A concise commentary on Galatians

Galatians 5:24-25

Verse: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Commentary: Believers are called to put aside sinful desires, living by the Spirit.

Application: Embrace a new life in Christ, rejecting old sinful patterns.

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Breaking Free: Embrace the Journey

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Every step forward is a step towards discovering our true selves. Surround yourself with positivity, seek new experiences, and celebrate every small victory. Remember, it's not just about the destination, but the journey and growth along the way.

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Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING.

*TEXT:*
TITUS 2:12–13
12 It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age Eph 1:4 Col 1:22 2Ti 1:9 1Jn 2:16
13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 1Co 1:7 Phi 3:20

*TOPIC:*
EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Upright living refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commandments. God created us to live extraordinary lives without struggle - a life above the power of sin, a product of grace. Man failed by disobeying and could not live an upright life. The salvation Jesus wrought restored man to the life he was expected to live.
As recipients of God’s grace, we are empowered to live in a new way. Have you received the power to live this new life, or are you still entangled by sexual immorality, lying, and deception? The grace of God is potent to train you to renounce impiety and worldly passions. You must lean on Jesus to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age.

*REFLECTION:*
You are empowered to live an upright life.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to display this enabling grace daily.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
EZEKIEL 7-11.

ED.ii. LOT'S FATAL DECISIONS

"Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land." - Genesis 19:24-25

Abraham was blessed by God and because his nephew Lot was with him, Lot was also blessed. Both had large flocks. At one point the shepherds of both flocks started to fight because there was not enough space. Abraham then let Lot choose to go either to the left or to the right. Lot saw that the Jordan area was good and made his first fatal choice. Lot chose the best for himself. It was his first step towards Sodom. It did not occur to him to consult the Lord first. So many Christians today do the same and make their own choices based on what they see, instead of asking for the Lord's guidance. Many follow the money. The evil one mainly whispers to young people: 'If you go for the money, you can achieve everything.' However, God's way is always the best way.

Lot's second fatal decision is to pitch his tents nearby Sodom. 'Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord' (Genesis 13:13). Once you take one step in the wrong direction, it will not be long before you are completely on the wrong track.

Lot's third fatal step is in Genesis 14:12, it says that 'he was living in Sodom.' So, it did not take long before Lot lived in the city of Sodom.

God had to destroy Sodom because of the wickedness. It was because of Abraham's prayer for Lot and his family that God gave them an opportunity to flee the city.

Dear reader, one day God will destroy this world as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not make fatal choices. Do not join the sinful practices of this world. Always choose to go the way of Jesus.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ⏤ Psalm 103:17

There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom

We come with grateful hearts to You, O God, our Father. We will praise You as long as we live. We call on our souls and all that is within us to bless Your holy name and never forget Your blessings. You forgive all our sins. You heal all our diseases. You redeem our lives from destruction. You crown us with love and compassion. You satisfy our needs with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

You, Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and full of mercy. You won’t stay angry forever, nor will You hold our sins against us forever. You have not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your mercy toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You. For You know how we are formed; You remember that we are dust.

Our days are like grass; we flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But Your mercy, O Lord, is from everlasting to everlasting. We rejoice in Your eternity. We rest in it, knowing that our trust in You will never be shaken. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but Your kindness will never depart from us, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed.

Grant us Your peace now, our Father, and keep us safe in the secret place of Your presence throughout the night. Bless us with Your tender love, we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/evening

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#youdevotion.

Sermon Title: "FEED MY SHEEP, NOT YOUR AGENDA"
Key Texts: Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

INTRODUCTION
The Lord is asking the same question today He asked Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” John 21:17
But in this last age, many shepherds have left the sheep to chase the world.
And many sheep have left holiness to chase prosperity.
Both are losing the eternal gift.

1. WARNING TO SHEPHERDS: YOU LEFT THE HEART OF THE LORD
Ezekiel 34:2-4 — “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed... and you have not sought the lost.”

God’s heart for His people is:
Feed them the Word, not opinions
Heal the broken, not use them
Seek the lost, not ignore them

But some shepherds today have “given into the world and its things.”
Jeremiah 23:1 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.

Why? Because it’s not sanctified. Ministry without holiness becomes business.
John 10:13 — The hireling sees the wolf and flees because he cares nothing for the sheep.

God’s warning: Ezekiel 34:10 — “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand.”

2. WARNING TO THE CHURCH: YOU LEFT HOLINESS FOR PROSPERITY
The message says: “saved church not clinging to holiness bcos jealous, hatred, gossip and not obeying the word... itching ears for prosperity gospel instead of soul eager for sanctification gospel.”

This is exactly what Paul warned:
2 Timothy 4:3-4 — “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

Holiness is being traded for hype.
Hebrews 12:14 — “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Signs of a church that left holiness:
Jealousy and hatred - Galatians 5:19-21 works of the flesh
Gossip - Proverbs 16:28 separates close friends
Disobedience to the Word - James 1:22 “be doers of the word”
Prosperity over the Cross - 1 Peter 2:2 “long for the pure spiritual milk”

When we chase blessings more than the Blesser, we lose the eternal gift: sanctification and seeing God.

3. GOD’S CALL BACK: RETURN TO THE SHEPHERD
1 Peter 5:2-4 — “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

To Shepherds:
Repent. Return to feeding, not fleecing. Acts 20:28 — “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.”

To the Church:
1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
Holiness is not legalism. It is love. It is being set apart for God.

Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, forgive us.
Forgive shepherds who fed themselves and left Your sheep. Put back in us the heart of the Lord for Your people.
Forgive Your church for chasing prosperity and ignoring sanctification. Create in us clean hearts.
Let us hunger for Your Word, not myths. Let us love holiness, not gossip and jealousy.
Make us a people ready for Jesus. In His Name, Amen.

SHEPHERDS AND HOLINESS:

Message:
This is a warning and a call. Ezekiel 34: shepherds, return to the heart of the Lord for His people. Don’t feed yourself and leave the sheep.
Church, Hebrews 12:14 — pursue holiness. Don’t trade sanctification for prosperity. Jealousy, gossip, disobedience

This is Ezekiel 34:2-4 season.

Here is DAILY BREAD FOR THE LAST DAYS :

TODAY'S WORD
Text: Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord... You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.”
Also: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions...”

MESSAGE: SHEPHERDS, RETURN TO THE HEART OF GOD
The Lord is crying over His sheep in these last days.

1. THE WARNING TO SHEPHERDS
God says “Woe” to shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock.
When a shepherd chases the world and its things - money, fame, titles - he leaves the sheep hungry.
When he preaches prosperity gospel but not holiness gospel, he trades eternal gifts for temporary bread.
John 10:12 “The hireling... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.”
A flock that is not sanctified is a flock that will be lost. Because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14

2. THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH
Saved church, wake up!
Jealousy, hatred, gossip, disobedience to the Word... this is not the garment of Christ Colossians 3:8-10.
When we cling to itching ears and reject sound doctrine, we become easy prey.
God’s will is not just prosperity in the pocket. It is sanctification of the soul 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Jesus did not die to make us rich. He died to make us HOLY.

3. STRENGTHENING & ENCOURAGEMENT
But there is hope. 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
To every faithful shepherd: Keep feeding the Word. Keep calling to repentance.
To every sheep: Return to the Word. Love holiness more than miracles. Love Jesus more than blessings.

PRAYER:
Father, raise up shepherds after Your own heart Jeremiah 3:15. Purify the pulpit. Purify the pew. Let us not trade eternity for earth. Sanctify us by Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ACTION TODAY:
For Shepherds/Teachers: Check your message. Is it pointing people to Jesus and holiness, or just to prosperity?
For All: Forgive anyone you have bitterness toward today. Gossip and hatred grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.

HAVING A PRAYERFUL HEART…
Today I will begin posting prayers that you can pray for key people and situations you may be facing at the moment. Feel free to use them if you are led as well as sharing them with others. Be blessed. Prayer does change things my friends! AMEN AND AMEN!

15 Key Things We Can Pray For The Children In Our Lives.

Here is a personal, heartfelt prayer for the children in your life, structured around 15 foundational themes and backed by Scripture references to pray over them.

A Prayer for the Children in Our Lives

Heavenly Father,
I come before You today lifting up the precious children You have entrusted to my life and care. You know them by name, You knit them together, and Your love for them far exceeds my own. I lay their lives, their futures, and their hearts at Your feet, standing on the promises of Your Word.
1. Salvation and Faith
Lord, above all else, I pray for their hearts. Open their eyes to Your truth at a young age. May they come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, trusting in Him for their salvation. For you Word states: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
2. Spiritual Growth and Wisdom
Father, Grant them wisdom beyond their years. Help them grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, loving Your Word and seeking Your guidance in every decision. You says:"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
3. Protection from Harm and Evil
I pray for Your divine hedge of protection around them Lord—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guard them from accident, illness, temptation, and the schemes of the enemy. For you said in your Word: "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7–8)
4. Godly and Wise Friendships
Surround them with friends who encourage them, sharpen them, and walk in righteousness Lord. Protect them from unhealthy influences, and give them the courage to be a light to those around them. Again, you said in your Word Lord: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20)
5. Purity and Integrity
Father God, Keep their hearts, minds, and bodies pure. Give them the strength to stand against peer pressure and societal expectations, choosing integrity even when no one is watching. Your Word states: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By taking heed according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9)
6. Emotional Health and Peace of Mind
Guard their minds against anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion. Lord, Fill them with the peace that surpasses understanding, and let them rest securely in their identity in Christ. I stand on your Word: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6–7)
7. Purpose and Calling
Unveil Your purpose for their lives. Show them the unique spiritual gifts, talents, and passions You have placed inside them, and give them the desire to use those gifts to serve You and others. I believe what you say in your Word: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
8. Respect and Obedience toward Authority
Father, I ask you to Teach them by your Holy Spirit to honor their parents, teachers, leaders, and mentors. Give them a teachable spirit that receives instruction, discipline, and counsel with grace and humility. Your Word plainly states: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise." (Ephesians 6:1–2)
9. A Spirit of Kindness and Compassion
And Lord God, Fill their hearts with genuine love for others. Give them eyes to see those who are hurting or lonely, and grant them a generous, compassionate spirit that reflects Your mercy. Again I believe what your Word says: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
10. Resilience and Perseverance
When trials, failures, or disappointments come, Father give them the grit and faith to bounce back. Help them understand that challenges refine their character and strengthen their hope. I stand on what is written in your Word: "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3–4)
11. Courage and Boldness
Make them strong and courageous in a world that often opposes Your truth. Give them the boldness to share their faith and stand up for what is right, without fear or shame. Lord God, As you Word states: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
12. Self-Discipline and Diligence
Father, I am trusting you to Instill in them a strong work ethic, whether in their schooling, chores, or responsibilities. Help them steward their time, resources, and bodies with discipline and self-control. Again, I stand on your Word: "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23)
13. A Heart of Gratitude and Joy
Lord, I pray that you Keep their hearts free from discontentment, envy, and entitlement. Plant a deep sense of joy in their souls and a habit of giving thanks to You in all circumstances. As your Word states: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
14. Divine Guidance for Their Future
And Lord, I pray for their future—their education, careers, relationships, and ultimate life choices. Lead them step-by-step along the path You have ordained for them, keeping them from wrong turns. I stand on what your Word says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5–6)
15. Godly Future Spouses and Households
Looking ahead to the years to come, Father God I ask that You prepare the hearts of their future spouses, if it be Your will. May they build families rooted in Christ, passing down a legacy of faith for generations to come. Again I agree with what your say in your Word Lord: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
And in closing Father, I place these children securely in Your hands.(Name them). Work in them and through them, and grant me the grace, wisdom, and patience to love, guide, and support them as well in your sight. I trust and ask your Holy Spirit to guide me in this great and all important endeavor and I thank you and praise you for these precious young lives you have blessed me with and I give them over to your watchful eyes, love and care this day. Thank-you for hearing my prayer for them today.
In Jesus' precious and powerful name,
Amen.