Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 NLT ____ We don’t have to conquer jealousy on our own—God wants to transform our heart and help us step into freedom. ____ Take your place, and remember when each of us follows Christ’s lead, our churches will not be a collection of noise but a symphony of grace sounding forth the truth. ____ Dear Jesus, please help me to compassionately forgive others and point them to You. ____ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NLT

Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.  This verse demonstrates the change of heart David had after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his affair with Bathsheba and for the murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). After confessing his sins, David vows to guide others to repentance and back to God.  Not only do we see the changed David who is freed from the bloodguilt and extremely serious sins, but we see his desire to help others. He wants others to experience the renewed joy and forgiveness that he has received from the Lord. He did not let his failures define him. Instead, he used them as the basis for serving others and helping them to find reconciliation and forgiveness from God. Our testimonies hold great power (Revelation 12:11). We can hold our experience close to ourselves and refuse to share it with others or we can let God use it as a tool for reaching souls. God can use our personal experiences to help them see they are not alone in their sinful ways and that there is a way out.  This psalm is a personal prayer of David to God. It is him crying out to the Lord and repenting of his sins. He pleads to God to give him a clean heart and a renewed spirit. And he asks God not to banish him but to restore the joy of salvation.  It is after he receives mercy and grace from God that he vows to teach others. He made the vow that his mouth and tongue would be used to sing of God’s righteousness and goodness. He wanted his personal experience to be the catalyst to helping others seek God and repent of their own sins.  What about you? Do you hold your personal experiences close to your heart and hide them from others? Or do you use your transgressions as the means to helping people find forgiveness themselves? Many people try to hide their past sins, ashamed of what they have done. But as we already said, there is power in our personal stories and God can use them to help others repent and find forgiveness.  Don’t hide your story. Be open to allowing God to use you. Let Him work in your heart and through you to touch the lives of others and help transform them. And His peace and joy will fill you, overflowing from deep within, extending out to others.  #TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

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THE FIRE WILL NOT CONSUME YOU God Will Be With You in the Fire Key Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2; Daniel 3:16–27; Psalm 66:12 Life can sometimes feel like you’re walking through a raging fire—full of intense pressure, painful trials, rejection, disappointment, financial woes, or challenges that seem insurmountable. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t promise that you’ll never face the fire. Instead, He promises that you won’t have to face it alone. He reassures us, "When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:2). The fire may be very real, but it won’t have the final say in your life. Take the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace for standing firm in their faith (Daniel 3:16–18). The king thought he would see them perish, but when he peered into the flames, he was astonished to find four men walking around unharmed (Daniel 3:24–25). God didn’t keep them out of the furnace; instead, He joined them in the fire. When they emerged, they were completely unscathed—not even a hint of smoke lingered on them (Daniel 3:27). Sometimes, God’s most profound presence is not in preventing the fire but in being right there with you in the midst of it. Your fire may be testing your limits, but it doesn’t have the power to consume you. What was meant to break you can actually become the very place where your faith grows stronger. Psalm 66:12 reminds us, "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." Notice the phrase "through fire." You’re moving through it, not getting stuck there. Your trial has an end date. Your pain serves a purpose. Remember, your current situation doesn’t define where you’re headed. So, don’t give in to the pressure. Don’t let the heat of the moment shake your faith. Keep praying, keep believing, and hold tight to God’s promises. The fire might test you, but it won’t take you down. The flames may be all around, but remember, God’s presence is even closer. You’ll emerge from this stronger, wiser, and with a story that glorifies Him. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being by our side in every fiery trial we encounter. When the flames rise and the pressure mounts, remind us of your promise that we will not be consumed. Lord, bolster our faith during these tough times. Grant us the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to stand firm without wavering. Surround us with your presence in every challenging situation, and rescue us from every fire that the enemy has set to bring us down. Father, transform every trial into a powerful testimony. Let the fire refine us without destroying us, strengthen us without breaking us, and prepare us for the next chapter of your purpose. We declare: We will walk through the fire, but it will not consume us. We will come out stronger.

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

In its original context, God promised His people who were exiled in Babylon that He would watch over them, restore, rebuild, bring about a spiritual renewal, and grant them a heart that truly longs for Him. The grace and favor of God were revealed to us at their fullest through Jesus. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He begins to transform our hearts, rebuild our brokenness, establish us in the faith, and enable us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. When God's favor rests on us, we are assured of His presence, peace, protection, provision, and favor with people, along with a divine passion and purpose that spurs us on to be a blessing to others. Have a happy day, and let's never forfeit the favor of God for favors from men. 😊 Esther Collins Based on Jeremiah 24:6-7

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Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’  For a lot of people, God is an uncaring, mean judge who takes no interest in the lives of people struggling to survive. But nothing is further from the truth. Today’s verse is a great example of just how much He cares for us. Our God does love us, even those people who are caught up in lives of sin and shame. And He wants what is best for us.  God doesn’t want anyone to die, good or bad. He wants them to cease doing the bad things in their lives and instead repent and turn to Him. He told us in this verse just how He feels about the death of those who are wicked. He takes no pleasure in their deaths at all because He doesn’t want any to perish, but instead, for all to come to know Him and be saved.  He made a vow to the Israelites, spoken through the prophet Ezekiel. He said “As surely as I live…” This was an undisputed fact for the Israelites. They knew God existed and for Him to make a vow, it was serious business. And God is always faithful, always following through with what He said He would do. In this case, He vowed that He took no pleasure in the punishing or death of the wicked and sin filled people. He wanted them to repent, to turn from their ways, and to live.  He even said, “Turn! Turn…” The emphasis on the word turn, spoken twice, showed the Israelites that He was giving them the opportunity to change their behavior and transform their lives. This clearly demonstrated that He is a merciful God, giving grace when it is not deserved. Even when we feel weighed down by our mistakes, He offers us another chance. He extends His hand and pulls us back up, setting our feet on the ground once more. He is truly a patient, waiting God who wants none to perish, but all to come to be redeemed and made righteous once again (2 Peter 3:8-9). Despite His grace and mercy and His long standing patience, we must also remember that He is a just God. He will judge people accordingly. If we are living in sin, He will bring judgement to us and it will not be pleasant.  Turn from your sin today. Accept His grace and mercy and let your life be transformed and let yourself be made righteous. Don’t wait. There is no telling when He will return, when He will judge, or how long it might be in the meantime. Repent of your sins and seek His forgiveness.  #TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse