THE SUNDAY BLOG….. Sunday August 23, 2026 Confused Priorities Can Seriously Hinder Our Walk With Christ Walking with Christ is a journey of intentional devotion, yet many believers find their spiritual progress stalled. The culprit is rarely overt rebellion; rather, it is the subtle, creeping danger of confused priorities. When worldly ambitions, anxieties, and fleeting pleasures crowd out the Lord, our spiritual vitality withers. Jesus addressed this peril directly in the Parable of the Sower. In Luke 8:14, He describes the seed that falls among thorns: "The seeds that fell among thorns stand for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Notice that these individuals heard the Word, but their spiritual growth was choked out. Misplaced priorities—chasing wealth, stressing over daily survival, or living for entertainment—act like spiritual weeds. They consume our emotional and mental energy, leaving no room for a vibrant relationship with Christ. When our focus is divided, our spiritual sight becomes completely blurred. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Financial security or worldly success easily masquerades as a master, dictating our time, decisions, and passions. When we attempt to split our allegiance between God and the world, spiritual paralysis sets in. We become lukewarm, drifting away from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, accommodating sin or holding onto competing loyalties fractures our intimacy with God. As James 4:4 sharply reminds us, "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." Friendship with the world here denotes adopting its value system. When we prioritize worldly acceptance over divine obedience, we actively hinder our communion with Christ. Ultimately, confused priorities rob us of our spiritual fruitfulness and joy. To experience the abundant life Jesus promised, we must ruthlessly evaluate our schedules and hearts, cutting away the clutter. Realigning our lives with Christ restores our purpose, clearing the thorns so we can walk closely and powerfully with our Savior. Personal Closing Prayer… Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed worldly worries, ambitions, and distractions to choke out my devotion to You. Open my eyes to see where my priorities have drifted away from Your kingdom. Cleanse my heart from a divided allegiance, and grant me the grace to reject the pull of this world. Realign my steps, Lord, so that I may walk closely, single-mindedly, and faithfully with Christ every single day. Amen. Next Sunday’s Blog: THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. THE BIBLE: Let’s READ IT! Let’s STUDY IT! Let’s BELIEVE IT! Let’s LIVE IT! ___________________________________

August 23 - Jesus Touches an Untouchable #LifeOfChrist “A woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, ‘If I only touch His garment, I will get well.’ But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.’ At once the woman was made well” (Matthew 9:20–22). When the godly Sir James Simpson was on his deathbed, a friend said to him, “Well, James, soon you will be able to rest on the bosom of Jesus.” But Simpson replied, “I don’t know that I can quite do that, but I do think I can take hold of His garment.” In her shame at being ostracized from her family and being ceremonially unclean, the woman here wanted to be unnoticed. She merely desired to touch Jesus’ garment, confident that such contact was enough to receive healing. In keeping with such confidence, she received immediate healing from her defilement. Our Lord became aware of what had happened only as He realized that divine power had gone out from Him (Luke 8:46)—a realization that happened before He humanly knew of the woman specifically. His statement, “your faith has made you well,” simply assured her and the crowd that miraculous healing had occurred. Jesus did not care that her touching Him would make Him ceremonially unclean to the Jews. The Lord was touchable even by an untouchable. Even though the woman’s expectations were likely not fully informed by Scripture—she might have superstitiously thought Christ’s clothes had inherent healing powers—He spoke to her caringly and compassionately: “Daughter, take courage.” In spite of other factors, the woman’s faith was genuine and acceptable to the Lord. It was enough to make her well. Ask Yourself Part of the balance of Christian faith is realizing that we are unworthy to touch the hem of His garment, yet are welcomed into His full embrace as an adopted member of His family. How do these two seeming incongruities come together and balance out in your worship?

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2026 STEADFAST UNTIL VICTORY A WORD FROM THE WORD: "So now, beloved ones, stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures." 1 Corinthians 15:58 TPT. Faith is not only believing God for miracles, it's required steadfastly also when results are slow and answers seem to be delayed. Many believers start in faith but end up in the flesh, and unstable when pressure increases. Yet Scripture makes the call of God upon us to stand firm, that is to remain unmoved by situations, circumstances, opinions, and momentary setbacks. Steadfast faith is quiet but powerful. It is not given to panic, neither is it spasmodic or subject to mood swings. It does not quit or fluctuate with emotions. It is faith that remains rooted in God’s Word even when feelings disagree and situations resist. Those blessed with steadfast faith do not waste energy fighting fear, rather they stay and are focused on obedience. One undeniable product of steadfast faith is undeniable results. God is strengthening your spiritual footing, to give you undeniable and unshakable victory. May you not be distracted, and remain firmly focused until your victory manifests. PRAYER BULLETS: LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege of faith. Help me to stand firm and remain faithful regardless of the situations and circumstances I am faced with. FURTHER READING: Hebrews 10:35-36; 12:1-3; James 1:2-4; Galatians 6:9. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

MESSAGE TO THE LIVING ONES IN THIS LAST AGE: ABOUT THE SEALED ONE 144,000 - TRUE ISRAEL ALIVE TODAY Hear this, living ones. This is for you. Job 33:14-17 — For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night... then he opens the ears of men. l got a dream with a voice Saying you& your peace are in 144,000.a no which was in a vision & I did not perceive it well & l woke up. Job 33:14-17, Then on Bukasa Island, a great storm happened, I prayed as sealed one in Revelation 14:1-5 — to Lord, calm down the storm . & The lord confirm me that am among the sealed one. By wind get ceased. Psalm 107:29 — He made the storm be still. James 5:16 — The prayer of a righteous person has great power. That stillness was my seal. And this is what God unveils when confirm you Among 144000.: 1. YOU ARE TRUE SPIRITUAL ISRAEL, NOT BY FLESH., BUT BY SPIRIT--MADE Romans 9:6 — Not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel. Romans 2:28-29 — A Jew is one inwardly, circumcision of heart by Spirit. Galatians 6:16 — The Israel of God. Galatians 3:29 — If you are Christ's, you are Abraham's offspring. Though you are Gentile by flesh from Kampala, Uganda — by Spirit-made birth you are grafted in. Ephesians 2:13,19 — Once far off, now brought near by blood, fellow citizens with saints. 2. AM AMONG 12 SPIRITUAL TRIBES, NOT BY FLESH CENSUS.. BUT BY SPIRIT CENSUS. Revelation 7:4-8 — 12,000 from each tribe sealed. Notice: Dan is missing, Joseph and Manasseh both listed, Levi included though had no inheritance. It proves it is not flesh census, but Spirit. Romans 9:8 — It is not children of flesh who are children of God, but children of promise. Revelation 21:12 — New Jerusalem has 12 gates named for 12 tribes — all who enter come through a tribe. Thus 12 x 12,000 = Fullness of true Israel. James 1:18 — We should be a kind of firstfruits. Whether former Muslim like Sheikh Uthman, former Pharisee like Paul, or from Kampala — if born again, you are numbered in one of those tribes. Revelation 14:4 — Redeemed from mankind as firstfruits. 3. YOU WHO ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN — SPECIAL 144000, FIRSTFRUITS. You are not dead saints. You are among 1 Thessalonians 4:17 — who are alive, who are left, will be caught up. Revelation 14:4 — These are firstfruits for God and the Lamb. Revelation 12:17 — Dragon makes war on them — persecuted. Revelation 12:14 — But woman given wings of eagle to fly into wilderness — protected. Revelation 7:3 — Do not harm until we have sealed servants of God. Bible never says 144,000 are killed. They are sealed, protected, alive on heavenly Zion. Hebrews 12:22 — You have come to Mount Zion, city of living God, heavenly Jerusalem. Revelation 14:1 — On Mount Zion stood the Lamb and with Him 144,000. 4. PAUL VS 144,000 — DEAD IN CHRIST VS LIVING FIRSTFRUITS Paul was martyred. Revelation 6:9 — Souls under altar slain for word of God. He awaits first resurrection. Revelation 20:6 — Blessed and holy is one who shares in first resurrection. 144,000 are living ones on Zion with Lamb, singing new song before throne Revelation 14:3 — only living can sing there. Order: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — Dead in Christ rise first. Then we who are alive and remain are caught up together with them. 5. WHO IS IN CHRIST AND QUALIFIED? THE ONE BORN OF GOD WHO DOES NOT PRACTICE SIN. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 — Dead IN CHRIST will rise first. Who is in Christ? 1 John 3:9 — No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him. 1 John 5:18 — Everyone born of God does not keep on sinning, but born of God protects him, evil one does not touch him. 1 John 3:6 — No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning. Not sinless perfect by flesh, but seed abides, walks in Spirit, not practice of sin. If born again, practicing righteousness, not practicing sin — even if you died, you rise first. Revelation 20:6 If practicing sin as lifestyle — 1 John 3:8 — Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil. He is not in Christ., not part of the first resurrection. This is why Rev14:5 , in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. Same nature. HOW ARE YOU BLAMELESS? NOT BY EFFORT, BUT BY BLOOD. Rev14:4-5, not defiled, virgins, no lie, blameless. HOW? not by fasting. By blood as grace. Eph1:7-- in Him we have redemption through his blood. 1john1:7-- blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Rev1:5-- freed us from our sins by his blood. Jude1:24-- Able to present you blameless before presence of his glory. FINAL CALL TO LIVING ONES TODAY: God is already in this last age today gathering His elect sealing them redeeming them. Matt24:31 If you want to be confirmed among the 144000. 1). Be born of God -- stop practicing sin as lifestyle. 1john3:9 2). Live pure & uncompromised to this world. Rev14:4, James4:4, rom12:2, 3). Be obedient to the lamb wherever he goes. Rev14:4, john10:27 This is the message for this last age. The sealed ones are alive today. Be among them.

Brenda Walsh Ministries Knowing God’s Will. Whenever we are at the crossroads of life, trying to decide which way to turn, the best thing to do is go to God for wisdom. Only God knows the end from the beginning and what is best for us! But sometimes trying to decipher what is God’s will and what is ours can be quite confusing. The Bible gives the best advice in Jeremiah 6:16, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk ye in it, and you’ll find rest for your souls.” Sometimes God’s answers come through a friend, a certain sign, or just a strong impression from the Holy Spirit. One thing you can be sure of is that God will never ask you to do anything illegal, immoral, or anything that would go against His Holy Word. Be patient and wait for God’s perfect plan and His perfect timing. You will know God’s will because your mind won’t be in turmoil thinking you made a mistake, but rather you will feel a peace come over you, knowing you made the right decision. If after making a decision and you are awake all night, tossing and turning - chances are, it was a wrong decision! Pray and ask God not only to “know His will,” but for the strength and courage to carry it out. Text: James 1:5, Proverbs 2:1-5, 1 Kings 4:29-31

Daily Bible Lesson. WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22 We pray: “Lord, show me Your will.” Then His light touches something we love— our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue— and suddenly: “My situation is different.” “Everyone does it.” “I'm not convicted.” Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light. IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY. Jesus asks: “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46 So here is the question beneath every reform: ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS? --- ① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME? THE EXCUSES: “I have to work.” “Most Christians worship Sunday.” “God knows my heart.” Yes—God knows the heart. And Jesus says: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15 God's command still reads: “The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10 Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income. But faith asks something deeper: WHAT IS JESUS WORTH? “We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29 Do not merely argue for the Sabbath. KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps. --- ② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”? THE EXCUSES: “My body needs it.” “I've always eaten this way.” “We're all going to die anyway.” But this body is not ours to abuse. “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 Health reform is not salvation by menu. It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ. Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399 What a warning: APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS. Stop asking only: “Do I enjoy it?” Ask: “WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?” --- ③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE? THE EXCUSES: “It's only fashion.” “God only looks at the heart.” “I don't want to look different.” Yes: “The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 And Scripture also calls for: “Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9 The issue is not ugliness. Not neglect. Not a religious uniform. The question is: WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD? Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction. CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING. Let your appearance quietly testify: “I BELONG TO CHRIST.” --- ④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.” Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively. Anger becomes “my personality.” Pride becomes “confidence.” Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.” Then comes the universal shield: “Nobody is perfect.” True. But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5 Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life. HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW. “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69 Stop defending your defect with: “THAT'S WHO I AM.” Bring it to Jesus: “LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.” --- ⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”? Here excuses become painfully practical: “My job is here.” “My children's opportunities are here.” “I'll move when everything becomes convenient.” Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged: “Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29 Why? Not because soil saves souls. But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times. God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis. “The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8 Abraham lived as a pilgrim. Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12 Their stories remind us: LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT. Yet Inspiration also counseled: “Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26 So the message is not: PANIC AND RUN. It is: PRAY. PREPARE. SIMPLIFY. LEARN. WATCH PROVIDENCE. AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY. And remember: YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART. Christ's first relocation project is: SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT. --- ⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE? Here the excuses sound innocent: “I'm only joking.” “But it's true!” “I just needed to release my feelings.” Scripture answers: “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4 “Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2 And instead: “That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 Imagine that standard: WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE. No gossip. No slander. No degrading jesting. No cutting sarcasm. No dishonest flattery. No spreading bitterness from heart to heart. “Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14 This does not mean hiding wrongdoing. Jesus rebuked sin. Nathan confronted David. Paul corrected churches. Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals. But Scripture says: “Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15 Before speaking, ask: IS IT TRUE? IS IT NECESSARY? IS IT LOVING? WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON? WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS? “Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337 What a standard: **TRUTH ON THE LIPS. GRACE IN THE HEART.** --- ⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.” Sometimes that is sincere. Conscience must never be forced. But sometimes: “I'M NOT CONVICTED” really means: “I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.” Jesus reveals a searching principle: “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17 Notice the order: WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE. Before asking, “Is this really required?” ask: “LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?” That question exposes whether we want truth— or merely reassurance. --- ⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST Inspiration defines genuine reformation: “Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128 Truth must reach: the calendar, the kitchen, the wardrobe, the temper, the address, the tongue, and the choices nobody sees. “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22 But never miss this: REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE. You can keep Sabbath— and hate your brother. Eat perfectly— and feed on pride. Dress modestly— and advertise self-righteousness. Move to the country— and take worldliness with you. Guard your tongue publicly— while bitterness rules privately. Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits. HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 --- THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM When Christ touches your— TIME—will He be Lord? APPETITE—will He be Lord? APPEARANCE—will He be Lord? CHARACTER—will He be Lord? LOCATION—will He be Lord? TONGUE—will He be Lord? There it is. DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING? “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 Perhaps we do not need another argument. Perhaps we need another surrender. Instead of continually praying: “LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,” perhaps we need to pray: “LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.” Take my appetite. Take my pride. Take my temper. Take my tongue. Take my plans. Take my home. TAKE MY WHOLE HEART. “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6 NO MORE EXCUSES. NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT. NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD. CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE. FAITH BEFORE FEAR. TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION. SURRENDER BEFORE SELF. Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord— REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US. IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.

PRAYER FOR THE LIVING ONES IN THIS LAST AGE — TO LIVE AS THE SEALED 144,000 Pray this aloud, living ones: --- Father in heaven, In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son and the Lamb, I come before You today, in this last age. You have spoken to me in a dream, You have spoken in Your Word, and I have now perceived it. Job 33:14 Lord, I confess I am a Gentile by flesh, but by Spirit-made birth I am grafted in. Ephesians 2:13 Bring me near by Your blood. Make me a fellow citizen with the saints. Count me among Your true Israel. Romans 2:28, Galatians 6:16 Today, seal me. Revelation 7:3 Put Your name and Your Father's name on my forehead. Revelation 14:1 Take me to heavenly Mount Zion. Hebrews 12:22 I repent of practicing sin as a lifestyle. I renounce every practice of sinning. 1 John 3:8-9 Father, let Your seed abide in me. Let me be born of You, so that I cannot keep on sinning, because I am born of God. 1 John 3:9 Protect me, so that the evil one does not touch me. 1 John 5:18 Wash me not by my effort, but by Blood. Your grace = my purity. Your faithfulness = my blameless status. Jude 1:24 Cleanse me with the blood of Jesus from all sin. 1 John 1:7 Redeem me through Your blood. Ephesians 1:7 Free me from my sins by Your blood. Revelation 1:5 Make me a virgin, undefiled, with no lie in my mouth, blameless before Your throne. Revelation 14:4-5 In this storm of the last age, like You did at Bukasa, say to my storm: "Peace, be still." Mark 4:39, Psalm 107:29 Hear my prayer, for Your eyes are on the righteous and Your ears are open to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12, James 5:16 Make me among "we who are alive and remain" 1 Thessalonians 4:17 — Your living firstfruits. James 1:18, Revelation 14:4 Persecuted but protected. Revelation 12:14 Nourished in the wilderness. Sealed until You come. I choose today: To live pure and not defile myself with this world. Revelation 14:4, 2 Corinthians 7:1 To be uncompromised — not to be a friend of the world, not to be conformed to this world, not to love the world. James 4:4, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15 To follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Revelation 14:4 To hear Your voice and follow. John 10:27 To keep Your word because I love You. John 14:23 Write my name among the 12 spiritual tribes — 12 x 12,000 fullness. Revelation 7:4, Revelation 21:12 Let me enter through a gate as Your Israel. And whether I die before You come, let me be counted as dead in Christ, to rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 20:6 Or if I remain alive, let me be sealed and caught up together to meet You in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Gather me now. Seal me now. Redeem me now. For now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2, Matthew 24:31 I pray this in the blood of the Lamb, In Jesus' name, Amen.

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 234 DATE: 22ND AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: RELY ON THE LORD_2 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:2 Chronicles 13:18 (NKJV) “Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers.” Devotional message: Yesterday, we saw the importance of relying completely upon God if we desire to live a victorious life. Today, we go deeper into what it means to depend upon Him: God desires our complete surrender, not divided dependence. One reason many believers do not experience the manifestation of God's power in their lives is that they call upon God while still holding tightly to other options. They present their situation to God, but in their hearts they have already established alternative sources of help. They say, “Lord, help me,” while simultaneously trusting in their own strength, connections, resources, strategies, or human solutions as their ultimate security. But God desires to be our first and ultimate source. This does not mean that we should abandon wisdom, planning, diligence, professional help, or the legitimate means God provides. Rather, it means that none of these things should take the place of God in our hearts. We may use resources, but our confidence must remain in the Lord who provides them. Consider Jehoshaphat. When Judah was surrounded by a great multitude, he confessed their helplessness before God:2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV)“We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” That is complete dependence.They did not merely acknowledge God as one of their options. They turned their eyes to Him. We see a similar confidence in Abijah when Judah faced Jeroboam's army. Although Judah was greatly outnumbered, Abijah declared that they had made the Lord their God and trusted Him.And God gave them victory. Child of God, there is a difference between asking God to help you and surrendering yourself completely to God. When God becomes your only source of confidence, you stop being controlled by fear because your security is no longer dependent upon circumstances.People can fail you.Money can run out.Connections can disappear.Systems can collapse.Human strength can become exhausted.But God cannot fail. The Psalmist declares:Psalm 20:7 (NKJV) “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Your “chariots and horses” may be your education, business, salary, influence, relationships, experience, or possessions. These things have their place, but none of them should occupy the throne that belongs to God. James warns that a person who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind and says that such a person is “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6–8). A divided heart produces an unstable life.Therefore, child of God, examine your heart today:Is God truly your source, or merely one of your options? Have you surrendered that situation completely to Him, or are you still holding onto your backup plan because you do not fully trust Him? Surrender your life, plans, future, family, ministry, business, finances, and every concern into His hands. PRAYER Heavenly Father,I choose to rely upon You completely, knowing that You will never fail.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING 2 Chr 20:1–23;13:1–18,Ps 20:1–9,Ps 37:3–7,Jas 1:5–8 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: DOES READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR PHONE A SIN? A Powerful Sermon for Young and Mature Christians. The Phone Is Not the Problem. Imagine this: You wake up in the morning. Before your feet touch the floor, your hand reaches for your phone. You check WhatsApp. You scroll through Facebook. You watch a few videos. You check notifications. You laugh at a few posts. Then someone asks you: “Did you read your Bible today?” You say, “Yes, I read it on my phone.” But another person says, “Reading the Bible on your phone is not spiritual. You need a physical Bible!” So, who is right? Is reading the Bible on your phone a sin? The answer is NO. The Bible does not teach that reading God's Word from a phone is sinful. The issue is not whether the Bible is printed on paper or displayed on a screen. The greater issue is whether God's Word is entering your heart and transforming your life. Your phone can be a tool for temptation—or a tool for transformation. The same device that can carry pornography can carry Scripture. The same phone that can waste three hours can also help you spend thirty minutes with God. The question is not simply: “What device are you using?” The deeper question is: “What are you using the device for, and what is God's Word producing in your life?” 1. GOD'S WORD IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT THE MATERIAL IT IS PRINTED ON Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 «“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”» Paul does not say God's Word becomes powerful only when printed on paper. The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the material on which the words appear. Whether you read: - a physical Bible, - a Bible app, - an ebook, - a Bible website, - or listen to an audio Bible, the important question is whether you are receiving and obeying the truth of God's Word. Consider this: If you read Psalm 23 on paper, God can speak to you. If you read Psalm 23 on your phone, God can speak to you. The paper does not make the Word powerful. God makes His Word powerful. The Bible says: «“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12» The power is in the Word, not in the paper. 2. JESUS TAUGHT US TO CARRY GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS Key Scripture: Psalm 119:11 «“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”» Notice what the psalmist says: “I have hidden Your Word in my heart.” He doesn't say, “I have hidden Your Word in my leather Bible.” The ultimate goal of Bible reading is not merely to own a Bible. It is to allow the Bible to own your heart. You can carry a beautiful Bible everywhere and never obey it. You can have 20 Bible apps installed and never open one. You can underline hundreds of verses and still refuse to forgive somebody. You can listen to sermons every day and remain unchanged. Therefore, Bible possession is not the same as Bible transformation. Jesus said: «“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15» The real evidence that we are receiving God's Word is not merely that we read it. It is that we obey it. 3. YOUR PHONE CAN BECOME A TEMPLE OF DISTRACTION OR A TOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP This is where we need wisdom. Reading the Bible on your phone is not a sin. But allowing your phone to constantly distract you from God's Word is a spiritual problem. You open your Bible app to read Matthew 5. A notification appears. You check WhatsApp. Someone has posted something interesting. You open Facebook. Then you see a video. Then another video. Twenty minutes later, you have forgotten why you opened the phone. The problem was not the phone. The problem was lack of spiritual discipline. Jesus said: «“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41» We must learn to control our devices rather than allowing our devices to control us. Your phone can help you: - read Scripture every morning; - memorize Bible verses; - listen to Scripture while travelling; - study different Bible translations; - search for related passages; - take spiritual notes; - listen to Christian teaching; - share Scripture with others; - follow a Bible reading plan. But it can also become a major source of distraction. The same phone can take you closer to God or farther from Him. The difference is how you use it. 4. DON'T CONFUSE A PHYSICAL BIBLE WITH SPIRITUALITY There is nothing wrong with loving a physical Bible. In fact, many Christians find it easier to concentrate, underline passages, make notes, and remember where verses are located when using a printed Bible. That's wonderful. But we must be careful not to create spiritual rules that God did not create. If someone says: “You are sinning because you read the Bible on your phone,” ask respectfully: “Where does Scripture teach that?” We must distinguish between: Biblical commands Things God actually commands. Personal preferences Things that may help us spiritually but are not universal commands. A physical Bible can be an excellent spiritual tool. But it is not a requirement for salvation. It is not the paper that makes someone spiritual. It is their relationship with Christ and their submission to God's Word. 5. THE GOAL OF BIBLE READING IS TRANSFORMATION Key Scripture: James 1:22 «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”» This is one of the most important truths in this entire message. You can read the Bible on your phone and become spiritually mature. You can read the Bible from a physical Bible and remain spiritually immature. Why? Because reading is the beginning—not the destination. The Word should change: - how you speak; - how you think; - how you treat people; - how you handle money; - how you respond to temptation; - how you conduct relationships; - how you forgive; - how you work; - how you raise your children; - how you use technology. If your Bible reading does not affect your life, something is missing. The purpose of Scripture is not simply to fill your head with information but to transform your heart and direct your life. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS Consider Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4. When Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus responded repeatedly: “It is written…” Jesus knew the Word. He remembered the Word. He trusted the Word. He used the Word. And He obeyed the Word. The lesson is powerful: The Bible is not merely something we read during peaceful moments. It is truth we carry into spiritual battles. When temptation says: “You cannot overcome this.” The Word says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 When fear says: “You are alone.” The Word says: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 When anxiety says: “Everything is going to collapse.” The Word says: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…” — Philippians 4:6 When condemnation says: “You are finished.” The Word reminds you: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 That is why we must not merely read the Word. We must know the Word. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT Your phone is neither holy nor sinful by itself. It is a tool. A knife can prepare food or cause harm. Money can support ministry or become an idol. A car can take you to church or take you somewhere sinful. A phone can spread the Gospel or spread ungodliness. The issue is the heart of the user. Jesus taught: «“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21» Therefore, examine your heart. If you use your phone to read Scripture, praise God. If your phone constantly distracts you from Scripture, establish boundaries. If a particular app repeatedly pulls you into sin, have the courage to remove it. Don't protect an app at the expense of your spiritual life. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Choose a Bible-reading time Don't wait until you “feel spiritual.” Set a time and keep it. 2. Turn off notifications When studying Scripture, silence unnecessary notifications. Give God your attention. 3. Use your phone intentionally Before opening your phone, know why you are opening it. If you are reading Scripture, read Scripture. 4. Keep a physical Bible if it helps you There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a printed Bible. Use whatever helps you engage deeply with God's Word. 5. Don't only read—meditate Ask: What is God saying? What does this reveal about Him? What must I change? What must I obey? 6. Memorize Scripture A phone can disappear. A battery can die. A network can fail. But God's Word hidden in your heart remains with you. 7. Put Scripture into practice Forgive. Love. Serve. Give. Pray. Speak truth. Resist temptation. Live holy. That is when Scripture becomes visible in your life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I reading the Bible to know God or simply to complete a reading plan? 2. Does my phone help my spiritual life more than it harms it? 3. What usually distracts me when I try to read Scripture? 4. Do I obey the Bible or merely quote it? 5. Is there an app or online activity that is consistently pulling me away from God? 6. What Scripture am I currently hiding in my heart? 7. If someone observed my phone activity for one week, would they see evidence of Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Hunger Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Word. Let me desire Scripture more than entertainment, in Jesus' name. 2. Prayer for Understanding Lord, open my spiritual understanding. Help me not only to read Your Word but to understand what You are saying to me. 3. Prayer Against Distraction Father, deliver me from every distraction that steals my attention from You. Give me discipline and spiritual focus. 4. Prayer for Obedience Lord, give me grace to practice what I read. Let Your Word transform my thoughts, character, decisions, and relationships. 5. Prayer for Technology Father, teach me to use technology wisely. Let my phone become a tool for Your glory and not an instrument of spiritual destruction. 6. Prayer for Young People Lord, raise a generation of young people who love Your Word, understand Your truth, resist temptation, and boldly represent Christ in this digital age. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Growth Holy Spirit, make me spiritually mature. Let Scripture become deeply rooted in my heart and visible in my daily life. STRONG CLOSING: WHAT IS YOUR PHONE DOING TO YOUR SPIRIT? Let me leave you with this question: When you pick up your phone, what usually gets the first part of your attention? Social media? Entertainment? Messages? News? Or God? Your phone is not your master. Your notifications are not your master. Social media is not your master. Jesus Christ is Lord. So, if reading the Bible on your phone helps you encounter God, read it. If listening to an audio Bible helps you stay in God's Word, listen. If a physical Bible helps you concentrate, use it. The goal is not to worship the format. The goal is to know the Author. Don't become a Christian who owns a Bible but doesn't know the God of the Bible. Don't become someone who can quote Scripture but refuses to obey it. Don't allow a smartphone to become smarter than your spiritual life. Use technology—but don't let technology use you. Read the Word. Study the Word. Meditate on the Word. Memorize the Word. Obey the Word. Live the Word. And most importantly: Live for Jesus. Final Declaration My phone will not control me. My distractions will not control me. God's Word will guide me. The Holy Spirit will lead me. Jesus Christ will remain my Lord. And everything I use—including my technology—will be used for the glory of God. Amen! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - Whatsapp +2349024173027, +2349055447540, Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

Verse for Saturday, August 22 James 2:17 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead