, our Protector, and our Keeper! And we believe that the God who began a good work in our family is faithful to complete it! In the mighty, matchless, healing, saving, delivering, and providing name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
  • ~. . . And the evening and the morning were the 236th day. Good Morning, God's Beloved. On this 237th day of 2026, might I suggest that you stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is . . .==> "The Lord, the Most High God, is awesome. He is the great King who rules over the whole earth." [Psalm 47:2]
    [And as you RESPECT and LOVE one another as hard as you can, Please PLAY NICE, PRAY for one another, Distance-CHECK on your neighbors, and Keep a SMILE on your Faith.]
    (For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel, MelzMark Video Productions, at www.youtube.com/[VStMelz])
    https://youtube.com/watch?v=wqSJFwA2Kjs&is=HDHXjgJ28WPHKmg8
    ~. . . And the evening and the morning were the 236th day. Good Morning, God's Beloved. On this 237th day of 2026, might I suggest that you stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is . . .==> "The Lord, the Most High God, is awesome. He is the great King who rules over the whole earth." [Psalm 47:2] [And as you RESPECT and LOVE one another as hard as you can, Please PLAY NICE, PRAY for one another, Distance-CHECK on your neighbors, and Keep a SMILE on your Faith.] (For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel, MelzMark Video Productions, at www.youtube.com/[VStMelz]) https://youtube.com/watch?v=wqSJFwA2Kjs&is=HDHXjgJ28WPHKmg8
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
  • The Goal Isn't Just To Know Jesus—It's To Become Like Him

    #Faith #Christlikeness #Romans829 #WalkWithJesus #SpiritualGrowth
    ✝️ The Goal Isn't Just To Know Jesus—It's To Become Like Him #Faith #Christlikeness #Romans829 #WalkWithJesus #SpiritualGrowth
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 57 Vue
  • LOST IN THE CHURCH

    [BEING LOST IN CHURCH]

    Part Eight

    The Name of Jesus

    There are many things that are closely associated with the Lord Jesus, and some have even been given His great name. However, people need to understand that these things are not Jesus Himself. Therefore, building one's faith upon such things or worshipping them can be a great deception.

    Being close to the Lord, or even being called by His great name, does not necessarily mean that something is worthy of our worship. This means that a person can become lost before the Lord—or even become lost in church.

    Satan spent all his time in the presence of the Lord, enjoying His glory, beauty, and blessings; nevertheless, he fell. Judas Iscariot was privileged to eat at the Lord's table. He heard the profound wisdom and extraordinary words that the prophets of old longed to hear; yet he also perished. This happened because they gave created things the place that belonged to the Lord.

    The name of Jesus is an extraordinary gift given to the true Church throughout the world for salvation. However, we must understand that Satan has also been permitted to use that very same name on earth for evil purposes and destruction.

    Therefore, the Church must be extremely careful. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus Christ, or identifies themselves by that name, is from God.

    Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is truly a Christian in their heart.

    Not every institution that bears the name of the Lord has come from God.

    One of the greatest things I have observed in this world is that the Lord Himself can bless an institution, a church, a person, or a thing without actually dwelling in it. And that is one of the saddest dangers!

    Remember Ishmael, the son of Abraham. God blessed him even though he was not the one through whom God's covenant purpose would be fulfilled.

    > Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.”
    Genesis 17:18–20



    And concerning Ishmael, Scripture clearly says that the son of the slave woman will never share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Read Galatians 4:30.

    The meaning here is that the Lord blessed a person who would nevertheless not inherit eternal life together with the children of God through the covenant represented by Isaac.

    My brothers and sisters, among the most frightening forms of deception taking place in the Church in these last days is the misuse of the name of Jesus.

    If a person cannot discern the spirit behind every minister who comes before them, then they are already in serious danger.

    > “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
    Matthew 24:5



    One of the difficult statements in the Bible that I thought I understood well—but which took me many years to understand properly—is this statement in Matthew 24:5.

    For a long time, I thought those false ministers would come in His name claiming that they themselves were Christ. But that is not necessarily what the Lord meant.

    The correct meaning is that these false ministers would come in His name while openly acknowledging that He—Jesus—is the Christ. They would not necessarily claim to be Christ themselves.

    In simple terms, these false ministers would come into the world confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and they would use the name of Jesus in their ministries, yet they would actually be agents of Satan.

    Do you see how dangerous that is?

    What makes it even worse is that we have often interpreted this Scripture incorrectly. But the Lord said, “many will come.”

    He did not say a few would come. He said many.

    And notice that He did not say these people would belong to only one particular category—such as prophets, apostles, or miracle workers. Therefore, we should understand that He was warning about many different kinds of ministers: prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors, evangelists, miracle workers and those who do not perform miracles; those leading large churches and those leading small churches, and so on.

    I say this because there has been a deception among people who think they only need to fear miracle workers, false prophets, large-church leaders, or apostles.

    But beloved, let me tell you something: in my experience, one of the greatest forms of deception I have seen in the Church is being under a false pastor.

    And may God help me as I say this!

    Deception does not exist in only one place. Everyone can be prepared for a particular kind of deception—according to what they believe, what they understand, and what they are looking for.

    There is no weapon that is always used from a distance. Scripture says:

    > “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
    Matthew 10:36



    If you fear today's miracles, false prophets, apostles of anointing oil, and similar things, you are certainly right to be cautious. But understand this: those may be weapons that are too distant for someone like you.

    Satan, who is full of cunning and deception, a master of lies and the father of much deception, may never use such obvious weapons to trap someone like you.

    Instead, he may send you a false pastor who performs no miracles at all, someone whose ministry perfectly matches your beliefs, so that you can trust him completely.

    Then you may gradually be fed false teachings that have no life—teachings that have an outward appearance of godliness and reverence for God, yet are built upon false wisdom that contradicts the power and priorities of the Holy Spirit.

    That, my brother and sister, is where you can truly become lost.

    Also understand clearly that the false ministers I am speaking about can be of two kinds.

    There are those who have consciously made an agreement with Satan and therefore know exactly what they are doing.

    And there are those who do not even realize that they are false ministers. They themselves have been deceived by false teachings. They are also products of false teachers.

    Many of these are the religious leaders of our time—the Pharisees of the Pharisees of this generation.

    And these can be among the most dangerous people, because they were the very kind of religious leaders who even participated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Lord.

    Therefore, submitting yourself blindly to such ministers is a truly frightening thing.

    May Almighty God have mercy on us all.

    Amen!

    #ToBeContinued...

    Mwl. Ernest Nyalula
    +255752057664

    #LostInTheChurch #Discernment #ChristianFaith #TruthOfTheGospel #JesusChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity #FalseTeaching #KnowTheWord
    LOST IN THE CHURCH [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Eight The Name of Jesus There are many things that are closely associated with the Lord Jesus, and some have even been given His great name. However, people need to understand that these things are not Jesus Himself. Therefore, building one's faith upon such things or worshipping them can be a great deception. Being close to the Lord, or even being called by His great name, does not necessarily mean that something is worthy of our worship. This means that a person can become lost before the Lord—or even become lost in church. Satan spent all his time in the presence of the Lord, enjoying His glory, beauty, and blessings; nevertheless, he fell. Judas Iscariot was privileged to eat at the Lord's table. He heard the profound wisdom and extraordinary words that the prophets of old longed to hear; yet he also perished. This happened because they gave created things the place that belonged to the Lord. The name of Jesus is an extraordinary gift given to the true Church throughout the world for salvation. However, we must understand that Satan has also been permitted to use that very same name on earth for evil purposes and destruction. Therefore, the Church must be extremely careful. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus Christ, or identifies themselves by that name, is from God. Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is truly a Christian in their heart. Not every institution that bears the name of the Lord has come from God. One of the greatest things I have observed in this world is that the Lord Himself can bless an institution, a church, a person, or a thing without actually dwelling in it. And that is one of the saddest dangers! Remember Ishmael, the son of Abraham. God blessed him even though he was not the one through whom God's covenant purpose would be fulfilled. > Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.” Genesis 17:18–20 And concerning Ishmael, Scripture clearly says that the son of the slave woman will never share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Read Galatians 4:30. The meaning here is that the Lord blessed a person who would nevertheless not inherit eternal life together with the children of God through the covenant represented by Isaac. My brothers and sisters, among the most frightening forms of deception taking place in the Church in these last days is the misuse of the name of Jesus. If a person cannot discern the spirit behind every minister who comes before them, then they are already in serious danger. > “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:5 One of the difficult statements in the Bible that I thought I understood well—but which took me many years to understand properly—is this statement in Matthew 24:5. For a long time, I thought those false ministers would come in His name claiming that they themselves were Christ. But that is not necessarily what the Lord meant. The correct meaning is that these false ministers would come in His name while openly acknowledging that He—Jesus—is the Christ. They would not necessarily claim to be Christ themselves. In simple terms, these false ministers would come into the world confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and they would use the name of Jesus in their ministries, yet they would actually be agents of Satan. Do you see how dangerous that is? What makes it even worse is that we have often interpreted this Scripture incorrectly. But the Lord said, “many will come.” He did not say a few would come. He said many. And notice that He did not say these people would belong to only one particular category—such as prophets, apostles, or miracle workers. Therefore, we should understand that He was warning about many different kinds of ministers: prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors, evangelists, miracle workers and those who do not perform miracles; those leading large churches and those leading small churches, and so on. I say this because there has been a deception among people who think they only need to fear miracle workers, false prophets, large-church leaders, or apostles. But beloved, let me tell you something: in my experience, one of the greatest forms of deception I have seen in the Church is being under a false pastor. And may God help me as I say this! Deception does not exist in only one place. Everyone can be prepared for a particular kind of deception—according to what they believe, what they understand, and what they are looking for. There is no weapon that is always used from a distance. Scripture says: > “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Matthew 10:36 If you fear today's miracles, false prophets, apostles of anointing oil, and similar things, you are certainly right to be cautious. But understand this: those may be weapons that are too distant for someone like you. Satan, who is full of cunning and deception, a master of lies and the father of much deception, may never use such obvious weapons to trap someone like you. Instead, he may send you a false pastor who performs no miracles at all, someone whose ministry perfectly matches your beliefs, so that you can trust him completely. Then you may gradually be fed false teachings that have no life—teachings that have an outward appearance of godliness and reverence for God, yet are built upon false wisdom that contradicts the power and priorities of the Holy Spirit. That, my brother and sister, is where you can truly become lost. Also understand clearly that the false ministers I am speaking about can be of two kinds. There are those who have consciously made an agreement with Satan and therefore know exactly what they are doing. And there are those who do not even realize that they are false ministers. They themselves have been deceived by false teachings. They are also products of false teachers. Many of these are the religious leaders of our time—the Pharisees of the Pharisees of this generation. And these can be among the most dangerous people, because they were the very kind of religious leaders who even participated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Lord. Therefore, submitting yourself blindly to such ministers is a truly frightening thing. May Almighty God have mercy on us all. Amen! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255752057664 #LostInTheChurch #Discernment #ChristianFaith #TruthOfTheGospel #JesusChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity #FalseTeaching #KnowTheWord
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  • God can use trials to strengthen your faith

    #Faith #RefiningFire #TrialsToStrength #TrustTheProcess #DailyDevotional #Grace
    💪 God can use trials to strengthen your faith #Faith #RefiningFire #TrialsToStrength #TrustTheProcess #DailyDevotional #Grace
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  • THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY
    “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 
    A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.”
    Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.” 
    The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?” 
    His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.”
    That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how.
    The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.” 
    That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ.
    It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth.
    There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes.
    The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT). 
    That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son.
    In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). 
    Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us.
    There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). 
    If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now. 
    God bless you
    THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20  A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.” Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.”  The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?”  His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.” That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how. The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.”  That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ. It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth. There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes. The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT).  That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son. In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT).  Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us. There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT).  If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now.  God bless you
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  • Don't Confuse Slow Growth With No Growth

    #Faith #SlowGrowth #Sanctification #CharacterBuilding #TrustTheProcess #DailyDevotional #Inspiration #Encouragement
    🌱 Don't Confuse Slow Growth With No Growth #Faith #SlowGrowth #Sanctification #CharacterBuilding #TrustTheProcess #DailyDevotional #Inspiration #Encouragement
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