DO STEP-PARENTS MATTER?
SYNOPSIS: (NOTE: before you pre-judge and fire off a comment, please READ THE FULL ARTICLE at the "Them Before Us" link.) The children come first! Nick Spencer, founder of Them Before Us (TBU), explains that children have a fundamental right to their biological mother and father, stating that every child is conceived by one man and one woman. The group distinguishes between adoption and remarriage, which they view as adults stepping in to provide stability for children after a pre-existing tragedy; compared to surrogacy or donor conception, which they define as adults intentionally, to satisfy their own desires, causing via IVF a child’s loss of biological connection. READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-08-15.htm#article_4

GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF
23RD AUGUST 2026

Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed.
But before we share the word of God, let us pray

ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE
https://youtu.be/-Zfqj60lXcU?si=XfTep0H_aLMP6SL7
PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE
TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS

LESSON: PSALM 139: 23-24.

TOPIC:
WHEN GOD LOOKS AT ME, WHAT DOES HE SEE?

TEXT:
For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION:
Last Sunday, we asked ourselves a very important question: “What Kind of Christian Am I?” Today, I want us to go one step deeper. The question is no longer about what I call myself. It is not about what people call me. It is not even about the image I have created before others. The question is: “When God looks at me, what does He see?”

People see the outside. They see our clothes.
They hear our words. They see our church attendance. They see our posts on social media. They know our titles and positions. But God sees beyond all of that. 1 Samuel 16:7 says: “For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” That means I can impress people and still disappoint God. I can look religious before men and still be far from God in my heart. So today, let us allow God to examine us.

EXPOSITION:
1.GODSEES BEYOND MY APPEARANCE:
We are very conscious of how people see us. We dress well because we want to look good. We speak carefully because we want to sound intelligent. We behave properly because we want to maintain a good reputation. There is nothing wrong with these things.

But God sees what people cannot see. He sees the thoughts we hide. He sees the motives behind our actions. He sees what we do when nobody is watching. He sees the person behind the public image. You may deceive people, but you cannot deceive God.

David understood this when he prayed in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart... and see if there is any wicked way in me.” That should become our prayer too. “Lord, search me.” Not, “Lord, search my neighbour.” Not, “Lord, search my enemies.” Search me.

2. GOD SEES THE CONDITION OF MY HEART The heart is where God begins His examination.What is inside my heart? Is there unforgiveness? Bitterness? Pride? Jealousy? Greed? Hatred? Secret sin? Or is there genuine love for God and for people? Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Our words often reveal what is already living inside us.

Sometimes we say, “That was just a mistake.” But repeated words, repeated attitudes and repeated behaviours may reveal something deeper. And this is where the message becomes personal. What does God see when He looks into my heart? Does He see Christ? Does He see humility? Does He see love? Does He see repentance? Or does He see a heart that has become comfortable with things He has been asking us to surrender?

3. GOD SEES WHETHER MY LIFE AGREES WITH MY CONFESSION:
Perhaps this is the hardest question. Do I live what I claim to believe? If I say I am a Christian, can people see Christ in the way I treat them? If I say I love God, does my lifestyle demonstrate that love? If I say I have forgiven someone, have I truly released the person from my heart? If I preach holiness, am I pursuing holiness? If I tell others to trust God, do I trust Him when my own circumstances become difficult?

Jesus said in Matthew 7:16: “You will know them by their fruits.” God is not only interested in what comes out of our mouths.He is interested in what comes out of our lives. Our character is preaching every day. Our conduct is preaching. Our attitude is preaching. Our relationships are preaching. Even when we say nothing, our lives are saying something.

CONCLUSION:
THE GREATEST TRAGEDY :
My beloved, today God is not asking us to examine somebody else. He is asking us to examine ourselves. When God looks at me, what does He see? Does He see a Christian only on the outside? Or does He see a transformed heart? Does He see someone who has truly surrendered to Christ? Maybe today, we need to stop defending ourselves and simply say: “Lord, show me who I really am.” Because the greatest tragedy is not that people misunderstand us. The greatest tragedy is when we misunderstand ourselves before God.

People may applaud us. People may praise us. People may call us wonderful names. But at the end of everything, the only opinion that matters eternally is God's. So, before you ask, “What does God think about other people?” Ask yourself: “When God looks at me, what does He see?” And if He reveals something that does not look like Christ, don't run from Him.Run to Him. Because the God who reveals our condition is also the God who can transform us.

PRAYER:
Father, when You look at me, let me not be ashamed of what You see. Search my heart. Remove every bitterness, pride, hypocrisy, unforgiveness and secret sin. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Let my private life agree with my public confession. Let my character reflect Christ. Let my words, actions and attitudes bring glory to Your name. And when You look at me, Lord, let You see the evidence of Your grace working in my life. In Jesus' powerful name, Amen.

GOODWILL MESSAGE.
This is my goodwill message to you this week:
May the Lord search your heart and remove everything that does not represent Christ. May your private life be as pleasing to God as your public life appears before men. May your character reflect your confession, your actions reflect your faith, and your life become a true testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

HAPPY BLESSED SUNDAY!
HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK.

JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!
REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!

This wonderful message is brought to you
With Love from Pastor M O Glorious,
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH ,
Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria.
For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@
08055646358: 09018952081
or
peganmireAnderson Mwila.com
#WhenGodLooksAtMe
#WhatDoesGodSee
#ChristianLife
#ExamineYourself
#SearchMyHeart
#ChristianCharacter
#FaithInAction
#JesusChrist
#WalkWithGod
#TheWordOfGod
#GloriousPositiveVibes

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:-

WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR.

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

Key Scripture:

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


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

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

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

Biblical Example:
Balaam

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

Scripture: Acts 16:6–10

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

Spiritual Insight

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

Scripture: Revelation 3:7

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 43:18–19

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

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JOSEPH

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

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

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

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

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

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

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

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

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

CALL TO ACTION

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

DECLARE BY FAITH:

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

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

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

https://selar.com/m/umoedem

https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447640

Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

𝔻𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕐 𝔹ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻

2111 │ The Father Who Restores

Verse:
“He restores my soul.”
— Psalm 23:3

Meditation:
God does not only forgive your past; He restores what life has wounded.
There are places in your heart that people cannot reach, but the Father can heal them.
What feels broken, wasted, or beyond repair is not beyond His ability to restore.
Restoration may not look like getting the old life back—it may mean receiving something deeper and stronger in Christ.
The Father is not finished with you because you have been through broken seasons.
What you thought was the end may become the place where God begins something new.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, restore every broken place in my life and renew my heart. Help me trust Your restoring work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Declaration:
“My Father restores me. My broken places will become testimonies of His grace.”

Pastor. Joshua, Andaman

Connect with Our Ministry

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCXY3M0wajurjzuGc2x

https://www.youtube.com/[joshuaecho]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVs1LgEHj/

Good afternoon.
I run a business in South Houston.

I do furniture repair and restoration.
if you need my services, please reach out.

Also I wrote a book. To help young men, become godly men.
https://a.co/d/0eiFn5D9
Please buy a copy, and leave a 5 star review.

Conflict and Courage.
2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-8
I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 2 Kings 20:3.
In the midst of his prosperous reign King Hezekiah was suddenly stricken with a fatal malady. “Sick unto death,” his case was beyond the power of man to help. And the last vestige of hope seemed removed when the prophet Isaiah appeared before him with the message, “Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.”

The outlook seemed utterly dark; yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been his “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And so “he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord.” ...

He whose “compassions fail not,” heard the prayer of His servant. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee....” Gladly the prophet returned with the words of assurance and hope. Directing that a lump of figs be laid upon the diseased part, Isaiah delivered to the king the message of God's mercy and protecting care.32Ibid., 340-342.

Those who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use of the remedial agencies within their reach. It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration.... God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which He Himself has provided.33The Ministry of Healing, 231, 232.

“LORD, ORDER OUR STEPS”
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for waking us up this Saturday morning and blessing us with another day. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, protection, and faithfulness throughout another week. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed… They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
Lord, today we ask You to order our steps. Direct our decisions, conversations, relationships, families, finances, careers, and ministries. Help us to trust You even when we cannot see what lies ahead. Your Word says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).
Father, strengthen those who are tired, discouraged, grieving, or carrying burdens privately. Remind us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Touch those who are sick mentally, physically, and emotionally. Bring healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration according to Your will. Strengthen caregivers and give wisdom to doctors and medical professionals.
Bless our families. Restore broken relationships, bring peace into our homes, protect our children and loved ones, and let our households declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
Lord, provide for those seeking employment, financial increase, and open doors. We stand on Your promise: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Father, prepare us for what is ahead. When You say move, give us courage to move. When You say wait, give us patience. When You close a door, help us trust You. When You open one, give us faith to walk through it.
Protect us throughout this weekend. “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in” (Psalm 121:8).
Today we declare: Our steps are ordered, our minds are guarded, our families are covered, our needs are supplied, and our future is in God's hands!
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen and Amen!

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026.*

*I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!*

Scripture:
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” — Job 19:25 (KJV).

*Reflection – Faith That Stands in Difficult Times*

Job spoke these powerful words in the midst of tremendous suffering. His circumstances gave him many reasons to despair, yet he declared with confidence: “I know that my redeemer liveth.”

Job's confidence was not based on what he could see. His situation was painful and uncertain, but his faith rested in the character of his Redeemer.

There will be seasons when circumstances challenge our faith. We may not understand why certain things are happening, but we can still hold firmly to the truth that God lives, God cares, and God remains our Redeemer.

Today, let your confidence be greater than your circumstances. You may not know how everything will work out, but you can know Who holds your future.

Your situation is not the final chapter. Your Redeemer lives!

*Prophetic Declaration:*
Today, I boldly declare: I know that my Redeemer lives! My hope is not dead, my faith is not dead, and my future is not hopeless because the Lord who redeemed me is alive.

I declare that no present difficulty shall make me forget the faithfulness of God. Though I may walk through challenging seasons, I will continue to trust the Lord because He remains my Redeemer.

Today, I receive fresh confidence in God's power to restore, renew, and redeem. Every area of my life that needs divine intervention is placed into the hands of my living Redeemer.

I declare redemption over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May God redeem wasted opportunities, restore broken relationships according to His will, renew lost strength, and bring beauty out of difficult seasons.

I proclaim that my past will not define my future. Mistakes, disappointments, failures, delays, and difficult experiences shall not have the final word over my life. God is able to redeem my story and use it for His glory.

I declare that every season of mourning shall give way to renewed joy according to God's perfect timing. Every place where I have experienced disappointment shall become an opportunity to testify of God's faithfulness.

Today, I refuse to surrender to hopelessness. I refuse to believe that my best days are behind me. I choose to believe that God is still working, even when His work is not immediately visible.

I declare that my faith shall become stronger through every trial. Like Job, I shall hold firmly to God even when I do not understand my circumstances.

I proclaim that the Lord shall stand for me. He shall defend me, sustain me, guide me, and establish me according to His perfect purpose.

Today, I declare that my life shall become a testimony of God's redeeming power. What seemed like the end shall become a new beginning, and what appeared hopeless shall reveal God's faithfulness.

My Redeemer lives!
My hope lives!
My faith lives!
My future is in God's hands!
My story is not over!

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

*Action Steps for today:*
Begin with worship: Thank God because your Redeemer lives, regardless of your present circumstances.

Read Job 19:23–27: Meditate on Job's remarkable declaration of faith in the midst of suffering.

Declare: “I know that my Redeemer lives. Therefore, I will not give up hope.”

Surrender your past: Give your failures, disappointments, regrets, and painful experiences to God and trust Him to redeem your story.

Strengthen someone's faith: Encourage someone who is passing through a difficult season with the message: “Your Redeemer lives.”

Refuse hopelessness: Whenever negative thoughts arise today, consciously remind yourself of God's faithfulness.

End the day with thanksgiving: Thank God for His redemption, preservation, mercy, and the hope you have in Him.

*Prayer:*
Heavenly Father,
I thank You because You are my living Redeemer. Like Job, I declare today that I know that my Redeemer lives!

Even when I do not understand my circumstances, help me to trust You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am discouraged, renew my hope. When I cannot see the way forward, remind me that You are already there.

Lord, redeem every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Redeem my time, opportunities, efforts, relationships, work, ministry, studies, and every good purpose You have placed within me.

Bring restoration where there has been loss and renewal where there has been weakness. Turn painful experiences into testimonies and use my story for Your glory.

Protect my family and establish everything concerning us according to Your perfect will.

Help me never to allow my circumstances to become greater than my faith in You. Give me the grace to stand firm like Job and continue trusting You until my change comes.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and because He lives, I have hope for tomorrow.

In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

*Blessing for today:*
May the living Redeemer arise in every situation concerning you. May He restore your hope, renew your strength, redeem your time, and turn difficult seasons into testimonies.

May God preserve your family, strengthen your ministry, bless the work of your hands, establish your plans according to His will, and guide you into the future He has prepared for you.

May you have the grace to stand firm even when circumstances are difficult. May your faith remain unshaken and your hope remain alive.

What God has permitted, He can redeem. What He has promised, He is able to fulfill. What concerns you is safely in His hands.

Your Redeemer lives!
Your hope lives!
Your faith shall stand!
Your story is not over!

“FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH.” — JOB 19:25

Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, hopeful, faith-filled, and testimony-producing 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: clementoyadosuAnderson Mwila.com

THE UNHOLY CONCEPTION IN STALIN'S EMBRACE WILL FOREVER WEIGH ON THE ROC AND ITS BRANCHES AROUND THE WORLD

SYNOPSIS: Archimandrite Nykanor (Mishkov), a prominent Bulgarian cleric, maintains a steadfast pro-Ukrainian stance, explaining that the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is inextricably linked to Stalinist ideologies and the pursuit of state-controlled "Russian world" interests. Fr. Nykanor criticizes the current leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), specifically Patriarch Daniil, for their refusal to condemn Russian aggression and their internal efforts to silence clergy who express solidarity with Ukraine. He highlights how the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ) serves as a sophisticated propaganda tool for the FSB/GRU to manipulate international perception and undermine support for Ukraine under the guise of religious freedom... READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-08-15.htm#article_3

WHEN GOD WRITES ON THE WALL
A Call to Examine Your Heart Before God

KEY SCRIPTURE
“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)

Thought Of The Day...
There are times when God whispers to our hearts. There are times when He sends warnings through His Word, through circumstances, and through people. And then there are moments when God makes His message so unmistakably clear that it can no longer be ignored.
Daniel 5 gives us one of the most powerful and sobering examples in all of Scripture.
King Belshazzar was surrounded by celebration. The palace was filled with people, food, wine, wealth, music, power, and prestige. To everyone looking from the outside, it appeared that the king had everything under control. But while Belshazzar was celebrating on earth, Heaven was examining his heart.
While people were honoring the king, God was weighing the king.
While Belshazzar was looking at what he possessed, God was looking at what he had become.
Suddenly everything changed.
“In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”
— Daniel 5:5 (KJV)
The celebration stopped. The king's confidence disappeared. The man who commanded others suddenly had no control over himself.
Scripture says:
“Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him... and his knees smote one against another.”
— Daniel 5:6 (KJV)
Belshazzar discovered something that we must never forget: when God speaks, earthly power cannot silence Him. When God exposes something, money cannot cover it. When God pronounces judgment, human influence cannot reverse it.
Belshazzar called for the astrologers, Chaldeans, soothsayers, and wise men of Babylon, but none of them could interpret the writing. All the intelligence of Babylon was powerless before a message that came from God.
Eventually Daniel was summoned.
Daniel had lived faithfully before God for years. Kings had changed. Governments had changed. Circumstances had changed. Daniel had grown older, but his commitment to God had remained.
What a testimony!
The queen said concerning Daniel:
“...there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods... light and understanding and wisdom... was found in him.”
— Daniel 5:11 (KJV)
Daniel had developed a reputation that when everybody else was confused, Daniel knew how to seek God.
May that become our testimony.
When people around us are confused, may they know that we know God. When families experience trouble, may they know there is somebody who knows how to pray. When darkness enters a situation, may our lives carry the light of Christ.
Jesus declared:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
— Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Belshazzar offered Daniel wealth, clothing, jewelry, and political promotion if he could interpret the message. But Daniel answered:
“Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another...”
— Daniel 5:17 (KJV)
Daniel's integrity was not for sale.
He didn't need the king's money to tell the king God's truth. He wasn't seeking popularity. He wasn't chasing another title. Daniel understood that pleasing God was greater than pleasing people.
That same conviction must live within us.
There will be times when standing upon God's Word will not make us popular. There will be times when truth will challenge people. There will be times when obedience may cost us opportunities, relationships, applause, or acceptance.
But we must be able to say:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?...”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
Daniel reminded Belshazzar about Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had once become lifted up in pride, and God humbled him until he understood:
“...that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.”
— Daniel 5:21 (KJV)
Then Daniel spoke words that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
“And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.”
— Daniel 5:22 (KJV)
Though thou knewest all this.
Belshazzar had been given an example. He knew what pride had done before him, but he refused to learn from it.
There is a dangerous difference between not knowing God's will and knowing God's will but refusing to obey it.
The Bible says:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
— James 4:17 (KJV)
God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval.
Just because judgment has not come does not mean God approves of what we are doing. Sometimes God's delay is actually God's mercy giving us time to repent.
“The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
Belshazzar had also taken the sacred vessels from God's temple and used them during his celebration. He treated what belonged to God as though it were common.
Daniel told him:
“...thou hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven...”
— Daniel 5:23 (KJV)
This should cause us to ask ourselves: Have we become too casual with the things of God?
Have we become casual about prayer?
Casual about worship?
Casual about God's Word?
Casual about holiness?
Casual about our calling?
Casual about the gifts God placed inside us?
Casual about gathering with other believers?
God is loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate, but He is still holy.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
— 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)
Belshazzar praised gods made from silver, gold, brass, iron, wood, and stone. Yet when trouble entered the palace, none of those gods could answer him.
How often do people still place their confidence in things that cannot save them?
Money cannot save the soul.
A career cannot save the soul.
A title cannot save the soul.
Popularity cannot save the soul.
Possessions cannot save the soul.
Human relationships cannot take God's place.
Jesus asked:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)
Then Daniel revealed the handwriting:
“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.”
— Daniel 5:25 (KJV)
MENE meant:
“God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
— Daniel 5:26 (KJV)
Belshazzar thought he had more time.
God said his time had been numbered.
That should remind us that every day is a gift from God.
Every morning is mercy.
Every breath is grace.
Every opportunity to pray is precious.
Every opportunity to forgive matters.
Every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus matters.
Every opportunity to obey God matters.
David prayed:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
Then came TEKEL:
“Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)
What a frightening statement.
Belshazzar had been weighed—not by public opinion, not by his friends, not by his servants, and not by the standards of Babylon.
He had been weighed by God.
People may celebrate what God is correcting.
People may applaud what God is examining.
People may be impressed by our gifts while God is concerned about our character.
People may see our appearance while God sees our hearts.
Scripture declares:
“...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
That brings us to a serious question:
If God examined my heart today, what would He find?
Would He find humility or pride?
Would He find obedience or rebellion?
Would He find forgiveness or bitterness?
Would He find love or hatred?
Would He find integrity when nobody is watching?
Would He find genuine faith?
Would He find someone seeking His glory—or someone seeking his or her own?
This is not about earning salvation. We cannot save ourselves through our works.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works...”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
Our hope is Jesus Christ. But when Christ truly transforms our hearts, our lives should produce evidence of that transformation.
Finally came PERES:
“Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
— Daniel 5:28 (KJV)
Then Scripture delivers the sobering conclusion:
“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.”
— Daniel 5:30 (KJV)
That night.
Belshazzar started the evening sitting on a throne and ended it having lost everything.
He thought he had tomorrow.
He didn't.
This is why Scripture says:
“...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Don't wait for tomorrow to surrender what God is asking for today.
Don't wait until tomorrow to forgive.
Don't wait until tomorrow to repent.
Don't wait until tomorrow to pray.
Don't wait until tomorrow to make things right.
Don't wait until tomorrow to answer God's call.
And above all, don't wait until tomorrow to come to Jesus.
Daniel 5 is not merely about handwriting appearing on a wall. It is about a God who sees beyond appearances and examines the heart.
Belshazzar's kingdom is gone. Babylon's glory faded. Its wealth could not last. Its power could not last. Its king could not last.
But our God remains.
“For I am the LORD, I change not...”
— Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
Before God ever has to write something on the wall, allow Him to write His Word upon your heart.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
— Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Let His Word correct you.
Let His Word convict you.
Let His Word humble you.
Let His Word guide you.
Let His Word transform you.
And when God reveals something in your heart that needs to change, don't run from Him.
Run to Him.
Because through Jesus Christ there is forgiveness, mercy, restoration, and new life.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

PRAYER...
Most Holy and Eternal God, our Father,
We come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, humbled by Your Word and grateful for Your mercy.
Father, search us today.
Your Word declares:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”
— Psalm 139:23 (KJV)
Lord, shine Your light into every area of our lives. Reveal anything within us that does not please You.
If pride has entered our hearts, humble us.
If bitterness has entered our hearts, cleanse us.
If unforgiveness has taken root, help us forgive.
If compromise has entered our lives, give us courage to turn away from it.
If we have become casual concerning holy things, restore our reverence for You.
If anything has taken Your rightful place in our hearts, tear down every idol and draw us back to You.
Father, never allow us to become so comfortable with Your blessings that we forget the One who blessed us.
Help us remember that every breath comes from You, every opportunity comes from You, every gift comes from You, and every good thing comes from You.
Your Word says:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...”
— James 1:17 (KJV)
Give us the spirit of Daniel.
Give us wisdom when others are confused.
Give us courage when others compromise.
Give us integrity when temptation comes.
Give us faith when circumstances become difficult.
Give us boldness to speak Your truth with love.
May we never sell our convictions for acceptance, promotion, popularity, money, or position.
Father, teach us to number our days.
Help us understand that tomorrow is not promised and today is an opportunity to glorify You.
May our lives bring honor to Jesus Christ.
May our homes glorify You.
May our marriages and families glorify You.
May our ministries glorify You.
May our workplaces glorify You.
May our words glorify You.
May our decisions glorify You.
And when You examine our hearts, may You find people who sincerely love You, trust You, obey You, and desire to walk according to Your Word.
Thank You for Jesus.
Thank You that where we have fallen short, the blood of Jesus still cleanses.
Thank You that repentance is still available.
Thank You that grace is still available.
Thank You that mercy is still available.
Thank You that restoration is still available.
Create within us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
We surrender ourselves completely to You.
In the mighty, matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
I DECLARE IN THE NAME OF JESUS:
My heart belongs to God!
My life belongs to God!
My family belongs to God!
My gifts belong to God!
My future belongs to God!
My worship belongs to God!
I will not allow pride to rule my heart.
I will not allow the things of this world to become idols in my life.
I will not compromise God's Word for popularity, acceptance, position, possessions, or applause.
Like Daniel, I will walk with an excellent spirit.
I will stand when others compromise.
I will pray when others panic.
I will trust God when others doubt.
I will speak truth with love.
I will honor God publicly and privately.
MENE! I understand that my days are numbered, therefore I will make my days count for the glory of God.
TEKEL! I understand that God examines the heart, therefore I will walk humbly and sincerely before Him.
PERES! I understand that earthly kingdoms, possessions, titles, and accomplishments will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
I declare that God's Word will be written upon my heart.
I will not wait for the handwriting on the wall before I obey God.
TODAY I CHOOSE JESUS!
TODAY I CHOOSE HUMILITY!
TODAY I CHOOSE OBEDIENCE!
TODAY I CHOOSE HOLINESS!
TODAY I CHOOSE FAITH!
TODAY I CHOOSE TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
This is my declaration, this is my commitment, and this is my prayer—in Jesus' mighty name. Amen and Amen!