Connect With God Each Day
April 23, 2026

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22(NASB)

Though Timothy was younger in the faith than Paul, he had a spiritual maturity that equipped him for the pastoral work that was entrusted to him. However, the old apostle knew the wily ways of the devil who prowls around as a roaring lion seeking to shipwreck the faith of all God's children, through the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

And so we discover Paul warning Timothy, his son in the faith, to separate himself from wicked men and to shun the many lusts of the flesh, the temptations of the eye, and passions of the heart, that are designed to separate us from fellowship with our heavenly Father and the many negative consequences that sin brings into the life of a Christian man or woman: "Now flee from youthful lusts," was Paul's serious warning to Timothy: "And pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord, from a pure heart."

Timothy is urged to flee from every kind of temptation. Not only is he to resist the outward fleshly desires (the external seductions of the flesh) and the inner lusts of the heart (the inner bewitching desire for self-will, pride, power, fame, and fortune), but also the secret sin of unbelief, which so easily besets us and which translates into a lack of trust in our heavenly Father. Paul also encouraged Timothy - and us, to pursue the spiritual fruit of virtues: righteousness, faith, and love.

"Flee from youthful lusts," was his sombre warning, "and pursue righteousness, faith, and love," is Paul's earnest plea. The action to pursue righteousness, faith, and love, is a definite decision of the will which can only be achieved as one purposes in one's own heart to turn away from every kind of fleshly pursuit and craving for self-recognition - and follow after righteousness, faith, and love.

The pursuit of righteousness is characterised by the integrity, honesty, justice, and grace we extend to others, both to the saved and the unsaved. Faithfulness towards our Father and fidelity towards our fellow men, is reflected in a sincere and energetic confidence in the Lord and an unswerving trust in His Word, while the divine love of Christ is manifested through the words we speak and the actions we carry out. A deep love for God and consideration for the needs of others before ourselves, is the criterion that marks a person who is a man or woman after God's own heart.

Only those that eschew evil and seek after good are the ones that have an inner, supernatural peace that flows from God, and enjoy peace with those that call on the Lord with a pure heart. Only those that live as Christ lived and who choose to walk in spirit and truth, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can resist the evil and pursue the good.

Let us live as God intended all His children to live when He created us in His own image. Let us earnestly pursue righteousness, faith, and love, and live in peace with those that call on the Lord with a pure heart for the honour of His holy name, and for our own eternal benefit.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to carry out Your plans and purposes in my own life, and live my life as You intended, in fellowship with You and for Your greater honour and glory. Help me flee from all youthful lusts and pursue the spiritual fruit of righteousness, faith, and love. And I pray that my life may manifest Your perfect peace that passes understanding, so that by Your grace I may live in quietude of soul with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Soli Deo Gloria ( Glory to God alone)

Daily devotion for April 23rd
To Walk With God
And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters... Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Genesis 5:22, 24
This account says twice that, before he was taken up, Enoch walked with God. I love the story of the little girl who was telling her mother the story of Enoch. She said, Enoch used to take long walks with God. One day he walked so far God said, 'It's too far to go back; come on home with me.' That is what happened to Enoch.

What does it mean to walk with God? Here is a man who, in the midst of a brilliant but godless generation, walked with God. What does it mean? Enoch did not literally walk with God; this is unquestionably a figurative expression, but a figurative walk involves the same thing today as it did then. First, it means he went in the same direction God went. He was moving the way God was going. God is forever moving in human history. He is moving now to accomplish certain things in human life, and He has been doing so for centuries. The person who walks with God is the person who knows which way God is going and goes the same way. Now what is that? Perhaps we cannot indicate it positively, but we certainly can negatively: God moves always in unswerving hostility toward sin. He is opposed to that which destroys and wrecks human life. No matter how good it looks, no matter how attractive it seems, God is against it. And the person who walks with God is the person who walks in unswerving hostility toward sin in his or her own life and refuses to make up with it or permit it to rule or to reign. That is the first thing in a walk with God.

Second, it means to keep in step. You cannot walk with somebody if you do not keep in step with him or her. Sooner or later there comes unbalance, and one of you bumps into the other. A walk is not like moving on one of these endless belts. It is not smooth; it is a repetition of almost falling. Have you ever analyzed your walk? Every time you take a step you almost fall. You allow your body to go off balance, and then you catch yourself with your other leg. Then you shift to that one and you almost fall again, only to catch yourself. The man or woman who walks with God is the man or woman who lives on the verge of a fall. That is an adventurous life. That means if God is not there to support and strengthen you, down you go. You are counting on Him to come through and to keep you steady. That is what a walk with God involves. It is always a walk of venturing out. It is never satisfied with the status quo, never content to remain in a quiet state, doing nothing, waiting, enjoying one's self. It is forever moving at the same pace God moves. It means taking a step when God insists.

The third thing is that there was no controversy between God and Enoch. They were in agreement. Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? says the Scriptures (Amos 3:3). They must be in agreement. And this is how we must be. There must be no controversy between us if we are going to walk with God, but we must agree with things as He sees them. What changes this makes in our lives!

Lord, may it be said of me as it was said of Enoch: He walked with God. I want to go in Your direction, keeping pace with You.

CONFLICT AND COURAGE.
April 9th, 2026

The Most Satanic Trait.

Numbers 12
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4. CC 105.1
Their [Miriam’s and Aaron’s] accusations were borne by Moses in uncomplaining silence. It was the experience gained during the years of toil and waiting in Midian—the spirit of humility and long-suffering there developed—that prepared Moses to meet with patience the unbelief and murmuring of the people and the pride and envy of those who should have been his unswerving helpers. Moses “was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth,” and this is why he was granted divine wisdom and guidance above all others. Says the Scripture, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9). The meek are guided by the Lord, because they are teachable, willing to be instructed.... CC 105.2
“And Jehovah came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam.” ... “And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.” The cloud disappeared from the tabernacle in token of God’s displeasure, and Miriam was smitten. She “became leprous, white as snow.” ... Now, their pride humbled in the dust, Aaron confessed their sin, and entreated that his sister might not be left to perish by that loathsome and deadly scourge. In answer to the prayers of Moses the leprosy was cleansed. Miriam was, however, shut out of the camp for seven days.... CC 105.3
This manifestation of the Lord’s displeasure was designed to be a warning to all Israel, to check the growing spirit of discontent and insubordination. If Miriam’s envy and dissatisfaction had not been signally rebuked, it would have resulted in great evil. Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart, and it is one of the most baleful in its effects.... It was envy that first caused discord in heaven, and its indulgence has wrought untold evil among men. “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).13 CC 105.4

STORACALS OF PROPHECY # 5
Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

Storacles of Prophesy # 6

The Law of the King

After Darius, king of the Medes and Persians, had conquered Babylon, he executed all Babylonian government officials, except one. That fortunate man was Daniel, a servant of the true God. Seventy years earlier, he had been carried from Judah to Babylon as a captive and made to serve in the palace as an advisor to the Babylonian kings. Daniel became known throughout the kingdom for having "an excellent spirit." Daniel 5:12 6:3. Not only did King Darius spare Daniel, but he "thought to set him over the whole realm." Daniel 6:3. When the Medo-Persian officials learned that the king was going to promote an old Hebrew captive to rule over them, they were jealous and outraged. So they plotted to entice Darius to sign a law that for the next 30 days, anyone who petitioned any god or man except the king would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7). Apparently these men knew that Daniel was unswerving in his prayer life and firmly committed to obeying the law of his God, which forbids worship of any other gods (Exodus 20:3). Just as they expected, the officials caught Daniel praying to God from his open window. When King Darius discovered that he had been tricked and that his old friend was headed for the lions' pit, he tried every possible angle to deliver Daniel from the foolish law he had signed. But the law could not be changed. Daniel went to the lions' den, and God rewarded his faithfulness by sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths (Daniel 6:22). Prophecy tells us that in the last days, God's people will have to make a similar decision regarding which king and which law they will obey.

1. Can God's moral law be amended or repealed?

Luke 16:17. And it is easier for heaven and earth to ________, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Psalms 111:7, 8 All his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.

Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Under no circumstances can God's Ten Commandment law ever be amended or repealed. It is as permanent as God Himself. Three times in the Bible, earthly kings (Herod, Ahasuerus, and Darius) made laws they later wanted to change but could not. If the laws of weak, vacillating kings were unchangeable, how could anyone think that the eternal law of God, written in stone by His finger, could be altered? Look at this comparison between God and His law.

Characteristics:

God Is:

The Law Is:

GOOD

Luke 18:19

Romans 7:12

HOLY

Isaiah 5:16

Romans 7:12

JUST

Deuteronomy 32:4

Romans 7:12

PERFECT

Matthew 5:48

Psalms 19:7

LOVE

1 John 4:8

Romans 13:10

RIGHTEOUS

Exodus 9:27

Psalms 19:9

TRUTH

Deuteronomy 32:4

Psalms 119:142,151

PURE

1 John 3:3

Psalms 19:8

SPIRITUAL

John 4:24

Romans 7:14

UNCHANGEABLE

Malachi 3:6

Matthew 5:18

ETERNAL

Genesis 21:33

Psalms 111:7,8

God's law cannot be changed, because it is a transcript of His character. The glorious words in Scripture that describe God also describe His law. God's law is His character in writing. It is no more possible to change God's law than to change God Himself.

2. According to the Bible, what is sin?

1 John 3:4. Sin is the __________________________ of the law.

Romans 3:20 By the law is the knowledge of sin.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The devil hates the law because it makes us aware that we need a Saviour from sin. Romans 4:15 states: "For where no law is, there is no transgression." The law cannot save anyone, but it shows us God's perfection and our imperfection.

3. To what law does 1 John 3:4 refer?

Romans 7:7. I had not __________ sin, but by the law: for I had not __________ lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: It is God's Ten Commandment law that says, "Thou shalt not covet." So breaking God's Ten Commandment law, which He wrote with His own finger (Exodus 31:18; 32:16), is sin. Every sin that any person could ever commit is condemned by at least one of the Ten Commandments. This is why God's law is called "broad" (Psalms 119:96) and "perfect" (Psalms 19:7). It covers the "whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13. When we are aware of our sin, we look for a Saviour. So the devil especially hates the law, because it sends us looking for Jesus to save and forgive.

4. Did Jesus keep the Ten Commandments?

John 15:10. I have ________ my Father's commandments.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Jesus did indeed keep the Ten Commandments as an example for us (1 Peter 2:21).

5. How many people have sinned?

Romans 3:23. For ______ have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Answer : ____________________

6. What is the punishment for living a life of sin?

Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is _________.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: If God's law could be changed, it would not have been necessary for Jesus to die on the cross. The fact that Jesus paid the penalty for sin and died is proof that the law is unchangeable.

7. Some say the Ten Commandments are not binding for New Testament Christians. What does Jesus say about this?

Matthew 19:17. If thou wilt enter into life, ________ the commandments.

John 14:15 If ye love me, __________ my commandments.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that __________ the commandments of God.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The New Testament plainly teaches that God's people will keep His commandments. All of us know that the world is in big trouble today because so many no longer feel it is important to obey God's law. The Bible speaks of our day by saying, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law." Psalms 119:126.

8. How is it possible to keep the commandments?

Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through __________ which strengtheneth me.

Romans 8:3, 4 God sending his own Son ... condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us.

Philippians 1:6 He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus __________.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: When a person is born again, Jesus Christ, through His Holy Spirit, moves into that person's life and miraculously makes obedience possible.

9. What is the old covenant, and why did it fail?

Hebrews 8:8-9. Deuteronomy 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote __________ upon two tables of stone.

Hebrews 8:8-9For finding fault with _______, he saith, ... I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took __________ by the hand to lead __________ out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded __________ not, saith the Lord.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The fault with the old covenant was with the people, not with God or His law.

Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

10. Upon which law is the new covenant based?

Hebrews 8:10. For this is the covenant that I will make ... saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their ____________.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The two covenants were agreements between God and His people. The old covenant failed because it was based upon the faulty promises and works of the people.

Exodus 24:7 All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

The new covenant succeeds because it is God's law written in the heart and is based upon Jesus' promises and His miracle-working power.

Hebrews 8:10 I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.

A person's entire nature is changed, so he finds doing God's will a pleasure. Notice that the new covenant is based on the same law, but it is written in a different place (the heart) and based on better promises (God's).

11. Doesn't living under grace, by faith, make keeping God's law non-essential?

Romans 6:15. What then? Shall we sin [break God's law], because we are not under the law, but under grace? ___ _______. (two word answer)

Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? __________: yea, we establish the law.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Those who have been forgiven by Jesus for breaking His law are doubly duty-bound to obey His law. And sensing His blessed forgiveness, they are more desirous than others to happily follow Jesus.

12. Are people saved by keeping the law?

Ephesians 2:8, 9. For by __________ are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: No one is saved by keeping God's law. All are saved by the miracle-working grace of God. But those who are saved, or transformed, by the grace of Jesus will want to obey His law as an expression of their love and thanksgiving to Him.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

13. What motivates a person to obey God's law?

Romans 13:10. Therefore ________ is the fulfilling of the law.

Matthew 22:37-39 Thou shalt __________ the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt __________ thy neighbor as thyself.

1 John 5:3 This is the __________ of God, that we keep his commandments.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Love is the magnificent motivator. The first four commandments have to do with my duty to God. When I love Him, obeying those commands is a pleasure. The last six commandments embrace my duty to people. If I truly love people, I will not want to do anything that would hurt them.

14. Can I be a true Christian without keeping His commandments?

1 John 2:3, 4. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we ________ his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and __________eth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Answer : ____________________

15. Are some Old Testament laws no longer binding upon Christians?

Ephesians 2:15. Having abolished ... the law of commandments contained in _______________.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Yes, the ordinances that regulated the priesthood and the sacrificial system have been abolished because they prefigured Christ (Colossians 2:13-17). He fulfilled them as the true Lamb of God.

16. Whom does the devil especially hate?

Revelation 12:17. And the dragon [devil] was wroth with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [faithful during the end time], which keep the ________________ of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Satan hates and is infuriated with God's end-time church, which obeys Jesus' commands and teaches people that there is divine power to change a sinner into a saint.

17. What are some of the glorious rewards of keeping God's law?

John 15:11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your ______ might be full.

Proverbs 29:18 He that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Happiness, joy, peace, and more abundant living come to those who obey God's law. No wonder David said that God's commands are more desirable than gold (Psalms 19:10).

18. Do you desire to have a loving relationship with Jesus that will lead you to be one of His joyful, obedient children?

Answer : ____________________

Supplemental Study

Parallels Between Bible Characters and Jesus
Many of the Bible heroes are types and patterns of Jesus. Moses, Joseph, David, and Solomon were all people who, at some point in their lives, foreshadowed the life and ministry of Christ. The similarities between their experiences were intended to help the world recognize Jesus as the Son of God.

Daniel's experience with the law and the lions is one example of such a spiritual parallel. Notice the following similarities:

-The leaders in Medo-Persia wanted to remove Daniel from his high position because they were jealous of his close relationship with the king. Daniel 6:3 says, "The king thought to set him over the whole realm." Likewise, the leaders in Jerusalem wanted to get rid of Jesus because they were jealous of His close relationship with the King of the universe (John 5:18-20).

-The Medo-Persian officials followed Daniel around in an attempt to catch him doing or saying something wrong (Daniel 6:4). The religious leaders of Jesus' day sent spies to follow Jesus, hoping to catch Him doing or saying something wrong (Luke 20:19, 20).

-Daniel's enemies could find no fault with him, so they created a trap to accomplish their purposes (Daniel 6:5-9). Likewise, the chief priests and scribes conspired with Judas Iscariot to make a trap for Jesus (Luke 22:2-6). However, Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus (John 19:4).

-After Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, a stone was placed over the entrance and sealed with the government seal (Daniel 6:16, 17). Jesus also was placed in a tomb that had a large stone at the door and was sealed by the government (Matthew 27:58-60, 65, 66).

-Both Daniel and Jesus were innocent and emerged alive from their earthen prisons (Daniel 6:23 Mark 16:5, 6).

See if you can find other parallels between the lives of Bible characters and the life of Jesus!

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

CONFLICT AND COURAGE
February 22nd, 2026

Let Your Religion Show.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15. CC 59.1
Abraham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and a wise and able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. His life and character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshipers of idols, exerted a telling influence in favor of the true faith. His allegiance to God was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence inspired confidence and friendship and his unaffected greatness commanded respect and honor. CC 59.2
His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded and enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held, for such a spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is dwelling in the heart it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. CC 59.3
The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God’s witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for Him. The piety of the Christian constitutes the standard by which worldlings judge the gospel. Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.45 CC 59.4

FROM; ELLEN G.WHITE
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world. Desire of Ages 307.1

CONFLICT AND COURAGE
January 9th, 2016

Deceived!

Genesis 3:1-6

And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1. CC 15.1

To man, the crowning work of creation, God has given power to understand His requirements, to comprehend the justice and beneficence of His law, and its sacred claims upon him; and of man unswerving obedience is required. CC 15.2

Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator’s law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish.... CC 15.3

The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she were alone. But absorbed in her pleasing task, she unconsciously wandered from his side.... She soon found herself gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration upon the forbidden tree. The fruit was very beautiful, and she questioned with herself why God had withheld it from them. Now was the tempter’s opportunity. As if he were able to discern the workings of her mind, he addressed her: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” ... CC 15.4

The tempter intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually fulfilled; it was designed merely to intimidate them.... CC 15.5

Such has been Satan’s work from the days of Adam to the present, and he has pursued it with great success. He tempts men to distrust God’s love and to doubt His wisdom. He is constantly seeking to excite a spirit of irreverent curiosity, a restless, inquisitive desire to penetrate the secrets of divine wisdom and power. In their efforts to search out what God has been pleased to withhold, multitudes overlook the truths which He has revealed, and which are essential to salvation.... CC 15.6

Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this was what led to her fall. In the judgment men will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning what is truth.12 CC 15.7

EUPHORIA Devotional
(The spirit of joy, an ecstasy that comes from God)

September 16, 2025
PERSUADED BY GOD’S WORD

REV. AROME E. TOKULA

Hebrews 4:2 - For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard it.

If there are any struggle believers have in walking with a God they can’t see, it is the fact that their minds aren’t fully persuaded about the truths found in scriptures. It is possible to hear the Word of God and only mentally assent to it without being persuaded to act upon it.

This is exactly what happened to the children of Israel after they left Egypt. They rejoiced and danced. They sang, “... I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Exodus 15:1). They were happy and excited at God’s great deliverance from Egypt but when they found themselves in the wilderness and were hungry, they started complaining and murmuring (Exodus 16:2-3).

They knew the power of God and His ability to save but weren't persuaded about it. Rather than judging God faithful through the situation they complained and murmured. Despite all the amazing things that God did for the children of Israel, the Bible says in Psalm 78:32-33 that, *In spite of this THEY STILL SINNED, and did NOT BELIEVE in His wondrous works. Therefore, their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear.” Their sin was that they refused to be persuaded concerning the Word of God. This is why our text says that the message or the Word didn't profit them because they didn’t mix it with faith. It literally means they weren't persuaded about what they heard!

It is not enough to just hear the Word of God; it is vitally important to be persuaded about that Word. By persuasion, I am talking about tenaciously holding on to the Word regardless of any contradictory circumstance or evidence.

The way to build this kind of unswerving confidence in the Word of God is through constant meditation (i.e., pondering and deep thinking) in the Word. It is through meditation that the Word of God takes root in the core of your consciousness. Jesus taught in the parable of the sower that the seeds that fell on rocky ground (Mark 4:6) are the ones, “... who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they HAVE NO ROOT IN THEMSELVES, and so ENDURE ONLY FOR A TIME. Afterward, WHEN tribulation or persecution arises for the WORD’S SAKE, IMMEDIATELY THEY STUMBLE” (Mark 4:16-17).

Tribulation and persecution will always arise for the sake of the Word that you hear and this is why it is very important to allow the Word of God take root through meditation so that when the hard times come, you'll emerge with testimonies and victories born from the Word of God.

DECLARE
I am what the Word of God says I am. I have what it says I have and I can do what it says that I can do in Jesus name. Even in the midst of contradictory circumstances and evidences I have made up my mind that the WORD of God defines my realities. I am not giving up and I am not quitting; I stay in the arena of faith as revealed to me in the Word of God. There is no way I can lose because my faith is anchored on the Word of God.

PONDER
It is not enough to just hear the Word of God; it is vitally important to be persuaded about that Word.

#IOFWithPastorArome
#MorningDevotion
#Euphoria #Devotional
#September #MonthOfRest
#2025_TheChristOurLord

Unto The Hills
© 1986, 1996, 2010 Billy Graham

MAY 15

JESUS LOVES ALL

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and ‘sinners.’” But wisdom is proved right by her actions.
MATTHEW 11:19 NIV

The late Dr. Harry Ironside once said, “Beware lest we mistake our prejudices for our convictions.”

To be sure, we must deplore wickedness, evil, and wrongdoing, but our commendable intolerance of sin too often develops into a deplorable intolerance of sinners. Jesus hates sin but loves the sinner.

I was amused and shocked to hear a man of considerable religious background declare on television not long ago that “you didn’t catch Jesus associating with questionable people or those whose basic ideas and attitudes were at variance with what Jesus knew to be honorable and right!”

Such a man should have known that Jesus wasn’t afraid to associate with anyone! One of the things which the scribes and Pharisees criticized bitterly was His willingness to help and talk with anyone, be they publicans, thieves, learned professors, or prostitutes, rich or poor! Even His own followers decried some of the people with whom He was seen in public, but this did not lessen the compassion that Jesus felt for all the members of poor, blinded, struggling humanity.

Jesus had the most open and all-encompassing mind that this world has ever seen. His own inner conviction was so strong, so firm, so unswerving that He could afford to mingle with any group, secure in the knowledge that He would not be contaminated. It is fear that makes us unwilling to listen to another’s point of view, fear that our own ideas may be attacked. Jesus had no such fear, no such pettiness of viewpoint, no need to fence Himself off for His own protection. He knew the difference between graciousness and compromise, and we would do well to learn from Him. He set for us the most magnificent and glowing example of truth, combined with mercy of all time, and in departing said, “Go ye and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).

Our Father and our God, thank You for Jesus and His love for the lost, no matter what their station in life. He loved even me, Father, and I am so grateful for that. Help me to be like Him and go in love to the lonely, the poor, the lost, and the abandoned. Show them Jesus through me. In His name. Amen.

#VICTORY365 #TheMastersMind #HARVEST #THRIVE #FLORISH #KnowTheWord #UNSHAKABLE #IMMOVEABLE #UNSWERVING #WTVCFamily #DavisBoodram #westtorontovictorychurch #BLESSED