Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17 While the Scripture admonishes us to love one another, it also reveals those we should avoid. And one of such categories of people to avoid which are those that cause division amongst us. We are not to hate them but to avoid them. Matter of fact, it is love to avoid them. They cause division by inciting others to hate another, bring gossip, give wrong interpretation, misinformation and always point out what is wrong or what is not done so as to bring conflict that leads to division. They are always offended and everything gets them angry. This is a tool in their hands to cause division. These kind of people will always find a way into our midst: in the church, family, business and association, and the best way to handle them is to AVOID THEM. Don't just relate with people, mark who they are and give them their rightful place. Don't mingle with people that cause division, they will take you away from your blessing. Interestingly, Miriam shows us the best reward for those who cause division. SELAH. YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2O26. "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM {1}" ‘I…am the Lord, and besides Me, there is no saviour.’ Isaiah 43:11 NKJV THE ISRAELITES were commanded not to make any ‘graven image’ of God. Why? Because God made us, we didn’t make Him. A god you can make is a god you can control and make do whatever you wish. The ancient Greeks had a host of gods, all created by men. Some demanded human sacrifice; others permitted prostitution and even promoted it in their temples. When we reverse the order and start to create God in our own image (according to our own imagination) we get the following things: 1) A god who’s liberal or conservative, a hawk or a dove; a god politicians conveniently pull out of a box at election time to gain votes even though they don’t truly serve him. 2) A flexible god who permits you to do whatever you want, and you can then say, ‘I just felt led to do it.’ 3) A god who promises to bless his children but never discipline them. 4) A god you can ‘keep in his place’ until you need him. 5) A god who is not supreme but happy to be one of many deities offering many ways to heaven. Not so! God says, ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6 NKJV). Jesus doesn’t need a makeover to bring Him into alignment with the Internet and the space age. He is Lord! Indeed, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all! Bible In A Year: Ezek 5-9, Matt 21:12-17, Ps 119:169-176, Pro 19:9-10. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. MD.ii. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2026. *COURAGE TO RISE AND MOVE ON AFTER A SERIOUS SETBACK* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 1:11-18. 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, 13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lyord  your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage *Timeless Truth:*_"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul"_ (Hebrews 10:38,39). *INTRODUCTION* 40 years have passed now when they left Egypt with great joy and hope coupled with triumph over the oppressive and terrorizing Egyptians. Little did they know the challenges that will greet them on the way. A few days journey from Kadesh to Jordan turned to 40 years. All the adults, except Caleb and Joshua, who left Egypt died without reaching the promised Canaan. Unfortunately, Moses, their faithful leader, including their high priest Aaron, and Miriam the Women Leader were painfully casualties. They just finished mourning Moses for 30 days. That was not their plan and expectations when they left Egypt. However, they must move on and enter the land of promise after all those setbacks. This takes courage and faith in God. The Christian life is similar especially, when the heart is not sanctified. Starting with the indescribable Joy of Salvation, the journey to heaven began. But unexpectedly, along the way, there are battles to fight, divine disciplines to endure and challenges meant to perfect that will be experienced. Those experiences and setbacks should not becloud our forward march to heaven; we must keep moving on until we enter the promised heaven. The Apostles were said to be *"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom"* (Acts 14:22). *1. The Command to be Observed with Unwavering Faith* a. Joshua commanded the captains to *"Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals"*. Some people who willingly obey the commandments in their work places, public transports, whether land, air or sea, deride commandments when it comes from God through church leaders or shepherds. Some refused or stopped going to church because of their hate for commandments. They often talk of human rights, human free will etc when commandments are given by God through His ministers. The truth is that no man, no matter how wise or intelligent, can live happily or successfully in the world without learning to listen to instructions or commandments and follow them in every sphere of life. The Word of God is filled with instructions and commandment because none can claim to know the correct and fulfilling routes in life when he has never passed through it. Human security, safety, fulfillment and joy are tied to the ability to hear, listen and obey godly instructions and commandments. The 'dos' and 'don'ts' of the Word of God, which carnal minds reject, are actually, the path way to a happy and fulfilling life. b. Moses, their Prophet par excellence who used to see and hear from God directly was gone. Yet they did not idolize Moses that since Moses was gone all hope was lost. Their confidence was in God without any cult personality. True believers should not see any of their leaders as a cult personality to idolize. Cult personality in the household of faith is carnality and idol worship in action. Any God-given leader at any time should be obeyed and followed because it is the commandment of God and His Word that matters most and not the human vessel. Israel lost nothing as a result of the death of Moses. The same God who moved mightily in Moses also moved greatly in Joshua that Israel never regretted the death of Moses. The Command of Joshua was military in nature, but obeying it will require courage and faith. *"Within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it"*. Looking back, many souls have died without receiving the promise. Looking forward to Jordan that it would take a great miracle like it happened in the Red Sea before they could pass. However, Joshua gave the commandment as if the Jordan challenge was not there. Israel also did not raise alarm about the humanly impassable Jordan. They all jointly and unitedly believed God that crossing was a done deal since it was God who commanded and God had done it before. We must move on by faith to the hope set before us with courage. Since God has promised to take us to heaven, no need to fear the assault of persistent temptations, the murmurs of persecutions and afflictions, the threat of marital and career setbacks and the cruel dread of principalities and power. Just move on in obedience and faith according to His Word and be sure you will land on the other side of the river. *Question* Have you decided to continue the journey to the end no matter the challenges on the way? *2.Care to be Offered to the Unsettled Families* a. The Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh were given their land and possession before they crossed the Jordan River. Now that the soldiers of those tribes were settled, it was tempting for them to quit the journey and go to their rest. Moses settled that need for genuine brotherly love before he died. Joshua recalled that because he knew that the commandment of God does not die with the vessel that God used to declare it. He said, *"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"*. The vulnerable were to stay behind in the promised land while their soldiers joined the remaining Israelites to fight the Canaanites. There was no rest for them until their brethren had rest. Obeying that would require faith and a golden caring heart. First, who would protect those vulnerable two and half tribes when all their soldiers leave them behind? David did that for his wives and vulnerable followers in Ziklag and the Amalekites overran the wives and carried away everything belonging to them. Was that commandment of Moses reasonable? It was reasonable since it was given by God. It was reasonable because faith in God would not be disappointed. It was reasonable because the law of love is stronger than the law of self protection. This is the lesson for us as to how God works. b. *"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill ye the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). Any law, policy or principle that does not visibly reflect the care and love for one another in the family, church and among neighbours is not of God no matter how the world exalts it. Practical and sacrificial care for one another is the hall mark of Christianity. When that is missing, the Christian faith is not different from other religions. Believers should lighten burdens of others, wiping off bitter tears, relieving the oppressed, putting the balm of Gilead in the troubled souls in addition to assisting and supporting others through prayer. Selfishness, self interest, self protection, self respect, etc.are being imported into the church as wisdom, but they are not Christlike. *"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"* (Philippians 2:4). This is a commandment. *Question* Are you practically bearing others burdens or are you hypocritically selfish? *3. Consecration to Obedience and Unity by the Faithful* a. Christian consecration is the solemn act of setting apart a person, place or thing from ordinary, secular use and dedicating it entirely to God and holy purposes. This includes consecration to do and obey the Word of God. It is difficult in these last days of superficial christianity and devotion to deliberately, doggedly and determinedly stick to the Word of God without definite consecrations. When it comes to unity among brethren, many things often threaten unity and it takes consecration with godly unity in order to ensure the unity of the saints. This is needful because the victory, the blessings and divine visitations on a people are tightly connected to unity. Unity must be encouraged and enforced in order to enjoy God's bests. *"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace"*. We must preach it, pray for it, practice it and pass it on to the future generations. Would the Holy Spirit have descended on the Early Church if they were not united in the Upper Room? If the Trinity is not united, what would the world look like? *"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go"*. It takes deliberate consecration to God to obey all the commandments of God without complaining. It takes consecration to follow a man of like passion wholeheartedly. Consecrations are milestones to spiritual maturity and profitability in the hands of God. Spiritual growth into higher ground is all about making higher consecrations and working it out through the grace of God. *Question* What are the irreversible consecrations you have made to God so far? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, give me power and faith, with courage, to keep moving on until I land in the heavenly Canaan land and let me not fall by the way side 🙏. 2.Make me an agent of unity and let the Spirit of unity and obedience reign in the midst of Your children. 3.Give me more love to bear one another's burdens and cleanse my heart from all forms of selfishness 🙏. 4.Help all Your children to be given to deeper consecrations🙏. *HYMN:* Arise O youth of God *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* HABAKKUK 1-3. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *PREPARATION FOR ENDURING POSSESSIONS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 1:11-18```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go" (JOSHUA 1:16).*_ *C. Reuben Anderson, an American, told a story of an engineer who was confined to bed because his lower limbs were paralysed from a serious accident. Because of his reputation for great skill, he was asked to design and prepare the blueprints for a great suspension bridge. After many months, his plans were completed and placed in the hands of those who were to be in charge of the bridge's construction. After a considerable period, the construction was completed. The engineer was brought on his bed to the scene of the beautiful bridge spanning the wide river. As he watched for the first time as cars sped over the bridge, and as he looked at the blueprints which he held in his hands, tears began to fill his eyes, and he cried out, "It's just like the plan; it's just like the plan." Undoubtedly, the sense of accomplishment brought tears of joy to the eyes of the intelligent and fulfilled engineer. His good works serve humanity! What a lesson! We must live to add value to others.* *Today's passage centres on the preparation of Israel to go in and possess the Promised Land under the able leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, the commander of the army of Israel after the death of Moses. This time, they were on the verge of entering Canaan. Strategically, he told the army to prepare, and he reminded the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses that they would cross the River Jordan and fight alongside the nine and the half tribes until they possessed their inheritance before returning to settle on the east side of Jordan. The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment and promised to follow Joshua as they followed Moses, irrespective of the challenges ahead.* *The salient lesson here include the unity among the tribes, cooperation with the leader, and Joshua's uncompromising, indefatigable leadership style that gave Israel the edge. As a result, the nation won battles, conquered adversaries, and possessed the Promised Land.* *Families, churches, societies and nations that desire victory in life's battles and challenges must follow the same pattern. Beyond earthly victories and possessions, there is an enduring possession in heaven for the saints of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for all who make themselves ready and willing to follow Him unconditionally.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A walk with God is the surest way of victory in all battles.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *HABAKKUK 1-3*📜📜 Preparation For Enduring Possessions https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 27: I AM BOUND FOR CANAAN; GHS 42: CLOSE TO THEE; GHS 44: COME OVER; AND GHS 51: THAT BLESSED CANAAN LAND* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CALL TO SPECIAL SERVICE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:EXODUS 31:1-11```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (EXODUS 31:2-3).*_ *God gives everyone talents and gifts to function in the church and community for the common good of His church and humanity. However, some people are called of God and endowed specially for specific assignments.* *Such were Bezaleel and Hur. God gave them wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be able to translate the vision of the tabernacle shown to Moses on the mountain, to reality. They were to build according to pattern.* *The Holy Spirit apportions to each member of the church as He wills. In talents and gifts, are embedded all abilities and ministries needed by every believer to fulfill their divinely ordained functions.* *God equips those He engages. Has God given you a specific task to do? The wherewithal to get the work done will always be available. Does your task look irksome? The wisdom, grace and resources are available. Identify your specific assignment and work on it.* *However, everyone is called to the service of soul winning. Having received the gift of salvation, every believer must take the gospel message to all sinners. It is an all-believers' duty, without exception.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God equips those He engages.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Invest your talents and gifts in the kingdom of God.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, use me for Your glory.*_ Call To Special Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *NOAH - A RIGHTEOUS MAN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🛥️🐄🐄🐒🐒🦅🦅🦉🦉🐴🐴🐗🐗🫎🫎🦓🦓🦍🦍🐘🐘🐎🐎🐑🐑🐓🐓🐇🐇🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 6:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God was displeased with the wickedness of humanity that He decided to send a flood to destroy the earth. However, He chose Noah, a righteous man to build an ark to save himself, his family and two of every kind of animals. For about 120 years, Noah was busy building the ark based on God's instructions and specifications. He also used the opportunity to warn of the impending judgment on the world in the form of a flood. But nobody heeded Noah's plea. They found it hard to believe that a loving God could also punish sin and destroy the world. Noah knew his God and obeyed God's instructions to the letter, even though he had never seen rain nor flood before. He did exploits for God and helped in the fulfilment of God's programme for that age. *The judgment of God is fast approaching again. This present world will soon be burnt with fire. It is the duty of all Christian boys and girls to live righteously and also serve as true witnesses to help sinners escape the coming destruction and judgment. God still commits His divine assignments into the hands of His faithful children.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, please help me to be faithful in all that You have committed into my hands, in Jesus' name.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Peter 2:4-6* Noah - A Righteous Man https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1 Prayer is the life-breath of the soul. Without it, we grow faint and weary. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, You alone make us dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of Your wings, and we awake in the morning under the blessing of Your love because You have sustained us. Once again, we thank You for Your care and protection, and for the gift of sleep. We renew our consecration to You this morning, asking for Your permission to live another day for You and with You, doing Your will. Make the way clear for us, and do not let us stray from the paths of Your commandments. In our worldly affairs, grant us wisdom and grace. May it please You to prosper us in our daily work. May Your Holy Spirit preside over our home. Protect us from harm of every kind. Let us not be careless in our duties or neglectful in our tasks today. Help us to make the most of every moment of this day. This day is Yours, not ours; it is ours to use for You. May we spend it in such a way that every moment will bear good fruit. In our conversations, may we speak only words that build others up—kind words, true words. Keep us from complaining and grumbling. Teach us the lesson of contentment so that we never murmur or complain. May it please You to keep us from speaking words that would discourage others. May we always speak words that uplift and encourage, making it easier for others to live. Forbid that we should say anything that would make anyone's burden heavier or their path more difficult. May we live every moment for You, serving You faithfully, and at last may You receive us into Your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

#Numbers #BookOfNumbers #BibleStudy #KJVBible #OldTestament #BibleHistory #BibleTimeline #BibleTeaching #Moses #Aaron #Joshua #Caleb #Miriam #Phinehas #Balaam #Israel #WildernessJourney #MountSinai #KadeshBarnea #PlainsOfMoab #PromisedLand #GodsFaithfulness #GodsPromises #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #Obedience #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalLeadership #BiblicalLessons #GodsPresence #Holiness #Worship #Covenant #ChristianFaith #ChristInTheOldTestament #JesusChrist #BibleStudyGuide #StudyTheBible #WordOfGod #Scripture #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #JourneyWithGod #GodsGrace #GodsMercy #HopeInChrist #SoliDeoGloria ✝️📖🕊️

August 16, 2026 (day 228/365) SUNDAY GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY “The Strength of Humility” Numbers 12:3 “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth.” This is the Word of God. Numbers 12 shows how jealousy and pride led Miriam and Aaron to speak against Moses. Yet Moses did not defend himself with anger; he remained humble and left the matter in God's hands. Humility does not mean weakness. It means trusting God enough not to fight for our own position or recognition. When others are honored, we can rejoice rather than become jealous. May God give us humble hearts that rejoice in others, avoid jealousy, and trust Him with our place and purpose. Amen. Have a blessed day with the Lord. -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto

#Numbers #BookOfNumbers #BibleStudy #KJVBible #OldTestament #BibleHistory #BibleTimeline #BibleCharacters #Moses #Aaron #Miriam #Joshua #Caleb #Eleazar #Balaam #Balak #Phinehas #Korah #Israel #WildernessJourney #MountSinai #KadeshBarnea #MountHor #PlainsOfMoab #PromisedLand #GodsFaithfulness #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #Obedience #GodsPromises #BiblicalLeadership #BiblicalCharacters #Covenant #Holiness #GodsPresence #GodsGuidance #BronzeSerpent #BalaamsProphecy #ChristInTheOldTestament #JesusChrist #MessianicProphecy #ChristianFaith #BibleTeaching #BibleStudyGuide #StudyTheBible #WordOfGod #Scripture #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #SoliDeoGloria ✝️📖🕊️

#Numbers #BookOfNumbers #BibleStudy #KJVBible #OldTestament #BibleTeaching #BibleHistory #BibleTimeline #Moses #Aaron #Joshua #Caleb #Miriam #Balaam #Phinehas #Israel #WildernessJourney #MountSinai #PlainsOfMoab #PromisedLand #Tabernacle #GodsPresence #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #GodsFaithfulness #GodsPromises #Obedience #Unbelief #SpiritualJourney #BiblicalLeadership #BiblicalHistory #BronzeSerpent #BalaamAndBalak #Covenant #Holiness #Worship #GodsGuidance #ChristianFaith #ChristInTheOldTestament #JesusChrist #BibleStudyGuide #KnowTheBible #StudyTheBible #WordOfGod #Scripture #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #SoliDeoGloria ✝️📖🕊️

#Exodus #BookOfExodus #BibleStudy #OldTestament #WordOfGod #Moses #Aaron #Miriam #Joshua #Pharaoh #Jethro #Bezalel #Oholiab #Tabernacle #Passover #TenCommandments #MountSinai #RedSea #GodsPresence #GodsCovenant #BiblicalHistory #BibleTimeline #Faith #Leadership #Servanthood #Redemption #ChristInExodus #KnowTheBible #KJVBible #Scripture #ChristianLiving #WalkWithGod #Truth #Grace #HopeInChrist #SoliDeoGloria ✝️📖🔥🌊⛺👑

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TITLE: THE WAY OF BACKBITERS Text: Proverbs 16:28, Romans 1:29–32, James 3:5–10 The Hidden Sin That Destroys Lives Many believers avoid obvious sins like stealing, adultery, and drunkenness, yet they overlook a dangerous sin that quietly destroys friendships, families, churches, and ministries—backbiting. Backbiting is like a slow poison. It often begins with, "I'm just telling you so you can pray," or "Don't tell anyone I said this..." Before long, trust is broken, reputations are damaged, and unity is destroyed. One careless tongue can tear down what years of love and service have built. The Bible warns us that God does not take this sin lightly. > Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV): "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." A backbiter separates people whom God intended to walk together. Key Bible Verses Explained 1. Romans 1:29–30 > "...full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters..." Backbiting is listed among serious sins because it reflects a heart that delights in harming others rather than building them up. 2. James 3:5–6 > "Even so the tongue is a little member... it is a fire..." James teaches that the tongue, though small, has the power to destroy lives, families, and churches. 3. Psalm 101:5 > "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. God Himself promises judgment against persistent slander and secret gossip. 4. Ephesians 4:29 > "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification." Every word spoken by a believer should strengthen others, not destroy them. Point 1: Backbiting Begins in an Unclean Heart Jesus said: > Matthew 12:34 "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The mouth only reveals what is already in the heart. Backbiting often grows out of: Jealousy Pride Bitterness Competition Unforgiveness Insecurity A transformed heart produces gracious words. Point 2: Backbiting Destroys Relationships Backbiters divide: Friends Families Marriages Ministries Churches Many strong relationships have ended not because of facts but because someone carried harmful stories from one person to another. The devil delights in division, but Christ prayed for unity. Point 3: Backbiting Grieves the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit produces: Love Peace Kindness Self-control Backbiting produces: Suspicion Hatred Division Confusion When believers continually speak against one another, the atmosphere becomes difficult for spiritual growth and unity. Point 4: God Calls Believers to Speak Words That Build Instead of criticizing behind people's backs, believers should become: Encouragers Peacemakers Truth speakers Forgivers Our words should heal wounded hearts rather than create new wounds. Biblical Case Study: Miriam Speaks Against Moses Text: Numbers 12:1–15 Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. Their complaint appeared personal, but it revealed deeper issues in their hearts. God defended Moses and called all three before Him. Miriam was struck with leprosy as a sign of God's displeasure until Moses interceded for her. Lessons: God hears conversations held in secret. Speaking against God's servants and against others has consequences. Mercy is available when there is repentance. Practical Action Steps 1. Think before you speak. 2. Refuse to spread unverified information. 3. Speak directly to people instead of about them. 4. Pray for those you are tempted to criticize. 5. Ask God daily to guard your tongue. 6. If you have hurt someone with your words, seek forgiveness and make peace. Deep Spiritual Insights Backbiting is more than a speech problem—it is a heart problem. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). When believers constantly accuse and tear others down, they reflect the work of the accuser rather than the character of Christ. Jesus came to reconcile people to God and to one another. Every believer should therefore use words that promote healing, truth, and unity Questions for Reflection 1. Do my words build people up or tear them down? 2. Have I damaged someone's reputation through careless speech? 3. Am I quick to believe and spread negative reports? 4. Is there anyone I need to ask forgiveness from because of my words? 5. Does my speech reflect the character of Jesus? Powerful Prayer Points 1. Father, cleanse my heart and purify my tongue in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, remove every spirit of gossip, slander, and backbiting from my life. 3. Help me to speak words that bring healing, encouragement, and peace. 4. Restore every relationship that has been damaged by harmful words. 5. Let the Holy Spirit rule my thoughts, my heart, and my speech. 6. Make me an instrument of unity in my family, church, and community. 7. May my life and my words glorify Christ every day. Call to Action The way of the backbiter leads to broken trust, damaged relationships, and spiritual decline. The way of Christ leads to truth, love, reconciliation, and peace. Today, choose to surrender your tongue to God. Let your words become a source of life, hope, and encouragement. As believers, we are called not only to avoid harmful speech but to actively use our words to strengthen others and glorify God. Final Charge: > Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." May God make us believers whose hearts are pure, whose tongues are disciplined, and whose words reflect the love and holiness of Jesus Christ. Amen. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. 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Holy Wit – Reflections #9 Test the Spirits (Walking in the Light: Studies Through 1 John) Scripture References: 1 John 4:1–6 The visitor arrived at the church carrying a large Bible, a polished smile, and the sort of confidence that made ordinary conversation seem too small for him. Before the meeting began, he told several people that God had sent him with “a fresh word for this congregation.” He said it quietly, but not so quietly that anyone missed it. By the time he stood to speak, expectation had filled the room. He told stories of remarkable dreams, sudden healings, and distant places where crowds had listened to him for hours. His voice rose and fell at precisely the right moments. Even the ceiling fan appeared to slow down and pay attention. Near the back sat Miriam, who had followed Christ for many years. She had no theological degree, no dramatic testimony, and no gift for making a room lean forward. She did, however, have a Bible with loose pages, crowded margins, and a binding held together by determined strips of tape. The visitor began speaking about Jesus. At first, everything sounded familiar. Then the words shifted. Jesus, he said, had come mainly to show us the divine power hidden inside every human being. Sin was not guilt before a holy God but ignorance of our true spiritual greatness. The cross was an inspiring picture of sacrifice, not the place where Christ bore the judgment deserved by sinners. People nodded. The speaker was sincere, impressive, and very difficult to interrupt. Miriam looked down at her Bible. She turned to 1 John, then to the Gospel of John, then to several other passages. After the meeting, while others gathered around the visitor, she approached one of the church leaders. “He says many beautiful things,” she said, “but I do not think he is speaking about the Jesus the apostles knew.” The leader hesitated. “But surely you felt the power in the room?” Miriam glanced at the ceiling fan. “I felt moving air. The rest we should test.” That quiet answer brings us very near to John’s command: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” John does not tell Christians to despise spiritual claims, nor does he tell us to accept them simply because they sound sincere. He commands us to test them. Sincerity is not the same as truth. A person may be deeply convinced and deeply mistaken. Eloquence is not the same as truth. Error is often most dangerous when it is expressed beautifully. Spiritual intensity is not the same as truth either. Strong feelings may accompany what is true, but they cannot establish it. John places the decisive test on Jesus Christ. Does the teaching confess the Son as He has truly come in the flesh? This is more than repeating the name “Jesus.” It means confessing the eternal Son who became genuinely human without ceasing to be God—the Christ proclaimed by the apostles, crucified for sinners, raised bodily, and reigning as Lord. False teaching often keeps Christian words while quietly changing their meaning. It may praise Jesus as teacher, example, prophet, healer, or guide while denying His deity, His incarnation, His atoning death, His resurrection, or His exclusive authority. John does not permit us to replace the real Christ with a more fashionable one and then call the result Christianity. This is why discernment requires Scripture. The command to test assumes a standard outside ourselves. Our feelings, private impressions, traditions, and admiration for a speaker must all stand beneath the apostolic Word. The question is not merely, “Did this move me?” but, “Is this faithful to what God has revealed?” Discernment, however, should not make us proud or permanently suspicious. John writes to reassure believers: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Our safety does not rest on our cleverness. God preserves His people through His Spirit and His Word. We test humbly, knowing that we too can misunderstand and need correction. Not every mistake makes someone a false prophet. Faithful believers can be wrong and then receive correction. The deeper danger is persistent teaching that claims spiritual authority while leading people away from the apostolic Christ. Such a voice may be popular, warm, and persuasive. It may fill a room. It must still be tested. Miriam’s worn Bible was not impressive beside the visitor’s performance. But it gave her something far better than an impression: a trustworthy measure. True discernment does not extinguish joy; it guards the church’s joy by refusing to let a counterfeit Christ take the place of the living Lord who saves sinners. The church does not need colder hearts. It needs hearts warmed by truth, minds governed by Scripture, and eyes fixed on the Jesus who truly came in the flesh. #HolyWitBibleStudy #GordonMcGinnis #WalkingInTheLight #1John4

Women of God Miriam-Rebellion In this story, a spirit of grumbling arose in the Israelites’ camp. In Chapter 11, the Israelites grumbled about their hardships and they grumbled about the mana. In chapter 12 Miriam and Aaron grumbled against Moses and his wife, even using the age old vice of racism. And it seems Miriam is the instigator, but they were never really complaining about Moses’ wife, or even Moses himself. Miriam and Aaron wanted more power and acknowledgment from God himself. Moses and his wife were simply the scapegoats. There are so many things to learn from this story, gratitude, humility to God’s appointed leadership, that grumbling angers God and grumbling has consequences. But ultimately Miriam fell into the trap that Eve fell into so many years before, she doubted the Lord and took her doubts to men and not the Lord. Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to build others up and not tear them down. Let our words encourage others and praise your name. When I struggle, be my comfort and my hiding place. For you hold all things in your hands, you are gracious and compassionate and close to the broken hearted. Let me learn the secret of being content in every circumstance through your strength and power. Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬