BEHIND JESUS TEXT: Acts 18:28 SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3 OBJECTIVES At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to: 1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. 2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh. 3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man. 4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture. INTRODUCTION Acts 18:28 (KJV): “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is. The Bible teaches that God is Spirit: John 4:24 (KJV): “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is also love: 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real. QUESTION Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit? Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (KJV): “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him. John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16: “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love. 2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God. Isaiah 2:22: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” James 4:14: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal. 3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God. John 1:4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…” 1 John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ. 4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour. Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself. 5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD God is holy, righteous, loving and good. Psalm 100:5: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 145:9: “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity. Acts 10:38: “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” 6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man. Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves. THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH 1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM God became visible through Jesus Christ. John 14:9: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” 2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM John testified that Jesus was physically real. 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…” The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ. 3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people. 1 John 1:3: “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples. Matthew 26:30: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them. 4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority. John 2:11: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…” Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…” His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God. 5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…” Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…” He understands what humanity experiences. 6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption. Matthew 26:28: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” 1 Peter 1:18–19: “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…” Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined. In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is. Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Behind the soil, there may be gold. Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God. Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” John 20:28: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed. ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation. 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…” Jesus truly came in the flesh. He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine. WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT Acts 18:28: “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come. Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal. John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world…” Luke 1:32–33: “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…” Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel. Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character. But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus. We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings. Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him. They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace. But the Gospel points us back to Jesus. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD Jesus made this clear: John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter also declared: Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other…” Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way. His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity. Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS? Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…” And then: John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God…” The fullness of God dwells in Him. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He existed before Abraham. John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is one with the Father. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Thomas called Him God. John 20:28: “My Lord and my God.” And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son: Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father. And in Him is eternal life. FINAL CHALLENGE Do not stop at what you see on the surface. Look behind Jesus. Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures. John 20:31: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.

Good morning everyone. I have a referral business for Christian real estate agents and if you are one, I'd love for your to join. Please go to christianrealtorhub.com to join!

🔥 NO REHAB. JUST GOD. 🔥 I fell to my knees and asked God to take the desire away from me. I was tired of being chained to something that was destroying my life. And then something happened that I will NEVER stop telling people about… The next day, the desire was GONE. 🙌 No rehab. No program. No explanation I can give other than GOD. That is MY testimony. ❤️‍🔥 I know recovery looks different for everyone, and there is absolutely no shame in getting professional help, treatment, counseling, or going to rehab. But this is how God moved in my life—and I refuse to stay quiet about it. ⛓️ What had me bound LOST ITS GRIP. 🔥 What I couldn't break, GOD BROKE. 🙌 And I will spend the rest of my life telling people what He did for me. If God changed your life too, tell somebody. Your testimony could be the hope someone needs today. 💙 Follow FoxxFusion Ministries for more faith, recovery, hope, and real testimonies of lives being changed. #GodDidIt #RecoveryIsPossible #Testimony #JesusChangesLives #FoxxFusionMinistries

Sermon Title: "RIGHT GIVING IN A WRONG SEASON" Key Texts: 2 Corinthians 9:7, Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 12:1-2, Psalm 51:17 INTRODUCTION Beloved, we are in the last days. Times of hardship. Times where many are pressed on every side. And in these days, giving has become godly for some... and desperate for others. God loves a cheerful giver. But the enemy has twisted giving into a trap for the wounded. Today God is calling us back: Look to God first, not to giving as a formula. 1. GIVING IS GODLY, BUT MOTIVE MATTERS 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving is worship. It is obedience. It is sowing. But in this last age, error has entered. Many are giving not out of faith, but out of fear and desperation. "If I give this, then God must heal me. Then God must pay my rent." That’s not covenant. That’s bargaining. And when we bargain with God, we leave ourselves ungodly and still desperate because our eyes are on the gift, not the Giver. Isaiah 1:11 — “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord.” God wants the heart before the hand. 2. THE REAL NEED: REPENTANCE AND RELATIONSHIP Your message says it: “Look to God in repentance, obedience of God's word and be right before God.” Hardship will come. 2 Timothy 3:1 — “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” But the answer is not just to give more. The answer is to return to God. Joel 2:12-13 — “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” God’s priority is not your offering. It’s you. When you are right with God, He heals both: Physical wounds: Psalm 147:3 — “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Spiritual wounds: Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” 3. THE DANGER: USING GOD FOR THE GIFT You said: “Unfortunately receivers of what they give. Ain't looking to this but after their more giving in. Leaving them ungodly before and desperate in life.” This is the trap. Using God like an ATM. Acts 8:20 — Peter told Simon, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” When we chase the blessing more than the Blesser, we stay in cycles: Desperation → Give No instant result → More desperation → Give more We become tired, bitter, and far from God. Jesus warned us: Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 4. GOD’S WAY: HEAL FIRST, THEN GIVE FROM WHOLENESS God is not against your giving. He is for your healing. Hebrews 12:1-2 — “Let us lay aside every weight... and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” God’s order: Repentance - Turn from sin and self-reliance Obedience - Walk in His Word daily Relationship - Seek His face, not just His hand Giving - Now give from a place of faith and joy, not fear When you do this, God restores. Malachi 3:10 — “Bring the full tithe... and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.” But notice: the tithe comes after “Return to me” in verse 7. CLOSING CALL + PRAYER Church, don’t let hardship push you into error. Don’t give to manipulate God. Give because you love Him. If you’ve been giving out of desperation, today is the day to return. Prayer: Father, heal us. Heal our finances, but more than that, heal our hearts. Forgive us for making giving a transaction

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Rip Off the Mask By Shelley Quinn August 14th, 2026 “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13 Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing. “Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?” After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head. “You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!” My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.” He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk. He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason. I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness. Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.” People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares. Verbal camouflage is deceitful. I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you. Let’s rip off the mask and get real!

Need to know. CAN A CHRISTIAN LISTEN TO WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC? THE SHOCKING TRUTH MANY BELIEVERS ARE AFRAID TO DISCUSS Child of God, this is one of the most debated questions in Christianity today. Some believers say, "Music is just entertainment." Others believe anything outside worship is dangerous. But the real question is this: What is your music feeding? Your flesh or your spirit? Music is never just background noise. It shapes emotions, influences thoughts, creates atmospheres, and affects your spiritual sensitivity. Many people judge music by the beat while ignoring the message it carries. The Bible shows that music has spiritual influence. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's harp brought relief to Saul as the evil spirit departed. If godly music can usher in peace, worship, and God's presence, shouldn't we also consider what ungodly music may be inviting into our hearts? This is why discernment matters. Not every secular song is evil, but neither is every song spiritually safe. The issue isn't simply the rhythm—it's the message, the values it celebrates, and the fruit it produces in your life. Much of today's music glorifies lust, immorality, pride, violence, greed, drunkenness, revenge, and rebellion against God's ways. Ask yourself honestly: • If I spend hours every day feeding on messages that oppose God's Word, how will that shape my heart? Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Music enters through emotion and repetition. What you repeatedly listen to eventually shapes your desires, attitudes, and spiritual appetite. It is no surprise that many believers know every lyric of a worldly song but struggle to remember Scripture or spend time in prayer. At the same time, avoid legalism. Not every secular song promotes sin. Some simply tell stories about life, family, or human experiences. That's why believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not blanket condemnation. Instead, ask these questions: • Does this music glorify sin? • Does it stir ungodly desires? • Does it weaken or strengthen my relationship with Christ? Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on whatever is true, pure, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The truth is simple: • Not everything lawful is beneficial. • Not everything popular is healthy. • Not everything entertaining is harmless. Guard your heart. Protect your spiritual atmosphere. Let the Holy Spirit shape what fills your mind, because what fills your heart will eventually shape your life. What do you think? Can Christians listen to secular music? Have you seen music affect your walk with God?

Did you know? The Bible clearly teaches that demonic possession is real, not a myth, metaphor, or ancient superstition. Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, we see Him encounter people who were controlled by evil spirits. Jesus did not dismiss these cases as imagination or simply explain them away—He spoke directly to demons, commanded them to leave, and they obeyed Him. The Gospels show that Satan and demons are real spiritual enemies, but they are not equal to God. Jesus has complete authority over them, showing that no power of darkness can stand against the power of Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 (Not forsaking the assembling.) 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Hebrews 10:25 commands us to assemble so that everyone can actively encourage and stir each other up in love (Hebrews 10:24). In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the biblical assembly is where everyone participates not a show where everyone sits silently watching a stage. According to Matthew 18:20, whenever even two or three of us gather in His name, Jesus is right there. Gathering as the church is about active fellowship and home to home community (Acts 2:46), not spectator attendance at a venue. Matthew 5:6 (Hunger and thirst for righteousness.) Matthew 7:21 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 23:5, 23 But all their works they do to be seen by men. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe... and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. Jesus said those who hunger for righteousness will be filled, but He defined righteousness as doing the Father’s will in real life (Matthew 7:21) practicing justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). In Matthew 23:5, Jesus explicitly condemned religious leaders who turned faith into an outward show to be seen by people. True righteousness isn't chasing an emotional high at a service; it is walking in obedience, truth, and love every day (1 John 3:7). Psalm 122:1 (I was glad when they said. Let us go into the house of the Lord) Acts 7:48-49 However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? John 4:21, 23 - Jesus said to her, 'Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. In the Old Testament, Psalm 122 referred to the physical temple in Jerusalem. But under the New Covenant, Acts 7:48 states that God does not live in buildings made by human hands. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-23 that true worship is no longer attached to a physical mountain or venue. 1 Corinthians 3:16 proves that we are the temple of God. A church building is just brick and mortar; we are the house of the Lord wherever we go.

MONDAY MORNING PRAYER “BUT IF NOT!” A Faith That Trusts God Regardless of the Outcome! Scripture: Daniel 3:17–18 (KJV) “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods...” Heavenly Father, we come before You this Monday morning with hearts still overflowing from the awesome service we experienced yesterday. Thank You for Your presence, Your Word, Your power, and the reminder that You are still God—even when life doesn't turn out the way we expected. Lord, as we begin this new week, give us the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They stood before a fiery furnace knowing You were able to deliver them, but their faith wasn't dependent upon whether You did. Their declaration was simple but powerful: “Our God is able... BUT IF NOT, we still won't bow!” Father, give us that kind of faith! When the prayer hasn't been answered yet—we will still worship You. When the healing hasn't manifested yet—we will still trust You. When the financial breakthrough hasn't come yet—we will still praise You. When the family situation hasn't changed—we will still believe You. When the door doesn't open—we will still serve You. When we don't understand what You're doing—we will still declare that You are good! Lord, teach us that real faith doesn't say, “I'll trust You if You do what I want.” Real faith says, “God, I know You are able, but even if You choose another way, I will not bow, I will not quit, and I will not turn away from You!” Father, some of us may walk into a furnace this week—a difficult conversation, an unexpected problem, pressure on the job, financial concerns, family struggles, disappointment, or circumstances beyond our control. But remind us that the furnace does not mean You have abandoned us! Daniel 3:25 declares, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire... and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” God, meet us in the fire! If You don't keep us from it, walk through it with us. If You don't immediately remove it, give us strength to endure it. If You don't change the situation today, change us while we're standing in it. And when we come out, let us come out like those three Hebrew men—not destroyed, not defeated, and not smelling like what we've been through! Your Word says in Daniel 3:27 that “the smell of fire had not passed on them.” So Father, don't let yesterday's fire contaminate today's attitude. Don't let past disappointments determine this week's expectations. Don't allow bitterness, fear, frustration, or discouragement to follow us into this new day. We declare: THE FIRE WILL NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD! We may be tested, but we will not bow. We may be pressured, but we will not compromise. We may be surrounded by flames, but we are not alone. We may not understand God's plan, but we trust God's heart. Father, cover our families today. Cover our homes, marriages, children, grandchildren, loved ones, churches, pastors, leaders, workplaces, businesses, finances, and every concern we're carrying. Go before us on the highways and byways. Protect us from dangers seen and unseen. Give us wisdom in every decision, grace in every conversation, patience in every challenge, and strength for every assignment. And Lord, when the enemy whispers, “What if God doesn't do it?” Give us enough faith to answer: “BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST HIM!” Because our faith isn't merely in what God can give us—our faith is in who God is! You are still Jehovah Jireh—our Provider. You are still Jehovah Rapha—our Healer. You are still Jehovah Shalom—our Peace. You are still our Deliverer, our Keeper, our Refuge, and our Strength! So we enter this Monday declaring: OUR GOD IS ABLE! But even if He doesn't do it the way we expected... WE WILL STILL WORSHIP! WE WILL STILL SERVE! WE WILL STILL PRAISE! WE WILL STILL BELIEVE! WE WILL STILL STAND! Because whether God delivers us from the fire or meets us in the fire, we know one thing for certain: WE WILL NEVER WALK THROUGH THE FIRE ALONE! Father, let the Word we received yesterday live in us throughout this entire week. “BUT IF NOT!” Our circumstances will not determine our worship. Our disappointments will not destroy our faith. Our trials will not make us bow. GOD IS ABLE—AND GOD IS STILL GOD! In the mighty, matchless, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN! MONDAY Morning Declaration... My God is able! But if He chooses another way, I will still trust Him. I will not bow to fear, pressure, doubt, or discouragement. If I have to walk through the fire, I know I will not walk alone. God is with me, God is for me, and my faith will remain standing. BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST GOD!

God Is Moved by a Repentant Heart Scripture Judges 10:16 (NKJV) So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel Repentance That Brings God’s Compassion Judges chapter 10 describes Israel sinking deeper into idolatry and suffering the consequences of turning away from the Lord. Once again they cry out for help but this time God confronts them more directly. Their repentance could not remain only words. It had to be proven by action. Verse 16 marks a powerful turning point. Israel removes the foreign gods and returns to serving the Lord. This repentance is not partial or emotional only. It is visible and costly. They abandon what had replaced God in their hearts and lives. The response of God is striking. Scripture says His soul could no longer endure their misery. This reveals the compassion of God. Though Israel’s suffering was the result of their choices God’s heart was still moved by genuine repentance. Discipline had a purpose and restoration followed humility. For believers today Judges 10 reminds us that God responds to sincere repentance. God is not looking for excuses but for hearts willing to change direction. When repentance is real God’s mercy is near. He does not delight in suffering but in restoration. Reflection Questions 1. Is my repentance expressed through action or only words 2. Have I removed anything that competes with God in my life 3. Do I trust that God is compassionate when I turn back to Him Prayer Lord God search my heart and show me anything that has taken Your place. I choose to turn fully back to You and serve You alone. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Restore me and lead me forward in obedience and trust. In Jesus name Amen.