28 Beleifs # 22
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR

We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

SEED OF LIFE
When the Lord saw that the wickedness of man on the earth was great, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. But the earth was corrupt before the face of God, and the earth was filled with violence.
• Genesis 6:5 & 11

Our Father gave His commandments to man as a rule of life, but His law was transgressed, and every conceivable sin was the result. The wickedness of man was open and defiant, justice was trampled into the dust, and the cry of the oppressed ascended to heaven... The sins that cried out for vengeance upon the world before the flood exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men, and His law is treated with indifference and contempt. The intense worldliness of that generation is matched by that of the generation now living.• Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 90 & 101

•A Point to Ponder•
The world may become increasingly lawless, more violent, and more secular, but our Father's answer is not fear. It is faithfulness – a continuous walk with Him.(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)

*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

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:

DOES READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR PHONE A SIN?

A Powerful Sermon for Young and Mature Christians.

The Phone Is Not the Problem.

Imagine this:
You wake up in the morning. Before your feet touch the floor, your hand reaches for your phone.

You check WhatsApp.
You scroll through Facebook.
You watch a few videos.
You check notifications.
You laugh at a few posts.

Then someone asks you:

“Did you read your Bible today?”

You say, “Yes, I read it on my phone.”

But another person says, “Reading the Bible on your phone is not spiritual. You need a physical Bible!”

So, who is right?

Is reading the Bible on your phone a sin?

The answer is NO.

The Bible does not teach that reading God's Word from a phone is sinful. The issue is not whether the Bible is printed on paper or displayed on a screen. The greater issue is whether God's Word is entering your heart and transforming your life.
Your phone can be a tool for temptation—or a tool for transformation.
The same device that can carry pornography can carry Scripture.
The same phone that can waste three hours can also help you spend thirty minutes with God.
The question is not simply:
“What device are you using?”
The deeper question is:
“What are you using the device for, and what is God's Word producing in your life?”
1. GOD'S WORD IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT THE MATERIAL IT IS PRINTED ON

Key Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:16–17

«“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”»
Paul does not say God's Word becomes powerful only when printed on paper.
The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the material on which the words appear.
Whether you read:
- a physical Bible,
- a Bible app,
- an ebook,
- a Bible website,
- or listen to an audio Bible,
the important question is whether you are receiving and obeying the truth of God's Word.

Consider this:
If you read Psalm 23 on paper, God can speak to you.
If you read Psalm 23 on your phone, God can speak to you.
The paper does not make the Word powerful.
God makes His Word powerful.
The Bible says:
«“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”
— Hebrews 4:12»
The power is in the Word, not in the paper.
2. JESUS TAUGHT US TO CARRY GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS

Key Scripture:

Psalm 119:11

«“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”»
Notice what the psalmist says:
“I have hidden Your Word in my heart.”
He doesn't say, “I have hidden Your Word in my leather Bible.”
The ultimate goal of Bible reading is not merely to own a Bible.
It is to allow the Bible to own your heart.
You can carry a beautiful Bible everywhere and never obey it.
You can have 20 Bible apps installed and never open one.
You can underline hundreds of verses and still refuse to forgive somebody.
You can listen to sermons every day and remain unchanged.
Therefore, Bible possession is not the same as Bible transformation.
Jesus said:
«“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15»
The real evidence that we are receiving God's Word is not merely that we read it.
It is that we obey it.
3. YOUR PHONE CAN BECOME A TEMPLE OF DISTRACTION OR A TOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
This is where we need wisdom.
Reading the Bible on your phone is not a sin.
But allowing your phone to constantly distract you from God's Word is a spiritual problem.
You open your Bible app to read Matthew 5.
A notification appears.
You check WhatsApp.
Someone has posted something interesting.
You open Facebook.
Then you see a video.
Then another video.
Twenty minutes later, you have forgotten why you opened the phone.
The problem was not the phone.
The problem was lack of spiritual discipline.
Jesus said:
«“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”
— Matthew 26:41»
We must learn to control our devices rather than allowing our devices to control us.
Your phone can help you:
- read Scripture every morning;
- memorize Bible verses;
- listen to Scripture while travelling;
- study different Bible translations;
- search for related passages;
- take spiritual notes;
- listen to Christian teaching;
- share Scripture with others;
- follow a Bible reading plan.
But it can also become a major source of distraction.
The same phone can take you closer to God or farther from Him.
The difference is how you use it.
4. DON'T CONFUSE A PHYSICAL BIBLE WITH SPIRITUALITY
There is nothing wrong with loving a physical Bible.
In fact, many Christians find it easier to concentrate, underline passages, make notes, and remember where verses are located when using a printed Bible.
That's wonderful.
But we must be careful not to create spiritual rules that God did not create.

If someone says:
“You are sinning because you read the Bible on your phone,”
ask respectfully:
“Where does Scripture teach that?”
We must distinguish between:
Biblical commands
Things God actually commands.
Personal preferences
Things that may help us spiritually but are not universal commands.
A physical Bible can be an excellent spiritual tool.
But it is not a requirement for salvation.
It is not the paper that makes someone spiritual.
It is their relationship with Christ and their submission to God's Word.
5. THE GOAL OF BIBLE READING IS TRANSFORMATION

Key Scripture:

James 1:22

«“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”»
This is one of the most important truths in this entire message.
You can read the Bible on your phone and become spiritually mature.
You can read the Bible from a physical Bible and remain spiritually immature.
Why?
Because reading is the beginning—not the destination.
The Word should change:
- how you speak;
- how you think;
- how you treat people;
- how you handle money;
- how you respond to temptation;
- how you conduct relationships;
- how you forgive;
- how you work;
- how you raise your children;
- how you use technology.
If your Bible reading does not affect your life, something is missing.
The purpose of Scripture is not simply to fill your head with information but to transform your heart and direct your life.

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS

Consider Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4.
When Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus responded repeatedly:
“It is written…”
Jesus knew the Word.
He remembered the Word.
He trusted the Word.
He used the Word.
And He obeyed the Word.
The lesson is powerful:
The Bible is not merely something we read during peaceful moments. It is truth we carry into spiritual battles.
When temptation says:
“You cannot overcome this.”
The Word says:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13
When fear says:
“You are alone.”
The Word says:
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
— Hebrews 13:5
When anxiety says:
“Everything is going to collapse.”
The Word says:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…”
— Philippians 4:6
When condemnation says:
“You are finished.”
The Word reminds you:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1
That is why we must not merely read the Word.
We must know the Word.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Your phone is neither holy nor sinful by itself.
It is a tool.
A knife can prepare food or cause harm.
Money can support ministry or become an idol.
A car can take you to church or take you somewhere sinful.
A phone can spread the Gospel or spread ungodliness.
The issue is the heart of the user.
Jesus taught:
«“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
— Matthew 6:21»
Therefore, examine your heart.
If you use your phone to read Scripture, praise God.
If your phone constantly distracts you from Scripture, establish boundaries.
If a particular app repeatedly pulls you into sin, have the courage to remove it.
Don't protect an app at the expense of your spiritual life.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

1. Choose a Bible-reading time
Don't wait until you “feel spiritual.”
Set a time and keep it.
2. Turn off notifications
When studying Scripture, silence unnecessary notifications.
Give God your attention.
3. Use your phone intentionally
Before opening your phone, know why you are opening it.
If you are reading Scripture, read Scripture.
4. Keep a physical Bible if it helps you
There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a printed Bible.
Use whatever helps you engage deeply with God's Word.
5. Don't only read—meditate
Ask:
What is God saying?
What does this reveal about Him?
What must I change?
What must I obey?
6. Memorize Scripture
A phone can disappear.
A battery can die.
A network can fail.
But God's Word hidden in your heart remains with you.
7. Put Scripture into practice
Forgive.
Love.
Serve.
Give.
Pray.
Speak truth.
Resist temptation.
Live holy.
That is when Scripture becomes visible in your life.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I reading the Bible to know God or simply to complete a reading plan?
2. Does my phone help my spiritual life more than it harms it?
3. What usually distracts me when I try to read Scripture?
4. Do I obey the Bible or merely quote it?
5. Is there an app or online activity that is consistently pulling me away from God?
6. What Scripture am I currently hiding in my heart?
7. If someone observed my phone activity for one week, would they see evidence of Christ?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for Hunger
Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Word. Let me desire Scripture more than entertainment, in Jesus' name.
2. Prayer for Understanding
Lord, open my spiritual understanding. Help me not only to read Your Word but to understand what You are saying to me.
3. Prayer Against Distraction
Father, deliver me from every distraction that steals my attention from You. Give me discipline and spiritual focus.
4. Prayer for Obedience
Lord, give me grace to practice what I read. Let Your Word transform my thoughts, character, decisions, and relationships.
5. Prayer for Technology
Father, teach me to use technology wisely. Let my phone become a tool for Your glory and not an instrument of spiritual destruction.
6. Prayer for Young People
Lord, raise a generation of young people who love Your Word, understand Your truth, resist temptation, and boldly represent Christ in this digital age.
7. Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Holy Spirit, make me spiritually mature. Let Scripture become deeply rooted in my heart and visible in my daily life.

STRONG CLOSING:

WHAT IS YOUR PHONE DOING TO YOUR SPIRIT?

Let me leave you with this question:
When you pick up your phone, what usually gets the first part of your attention?
Social media?
Entertainment?
Messages?
News?
Or God?
Your phone is not your master.
Your notifications are not your master.
Social media is not your master.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
So, if reading the Bible on your phone helps you encounter God, read it.
If listening to an audio Bible helps you stay in God's Word, listen.
If a physical Bible helps you concentrate, use it.
The goal is not to worship the format.
The goal is to know the Author.
Don't become a Christian who owns a Bible but doesn't know the God of the Bible.
Don't become someone who can quote Scripture but refuses to obey it.
Don't allow a smartphone to become smarter than your spiritual life.
Use technology—but don't let technology use you.
Read the Word.
Study the Word.
Meditate on the Word.
Memorize the Word.
Obey the Word.
Live the Word.
And most importantly:
Live for Jesus.
Final Declaration
My phone will not control me.
My distractions will not control me.
God's Word will guide me.
The Holy Spirit will lead me.
Jesus Christ will remain my Lord.
And everything I use—including my technology—will be used for the glory of God.
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, +2349055447540,

Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

22-08-2026

The Power of Your Words

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP):
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

Our words carry more power than we often realize. A single sentence can encourage someone who feels broken, or it can wound a heart that was already hurting. Our words can speak life into a situation—or they can speak fear, defeat, and negativity.

God reminds us that what comes out of our mouths produces fruit. This means we should not speak carelessly. When we constantly say, “I can’t,” “Nothing will ever change,” or “I’m not good enough,” we can begin to live according to those declarations. But when we choose words that agree with God’s truth, our perspective begins to change.

This doesn't mean pretending that everything is perfect. It means that even in difficult circumstances, we choose to say, “God is with me. He is faithful. He will guide me. I may be facing a storm, but the storm does not have the final word.”

Before you speak today, ask yourself:
“What kind of fruit will these words produce?”

Let your words be instruments of healing, encouragement, faith, and love. Speak life over your family. Speak life over your future. Speak God's promises over your circumstances. And when you make a mistake, remember that you can always choose your next words differently.

Prayer
Father, help me to understand the power You have placed in my words. Teach me to speak with wisdom, grace, love, and faith. Guard my tongue when I am angry, hurt, or frustrated. Help me not to speak words of fear or defeat, but to declare Your truth over my life and the lives of those around me. May the words of my mouth bring encouragement, healing, and life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s declaration:
“My words will speak life. I will choose faith over fear, encouragement over criticism, and God's truth over negative thoughts. My tongue will be used to glorify God and bring life to others.”

Our hero makes a cup of Turkish coffee, gets his pack of cigarettes, and goes into his room, responding to some emails and messages, then goes to exercise in his home gym; the workout is the same with dumbbells, sometimes light barbell deadlifts, and simple moves with weights.
He posts the workout live on YouTube; he has a YouTube channel, even though he does not know why he cares, but it gives him something to do when there is no work; it was a Monday; that's when he goes to church for bible study and a family prayer meeting.

Being a Coptic Orthodox Christian is different; he loves the church, but he is always uneasy and confused and does not know where he stands about his faith; he believes in the creed.

He was born on 9/9/1986; now he is 39 years old, has a lot more wisdom and knowledge about life and work, and he tries to follow Christ, but he always feels like he is not doing enough; being with mental illness determines what he can and cannot do, although he may pass as totally normal.

It goes into his head: what is normal, who defines it, or how being normal can be defined; he is like 60% analytical, and the rest is just total and utterly unrealistic “he is out of his mind in the remaining 40%.”

He comes back from church, takes his medication, and goes to sleep. He dreams of his father; they are having a conversation. Before he gets up, he tells his father I will talk to you when I get up, that is weird.
:
His father passed away like 10 years ago, and before that he had progressive supranuclear palsy and became paralyzed for the last 10 years of his life.

This is the way with dreams, unrealistic and never complete, but sometimes his thinking is more unrealistic than his dreams.
But if you ask him what his dreams are, he will not be able to answer; this is a question that he never had an answer to.

Others dream of fame and fortune, but he thinks being unknown is amazing. Money for what? All lives start the same and end the same; money can buy luxuries that are unessential, and the most expensive foods, which go down the same.


The world is fascinated with Alion Musk, President Trump and Mohamed Slah, without noticing the sacrifices they had to make, to live for their work and it only, they may look happy, they do what they love so they are happy, so do the work that makes you happy, but life and work is not that simple, young adults get married and within after 9 months their first born, they are not ready, but it is dictated by the community they live in, and it is a disaster not to have kids after 2 years of marriage, that is if the relationship happens in the context of marriage.

This is thought that passed through his head, he realizes that he does not conform with his community and church, he grew up in a mix of ideas and beliefs, adding to that the tragedies that happened in his life, these morphed the person he is now, he believes in Christ, he loves others as he loves himself, but he knows that not one denomination has a monopoly on Christianity and that only God knows the hearts of his creation.

But when he enters his church, he feels that God is truly present with him. When he listens to Christian songs that praise and glorify God, his spirit rejoices, and he feels a deep sense of peace and closeness to Him. He is also inspired by the way Catholics serve their communities, helping those in need and putting their faith into action through love, compassion, and service.

But all these thoughts just hit a wall when he tries to articulate them to someone, specially to Orthodox and Catholics, he sees great understanding in Evangelicals.

He realizes that those thoughts pop up because he has not gotten a project in a long time, but that is freelancing for you, he was unable to hold a steady paying job for more than 5 days, most of those was call center jobs, others were busboy jobs, he did not understand life as he does now.

He works from home, but like all freelance jobs there is no steady salary, that is a problem for when and if the miracle happens and he finds a wife, it is not only the age and work it is also the medication he must take.

May be deep down he think he does not deserve love; he cannot imagine his life with a wife and kids, how can he have children to face this life in this world, how can he repeat the cycle, and of course his feelings of impending doom and end, he is fascinated with Bible prophesy and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today he has a confession, he goes in and tries his best, he confesses his hesitation in the Orthodox faith, and that he cannot fast and be ready for communion, with his condition and all.

He is sure of one thing that gods answer his prayers all of them, something happens and he remembers he prayed for that a long time ago, some answers are in the way.

The medication timing can make or break the patient’s life, taking a sedating medication in the morning is very counterproductive, and if psychiatrists have their way all patients will be walking zombies, he sees this happens.

Talking about the hospital, anyone how goes there may see it as a horrible place, he sees it as therapeutic, when you see people who can’t walk or unable to take care of their basic needs you really thank God for everything you can do and have.

He sometimes thinks of his father and the cross he caried, to be totally paralyzed for 9 years, unable to speak, unable to move, unable to eat sold food, his father was a good man, he has his downfalls, but he had a good heart.

Our hero remembers his first day in university, he was young and outright weird, with his father in this condition, he was unable to adapt, this is when his illness started, he tried his best to study but after his father passed away, he left this university in his third year.

At the beginning of his healing journey his psychologist and mother were trying to push him to have a social life, like going to church meetings and university and other social events, she is a virtuous woman but narrowminded.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

I told you about our trying out a new translation ap so that my friend and I can communicate without someone to translate for us. She is my husband’s age and then there is my catawampus brain. I told you about how we laughed so hard and loud that I got into trouble … haha. Let me give you another giggle from that wonderful ap.

Yesterday while I was cooking dinner, my oldest little came and asked for help with her new baby doll that needed batteries. I told her to go see Opa because he had the screwdrivers. She did. Then she came back to ask for batteries. I looked all over my house and found batteries in every size but the one I needed. As I was trying to explain that we would go to the store after dinner, my German disappeared. So I asked, “Kanst du liesen?” which in my version of German is “Can you read?” She said yes. I was like Yes, I can use the app. I typed that we would go to the Dollar Store after dinner and turned the phone for her to read. I asked if she understood. She shook her head. I looked at the phone and the words looked wrong. (All languages have a vibe and this was not right.) The app had reset itself to Spanish. So, no, my German little could not read the Spanish translation. We giggled. I fixed it. She understood.

Later, my daughter-in-law had a great conversation, in English, about how we each have the same fear. When we attempt the other’s language, we are afraid of saying the wrong word. This brought up some memories of when I tried to ask her in front of her house if s he remembered the keys … however, the word for keys is similar to shoes and castles. So I actually asked if she had her shoes, castles and then keys, trying to make my brain and mouth work together.

There is a language barrier between us, but it is only a barrier if we allow the enemy to hold it between us. The barrier is only as strong as we allow it to be. Fear is a powerful tool and can keep you from trying new things. Such as … having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Last year, when they came, I purchased translating ear buds; they were slow on the translation and sometimes did not translate. This year we are trying the app and if I make sure it is set to German and English, I have even attempted to pronounce what it tells me. The attempt is there. The love is there. The barrier is coming down one word, one attempt, one text at a time. As we endeavor to be able to speak to each other, play goofy nugget games and faces with each other, breaking through the barrier one brick at a time … we take away the enemy’s fortress.

The enemy would have us all cowering in our little corners, afraid and resistant to step out in faith. But … I was not made to live in fear. I was not made to cower. I was made to step out in the power of Jesus Christ and share his Peace and Love while planting seeds of hope.

Today I encourage you to seek His face. Lay at His feet the barriers that you are facing, the fear that has you stationary, the battles that seem to be holding you back in your mind. I urge you step out in the faith and power of the Father and watch the fear barriers crumble. I am not completely confident in speaking German, but when it does start coming out … even if it is wrong…I tried. Trying is half the battle.

Be blessed.

**For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Daily Bible Lesson.
YOUR PAST DOES NOT DISQUALIFY YOU

John: 4:13–18, 28–29

"Lord, quiet my heart as I spend these few minutes with You. Help me set aside the burden of past mistakes, regret, or shame. Open my eyes to see how Your grace covers my entire history, and remind me that my past is never a barrier to Your purpose for my life. Amen."

In the ancient Near East, women gathered water at the well during the cool early morning or late evening. It was a social, shared routine. But in John 4, a Samaritan woman comes to Jacob’s well at noon—the hottest, most unforgiving hour of the day.

She wasn't avoiding the heat; she was avoiding the people.

Her life was marked by brokenness: five previous husbands, and a current living arrangement that offered no security or honor in her community. She carried the weight of public judgment, self-reliance, and isolation.

When Jesus asked her for a drink, He broke three major cultural barriers at once: social (men didn't speak to women publicly), religious/ethnic (Jews avoided Samaritans), and moral (rabbinic traditions avoided public interaction with people of ill repute).

Jesus didn't ignore her past. In fact, He directly addressed it:

“Go, call your husband and come back.”
“I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” — John 4:16–18

Notice how Jesus speaks: He states facts without condemnation. He exposes her true condition not to humiliate her, but to show her that He knows everything about her and still wants to offer her living water.

Many people live under the impression that God only uses those with pristine backgrounds. We assume that past failures, bad choices, or deep regret relegate us to the spiritual sidelines.

The Samaritan woman’s story flips that assumption completely:

Full Exposure Leads to Full Acceptance:
Jesus knew her complete history before He started the conversation. God never looks at your past and says, "I didn't realize you did that." His offer of grace is given with full knowledge of your worst moments.

From Hiding to Witnessing: After meeting Jesus, the woman left her water jar behind—the very symbol of her daily burden and isolation—and ran back into the city she had been avoiding.

A Voice for the City: The very town that judged her became her mission field. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39).

Your past does not disqualify you from God's love or His purpose. In God’s hands, the very mess you tried to hide can become the message that points others to freedom.

Take a moment to reflect or write down your thoughts on these questions:

1. What past mistake or area of regret do you tend to hold onto, assuming it limits how God can use you?

2. How does knowing that Jesus fully understood the woman's past
before offering her living water change how you view His offer to you?

"Father, thank You that my past does not dictate my future in Your Kingdom. Thank You that You see every flaw, every regret, and every mistake, yet You still call me, love me, and offer me living water. Give me the courage to leave my 'water jar' of shame behind and walk confidently in the purpose You have for me today. In Jesus' name, Amen."

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!

Friday, 21st August, 2026

TITLE: "A HEART AFTER GOD: LIVING WITH A CLEAN HEART"

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

Acts 13:22 (KJV) "And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will."

Psalm 51:10 (KJV) "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

"God is more interested in the condition of your heart than the appearance of your life."

DAY'S REFLECTION

God looks beyond outward appearance and examines the heart. Acts 13:22 records God's testimony concerning David: "a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." David was not a perfect man. He made serious mistakes and experienced painful failures. Yet he repeatedly turned back to God with humility, repentance, and a desire to obey Him.

To be "after God's own heart" does not mean being sinless. It means having a heart that genuinely desires God, responds to His correction, loves His ways, and seeks to fulfil His will. David's life teaches us that God can use imperfect people who are willing to surrender themselves to Him.

Psalm 51:10 reveals David's prayer after his failure: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." The word "create" is significant. David understood that he needed more than outward correction. He needed God to work deeply within him.

A clean heart speaks of inner purity—our motives, desires, attitudes, thoughts, and intentions. A right spirit speaks of an inner disposition that is steadfast, faithful, and aligned with God. We can sometimes correct our outward behaviour while leaving the heart unchanged, but genuine transformation begins inside.

Life experience teaches us that people can appear successful, religious, or respectable outwardly while struggling with hidden attitudes such as pride, bitterness, jealousy, unforgiveness, dishonesty, or selfishness. God, however, sees what others cannot see.

Therefore, we should regularly invite God to examine and transform our hearts. When He reveals something wrong, we should not defend it; we should repent and ask Him for cleansing and renewal.

A heart after God is not a heart that never fails—it is a heart that returns to God when it fails. It is willing to learn, change, forgive, obey, and pursue God's purpose.

Today, do not focus only on how others see you. Ask God to examine who you are on the inside. Let your private life agree with your public testimony.

Lord, create in me a clean heart and give me a spirit that desires to fulfil Your will.

MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

1. God looks at the heart, not merely outward appearance.

2. A heart after God desires to know, love, and obey Him.

3. Failure does not have to be the end when genuine repentance follows.

4. Inner transformation is more important than outward appearance.

5. We must continually guard our hearts against attitudes that separate us from God's will.

6. God can use imperfect people who sincerely surrender themselves to Him.

EVERYDAY ACTION

Examine your heart today, quickly repent of anything displeasing to God, and choose one action that reflects His character.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Remove everything that displeases You and help me live wholeheartedly according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DECLARATION

I have a heart that seeks after God. My thoughts, motives, words, and actions will honour Him. I will walk in repentance, obedience, purity, and humility, and my life will fulfil God's purpose. Amen.

Devotion by

Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
+233 544 295 158

Follow us on WhatsApp
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P