*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*A LIFE THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR GOOD*🌟 📖 Scripture: “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” — Mark 14:9 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – What Legacy Are You Building?* In Mark 14:9, Jesus spoke about a woman who poured expensive perfume on Him as an expression of love and devotion. Some people criticized her, but Jesus valued her sacrifice and declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached. Her action teaches us that genuine love for Christ is never wasted. What may appear insignificant to people can be precious in the sight of God. She did not perform the act to become famous. She simply loved Jesus and gave Him what was valuable to her. Yet her devotion became part of the Gospel story. Today, we are reminded that our lives should leave behind a legacy of faith, love, service, generosity, compassion, and devotion to Christ. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my life shall bring glory to God and become a blessing to generations after me. The things I do for Christ shall never be wasted. I declare that I will not live merely for temporary recognition or human applause. My greatest desire shall be to please God and faithfully fulfill the purpose for which He created me. Today, I receive grace to give my best to the Lord—my time, talents, resources, strength, knowledge, opportunities, and abilities. I shall not hold back what God has given me when He calls me to use it for His Kingdom. I declare that my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and relationships shall become platforms through which God's love and goodness are demonstrated. I proclaim that the Lord shall make my life fruitful and impactful. Through my words, actions, prayers, service, and generosity, lives shall be touched and people shall be encouraged to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Today, I reject selfishness, pride, bitterness, and the desire for unnecessary human approval. I choose to serve with a sincere heart, knowing that God sees every sacrifice made in love. I declare that every good seed I have planted in faith shall produce fruit according to God's perfect timing. Seeds of prayer shall produce testimonies. Seeds of kindness shall produce blessing. Seeds of service shall produce impact. Seeds of generosity shall bless others. I proclaim that my name and influence shall be associated with good works, godly character, compassion, integrity, and faithfulness—not for my own glory, but so that Christ may be glorified through my life. I declare that God shall give me opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. May I recognize those opportunities and respond with courage, love, and generosity. Today, I choose to leave a godly legacy. I want my children, family, church, community, and future generations to see evidence that I lived for Christ and served Him faithfully. Like the woman in Mark 14, may my devotion speak even after I am gone. My life will count. My service will matter. My love for Christ will bear fruit. My good works will bless others. My legacy will point people to Jesus. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with gratitude: Thank God for giving you gifts, opportunities, relationships, and resources that can be used for His glory. 2️⃣ Read Mark 14:1–9: Reflect on the woman's sacrificial act of love toward Jesus. 3️⃣ Declare: “My life shall be a blessing, and everything I do for Christ shall produce lasting impact.” 4️⃣ Give your best: Identify one area where you can serve God more faithfully and commit yourself to improvement. 5️⃣ Do one intentional act of kindness: Bless, encourage, assist, or pray for someone today without expecting anything in return. 6️⃣ Examine your legacy: Ask yourself, “What do I want people to remember about my life and my faith?” 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for the privilege of serving Him and ask Him to make your life fruitful. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of the woman who demonstrated her love for Jesus through sacrificial devotion. Give me a heart that genuinely loves Christ. Help me to give my best to You—not for recognition, applause, or human approval, but because You are worthy. Take my time, talents, resources, knowledge, strength, and opportunities and use them for Your glory. Make me a blessing to my family, church, community, and generation. Help me to recognize opportunities to serve, encourage, give, forgive, and demonstrate Your love. Let every seed I plant in faith produce fruit according to Your perfect will. Establish the work of my hands and make my life fruitful and impactful. Lord, help me build a legacy that will point people to Jesus Christ. May those who encounter my life be able to say that I loved God, served faithfully, helped others, and lived for Your glory. Remove selfish ambition from my heart and replace it with humility, compassion, generosity, and faithful service. Let my life be a living memorial of Your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord make your life fruitful, meaningful, and impactful. May every good seed you plant in faith become a blessing to others and a testimony of God's goodness. May God bless the work of your hands, enlarge your capacity to serve, and give you opportunities to touch lives with love and compassion. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of your life become a channel of blessing. May generations after you benefit from the godly seeds you are planting today. 🌱 May your service count. ❤️ May your love speak. 🤲 May your generosity bless others. 🔥 May your faith inspire generations. ✝️ May your life point people to Christ. 🌟 “WHAT SHE HAS DONE SHALL BE SPOKEN OF FOR A MEMORIAL OF HER.” — MARK 14:9 May your life leave a beautiful legacy for God's glory. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and impactful day🙏 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Question? in Epishians 2:8-9 it says, “you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is a gift through God not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” why is it important to not only have faith, but works in James 2:17 it says “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” Here is what I think we always have to focus on Jesus, but we also need to practice what he preached

SERMON TITLE: "DON'T USE QURAN TO ANSWER QURAN BUT ONLY TRUTH TO ANSWER LIES OF QURAN" Key Warning Text: Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Theme Text: Amos 3:3 “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” Truth & Error Cannot Walk Together INTRO: JESUS’ METHOD IN THE WILDERNESS Matthew 4:4,7,10 - Satan quoted scripture-twisted. Jesus never debated him on his terms. He answered 3 times: “IT IS WRITTEN” John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We don’t go into darkness to fight it. We shine light. --- POINT 1: THE WARNING - PROVERBS 26:4 TO TEACHERS Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” What does this mean for teachers today? “DON'T USE QURAN TO ANSWER QURAN” Don’t fight error with error. Don’t use another book to prove another book. The moment a teacher of the Word picks up the enemy’s weapon, they risk “lest you be like him yourself.” 2 Corinthians 4:2 “we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word” Galatians 5:9 “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” “BUT ONLY TRUTH TO ANSWER LIES OF QURAN” What is Truth? John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Ephesians 5:11 “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 6:17 “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Jesus, Peter, Paul never quoted pagan books to win people. They preached “Christ crucified” 1 Cor 1:23 and “It is written”. DIRECT WARNING TO TEACHERS: Brother/Sister, if you are mixing the Bible with other books to "win arguments" or "reach Muslims" — STOP. James 3:1 “we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Truth and error cannot walk together Amos 3:3. You will corrupt the Gospel Gal 1:8-9. POINT 2: JESUS’ JUDGMENT ON CHURCHES WHO COMPROMISED Revelation 2:14-16 To Pergamum: “you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam... Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” Balaam’s sin? Compromise and mixing to get God’s people to sin Num 31:16. Jesus says He will WAR against teachers who mix. Revelation 2:5 To Ephesus: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will remove your lampstand.” You can lose your light as a church if you don’t abide in truth. POINT 3: WE WIN SOULS BY GRACE, NOT BY KNOWLEDGE OR EFFORTS This is why many teachers fall into mixing. They think: “If I master their book, I’ll win them.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 “my message was not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” The 144,000 Rev 14:4-5 overcame by: Blood RED7 🔴 + Testimony + Following the Lamb + No lie in their mouth. God saves. John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Our job: Faithfully preach the Word. The Spirit GREEN7 🌱 convicts. POINT 4: HOW TO ANSWER LIES - 3 BIBLICAL STEPS ANSWER WITH SCRIPTURE ONLY 2 Tim 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable” Example: Lie - “Jesus didn’t die.” Truth - Isaiah 53:5, 1 Cor 15:3-4 EXPOSE, DON’T EMBRACE Eph 5:11 - Shine light on the lie. Don’t study it to quote it. SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE Eph 4:15, 2 Tim 2:24-25 - Goal is repentance, not winning. CONCLUSION + ALTAR CALL: 2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not” Only the Gospel can open eyes 2 Cor 4:6. 3 COMMANDS FOR TEACHERS: STOP - Stop using error to fight error. Prov 26:4 REPENT - If you have compromised. Rev 2:5, 2:16 ABIDE - “If you abide in my word, you

📘 Daily Devotion — August 15 | Acts 18:14 (NKJV) 💯 God Is Our Defender As Paul faithfully preached the gospel in Corinth, opposition arose once again. The Jewish leaders brought him before Gallio, the Roman proconsul, hoping to stop his ministry. Before Paul even had the opportunity to defend himself, God intervened through Gallio, who dismissed the accusations because they involved religious matters rather than criminal offenses. This moment reminds us that God is fully aware of every challenge His people face. Paul did not have to rely on his own wisdom or persuasive words because the Lord was already working behind the scenes. God's protection allowed the gospel to continue spreading throughout Corinth. For believers today, this passage encourages us to trust God when we are misunderstood or falsely accused. While we should always respond with integrity, we can rest in knowing that the Lord is our ultimate defender. He is able to accomplish His purposes regardless of opposition. Reflection Questions 1. Do I trust God to defend me when I face opposition? 2. How can I respond with faith instead of fear during difficult situations? 3. Am I remaining faithful even when others misunderstand me? Prayer Lord God, thank You for being my defender and protector. Help me to trust You when I face opposition and to remain faithful to the work You have given me. Give me peace, knowing that You are always working for Your glory and my good. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Trust God instead of reacting in fear when facing criticism. ● Continue serving Christ faithfully despite opposition. ● Pray for wisdom and grace when dealing with difficult people. Takeaway Thought God is always able to defend those who faithfully follow Him. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August15 #Acts1814 #GodsProtection #StandForTruth #FaithInChrist #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

"DON'T MIX GOSPEL WITH QURAN." TRUTH & ERROR CAN'T WALK TOGETHER! Sermon Title: "Let the Light Shine: Preaching in Truth, Not in Mixture" Text: John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 6:14, John 17:17 Beloved, I want to speak to you today about how we carry the Gospel. The screenshots you shared are a burden for truth. The heart of the message is this: The light of Christ is enough. Do not mix it with darkness. 1. THE BATTLE OF PREACHING: LIGHT VS DARKNESS John 1:5 — “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We are in a battle. The person in the message said it well: "I see your battle of preaching with unbelievers." But the battle is not won by compromise. It is won by light. Jesus is that Light. When we preach, we are not arguing opinions. We are bringing light into dark places. And John says the darkness has not overcome it. It cannot. It will not. The enemy’s strategy is to blind. 2 Corinthians 4:4 — “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” Satan is called "the father of lies" in John 8:44. His job is to keep people from seeing Christ. So our job as preachers is not to negotiate with darkness. It is to shine brighter. 2. NO FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The message warns: "avoid to mix gospel with Quran teachings." Why? Because truth and error cannot walk together. Truth sets free - John 8:32 Error confuses - Mixing truth + falsehood creates confusion in yourself and in those who hear you. The apostles never mixed the Gospel with other religions to "make it easier." Acts 4:12 — “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” God of the Bible is enough. His Word is enough. His Spirit is enough to draw men. We don’t need to add to it. Revelation 22:18 warns us not to add or subtract. 3. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD: OUR ONLY WEAPONS The message asks: "Why can't you only let your preaching be guided by Holy Spirit?" Because the Spirit and the Word never contradict. John 17:17 — “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” The Holy Spirit does not lead us to dilute the Gospel. He leads us to preach Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 — “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The apostles preached in the power of the Spirit, and thousands were saved. They did not need another book. They needed the Name of Jesus. 4. BE ROOTED, OR THE ENEMY WILL DECEIVE The message reminds us of Jesus in the wilderness. Satan quoted scripture too, but twisted it. Matthew 4:1-11 “Satan is cunning and can use scriptures if you are not steadfast in thy faith.” When we add to the Word, we give the enemy ground. Truth + false = false. But when we remain rooted in truth, we overcome him just like Jesus did: "It is written..." Ephesians 6:17 — “...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” That is our only offensive weapon. APPLICATION: 3 CALLS FOR US TODAY Be marked by God: Like Revelation 14:1, let the Father’s Name be on your forehead. Live holy so your preaching has authority. Preach the pure Gospel: Use Scripture only. Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing. John 16:8 Pray for unbelievers: The problem is not that the Bible is weak. The problem is blindness. So we pray 2 Corinthians 4:6 — “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” CLOSING PRAYER Father, sanctify us in Your truth. Your Word is truth. Forgive us for times we tried to help You by adding to Your Word. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we preach with boldness

Return to God and be Uplifted! Repentance brings a change of attitude concerning God. The sinner naturally vilifies God. Even when he speaks of His love, he has no conception of God’s justice and wrath. True repentance brings a sense of the Holy God who cannot look upon sin. It impacts a change of mind concerning sin itself upon a person. The unrepentant delight in sin. A child of God may be tempted to sin and even fall into sin, but his bosom aches when he does so. A true child of God who has repented cannot enjoy sin and continuously longs for deliverance. Before every child of God, there is a vision both of what he is and what he ought to be. He cries with the poet; “O that a man might arise in me that I might ease to be.” Repentance gives the sinners a change of mind concerning him. Before our salvation, we all had a good opinion of ourselves. Like the Pharisees, we often thanked God that, “we were not as other men, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican" (Luke 18:11). But, every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (Verse 14). Where there is true repentance, though, men often despair of themselves, and like the publication, their cry is, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. They echo Paul’s exasperated plea: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death" (Romans 7:24). For Christ came not to call the righteousness, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). Repentance affects the motions and will, and also creates a change of feeling. We must beware here lest we are deceived. The old time evangelist who specialized in death-bed stories often created mere human emotion filling the mourners' bench with weeping people. These mourners often had a remorse for their evil doings, deeply regretting they had not been better men and women when they were told about meeting their “mother” in heaven. But remorse in not repentance, though I must say remorse is a very common experience for those who commit sin. Someone has called remorse the “echo of lost virtue”. Remorse is the attitude of mind and heart for some evil done. Repentance, however, goes deeper. Repentance creates a sorrow for what we are rather that remorse for what we have done. Therefore says the Hebrews writer, “Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ (Messiah), let us go into perfection by not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). Christian repentance is not merely the pangs of an injured conscience. Christian repentance follows the Holy Spirit’s convicting work deep within our soul (John 16:7 and 8). It lays strong hold upon the human will and brings the sinners into conformity with the will of God. It is heeding God’s call from a life of destruction (Mark 1:15). Repentance does not mean merely shedding tears over our wrong doings. It ends in faith in Christ, the Saviour. The Church must preach and teach until these conditions are obtained in the ministries. Then our revival shall have come. For this is the will of God for all mankind (Acts 17:30). Today what the Church and the continents at large need is repentance. The call of the pulpit to the pew must be repentance. And that of the crusades to the nations must similarly be repentance, and this must eventuate in confession of sins. The scripture, therefore, tells us: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God” (Jeremiah3:13).That will move our God to come down and heal our many wounds. We are reminded that, “The Lord’s hands is not shortened, that it cannot save neither is His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquity have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah59:1 and 2). He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confess and forsake them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). “For as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens; be zealous therefore and repent!” (Revelation 3:19). The repentance must not only be among the lowly citizens but must spring from the governors trickling to the governed. “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand,” declares the Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:24 and 26). Almighty God is calling to the people today as He did to former Israel that, “Therefore also now, says the Lord, Turn even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent Him of the evil. Who knows if He will return and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bride-groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar and let them say: Spare your people O Lord and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then the Lord will be so jealous for His land and pity His people. Yes the Lord will answer and say unto His people, Behold I will send you corn, and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen but I will remove far off from you northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face towards the east sea and his hinder part towards the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up and his savor shall come up because he has done great things. Fear not O land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things. And I will restore to you the years that locusts has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmerworm my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:12-21: 25 and 26). The Lord’s northern army is the destruction God brings upon a people as a result of their wickedness. Indeed righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). For the Lord God of Israel, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves righteousness and judgement (Psalm 33:5). He stresses that judgement is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). The reason being that when his judgements are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). When a nation leaves wickedness and turns to the Lord, such a people receive pardon and sure favour from the Lord God Almighty. The psalmist thus wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12). The Lord delights in the humility of a people. This makes Him hear our plea and smile back at us with a pardon. And this humility must start in His sanctuary. He says: “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Therefore every Christian by and far, let us rally in repentance for the healing of our lands. For repentance turns away God’s wrath. Nineveh found itself in a similar situation many African nations are in today. Plagued with wickedness in diverse places and faced with imminent judgment, the Almighty God used Jonah to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Nineveh: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Unlike most of our folks who hear and turn the head the other way, the Ninevehs believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest-including the king-to the least of them. And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way, and God repented them of the evil that he had said He would bring upon them, and He did it not (Jonah 3). Repentance touches the core of God’s heart. Humble yourself and return to the Lord your Creator. Repentance automatically brings healing. The Lord says, “Wash you, and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, and judge the fatherless plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together; though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:16-19). The Living God is the healer of nations. The psalmist has declared of Him: “God be merciful to us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving health among all nations” (Psalm 67:1 and 2). Perhaps this ought to be the prayer on everyone’s lips now. Stay awake O Christian in the truth! The good LORD has always extended this gracious invitation to man over the millennia. And, therefore, if it is your desire to know Him as He truly is - the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Savior, and Redeemer of mankind, then pray this prayer of repentance unto salvation: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you with all the sins I have committed and I beg you to forgive me. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Please cleanse my body, soul, and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help Lord, and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you every day, please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Thank you, O Lord for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen!” Welcome now to this grand and mighty army of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on earth. Read the Bible often, and join a congregation near you where Christ Jesus is preached and the Almighty Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worshiped in Spirit and in Truth for your own spiritual growth and strength. The Almighty God make you the apple of His eyes as I solemnly declare of Him: “After He has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye - I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them” (Zachariah 2:8). The peace and love of Christ Jesus the Lord be with you now and forever.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2O26. "PROMISES, PROMISES!' (1)" ‘…when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36 NIV. MANY OF us remember singing in church, ‘Every promise in the Book is mine!’ Exciting words—but are they entirely true? If you’ve prayed for the fulfilment of a Bible promise that didn’t materialise, you may have wondered, felt disillusioned, or even stopped trusting. What’s true is that every promise in the Book intended for you, is yours! God is committed to keeping every promise He has made (Matthew 24:35). So how can you know which Bible promises are yours? Here are some scriptural guidelines to help you: 1) Be sure you understand the promise. God is committed to His Word, not to your interpretation of it. When Jesus said, ‘…Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’ (John 2:19 NKJV), His audience completely misunderstood Him, thinking He meant the literal temple when He meant His body. 2) Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, Peter received divine understanding of Christ’s deity. When Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘…this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father…’ (Matthew 16:15-17 NIV). Soon afterwards, walking in the flesh, the same man totally misunderstood Jesus and was severely rebuked by Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23). Why? Because ‘…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God…nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’ (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). So submit your thoughts to God; pray for His guidance, and in due course, you’ll get the insight you need. Bible In A Year: Judg 12-15, Matt 17:14-27, Ps 119:81-88, Pro 17:27-28. 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. [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *QUEST FOR REVIVAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:HABAKKUK 3:1-2```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy" (HABAKKUK 3:2).*_ *Reviewing the history of revivals in Christendom, English author and theologian, Os Guinness, states that these spontaneous supernatural acts occur during turbulent times. Examining the periods of the Christian Reformation, Revival, and Renaissance, he concludes that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn. Consequently, we should always be people of hope and prayer rather than gloom and defeatism. God can turn the situation around in a moment.* *The cleric took lessons from the experience of Habakkuk, the prophet who was struck with terror on learning from the Lord that the land of Judah would be attacked by the fierce Chaldean troops from Babylon. Already disturbed by the iniquities of injustice and impunity around him, on which he expected the Lord to act, Habakkuk was now informed that more disquietude was on the way. The prophet was made to understand that even the Chaldeans, who were to be used as an instrument of punishment, were themselves to face the wrath of God for their wickedness. His anxiety was relieved when he realised that the God of mercy he served was at the point of reviving His people in the process. He went on to intercede for precisely that.* *With humanity now also traumatised by sporadic assaults coming through technological inventions like Artificial Intelligence (AI), wars, insecurity, dysfunctional governance, threats of nuclear conflagration, there are fears that man is on the brink, looking into the bottomless abyss. Really? Not so. The Christian is challenged, rather, like Habakkuk, to plead for revival among the turmoil. It is the hour to ask for an unprecedented move of God's Spirit in the world, an event that should usher multitudes to repentance and turning to Christ for succour in trying times.* *The Lord's second coming is imminent, going by the signs we are witnessing. It is a timely call for vigilant heaven-seeking Christians to strengthen their commitment to holiness, evangelism, study of God's word, fellowship, and acts of kindness. We shouldn't be despondent as we observe the events that signal the end-time; instead, we should discern revival on the horizon.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Current global upheavals are not for our anxiety, but for our action.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 22-25*📜📜 Quest For Revival https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS; AND GHS 167: I MUST TELL JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TREASURE IN TIMOTHY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state" (PHILIPPIANS 2:19-20).*_ *Timothy was a youth and spiritual son of Apostle Paul. He possessed excellent qualities that are missing in the lives of many youths today.* *Timothy's life and work in the body of Christ was so remarkable that Paul confirmed that there was none that was like-minded like Timothy in following godly examples. Timothy was a selfless minister whom Paul trusted to take care of the church in Philippi.* *Many so-called Christian youths are selfish and only think about their comfort. The Lord expects us to live a sacrificial life to edify the body of Christ and to win sinners to the kingdom. As a student, you can share what you have with your friends as it is more blessed to give than to receive.* *You also need to share the gospel of Christ with your unbelieving friends to help them to see the need of surrendering their lives to Christ. We are talking about Timothy today because he had a good and godly treasure that helped to achieve much in his ministry. Are you trustworthy like Timothy?* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Timothy was a selfless minister.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be a selfless believer.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to be selfless and trustworthy.*_ The Treasure In Timothy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *TIME IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🕰️⏲️⏰⌚⏳🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Time is a gift from God to everyone. We have a lot of time on earth, but it won't last forever. Our time here will end at some point. Therefore, we must use our time wisely. That requires good planning. Proper use of your time will help you make the most of opportunities and succeed in life. There's a time for school, homework, play, house chores, and rest. Make time for prayer and Bible reading. Do the right thing when it is needed. Don't waste all your time on phones, television and games. Say no to procrastination. God does everything at the right time. He sent Jesus to die for your sins at the right time. Any time from now, the rapture will take place. The opportunity to repent and be saved won't last forever. Once the rapture happens, it will be too late. *If you are still living in disobedience, the right time for you to sincerely repent and be saved is now!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Father, help me to be wise and to do the right thing at the right time.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Corinthians 6:2* Time Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:11 am] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 15TH AUGUST, 2026. *PRAYER AND PASSION FOR REVIVAL* *TEXT:* HABAKKUK 3:1-2. 1.A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. 2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lotrd, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. *Timeless Truth:* _"My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word"_ (Psalm 119:25). *INTRODUCTION* Revival, in the Christian context, is the sovereign visitation of God that brings renewed spiritual life, deep repentance, holiness, restoration and fresh power to His people. There are many contemporary cases of revival in addition to the one in Bible days. Jonah was used by God to bring Revival to the people of Nineveh where all the 120,000 inhabitants got convicted and converted. There were revivals in Israel during the time of king Hezekiah and Josiah. The Early Church also experienced great revival immediately after the Pentecost. When there is spiritual coldness and indifference to spiritual things, when there is no clear distinction between the world and the Church, when saints are distracted from heavenly desire to earthly preoccupation, then revival is needed. When the saints are weak, powerless and fainting in scriptural conviction and consecration, then we need revival. When formalism and entertainment fill our worship instead of true and holy devotion to God and heavenly things, revival is needed. In order to experience revival, there must be deep concern and burden for prayer coupled with passion for revival. It takes a revived person to be an instrument of revival. *1. The Man of Prayer* a. The man God uses must be a man of bended knees with power of prayer. *"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.”* Habakkuk was not merely a prophet who preached; he was also a man who prayed. His direct communication with God was not clogged. God could express His mind and vision to him clearly and He also could hear from God and communicate with God effectively and fruitfully. He was a true servant of God that stood between God and man as mediator. He lived a life that was pleasing to God and God could speak to him about people. He dwelt in the midst of compromised and corrupted people without being defiled and with boldness to declare unto them their sins and evil as God had told him without fear or favour. His response to the difficult circumstances surrounding Judah was to seek God. The spiritual condition of a nation should drive God's servants to their knees. Revival begins when someone becomes sufficiently burdened to pray as he comes out of the cocoon of self seeking and self satisfaction. b. There is no revival that ever came in human history without people who had the passion and power of prayer from God. Habakkuk's prayer demonstrates that prayer is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of dependence upon the Almighty. The revival God wants to bring may begin with one person who is willing to stand before Him in persistent intercession. Churches need prayer warriors who will carry the burden of their generation before God. The praying saints or warriors that bring revival concentrate their prayers on heavenly things and not on earthly benefits and blessings. Earnest, consistent and persistent prayers by holy people with deep burden and passion for the glory of God, salvation of souls and perfection of saints are indispensable to a true God sent revival. *Question* Am I sufficiently burdened by the spiritual condition of my generation to become a man or woman of prayer? *2. The Manifestation of Passion* *"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid"*. Habakkuk's prayer reveals intense spiritual passion. Having heard God's Word and understood His dealings with His people, he was moved deeply. He was such a person that was not indifferent to the Word of God. The Word of God moved, burned and melted his heart. It became fire in his bones that only revival could quench. First he heard the voice of God. Second he was afraid. He was like Noah who, after hearing the Word of God, believed and *"being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house"* (Hebrews 11:7). True passion for God is not passive. It actively engages in things that will bring change and revival. b. Passion for revival means longing to see God glorified, sinners saved, believers renewed and righteousness restored. Habakkuk did not ask God merely to improve circumstances; he asked Him to revive His work. True revival passion is therefore God-centred rather than man-centred. We must pray until spiritual hunger replaces spiritual complacency. *Question* Does my prayer life demonstrate a genuine passion for God to revive His work in my generation? *3. The Mercy from the Potentate* a. What does this world need desperately from God? Mercy! The degree of worldliness and ungodliness are inexcusable. Man deliberately lives his life, spurning His Word and commandments as if God does not exist. Saints' lives are soiled with carnality, worldliness and corruption. Their focus has shifted from serving the Lord to what mundane things the Lord will give to them. b. Passionate prayer for the mercy of God is an indication that we accept that God has been offended and He is angry at us because of our coldness and carnality. It should always be a prayer point constantly. *“In the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”* Habakkuk recognized God as the sovereign Potentate who has authority to judge, revive, restore and show mercy. He therefore pleaded, *“in wrath remember mercy.”* Revival cannot be manufactured by human ability; it must come through divine mercy and sovereign intervention. The prophet understood that although God's people might deserve judgment, God's mercy could provide restoration. This should encourage us to approach God humbly and plead for mercy upon the Church, families, communities, and nations. When God shows mercy, dry bones can live again, cold hearts can burn again and His work can flourish again. *Question* Am I humbly pleading with the sovereign God to remember mercy and revive His work in our generation? What decision are you making to be an agent of revival in your church and community? *Prayer Points* 1.O Lord, make me a man/woman of prayer, burdened continually for revival and spiritual awakening🙏. 2.O Lord, ignite within me an unquenchable passion for Your glory and the advancement of Your work 🙏. 3.O Lord, the sovereign Potentate, revive Your work in the Church, in families and throughout our nation 🙏. 4 Lord, in wrath remember mercy; pour out Your Spirit, save the lost, restore the backslidden and let genuine revival come upon our generation 🙏. *HYMN:* Come Holy Spirit *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 22-25. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer [It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23 God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go. ⏤ Tony Evans Lord, You created us in Your own image so that we might truly be Your children. We come to You this morning seeking Your favor. Please take away anything that hinders us from fully experiencing Your love. Just as the rising sun drives away the darkness, may Your love drive away the shadows in our souls. As the morning light spreads across fields and valleys, may Your grace surround us and fill us with Your holy love. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We have not lived in a way that honors You. We want today to be the best day we’ve ever lived. Please give us special grace, a special measure of Your Spirit, so we can stay close to You. Help us to do our everyday work better—more skillfully, more neatly, and more quickly than ever before. Help us to keep You in our thoughts as we go about our tasks. Give us more of the mind of Christ so that we may be sweet-spirited and kind-hearted. May Your love shine through us so that we reflect You in everything we do and say. Sanctify our influence on others. Many of our friends need Your help and blessing today. Some will find their duties hard because they are discouraged. Life hasn’t been easy for them. They’ve faced setbacks and losses. Please remember them and bless them in their discouragement. Keep them from losing heart. Give them courage and hope, and sustain them with Your grace. There are homes in distress because loved ones are sick. Please bless those homes tenderly. Spare the lives of those who are ill if it is Your will. We ask for these mercies, confident in Your compassion, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/41/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Amazing Facts. Daily Devotionals Once you are saved, can you ever lose your salvation? Pt. 2 August 14th, 2026 As we consider the false aspects of “once saved, always saved,” we should remember that while Jesus will never let go of us, we can let go of Him. The danger of the teaching that once you are saved you cannot be lost is that it takes away our free will. We’re always free to choose to love or reject the Lord. God does not take away our freedom once we accept Him. Notice this example in the writings of the apostle Paul: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Paul was saying that even as an apostle of Jesus, he could lose his salvation. That’s why Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Notice how some respond: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” (vv. 22, 23). Those who come to Christ and join the church do not necessarily continue on the pathway to heaven. Some who confess Jesus and even do great works in the name of Christ will be lost. Making a profession, such as, “I am saved,” does not guarantee a genuine, living relationship with Jesus. Key Bible Texts But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV)

One of the constitutional enforcements of the Gospel is prayer. Without prayer, the Gospel can neither be preached effectively, promulgated faithfully, experienced in the heart, nor be practiced in the life. And for the very simple reason that by leaving prayer out of the catalogue of religious duties, we leave God out, and His work cannot progress without Him. E M Bounds.