Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 23 août 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar.


And they made His grave with the wicked – but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)

A worthy burial
People could not do with Jesus Christ as they pleased. When they crucified Him, they placed Him between two criminals. God allowed this. But then they appointed His grave with the wicked. God intervened and prevented this. He ensured that the Lord Jesus, in His death, was with a rich man.
 The rich and respected councillor Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body from the cross and wrapped it in fine linen. Then he placed Him in a new tomb hewn out of rock. With this appropriate burial, God honoured His faithful and obedient servant.
 The prophet Isaiah gives two reasons why Christ was with a rich man in His death:
 1. He had done no violence. This means that the Lord Jesus did not commit a single sin. God wants to show us that Christ was sinless. In Him, there is no sin (1 John 3:5). He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), and He did no sin (1 Peter 2:22). Therefore, He was buried fittingly after His death.
 2. There was no deceit in His mouth. In everything that the Lord Jesus said, He was always truthful. This goes beyond merely not lying. His words were always transparent and direct. He never used language to deceive anyone or to say something He did not mean. He was also honoured with a dignified burial for this.

Today’s reading: Joshua 23:1-13 – 1 Corinthians 15:35-50

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:-

WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR.

Understanding Divine Closure, Redirection, and the Next Move of God.

Key Scripture:

Revelation 3:7 —
“What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”


There are times in life when you pray for a door to open, you believe God has answered, you prepare yourself to walk through it—and suddenly, the door closes.
The job opportunity disappears.
The relationship ends.
The business deal fails.
The application is rejected.
The opportunity goes to someone else.
The plan you prayed about does not work.
And you ask, “God, why?”
But here is a truth every believer must understand:
A closed door is not always a sign of God's absence. Sometimes it is evidence of God's protection.
We often celebrate God when He opens doors, but mature Christians must also learn to trust Him when He closes them.
Sometimes God closes a door because what is behind it would destroy what He is building inside you.
Sometimes God closes a door because the next chapter of your life requires you to leave the previous chapter behind.
And sometimes God closes a door because He is preparing to open another one that you could never have opened for yourself.
1. GOD CAN CLOSE A DOOR FOR YOUR PROTECTION

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

«“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”»
There are things we desperately want because we can only see what is in front of us.
But God sees what is beyond the door.
You may see an opportunity.
God may see a trap.
You may see a relationship.
God may see the pain it will produce.
You may see a promotion.
God may see the pride it could create.
You may see a business opportunity.
God may see the consequences you cannot yet see.

Biblical Example:
Balaam

In Numbers 22, Balaam was travelling in a direction he thought was acceptable, but God placed an angel in his path.
Balaam could not see the danger.
His donkey could.
What Balaam considered an obstacle was actually divine protection.
Sometimes you are frustrated because something is blocking your way, while heaven is saying:
“I am blocking this because I know what you don't know.”
Don't curse every closed door.
Some closed doors are mercy.
2. GOD MAY CLOSE ONE DOOR TO REDIRECT YOU TO ANOTHER

Scripture: Acts 16:6–10

Paul and his companions wanted to preach in certain regions, but Scripture says:
«“They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.”»
Then Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.”
Notice something powerful:
Paul was doing God's work, yet God still closed a door.
This teaches us that:
A good idea is not necessarily a God idea for this particular season.
You can be sincere and still be moving in the wrong direction.
You can have a legitimate opportunity and still not have divine permission.
You can pray, plan, prepare—and God can still say:
“Not this way.”
The closed door redirected Paul toward Macedonia, where God had prepared a greater assignment.

Spiritual Insight

Never allow disappointment to make you disobey divine direction.
When God closes a door, ask:
“Lord, where are You directing me?”
Not merely:
“Lord, why did You stop me?”
3. A CLOSED DOOR DOES NOT MEAN A CLOSED FUTURE

Scripture: Revelation 3:7

«“What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”»
One closed door does not mean your entire future has been cancelled.
David was rejected by his family.
Joseph was rejected by his brothers.
Moses experienced rejection before returning to Egypt.
Paul experienced opposition throughout his ministry.
Yet God's purpose for them continued.
Remember this:
A closed chapter is not a closed destiny.
You may lose an opportunity without losing your purpose.
You may lose a relationship without losing your future.
You may lose a position without losing your calling.
You may experience rejection without becoming rejected by God.
The enemy wants you to interpret one disappointment as the conclusion of your entire story.
But God says:
“I am still writing.”
4. SOMETIMES GOD CLOSES A DOOR BECAUSE YOU HAVE OUTGROWN THE ROOM

Scripture:

Isaiah 43:18–19

«“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.”»
There are seasons you cannot enter while continuously holding onto the previous one.
The children of Israel could not remain in Egypt forever.
Ruth had to leave Moab.
Abraham had to leave his father's house.
The disciples had to leave their nets and follow Jesus.
Growth requires movement.
Sometimes the door closes because God is calling you forward.
You keep asking God to reopen what He has already closed.
But God may be saying:
“Stop trying to return to where I am trying to take you from.”
Some people are praying for restoration when God is offering transformation.
Some are asking God to rebuild yesterday when God is preparing tomorrow.
5. LEARN TO TRUST GOD WHEN YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND HIM
Scripture: Romans 8:28
«“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”»
Notice that Scripture does not say everything that happens is good.
It says God can work all things together for good.
The rejection can become redirection.
The disappointment can become development.
The delay can become preparation.
The closed door can become protection.
The ending can become the beginning of something greater.
Faith says:
“God, I don't understand this, but I trust You.”
That is mature faith.
Anyone can praise God when everything is working.
But there is a deeper level of worship when you can say:
“Even when I don't understand Your decision, I still trust Your character.”

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JOSEPH

Joseph received a dream from God, but his journey did not immediately look like the dream.
He was hated by his brothers.
He was thrown into a pit.
He was sold into slavery.
He was falsely accused.
He was imprisoned.
Door after door seemed to close.
But God was not abandoning Joseph.
God was positioning Joseph.
The pit was not the palace.
The prison was not the promotion.
The rejection was not the conclusion.
Eventually, Joseph stood before Pharaoh.
Genesis 50:20 captures the revelation:
«“Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”»
What looked like destruction became divine positioning.
Somebody needs to hear this:
Your current closed door may be part of a larger story that you cannot see yet.
Don't abandon God because you don't understand the chapter.
Keep walking.
Keep praying.
Keep serving.
Keep believing.
The God who gave you the promise is still working on the process.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

1. Not every closed door is an attack.
Some are divine interventions.
2. God's “NO” can be as loving as His “YES.”
A parent who loves a child does not give the child everything they request.
God is your Father.
3. Timing matters.
Something can be good but wrong for your present season.
4. Never force what God has closed.
When God closes a door, human manipulation cannot make it God's will.
5. Look for God's presence beyond the door.
Sometimes we become so focused on what we lost that we fail to notice where God is leading us.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

When God closes a door:
1. Don't panic.
Take time to pray before making emotional decisions.
2. Don't force it open.
What God has closed does not need manipulation.
3. Examine your heart.
Ask whether the closure is correction, protection, preparation, or redirection.
4. Seek God's Word.
Don't interpret your circumstances without Scripture.
5. Ask for direction.
Pray: “Lord, show me what You want me to do next.”
6. Keep moving.
A closed door should not become an excuse to stop your entire life.
7. Trust God's timing.
What you cannot understand today may become clear tomorrow.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What closed door am I currently struggling to accept?
2. Am I trying to force open something God may have closed?
3. Could this disappointment actually be divine protection?
4. What might God be redirecting me toward?
5. Am I more committed to God's will or to my own plans?
6. What lesson is God teaching me in this season?
7. Can I still trust God even when I don't understand Him?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1.
Father, give me the grace to recognize when You are closing a door for my protection.
2.
Lord, deliver me from forcing doors that You have closed.
3.
Father, when one door closes, give me spiritual eyes to see the door You are opening.
4.
Lord, heal every disappointment caused by rejection, delay, and closed opportunities.
5.
Father, redirect my steps into Your perfect will.
6.
Every door that must remain closed for my protection, give me the grace to leave it closed.
7.
Lord, open the doors that align with Your purpose for my life.
8.
Father, strengthen my faith when I cannot understand what You are doing.
9.
Every good thing You have ordained for my life, let no power of darkness permanently hinder it.
10.
Lord Jesus, let my life become a testimony that even through closed doors, You were working for my good.

CALL TO ACTION

Beloved, don't spend the rest of your life standing in front of a door God has already closed.
There is a time to knock.
There is a time to wait.
There is also a time to walk away.
If God closed it, trust Him.
If God blocked it, thank Him.
If God redirected you, follow Him.
If God is preparing another door, wait for Him.
You may not understand the closure today.
But one day you may look back and say:
“Thank God that door did not open.”
The door you are crying over today may be the very door God closed because He saw something you could not see.
So dry your tears.
Strengthen your faith.
Lift your eyes.
Your story is not over.
There is still purpose.
There is still grace.
There is still a future.
And there are doors that only God can open.

DECLARE BY FAITH:

“I will not die at a closed door.
I will not force what God has closed.
I will not allow rejection to destroy my faith.
I will trust God's direction.
I will follow His purpose.
And when my appointed door opens, no man will be able to shut it!”
In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!

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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.

Did you know?
Joseph runs Potiphar's entire household, trusted with everything except one thing, his master's wife. And she wants him. Not once, the text says she propositioned him day by day. This wasn't a moment of weakness. It was sustained pressure, day after day, that Joseph resisted every single time. When she confronts him directly, Joseph doesn't just refuse. He explains why. How could he do this great evil, and sin against God? Not fear of Potiphar. Not fear of punishment. A line he wouldn't cross, because of who he answered to. Then one day, alone in the house, she grabs his garment. Joseph doesn't argue. He runs, leaving the garment behind in her hands. That garment becomes the evidence used to falsely accuse him. Joseph loses his position, his reputation, and his freedom, for doing the right thing. Scripture doesn't rush to rescue him. He sits in prison, for the crime of running from sin. Sometimes integrity costs you everything, before it costs you nothing.

Let me ask you something I want you to sit with honestly.

Do you know why you are alive?

Not the biological answer. Not — because my parents had me. I mean the specific answer. The personal answer. The one that is true about you specifically, and not about the person sitting next to you.

Most people have never seriously asked this question. And it is the most important question of your life. Because when you genuinely answer it — when you discover what God specifically designed you for — everything else begins to organise around that answer.

The Bible calls it a mandate. A specific, God-issued, God-designed, God-empowered assignment — placed in you before you were born.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” — Jeremiah 1:5

The mandate came before you did.

There are three things you must do with your divine mandate:

DISCOVER IT—It is already in you. Pay attention to what breaks your heart. Notice what you do naturally that others find difficult. Pray specifically: Lord, what did You design me for?

DEVELOP IT — Joseph had the dream at seventeen. But it took thirteen years of pit and prison before the throne. God gave the gift. The difficulty developed the character the gift would need. Daniel studied for three years and came out ten times better than everyone else. Divine gift + human diligence = excellence that neither produces alone.

DEPLOY IT — David “served the purpose of God in his own generation” (Acts 13:36) and then rested. Find your mandate. Develop it. Deploy it in service to your generation. Not waiting for a bigger platform. Start where you are, with what you have.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10

You are a masterpiece with a mandate. Discover it. Develop it. Deploy it. 🏾

#DivineMandate #Purpose #BornForAReason #YoungPeople #ChristianFaith

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:

YOUNG PEOPLE, DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH.

Theme:
Your Youth Is a Gift, Not a Season to Throw Away.

«“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” — Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)»

DON'T WASTE WHAT YOU CANNOT REPLACE

Young person, you can recover lost money. You can replace a broken phone. You can rebuild a failed business. But you cannot recover yesterday.
Youth is one of the greatest gifts God gives a person—and one of the easiest gifts to waste.
You have energy today. You have time today. You have opportunities today. You have the ability to learn, build, serve, dream, pray, create and make a difference.
But the enemy wants you to believe:
«“You are still young. There is plenty of time. Enjoy yourself now. You will become serious with God later.”»
That is a dangerous lie.
The devil does not always destroy young people through terrible sins. Sometimes he destroys them through distraction.
He keeps them busy but unproductive.
Connected to everyone but disconnected from God.
Entertained but empty.
Informed but not transformed.
Chasing popularity while losing purpose.
Young people, don't waste your youth!
Your youth is not merely for having fun. It is preparation for purpose.
1. REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR BEFORE YOU WASTE YOURYEARS
Ecclesiastes 12:1
«“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”»
Solomon did not say, “Remember your Creator when you become old.”
He said “now.”
God deserves your youthful years—not merely the leftovers of your life.
Many people say:
«“When I get older, I will serve God.”»
But what if God wants to use you now?
David was young when he confronted Goliath.
Samuel was young when God called him.
Josiah was young when he became king and began reforming Israel.
Timothy was young when Paul recognized his spiritual potential.
Your age does not disqualify you from God's purpose.

Deep Insight

Youth is not an excuse for spiritual laziness.
The earlier you surrender your life to God, the more years you can spend fulfilling His purpose.
Don't give God your retirement.
Give Him your strength.
Don't give God your leftovers.
Give Him your first fruits.
2. DON'T ALLOW PLEASURE TO STEAL YOUR PURPOSE
1 John 2:15–17
«“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…”»
There is nothing wrong with enjoying life.
But there is a difference between enjoying God's blessings and becoming enslaved to worldly pleasures.
Social media can become a distraction.
Entertainment can become an addiction.
Relationships can become an idol.
Money can become a master.
Sexual temptation can destroy destiny.
And the desire to be accepted can cause a young person to compromise convictions.
Ask yourself:
What is consuming most of my time?
Because what controls your time will eventually influence your life.
You cannot spend five hours every day feeding your flesh and expect your spirit to remain strong.
You cannot constantly consume content that weakens your values and expect your character to remain strong.
Be careful what you repeatedly watch, listen to, follow, admire and imitate.
3. USE YOUR YOUTH TO BUILD, NOT JUST TO CONSUME
1 Timothy 4:12
«“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…”»
Paul did not tell Timothy:
«“Because you are young, wait until you become older.”»
He said:
«“Be an example.”»
Young people should not only be consumers.
Build something.
Learn a skill.
Study the Word.
Develop your character.
Serve in church.
Help people.
Create something useful.
Learn technology.
Develop your gifts.
Start preparing for your future.
Don't spend your entire youth watching other people build their dreams.
Remember this:
Entertainment gives you moments. Development gives you capacity.
Your future will demand skills you must begin developing today.
Your character must grow alongside your career.
Your spiritual life must grow alongside your education.
Your wisdom must grow alongside your influence.
4. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY
Proverbs 13:20
«“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”»
Not everybody who laughs with you is helping you.
Not everybody who calls you “brother” or “sister” is taking you toward your destiny.
Some relationships are assignments from God.
Others are distractions from your purpose.
Look at the people closest to you.
Do they encourage you to become better—or pressure you to become worse?
Do they respect your faith?
Do they challenge you to grow?
Can you say “no” around them without losing the friendship?
Can you discuss your dreams with them?
Can they correct you?
Your environment matters.
If you constantly surround yourself with people who celebrate foolishness, eventually foolishness will become normal to you.
Choose friends who can pray with you, grow with you, correct you and walk with you toward God's purpose.
5. DON'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW TO OBEY GOD
Ephesians 5:15–16
«“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”»
Notice the phrase:
“Redeeming the time.”
Time is a currency you cannot save forever.
Every day you receive 24 hours.
You can waste them.
You can invest them.
But you cannot reverse them.
There are young people who are praying for opportunities while wasting the opportunities already in their hands.
Some are waiting for a miracle while refusing to develop discipline.
Some are asking God for greatness while neglecting the small responsibilities He has already given them.
Faith does not cancel responsibility.
Pray—but prepare.
Believe—but build.
Trust God—but discipline yourself.
Ask for opportunities—but develop the capacity to handle them.

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JOSEPH — A YOUNG MAN WHO DID NOT WASTE HIS SEASON

Joseph was young when his life suddenly changed.
He was betrayed by his brothers.
He was sold into slavery.
He was falsely accused.
He was imprisoned.
Yet Joseph did not allow his circumstances to determine his character.
Genesis 39:9
When tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph said:
«“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”»
Joseph understood something powerful:
His future was more valuable than his temporary pleasure.
He could have said:
«“Nobody will know.”»
But Joseph knew that God was watching.
He could have compromised.
He could have become bitter.
He could have wasted his youth in anger.
Instead, he remained faithful.
And eventually, God lifted him from the prison to the palace.

The lesson:

Don't destroy tomorrow because of today's temptation.
That relationship may be temporary.
That pleasure may be temporary.
That opportunity may be temporary.
But the consequences of some decisions can follow you for years.
Young person, protect your future.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

1. Your youth is a seed season.

What you plant now will influence what you harvest later.
Plant prayer.
Plant discipline.
Plant knowledge.
Plant integrity.
Plant service.
Plant righteousness.
2. Your habits are building your future before you see it.
You may not see the harvest today, but your daily decisions are constructing tomorrow.
3. God is more interested in your character than your popularity.
You may impress thousands of people online and still disappoint God privately.
Character is who you are when nobody is watching.
4. Not every open door is a God-given opportunity.
Some doors are traps disguised as opportunities.
Learn to ask:
«“Lord, is this good for me—or merely attractive to me?”»
5. Your greatest battle may not be against people; it may be against distraction.
A distracted generation can have enormous potential and accomplish very little.
Protect your attention.
What captures your attention repeatedly can eventually shape your direction.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Starting today:
1. Give God the first part of your day.
Pray. Read Scripture. Listen for God's direction.
2. Set goals for your life.
Spiritual goals, educational goals, financial goals, relational goals and career goals.
3. Learn valuable skills.
Don't depend only on certificates. Develop practical competence.
4. Control your phone; don't let your phone control you.
5. Choose your friends intentionally.
6. Avoid sexual and moral compromises.
7. Find a mature Christian mentor.
8. Serve somewhere.
Don't just attend church—be useful in God's house.
9. Stop comparing your journey with other people's journeys.
10. Start now.
Don't wait until everything is perfect.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

Take a moment and answer these honestly:
- If I continue living exactly as I am today, where will I be five years from now?
- What am I doing with my time?
- What habit is secretly destroying my potential?
- Who are the people influencing my decisions?
- Am I becoming closer to God or farther from Him?
- What gift has God placed inside me?
- What am I doing to develop that gift?
- What temptation am I repeatedly entertaining?
- What should I stop doing?
- What should I start doing?
- If Jesus returned today, would I be satisfied with how I used my youth?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for Purpose
Father, open my eyes to understand Your purpose for my life. Help me not to wander through life without direction.
2. Prayer for Wisdom
Lord, give me wisdom to make decisions that will preserve my future and honor You.
3. Prayer Against Distraction
Every distraction assigned to waste my time, weaken my faith and derail my destiny, I reject it in Jesus' name.
4. Prayer for Discipline
Holy Spirit, give me the discipline to do what is right even when nobody is watching.
5. Prayer for Purity
Lord, keep my heart, mind and body pure. Give me strength to overcome every temptation that seeks to destroy my future.
6. Prayer for Good Relationships
Father, connect me with people who will strengthen my faith, sharpen my character and help me fulfill my purpose.
7. Prayer for Courage
Lord, give me courage to stand for truth even when my generation is going in the opposite direction.
8. Prayer for Impact
Father, let my life become a blessing to my generation. May I not pass through this world without making a positive difference.

STRONG CLOSING: DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH

Young person, you are not too young for God to use you.
You are not too young to pray.
You are not too young to preach.
You are not too young to serve.
You are not too young to lead.
You are not too young to build.
You are not too young to make a difference.
David had a sling.
Joseph had a dream.
Samuel had a listening ear.
Timothy had youthful strength.
And God used them.
What is in your hands?
What gift is inside you?
What dream has God placed in your heart?
What are you doing with the years God has given you?
Don't wait until you are old before you become serious with God.
Don't spend your best years chasing things that cannot satisfy your soul.
Don't exchange your destiny for temporary pleasure.
Don't allow social media to consume the years that should be building your future.
Don't let fear paralyze you.
Don't let failure define you.
Don't let your past imprison you.
Rise. Pray. Learn. Build. Serve. Grow.
Your youth is not a waiting room.
Your youth is a training ground for destiny.
And when you stand before God one day, may you be able to say:
«“Lord, I did not waste what You gave me.”»

FINAL CHARGE
Young people, don't waste your youth.
Give God your strength.
Give God your gifts.
Give God your dreams.
Give God your time.
Give God your future.
And watch what He can do with a life that is completely surrendered to Him.
Your youth is passing. Your purpose is waiting. Start today.

If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do you by joining a Bible believing Church.
You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below

https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1

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Psalms 91:3, 14-15 NIV Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you're having a great morning.

Think about a fish in the waters. Does it knows when the fisherman puts a trap to fish it? Does it know when the kingfisher is watching to catch it and eat it? Indeed it survive under mercies. We are not different. Our enemy sets traps that we may not know. In this Psalm "Ps 91:3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence."

The requirement is not your righteousness but love you got for God. He will rescue and protect you because you acknowledges His name. You'll call and He will answer and He will be with you amidst your trouble to deliver you and honor you. Sometimes you may find yourself locked in fowlers traps but God promises to be with you in all those troubles and deliver you.

There's no better story than the story of Joseph to illustrate this. God was with Joseph in all trouble he had to face and at the end God honored him. I am assuring you brethren that continue believing, continue loving God , He will deliver you from all your troubles. Fear not when you feel abandoned, betrayed, jailed by circumstances or what not, keep believing in God who called you.

Sing and worship in that place of torment like Saul and Silas. Lift your heart above your problems to God who called you. He is faithful, He is kind, He sees, He is mighty to save!

Thank you God. Thank you for your Word. Deliver us LORD and honor us. In Jesus name. Amen.

God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom. Shalom.

DEMYSTIFYING THE DEMON OF MASTURBATION

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

«“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4»

Introduction

There are certain battles people fight in silence. They smile in public, worship in church, preach powerful messages, and yet return home to fight a private war that leaves them feeling ashamed, condemned, and spiritually weak. Masturbation is one of those subjects that many people are afraid to discuss openly.

Unfortunately, silence has sometimes allowed fear, ignorance, condemnation, and misinformation to grow around the issue. Some people believe every case of masturbation means a demon has entered their body. Others dismiss the matter completely and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of sexual bondage, lust, addiction, or spiritual oppression.

We must approach this subject with both truth and compassion.

To demystify something means to remove unnecessary mystery, fear, exaggeration, and confusion surrounding it. Therefore, when we speak about what some describe as the demon of masturbation, we must understand that the issue is often more complex than simply saying, “There is a demon inside me.”

The real question is: What is driving the behaviour?

Is it lust? Is it pornography? Is it loneliness? Is it a habit developed over many years? Is it emotional pain? Is it an addiction? Is there genuine spiritual oppression involved?

Until we understand the root, we may continue fighting the wrong battle.
In this write-up, twelve points on how to demystify the demon of masturbation and stay free from it have been examined carefully.

God bless you as you read through it, and I pray you get your freedom from reading it in Jesus name amen.

1. Masturbation Is Not a Person's Identity

The first thing I want to say to anyone struggling with masturbation is this:

You are not masturbation. You are not your addiction. You are not your worst moment.

A person may struggle with a sexual habit without that habit becoming their identity.

The devil loves to move people from conviction into condemnation.

Conviction says:

«“What you are doing is wrong. Come back to God.”»

Condemnation says:

«“You are dirty. You are hopeless. God does not want you anymore.”»

But Romans 8:1 declares:

«“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...”»

The enemy knows that a person drowning in shame will often continue doing the very thing that is destroying them.

Shame says, “Hide from God.”

Grace says, “Run to God.”

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves. Sin makes people hide. But God came looking for them.

That is still the heart of God.

2. The Real Battle Often Begins in the Mind

Jesus said:

«“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28»

Sexual sin rarely begins with the physical act. It often begins in the mind.

A thought is entertained.

A fantasy is repeated.

An image is watched.

A memory is revisited.

A desire is fed.

Eventually, what was once a thought becomes a stronghold.

This is why Proverbs 4:23 says:

«“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”»

The hand may be involved in masturbation, but the battlefield is often much deeper than the hand. The battlefield may be the mind, imagination, appetite, emotions, and habits.

You cannot consistently feed lust and expect purity to grow.

You cannot continually consume sexually explicit content and expect your mind to remain unaffected.

What you repeatedly feed becomes stronger.

3. Is There Really a “Demon of Masturbation”?

We need balance here.

The Bible does not specifically name a spirit called the demon of masturbation. Therefore, we must be careful not to give unscriptural names and descriptions where Scripture is silent.

However, the Bible clearly teaches that human beings can experience temptation, bondage, strongholds, sinful desires, and spiritual oppression.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:

«“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”»

At the same time, James 1:14–15 teaches that people can also be drawn away by their own desires.

Therefore, not every struggle should automatically be blamed on a demon.

Sometimes it is:

- A habit that has been practised repeatedly.
- An addiction strengthened over time.
- Exposure to pornography.
- Sexual fantasies.
- Loneliness and isolation.
- Emotional pain.
- Curiosity that developed into bondage.
- Lack of discipline.
- Unresolved wounds.
- A genuine spiritual attack that exploits an existing weakness.

The wise believer does not oversimplify the problem.

Sometimes a demon may exploit a habit, but the habit itself must still be broken.

You can cast out an evil spirit, but if you return to the same environment, the same pornography, the same fantasies, the same secret lifestyle, and the same triggers without renewing your mind, the cycle may continue.

Deliverance without discipline can produce temporary relief without lasting transformation.

4. Lust Is a Fire That Must Not Be Fed

One of the greatest fuel sources for masturbation is lust.

Paul instructed Timothy:

«“Flee also youthful lusts...” — 2 Timothy 2:22»

Notice that Paul did not say, “Negotiate with youthful lusts.”

He said, “Flee.”

There are some battles you overcome by standing and fighting. There are others you overcome by refusing to remain in the environment.

Joseph did not stay in Potiphar's wife's room to prove his spiritual strength. He ran!

Sometimes your deliverance begins with leaving the room.

Turning off the phone.

Blocking the website.

Deleting the videos.

Changing your sleeping pattern.

Avoiding isolation.

Refusing to entertain fantasy.

You cannot pray against a fire while continuously pouring petrol on it.

5. Pornography Is Often a Major Doorway to Sexual Bondage

We must be honest: pornography has become one of the greatest enemies of sexual purity in this generation.

What previous generations struggled to access is now available within seconds on a mobile phone.

Pornography trains the mind to seek repeated stimulation. It can create unrealistic expectations, intensify fantasies, and strengthen unhealthy patterns of sexual behaviour.

For many people, masturbation did not become a serious struggle until pornography became a regular companion.

Therefore, if you sincerely desire freedom, you must address the source.

Do not merely pray:

«“Lord, take away this habit.”»

Also pray:

«“Lord, give me the courage to remove what is feeding this habit.”»

Psalm 101:3 says:

«“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...”»

Freedom requires honesty.

What are you watching?

What are you saving?

Who are you chatting with?

What happens when you are alone?

What time are you most vulnerable?

Until you identify the trigger, you may keep repeating the cycle.

6. Repetition Can Become a Stronghold

A stronghold is something that has gained unusual influence over a person's thinking or behaviour.

What you repeatedly practise can become easier to repeat.

This is why some people sincerely hate the habit and still find themselves returning to it.

The cycle may look like this:

Trigger → temptation → fantasy → masturbation → temporary relief → guilt → shame → promise to stop → another trigger → relapse.

The answer is not merely making stronger promises.

Many people have said:

«“This is the last time.”»

Then repeated it again.

Why? Because willpower alone is often not enough to break a deeply established pattern.

Real freedom requires a combination of:

- Repentance.
- Renewing the mind.
- Spiritual discipline.
- Removing triggers.
- Accountability.
- Healthy habits.
- Prayer.
- Filling your life with the Word of God.

7. Do Not Fight a Spiritual Battle Without Spiritual Weapons

If there is a spiritual dimension to your struggle, you must engage spiritual weapons.

Ephesians 6:17 speaks about:

«“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”»

When temptation comes, do not remain mentally passive.

Speak the Word.

Pray.

Worship.

Change your environment.

Call someone you trust.

Go for a walk.

Read Scripture aloud.

Refuse to sit in darkness and negotiate with temptation.

The devil is not afraid of your good intentions. But he recognizes the authority of a believer who stands firmly in the truth of God's Word.

8. Your Body Must Come Under the Government of the Spirit

Paul said:

«“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...” — 1 Corinthians 9:27»

Your body has desires, but your desires must not become your master.

There is a difference between having an urge and surrendering to every urge.

Maturity means learning to say no to yourself.

The Christian life is not simply about casting out devils. It is also about crucifying the flesh.

Galatians 5:24 says:

«“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”»

There are things prayer will empower you to overcome, but you must still make a decision to walk away.

God gives grace, but grace is not permission to remain comfortably in bondage.

Grace empowers us to live differently.

9. Stop Fighting Alone

Secrecy is one of the greatest strengths of addiction.

The enemy tells you:

«“Don't tell anyone. They will judge you.”»

But James 5:16 says:

«“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”»

This does not mean you should announce your private struggle to everybody.

Wisdom is necessary.

Find a mature and trustworthy spiritual leader, counsellor, or accountability partner who can help you without shaming or exploiting you.

Sometimes freedom begins when you finally say:

“I need help.”

There is no shame in seeking help.

The shame is allowing pride to keep you in chains when help is available.

10. Replace, Don't Just Remove

Jesus taught important principles about an empty house in Matthew 12:43–45. The lesson is clear: a life must not merely be emptied of destructive influences; it must be filled with what is good and godly.

Do not simply say:

«“I will stop masturbating.”»

Ask yourself:

“What will I replace this habit with?”

Fill your life with:

- Prayer.
- Scripture meditation.
- Productive work.
- Exercise.
- Healthy friendships.
- Fellowship.
- Service to God.
- Purposeful activities.
- Accountability.

An idle mind can become a playground for temptation.

When your life has no structure, temptation can easily find space.

11. If You Fall, Get Up Again

Perhaps you are reading this and saying:

«“Pastor, I have tried many times and failed.”»

Hear me: Do not surrender to failure.

Proverbs 24:16 says:

«“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...”»

The righteous person is not necessarily the person who never faces temptation or never stumbles. The righteous person is the one who refuses to remain on the ground.

Repent genuinely.

Receive God's mercy.

Learn from what happened.

Identify the trigger.

Strengthen your boundaries.

And rise again.

Micah 7:8 says:

«“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise...”»

Your last failure does not have to become your permanent address.

12. Freedom Is More Than Deliverance

True freedom is not simply shouting during a deliverance service.

Freedom is being able to return home and make different choices.

Freedom is controlling your thoughts.

Freedom is turning away when nobody is watching.

Freedom is honouring God with your body.

Freedom is saying no when temptation says yes.

Freedom is developing the discipline to live in the light.

Jesus said:

«“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36»

Christ can break chains.

Christ can heal wounds.

Christ can renew the mind.

Christ can restore purity.

Christ can strengthen weak places.

But you must cooperate with the process of freedom.

A WORD TO PARENTS, PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS

We must stop addressing sexual struggles only with insults and condemnation.

Calling everyone possessed without understanding their struggle may create more fear than freedom.

We need truth, but truth must be spoken with love.

Some people need deliverance.

Some need discipleship.

Some need accountability.

Some need counselling for deep emotional wounds.

Some need to break free from pornography.

Some need all of the above.

The church must become a place where people can seek help without being publicly humiliated.

Holiness should be preached, but restoration must also be available.

Jesus never lowered God's standard, but He also lifted people who had fallen.

PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM

1. Repent sincerely before God. Do not justify what you know is feeding lust and impurity.
2. Destroy your triggers. Delete pornography and sexually explicit materials.
3. Control your private environment. Avoid situations and times when you are consistently vulnerable.
4. Renew your mind daily with God's Word.
5. Pray before temptation becomes overwhelming.
6. Fast and develop spiritual discipline where appropriate.
7. Exercise self-control in other areas of life.
8. Get a trusted accountability partner.
9. Avoid isolation when you know you are vulnerable.
10. If the struggle feels compulsive or severely distressing, seek appropriate professional support alongside spiritual guidance.
11. Never give up on your journey toward purity.

PRAYER FOR FREEDOM

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge every habit, lust, fantasy, addiction, and practice that has tried to bring me into bondage. I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Break every ungodly pattern that has gained control over my life. I renounce every connection with pornography, lust, immoral fantasies, and every practice that dishonours You.

Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak. Give me the grace to discipline my body, control my thoughts, and flee every appearance of sexual immorality. Let the power of the Holy Spirit break every spiritual oppression and every stronghold operating in my life.

I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me. My body belongs to the Lord. My mind belongs to Christ. My future will not be destroyed by a secret habit. I receive grace to walk in purity, discipline, and freedom.

I will rise again. I will not be condemned. I will not remain in bondage. Through Jesus Christ, I am empowered to overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

CONCLUSION

Masturbation should neither be surrounded by unnecessary fear nor treated casually when it has become connected to lust, pornography, guilt, compulsive behaviour, or spiritual bondage.

Let us demystify the issue.

Not every struggle is automatically a demon. Not every demon can be blamed for choices we repeatedly make. But neither should we deny that spiritual warfare can exploit human weaknesses.

The answer is a balanced pursuit of freedom through repentance, truth, spiritual discipline, renewal of the mind, accountability, wise boundaries, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

You are not beyond redemption.

You are not too dirty for grace.

You are not too weak for God's strength.

And no chain is stronger than the power of Jesus Christ.

Your struggle may be private, but your freedom can become your testimony.

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals.

Are there any Bible verses that say Joseph was previously married or had children before he married Mary?
August 20, 2026
Read Time: 2 min

No Scripture says that Joseph had children before Mary, but we can come to that conclusion through some simple detective work. For instance, the Bible tells us in several places that Jesus had brothers and sisters. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He committed the care of His mother to the apostle John (John 19:25–27). That would have been a very unusual act if the other children had been her offspring. She would have automatically been under their care if that were the case.

Furthermore, during the time of Jesus, it was the duty of the oldest son in a family to stay home and work with the father to eventually take over his business. If Jesus had been the eldest, it would have been an insult to leave Joseph in the carpenter shop and go off preaching. But because Jesus was one of the younger sons, it wasn’t a problem.

When we put these things together, it makes sense that Jesus was not Joseph’s first son. You typically hear about Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ brothers and sisters. However, it seems Joseph had died by the time Christ began His ministry, so scholars conclude that he was older than Mary and had already had a family before marrying her. His first wife had evidently passed away, and Joseph himself is never mentioned as being alive when Christ began His ministry.

A lot of this comes from simple deduction. Joseph died from old age and/or hard work by the time Jesus began His ministry. The older brothers of Christ continued working in the carpenter shop in Nazareth, and Jesus was Mary’s only biological son as far as we can tell.

What is most important is that we know and believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Our passage today suggests the people in His hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. Will you receive Him?

Key Bible Texts
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3 KJV)

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jesus-saves/id1511326202?i=1000782997845

In this episode, Pastor Joseph and Rev. Michael discuss the spiritual danger of feeding Christians only the comfortable and popular portions of Scripture. They explore the responsibility of preachers to proclaim the whole Word of God—including the hard teachings that challenge our beliefs, confront our sin, and may even disturb us—and why the flock needs truth, not merely what it wants to hear.