• Doing the Proverbs 4 Walk

    We make multiple decisions each day, and that's why we need to learn to do the Proverbs 4 Walk.

    "We're always making a decision to give up something that we value less for something we value more." Paul Richard, President, Consumer Financial Education Institute

    Have you noticed grocery stores put staples like milk and eggs at the back so we have to go through the store to get them?

    To avoid temptation, we can go prepared with a list and keep our eyes straight ahead instead of glancing at the aisles of temptation along the way.

    Satan employs this tactic too. He lines our life path with costly choices and distractions: immoral sex, selfishness, fear, anger, resentment, envy, etc.

    He'd like to divert, delay, or derail us, making us spend all we have before we reach YHWH's goals for our lives.

    To avoid temptation, we can do the Proverbs 4 walk: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet.…" Proverbs 4:25-26

    What are some practical ways you walk in the Proverbs 4 path?

    Some helpful truths about temptation:

    YHWH always provides a way out. Let’s take it!

    1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And YHWH is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

    It’s all a matter of whom we submit to, YHWH or Satan.

    James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to YHWH. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

    When we give in to temptation, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

    James 1:14: "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."
    Doing the Proverbs 4 Walk We make multiple decisions each day, and that's why we need to learn to do the Proverbs 4 Walk. "We're always making a decision to give up something that we value less for something we value more." Paul Richard, President, Consumer Financial Education Institute Have you noticed grocery stores put staples like milk and eggs at the back so we have to go through the store to get them? To avoid temptation, we can go prepared with a list and keep our eyes straight ahead instead of glancing at the aisles of temptation along the way. Satan employs this tactic too. He lines our life path with costly choices and distractions: immoral sex, selfishness, fear, anger, resentment, envy, etc. He'd like to divert, delay, or derail us, making us spend all we have before we reach YHWH's goals for our lives. To avoid temptation, we can do the Proverbs 4 walk: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet.…" Proverbs 4:25-26 What are some practical ways you walk in the Proverbs 4 path? Some helpful truths about temptation: YHWH always provides a way out. Let’s take it! 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And YHWH is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." It’s all a matter of whom we submit to, YHWH or Satan. James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to YHWH. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." When we give in to temptation, we have no one to blame but ourselves. James 1:14: "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."
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  • The School for Homeschooling Families

    National Homeschool is a trusted provider of Christian homeschool programs, dedicated to supporting families in their educational journeys. We understand the unique needs of homeschooling families and offer a range of resources and curriculum options that align with your values and goals.

    Join a community that prioritizes academic excellence and spiritual growth for your children.

    Ready to start your homeschooling journey with us? Don’t wait—contact us today to learn more about our programs and enroll!

    Call Today: 405-691-8012

    Enroll Online Today: nationalhomeschool.com

    #NationalHomeschool #ChristianHomeschool #HomeschoolingFamilies #TrustedProvider #EnrollToday
    🌟 The School for Homeschooling Families 🌟 National Homeschool is a trusted provider of Christian homeschool programs, dedicated to supporting families in their educational journeys. We understand the unique needs of homeschooling families and offer a range of resources and curriculum options that align with your values and goals. Join a community that prioritizes academic excellence and spiritual growth for your children. Ready to start your homeschooling journey with us? Don’t wait—contact us today to learn more about our programs and enroll! 📞 Call Today: 405-691-8012 🌐 Enroll Online Today: nationalhomeschool.com #NationalHomeschool #ChristianHomeschool #HomeschoolingFamilies #TrustedProvider #EnrollToday
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  • See How It Works

    Search
    Explore thousands of Christian coaches ready to help you grow and succeed.

    Find
    Discover the coach that best fits your needs and goals.

    Contact
    Call or email to set up a time to meet and start your journey.

    Take the first step today toward growth in faith and purpose

    Visit Our Website: www.christianconnection.pro

    #ChristianCoaching #FaithInAction #GrowInChrist #FindYourCoach #KingdomGrowth #SpiritualDevelopment #CoachingSupport #ChristianMentors #JourneyInFaith #ChristianSupport
    👀 See How It Works ✨ 🔍 Search Explore thousands of Christian coaches ready to help you grow and succeed. 💡 Find Discover the coach that best fits your needs and goals. 📞 Contact Call or email to set up a time to meet and start your journey. Take the first step today toward growth in faith and purpose ✝️🙌 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.christianconnection.pro #ChristianCoaching #FaithInAction #GrowInChrist #FindYourCoach #KingdomGrowth #SpiritualDevelopment #CoachingSupport #ChristianMentors #JourneyInFaith #ChristianSupport
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    At Christian Connection you can seek out Christian coaches, consultants and experts in the body of Christ looking to serve the Kingdom.
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  • Brenda Walsh Ministries
    Fear of Failure.

    There’s an old African proverb that says, “He who wants to cross a river must not be afraid of getting wet.” Too many times people don’t accomplish their dreams and goals because of fear of failure or fear of what they’ll encounter. That kind of fear keeps you from going on a diet to lose weight, changing jobs, exploring a relationship, or even accepting a promotion. But being locked in a prison of fear will destroy you. Author Paulo Coelho once said, “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right. Not once does the Bible say to worry about it, stress over it, or figure it out. But over and over again, it clearly says, “Fear not.” Plain and simple, God doesn’t want His children to live in fear! He wants you to trust Him and go forward with faith that He knows what He is doing and will lead and guide you every step. Fear paralyzes your dreams, steals your happiness, and limits your relationship with God. When you start thinking, “I can’t do this. I’m just an idiot - everyone is going to laugh at me. Look at how many times I’ve failed. Everyone else can do it - I’m clearly the problem,” don’t listen to any of that nonsense and push those negative thoughts from your mind. That’s just the kind of weapon the devil loves to use against you, but don’t let fear keep you from going where God wants to take you. Claim God’s promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Text: Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 118:6, 2 Timothy 1:7
    Brenda Walsh Ministries Fear of Failure. There’s an old African proverb that says, “He who wants to cross a river must not be afraid of getting wet.” Too many times people don’t accomplish their dreams and goals because of fear of failure or fear of what they’ll encounter. That kind of fear keeps you from going on a diet to lose weight, changing jobs, exploring a relationship, or even accepting a promotion. But being locked in a prison of fear will destroy you. Author Paulo Coelho once said, “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right. Not once does the Bible say to worry about it, stress over it, or figure it out. But over and over again, it clearly says, “Fear not.” Plain and simple, God doesn’t want His children to live in fear! He wants you to trust Him and go forward with faith that He knows what He is doing and will lead and guide you every step. Fear paralyzes your dreams, steals your happiness, and limits your relationship with God. When you start thinking, “I can’t do this. I’m just an idiot - everyone is going to laugh at me. Look at how many times I’ve failed. Everyone else can do it - I’m clearly the problem,” don’t listen to any of that nonsense and push those negative thoughts from your mind. That’s just the kind of weapon the devil loves to use against you, but don’t let fear keep you from going where God wants to take you. Claim God’s promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Text: Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 118:6, 2 Timothy 1:7
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  • And he arose and came to his father.

    For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

    Luke 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:9

    Yesterday, we saw that repentance is part of faith in Jesus Christ. It‘s an inner change of mind, a rethinking about God and about myself.

    After his change of mind, the young man in the parable of the prodigal son resolves, “I will arise and go to my father”. And he doesn’t stop at this resolution but puts it into action: he indeed rises and goes to his father.

    When the Bible speaks of conversion, it means this literal turning to God. Repentance has to do with our hearts: we think differently in our hearts when we repent. Conversion, on the other hand, has to do with our feet. In conversion, we – figuratively speaking – change the direction in which we are heading, and this becomes evident in our lives.

    Regarding the Christians in Thessalonica, it is said that they turned from idols “to serve the living and true God”. This example shows us what conversion is: on one side, the idols; on the other side, the living and true God. Idols are goals, desires, hobbies, friendships or things to which my heart clings and which hinder me from living entirely for God.

    And now I turn away from the idols and turn to the living and true God. Previously, I was on a path of life that led me away from God. Now I turn to God. I go a completely different way. I make a U-turn of 180 degrees. That is conversion.

    (to be concluded tomorrow)
    Today’s reading: Joshua 12:1-24 · 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

    https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2026-08-11
    And he arose and came to his father. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Luke 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Yesterday, we saw that repentance is part of faith in Jesus Christ. It‘s an inner change of mind, a rethinking about God and about myself. After his change of mind, the young man in the parable of the prodigal son resolves, “I will arise and go to my father”. And he doesn’t stop at this resolution but puts it into action: he indeed rises and goes to his father. When the Bible speaks of conversion, it means this literal turning to God. Repentance has to do with our hearts: we think differently in our hearts when we repent. Conversion, on the other hand, has to do with our feet. In conversion, we – figuratively speaking – change the direction in which we are heading, and this becomes evident in our lives. Regarding the Christians in Thessalonica, it is said that they turned from idols “to serve the living and true God”. This example shows us what conversion is: on one side, the idols; on the other side, the living and true God. Idols are goals, desires, hobbies, friendships or things to which my heart clings and which hinder me from living entirely for God. And now I turn away from the idols and turn to the living and true God. Previously, I was on a path of life that led me away from God. Now I turn to God. I go a completely different way. I make a U-turn of 180 degrees. That is conversion. (to be concluded tomorrow) Today’s reading: Joshua 12:1-24 · 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2026-08-11
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  • Lifeline Today
    Tuesday August 11
    Living Life to the Fullest
    Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future---all these are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. 1Corinthians 3:22, 23 (GNB)

    God has made all things available to enable you live life to the fullest. All things are yours. You are not lacking in anything. You are not deficient in any way. So, stop looking for who will carry or help you and begin to use or apply what you have to pursue your dreams, goals, and life assignment. God does not need more than what is in your hand to hand over all that are in His hand to you.

    Stop living your condition and start living your conviction. Conviction is what you believe you are in Christ even if your situation and circumstances around you are showing or saying otherwise. Believe every promise in the Word to be empowered to become who God says you are. And start behaving what you believe and in due time, you will become. (John 1:12). This is your day.

    Wisdom Fountain: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
    Prayer: Father God, expand my vision and my territory. Help me to look past my mistakes, my current struggles, and see with the eyes of faith. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit so I can walk in supernatural strength, cross old boundaries, and step into the wide-open spaces You have prepared for me. Let Your favour go before me, opening doors that no person can shut. I declare that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength in Jesus’ name.

    Lifeline Today Tuesday August 11 Living Life to the Fullest Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future---all these are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. 1Corinthians 3:22, 23 (GNB) God has made all things available to enable you live life to the fullest. All things are yours. You are not lacking in anything. You are not deficient in any way. So, stop looking for who will carry or help you and begin to use or apply what you have to pursue your dreams, goals, and life assignment. God does not need more than what is in your hand to hand over all that are in His hand to you. Stop living your condition and start living your conviction. Conviction is what you believe you are in Christ even if your situation and circumstances around you are showing or saying otherwise. Believe every promise in the Word to be empowered to become who God says you are. And start behaving what you believe and in due time, you will become. (John 1:12). This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Prayer: Father God, expand my vision and my territory. Help me to look past my mistakes, my current struggles, and see with the eyes of faith. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit so I can walk in supernatural strength, cross old boundaries, and step into the wide-open spaces You have prepared for me. Let Your favour go before me, opening doors that no person can shut. I declare that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength in Jesus’ name.
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  • Success Begins with Clear Goals

    Take the Time to Define Your Career Ambitions

    Visit our website : Ultimatecareercoach.com

    Email us : info@ultimatecareercoach.com

    #UltimateCareerCoach #CareerCoach #DreamJob #CareerGuidance #JobPrayers #JobPreparation #CareerSuccess
    🎯 Success Begins with Clear Goals 🌟 Take the Time to Define Your Career Ambitions 🌐 Visit our website : Ultimatecareercoach.com 📧 Email us : info@ultimatecareercoach.com #UltimateCareerCoach #CareerCoach #DreamJob #CareerGuidance #JobPrayers #JobPreparation #CareerSuccess
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  • Our Dedication to Your Family at National Homeschool!

    At National Homeschool, we are committed to providing an exceptional homeschooling experience that meets the needs of your family. Our dedication includes:

    1. Affordable Quality Home School Program: We offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on educational excellence.
    2. Educational Professionalism: Our team is comprised of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting your homeschooling journey.
    3. Quality Educational Curriculum: We provide high-quality, comprehensive curricula that empower students to succeed.
    4. Honesty in Business Practice: We ensure transparency and integrity in all our interactions and services.
    5. Quick, Friendly, and Dependable Service: Our responsive team is here to assist you, making your homeschooling experience seamless and enjoyable.

    Additionally, we offer Standard and Online Accredited Christian Homeschool programs to align with your family's values and educational goals.

    Call Today: 405-691-8012

    Enroll Online Today: nationalhomeschool.com

    #NationalHomeschool #Homeschooling #FamilyDedication #QualityEducation #ChristianHomeschool
    🌟 Our Dedication to Your Family at National Homeschool! 🌟 At National Homeschool, we are committed to providing an exceptional homeschooling experience that meets the needs of your family. Our dedication includes: 1. Affordable Quality Home School Program: We offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on educational excellence. 2. Educational Professionalism: Our team is comprised of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting your homeschooling journey. 3. Quality Educational Curriculum: We provide high-quality, comprehensive curricula that empower students to succeed. 4. Honesty in Business Practice: We ensure transparency and integrity in all our interactions and services. 5. Quick, Friendly, and Dependable Service: Our responsive team is here to assist you, making your homeschooling experience seamless and enjoyable. Additionally, we offer Standard and Online Accredited Christian Homeschool programs to align with your family's values and educational goals. 📞 Call Today: 405-691-8012 🌐 Enroll Online Today: nationalhomeschool.com #NationalHomeschool #Homeschooling #FamilyDedication #QualityEducation #ChristianHomeschool
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  • Seek God First (Matthew 6:33)

    Every day, something is competing for your attention.

    Your phone.

    School.

    Work.

    Money.

    Relationships.

    Goals.

    Entertainment.

    Social media.

    None of these things are automatically wrong. But when they become more important than God, our priorities begin to change.

    Jesus gives us a different way to live:

    “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.”

    Notice the word first.

    God doesn't want to be an afterthought in our lives.

    Not the person we remember only when something goes wrong.

    Not someone we squeeze into whatever time remains after everything else.

    He calls us to put Him first.

    Before the notifications.

    Before the pressure to impress people.

    Before chasing success.

    Before making major decisions.

    Before worrying about tomorrow.

    Seek God first.

    But what does that actually look like?

    It can begin with something simple.

    Start your day with prayer.

    Spend time reading God's Word.

    Ask Him for wisdom before making decisions.

    Choose obedience even when doing the right thing is difficult.

    Let your relationship with Christ influence the way you work, study, speak, spend, create, and treat people.

    Seeking God first doesn't mean ignoring your responsibilities.

    It means allowing God to guide how you handle them.

    You can pursue your education while seeking God.

    You can build your career while seeking God.

    You can pursue your dreams while seeking God.

    You can build relationships while seeking God.

    The question is:

    Who is leading whom?

    Are you asking God to follow the plans you've already created?

    Or are you willing to follow where He leads?

    Sometimes we spend so much energy chasing things we believe will make us happy.

    More money.

    More recognition.

    More followers.

    More possessions.

    More opportunities.

    Yet even after gaining them, the heart can still feel empty.

    Because nothing created can replace the Creator.

    Jesus reminds us to reorder our priorities.

    God first. Everything else in its proper place.

    When God becomes your foundation, success doesn't define your worth.

    Failure doesn't destroy your identity.

    People's opinions don't control you.

    And uncertainty doesn't have to rule your future.

    Your life becomes anchored in something greater than changing circumstances.

    So today, before you rush into everything demanding your attention, make room for God.

    Talk to Him.

    Listen through His Word.

    Surrender your plans.

    Ask Him to guide your priorities.

    And then go into your day determined to honour Him in everything you do.

    Don't give God what is left of your life. Give Him the first and best of your life.

    What is one practical change you can make today to put God first?

    #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #JMSM #KNKA #KingdomFirst #PutGodFirst #DailyFaith #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #Lordsbook
    Seek God First (Matthew 6:33) Every day, something is competing for your attention. Your phone. School. Work. Money. Relationships. Goals. Entertainment. Social media. None of these things are automatically wrong. But when they become more important than God, our priorities begin to change. Jesus gives us a different way to live: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Notice the word first. God doesn't want to be an afterthought in our lives. Not the person we remember only when something goes wrong. Not someone we squeeze into whatever time remains after everything else. He calls us to put Him first. Before the notifications. Before the pressure to impress people. Before chasing success. Before making major decisions. Before worrying about tomorrow. Seek God first. But what does that actually look like? It can begin with something simple. Start your day with prayer. Spend time reading God's Word. Ask Him for wisdom before making decisions. Choose obedience even when doing the right thing is difficult. Let your relationship with Christ influence the way you work, study, speak, spend, create, and treat people. Seeking God first doesn't mean ignoring your responsibilities. It means allowing God to guide how you handle them. You can pursue your education while seeking God. You can build your career while seeking God. You can pursue your dreams while seeking God. You can build relationships while seeking God. The question is: Who is leading whom? Are you asking God to follow the plans you've already created? Or are you willing to follow where He leads? Sometimes we spend so much energy chasing things we believe will make us happy. More money. More recognition. More followers. More possessions. More opportunities. Yet even after gaining them, the heart can still feel empty. Because nothing created can replace the Creator. Jesus reminds us to reorder our priorities. God first. Everything else in its proper place. When God becomes your foundation, success doesn't define your worth. Failure doesn't destroy your identity. People's opinions don't control you. And uncertainty doesn't have to rule your future. Your life becomes anchored in something greater than changing circumstances. So today, before you rush into everything demanding your attention, make room for God. Talk to Him. Listen through His Word. Surrender your plans. Ask Him to guide your priorities. And then go into your day determined to honour Him in everything you do. Don't give God what is left of your life. Give Him the first and best of your life. What is one practical change you can make today to put God first? #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #JMSM #KNKA #KingdomFirst #PutGodFirst #DailyFaith #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #Lordsbook
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  • Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    A Promise of Success.

    By Ian Vandervalk

    August 1st, 2026

    How many times have we relied on ourselves and our own efforts, only to fall short of our goals? How many times have we only partly depended on God when He had already given us the promise of success? When we do this, we fall short of God’s blessings because we were determined to push through on our own plans, ideas, works, and ways, rather than completely surrendering to our Father in Heaven. God has given us a promise of overcoming, yet we fail to grasp the vastness and depth of it all. At times, we seem to fall flat on our faces by only partly overcoming sin, fear, depression, marital or relationship challenges, pride, selfishness, or only partial success in the Lord’s work.



    In 2 Kings 13:14–19 the Bible tells us that King Joash had the same problem. Israel had been oppressed by Syria for quite some time, and as Joash visited the dying prophet Elisha, his faith was tested. God’s prophet told the king to pick up arrows, which he called the “arrows of deliverance from Syria,” and strike the ground with them. Joash obeyed and struck the ground three times, but Elisha told him that if he’d struck five or six times, he would have had complete victory over Syria’s oppressive army! As we read further, we discover that Joash did defeat Syria three times, but never achieved complete victory, just as Elisha had told him.



    I once heard a preacher say that Joash received little because he expected little; and that he expected little because he surrendered little. I can completely relate to that! I can’t even begin to count how many times I fell short because I didn’t completely surrender myself to the Lord and fully claim His promises. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship, because God has the desire to give us success and wants us to have a loving, obedient, and trusting relationship with Him. He yearns for that! He calls us His children and even gave the life of His Son, Jesus, for that relationship!



    Now, I’ve shared what happens when we only partially claim His promises, but let me share what can happen when we do it fully.



    I was in my last week of basic training in the Army, and it was the last of a seven-day training exercise in the middle of nowhere. This was the culmination of everything we’d learned over the past ten weeks and our final test was a 10.2 mile “ruck march” back to our base carrying approximately 50 pounds of gear in our rucksack. Over the course of basic training, I’d developed pain in my knee. At times it was even difficult to bend it, but for some reason, I hadn’t had much trouble with it that week.



    Then came the ruck march. We began around 4:00 a.m., and two miles into the march, I stepped into a ditch and twisted that knee. I could no longer bend it, and the pain was so intense that I began to doubt whether I could make it to the end.



    You should know that I was not a Christian at that time, but I remembered Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” so I repeated that verse over and over in my mind. Tears ran down my face from the pain, but I never stopped claiming that promise—and then came the hill.



    I truly thought I wasn’t going to make it to the top, however, since soldiers often help each other when they see one struggling, I felt the weight of my rucksack lighten, and a push to help me get to the top. As we started heading down the hill, I turned to the soldier behind me and thanked him for helping me, but he looked at me funny and said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t help you.”


    At the time, I didn’t understand what had just happened, but I now know that God must have sent an angel to help me. I claimed His promise in faith, reached the end of the 10.2 mile ruck march, and completed the final phase of basic training.


    As you go throughout this day, this week, or this month, ask yourself if you’re really claiming God’s promises over your sins, your struggles, or your battles. What weight are you carrying or, as was the case with King Joash, what is your “Syria?” Remember to surrender all, keep striking, and obtain victory through our Lord and Savior.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. A Promise of Success. By Ian Vandervalk August 1st, 2026 How many times have we relied on ourselves and our own efforts, only to fall short of our goals? How many times have we only partly depended on God when He had already given us the promise of success? When we do this, we fall short of God’s blessings because we were determined to push through on our own plans, ideas, works, and ways, rather than completely surrendering to our Father in Heaven. God has given us a promise of overcoming, yet we fail to grasp the vastness and depth of it all. At times, we seem to fall flat on our faces by only partly overcoming sin, fear, depression, marital or relationship challenges, pride, selfishness, or only partial success in the Lord’s work. In 2 Kings 13:14–19 the Bible tells us that King Joash had the same problem. Israel had been oppressed by Syria for quite some time, and as Joash visited the dying prophet Elisha, his faith was tested. God’s prophet told the king to pick up arrows, which he called the “arrows of deliverance from Syria,” and strike the ground with them. Joash obeyed and struck the ground three times, but Elisha told him that if he’d struck five or six times, he would have had complete victory over Syria’s oppressive army! As we read further, we discover that Joash did defeat Syria three times, but never achieved complete victory, just as Elisha had told him. I once heard a preacher say that Joash received little because he expected little; and that he expected little because he surrendered little. I can completely relate to that! I can’t even begin to count how many times I fell short because I didn’t completely surrender myself to the Lord and fully claim His promises. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship, because God has the desire to give us success and wants us to have a loving, obedient, and trusting relationship with Him. He yearns for that! He calls us His children and even gave the life of His Son, Jesus, for that relationship! Now, I’ve shared what happens when we only partially claim His promises, but let me share what can happen when we do it fully. I was in my last week of basic training in the Army, and it was the last of a seven-day training exercise in the middle of nowhere. This was the culmination of everything we’d learned over the past ten weeks and our final test was a 10.2 mile “ruck march” back to our base carrying approximately 50 pounds of gear in our rucksack. Over the course of basic training, I’d developed pain in my knee. At times it was even difficult to bend it, but for some reason, I hadn’t had much trouble with it that week. Then came the ruck march. We began around 4:00 a.m., and two miles into the march, I stepped into a ditch and twisted that knee. I could no longer bend it, and the pain was so intense that I began to doubt whether I could make it to the end. You should know that I was not a Christian at that time, but I remembered Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” so I repeated that verse over and over in my mind. Tears ran down my face from the pain, but I never stopped claiming that promise—and then came the hill. I truly thought I wasn’t going to make it to the top, however, since soldiers often help each other when they see one struggling, I felt the weight of my rucksack lighten, and a push to help me get to the top. As we started heading down the hill, I turned to the soldier behind me and thanked him for helping me, but he looked at me funny and said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t help you.” At the time, I didn’t understand what had just happened, but I now know that God must have sent an angel to help me. I claimed His promise in faith, reached the end of the 10.2 mile ruck march, and completed the final phase of basic training. As you go throughout this day, this week, or this month, ask yourself if you’re really claiming God’s promises over your sins, your struggles, or your battles. What weight are you carrying or, as was the case with King Joash, what is your “Syria?” Remember to surrender all, keep striking, and obtain victory through our Lord and Savior.
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