Dear Father,

You instructed a young prophet, saying, “Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.” But there was an old prophet who came and misled him, saying, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.” But he lied to him. This very act cost the young prophet his life.

The unsettling part of this story is that the Scripture refers to a man who caused the downfall of another in the same field he operated, a prophet! I strongly believe in and advocate for mentorship, and a model who has gone before us often has greater influence on our decisions, especially when its a trusted voice. Today, I am concerned about people we look up to, whose words of direction and contributions to our assignment, although genuine, may lead us astray.

I think of those moments in our destiny when, in what seems like a dilemma, we must choose between obedience to You and what appears to be rebellion against a trusted voice. And like the younger prophet, we may be faced with the risk of letting our guard down. How can we, in such situations, know which way to go? Especially when what they talk us into is not bad in itself. If a man who clearly heard You fell victim, how can we trust our own discernment?

I do not have all the answers, Father. But I have developed a pattern: whenever I experience contradictions, to always check back with You. I believe in mentorship, but I also believe that every trusted voice may not always speak a trusted word.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu

#LettertoGod
#mentorship
#instructions
#dilemma
#obedience

THANKFUL THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER

“Lord, We Thank You for Everything!”

Scripture...
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

Heavenly Father,
On this Thankful Thursday morning, before we ask You for anything, we want to thank You for everything.
Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for watching over us through the night. Thank You for the breath in our bodies, the activity of our limbs, and the soundness of our minds. Thank You that when our eyes opened this morning, we were given another opportunity to experience Your grace, walk in Your purpose, and declare Your goodness.
Your Word says:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
So today, Lord, we choose to rejoice. We may not have everything we want, but we thank You because You have been faithful to provide what we need.
Thank You for What We Saw—and What We Never Saw
Father, we thank You not only for the blessings we recognize, but also for the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
Thank You for dangers seen and unseen.
Thank You for doors You closed because something harmful was on the other side.
Thank You for delays that frustrated us but protected us.
Thank You for people You removed because they could not go where You were taking us.
Thank You for the accidents that did not happen, the sickness that did not overtake us, the plans of the enemy that did not prosper, and the traps that never caught us.
Your Word declares:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)
The weapon may have formed, but it did not win!
The storm came, but it did not destroy us!
The enemy attacked, but he could not cancel Your purpose!
We are still here because Your hand has been upon us.
Thank You for Your Mercy
Father, thank You for mercy.
Thank You that You did not give us what our mistakes deserved.
Thank You for forgiving us when we confessed our sins. Thank You for cleansing us, restoring us, correcting us, and giving us another opportunity to get it right.
Your Word says:
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
New mercy this morning!
Not yesterday's mercy.
Not leftover mercy.
But fresh mercy for a brand-new day.
Lord, forgive us for every sin—those committed knowingly and unknowingly, in our words, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Create in us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us.
Thank You for Jesus
Most of all, Father, thank You for Jesus!
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the blood.
Thank You for salvation.
Thank You for redemption.
Thank You that the grave could not hold Him.
Thank You that Jesus got up with all power in His hands!
Your Word declares:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” — John 3:16 (KJV)
Jesus, thank You for loving us when we were unlovable. Thank You for reaching for us when we were running from You. Thank You for being our Savior, Lord, Advocate, Shepherd, Deliverer, and Friend.
Thank You Even in Difficult Seasons
Father, teach us to thank You even when life does not make sense.
Your Word says:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
It does not say that everything that happens is good. It tells us that in everything, we can still give thanks.
So even in the valley, we thank You.
Even while waiting, we thank You.
Even when our prayers have not yet been answered, we thank You.
Even when we cannot trace Your hand, help us to trust Your heart.
We believe:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…” — Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Father, take what was meant to break us and use it to build us. Take our tears and produce testimony. Take our trials and develop endurance. Take our disappointments and redirect us toward Your purpose.
Lord, Touch Those Who Need Healing
This morning we lift up everyone who is sick in body, troubled in mind, emotionally wounded, exhausted, grieving, or discouraged.
You declared:
“For I am the LORD that healeth thee.” — Exodus 15:26 (KJV)
Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
Touch those dealing with cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, lupus, dementia, Alzheimer's, chronic pain, and every disease and condition.
Strengthen weakened bodies. Restore energy. Give doctors wisdom. Guide surgeons' hands. Let medications work as intended. Bring peace to caregivers and families.
We pray for those fighting battles in their minds—anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, grief, confusion, and despair. Let the peace of God guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Lord, Provide for Every Need
Father, remember those looking for employment. Open the right doors.
Remember those who need promotions and increases.
Remember families struggling financially.
Remember those facing bills they do not know how they will pay.
Remember those worried about food, housing, transportation, or other necessities.
Your Word promises:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Father, make a way where there appears to no way.
Give wisdom concerning finances. Provide resources. Create opportunities. Send favor. Connect people with the right opportunities at the right time.
Bless Our Families
Lord, cover our families.
Protect our marriages. Strengthen husbands and wives. Draw parents and children closer together. Heal broken relationships. Restore communication. Bring forgiveness where there has been hurt.
Protect our children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended families.
Let Joshua's declaration become the declaration of our homes:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
Save those who do not know Jesus. Draw back those who have wandered away. Let our homes become places of prayer, peace, love, forgiveness, worship, and the presence of God.
Order Our Steps Today
Father, as we go into this Thursday, order our steps.
Your Word says:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
Guide our conversations.
Guide our decisions.
Guide us on the highways.
Guide us at work.
Guide us in our homes.
Guard our mouths so that our words bring life and not destruction.
Give us discernment so that we recognize what comes from You and what does not.
When temptation comes, give us strength to say no.
When opportunity comes, give us wisdom to know whether to say yes.
When trouble comes, remind us that You are already there.
We Thank You in Advance
Father, before we see the answer, we thank You.
Before the door opens, we thank You.
Before the healing manifests, we thank You.
Before the breakthrough comes, we thank You.
Before the financial situation changes, we thank You.
Before our loved ones come to Christ, we thank You.
Because our thanksgiving is not based only on what You do—it is based on who You are.
You are still God.
You are still faithful.
You are still holy.
You are still sovereign.
You are still our Provider.
You are still our Healer.
You are still our Deliverer.
You are still our Way Maker.
You are still our Keeper.
And You are still worthy of all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise!
Thursday Declaration...
Today we declare:
I will not allow complaining to overpower my thanksgiving.
I will not allow fear to silence my faith.
I will not allow yesterday's disappointment to steal today's joy.
I will not allow what I do not have to make me forget everything God has already done.
I am thankful.
I am blessed.
I am covered.
I am kept.
I am loved.
I am forgiven.
I am redeemed.
And because God has brought me this far, I believe He will carry me the rest of the way!
Father, thank You for yesterday.
Thank You for today.
And by faith, thank You for tomorrow.
May everything we say and do today bring glory to Your name.
We seal this Thankful Thursday Morning Prayer in the mighty, matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ.
Amen, Amen, and AMEN!

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

“No matter what this Thursday brings, I WILL GIVE GOD THANKS! He has been too good, too faithful, and too merciful for me to remain silent. THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, AND I WILL REJOICE!”

What if your economic wilderness is not a dead end?

We are often taught to look for financial solutions in markets, money, capital and opportunities.

But what if there is another question to ask:

What is the economic way of the Lord?

Isaiah 43:19 says:

“I am making a way in the desert.”

The desert may represent economic difficulty, financial pressure, uncertainty or a seemingly impossible situation.

But a desert is not the end of the journey.

The Body of the Word is the economic and financial way of the Lord.

The Money is the Word.
The Money has a Mind.
And the Mind of the Word knows the Way.

— Omodolapo Ogunye
The Money’s Mind

What economic wilderness are you trying to find your way through?

Be the Light (Matthew 5:14–16)

Look around you.

There is so much darkness in the world.

People are struggling with fear.

Some are carrying pain they never talk about.

Some have lost hope.

Some are searching for purpose.

Some are surrounded by people but still feel alone.

And some have never truly heard the good news about Jesus.

Jesus said:

“You are the light of the world.”

What a powerful statement.

Jesus didn't say, “You might become the light someday.”

He told His followers to live as people who reflect His light.

But what does that mean?

It means your life should point people toward Christ.

Your words can bring encouragement instead of discouragement.

Your actions can demonstrate kindness instead of selfishness.

Your integrity can stand out in a culture where compromise is common.

Your forgiveness can show people the power of grace.

Your hope can remind someone that difficult circumstances don't have to have the final word.

And your testimony can introduce someone to Jesus.

Being a light doesn't mean pretending that your life is perfect.

You will have difficult days.

You will make mistakes.

You will have questions.

You will experience disappointment.

But even in those moments, you can continue pointing toward Christ.

Because the light isn't coming from you.

It comes from Him.

Think about the moon.

The moon doesn't produce its own light.

It reflects the light of the sun.

In the same way, we are called to reflect the character and love of Jesus.

The world doesn't need Christians who simply tell everyone how good they are.

It needs Christians who demonstrate how good God is.

So let your light shine at work.

Let it shine at school.

Let it shine at home.

Let it shine in your friendships.

Let it shine on social media.

Let it shine when nobody is watching.

You don't need a huge platform to make an impact.

One encouraging message can brighten someone's day.

One honest decision can influence someone.

One act of kindness can open a door.

One conversation about Jesus can change someone's eternity.

Don't underestimate what God can do through a faithful life.

But remember something important:

Being a light doesn't mean compromising truth just to make people comfortable.

Jesus was full of both grace and truth.

Love people genuinely.

Speak truth with humility.

Stand for what is right.

But never use your faith as an excuse to treat people with arrogance or hatred.

Our goal isn't to win arguments.

Our goal is to point people to Christ.

Jesus continued:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Notice where the glory goes.

Not to us.

To God.

When someone sees your kindness, may they see Christ.

When someone experiences your forgiveness, may they see Christ.

When someone hears your testimony, may they hear about Christ.

When someone sees your hope during difficult circumstances, may they wonder where that hope comes from.

And when the opportunity comes, don't be afraid to say:

“Jesus is the reason.”

The world doesn't need another person trying to impress everyone.

It needs people willing to faithfully reflect Jesus.

So don't hide your faith.

Don't hide your testimony.

Don't hide the hope Christ has given you.

Shine.

Not for attention.

Not for applause.

Not to make yourself look important.

Shine so that people can see God.

You may be the light someone needs to see today.

Who can you encourage, help, or point toward Jesus today?

#BeTheLight #Matthew516 #LightOfTheWorld #ShineForJesus #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #HopeInChrist #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

Devotion: Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19: “Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.”

Thoughts:

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and thus inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, you also gain power through God; power to face even the most daunting enemies and challenges.

If you live your life in honor of God, if you understand that His presence in your life is a constant, you never need to be afraid again.

Fear makes us weak, it makes us doubt that God can intervene in time to save us. If we stand firm in the knowledge that we have power through our belief in the Lord, if we face the future with courageous hearts, we can (and will) overcome any obstacle in our way.

Fear gives the devil a foothold, he thrives on us being afraid and uses it against us. When we take our stand against evil, against the world, knowing that we are children of the Almighty; children with God-given power, even the devil and his minions will fall. Luke 10:17: “....Even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name."

A word of warning, though, remember that with this power comes a warning:

Luke 10:17: “But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.”

Therefore you should accept our God-given power and use it to quench the human fear still lurking in our lives. In our commitment to God we can use this power to overcome even the darkest of enemies and do so to glorify His name. For it is only through Him that we can claim this power and only with His blessing that we can use it in our daily battle.

Ask yourself:

Are you ready to accept God's challenge and take up the powerful sword God gave you? Are you ready to trust in Him so that you can live a life to His glory, victorious agaist the treachery of the world?

#Luke10 #Devotion #PowerofGod

JESUS CHANGED MY LIFE — AND HE CAN CHANGE YOURS TOO!

Jesus meets us where we are and gives us a new hope, a new purpose, and a new beginning. His love never fails, His mercy is new every morning, and His grace is greater than our past.

He loves you.
He forgives you.
He saves you.
He strengthens you.
He guides you.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10

Whatever you are going through today, don’t lose hope. Put your trust in Jesus and allow Him to lead your life. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Comment AMEN if Jesus is the center of your life, and share this with someone who needs hope today.

#JesusChrist #JesusChangedMyLife #GodIsGood #ChristianFaith #Faith #Hope #BibleVerse #TrustJesus #ChristianPost #Amen

ARE YOU A PHARISEE?

MATTHEW 16:6,12 NKJ 6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Why did Jesus warn His disciples to beware of the Pharisees? What did they do wrong?

(An entire chapter of the Bible (Matthew 23) is Jesus' teaching against the Pharisees.)

The Pharisees were conservative, faithful "church" members. They accepted the Bible as the written Word of God. They paid tithes. They believed in miracles (at least in days past). They wouldn't dream of stealing, committing adultery, or such things. You would like living next to a Pharisee as they were model citizens.

But instead of having a living relationship with God, the Pharisees took the Word of God and made just another dead religion out of it.

The Pharisee way of thinking is: keep up appearances. "It doesn't matter so much what you are on the inside, as long as you keep the rules (at least publicly)."

Notice that Jesus likened their teaching to leaven, or yeast. Why? Yeast spreads easily and rapidly. Humans are very susceptible to approaching God in this manner, "Keep the rules. Just do these 10 things and you are OK."

Different groups may have different rules, but we all accumulate them. It may be how many times each week you must attend church meetings, or what kind of clothes you must wear, or how you must wear your hair. Or, it may be a list of things you cannot do. But, as long as you meet these requirements, you are in good standing with your group (or denomination).

But, good standing with God is based on only one thing according to the New Testament: faith in what Jesus did for us. That alone is what makes us right with God. Not our works, but Jesus' work.

LUKE 12:1 NKJ 1 ... He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The Pharisees were hypocrites. That is, they put on an act. What they pretended to be in public was not really what they were like in private. They claimed to be perfect in keeping God's law, but as humans they were all sinners, just like the rest of the people were. Yet, in public, they insisted that others keep the Law perfectly, or be condemned.

They were quick to pass judgment on others, and slow to extend mercy or help. The Pharisees had a legalistic view of God's Word and did not realize that God was merciful and wanted to help people.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:6 NKJ 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Using God's Word to "kill" instead of using it to minister life is wrong. God's Word is meant to help people and lift them up, not place such hard demands on them that they cannot ever measure up. When we load people down with heavy loads of rules to keep in order to be right with God, we are ministers of death.

MATTHEW 23:1-5 NLT 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 "Everything they do is for show. . . .

If your "Christianity" is nothing more than a list of "do's and don'ts" then you are missing real Christianity, which is a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

SAY THIS: Jesus does not want me to act like a Pharisee.

God bless you!

GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY
You Will Not Finish the Journey by Your Strength Alone
Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 23:4; Philippians 1:6
Life is truly a journey, filled with all sorts of seasons—those high peaks and deep valleys, moments of triumph and times of struggle, fresh starts and bittersweet goodbyes. While God doesn’t guarantee that the path will always be smooth, He does promise that His grace will be more than enough for every step you take. When you feel like you’ve hit a wall and can’t go on, it’s in those moments that God’s grace becomes your lifeline. Paul learned this powerful lesson when God reassured him, saying, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
There will be times when you might wonder how you’ll get through, but you’ll find that God provides grace one day at a time. Just like the Israelites received their daily manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4–5), or how Elijah was given supernatural strength when he was at his lowest (1 Kings 19:5–8). David found his courage in God’s presence while navigating through the valley (Psalm 23:4). God may not lay out everything you’ll need for the next decade right now, but He will certainly equip you with enough grace for today’s challenges, today’s battles, and today’s journey.
Remember, it’s not helpful to compare your journey with someone else’s. Each person has their own unique timeline and purpose. Some seasons will call for patience, while others will demand courage. Some doors will swing open quickly, while others will require you to wait a little longer. But no matter what season you find yourself in, God’s grace is already there waiting for you. Isaiah 40:31 beautifully reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed. When you’re feeling weak, He’ll lift you up. When you’re feeling lost, He’ll be your guide. And when you stumble, He’ll be right there to help you Keep moving forward. You might not grasp everything that’s happening along the way, but trust in the One who knows where you’re headed. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the God who started a good work in you will see it through to the end. The path may take longer than you anticipated, but you won’t be walking it alone. Grace will be your support, grace will empower you, grace will guide you, grace will uplift you, and grace will safely lead you to your destination.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that has brought us this far. When we feel weak, be our strength. When we’re feeling down, restore our hope. When we’re lost, direct our steps. Provide us with the grace we need for every challenge and task ahead.
Lord, help us to stay strong on this journey. Grant us patience in times of waiting, courage when we need to stand firm, wisdom for our decisions, and faith when the future seems unclear.
We declare that we will persevere. Your grace is more than enough for us. We will keep walking, trusting, believing, and following You until we reach all that You have in store for us.
Grace for today. Grace for tomorrow. Grace for every step. Grace for the whole journey. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

August 20
“WHO GOD IS TO ME”
MY LIGHT
Psalm 27:1 (LLV) —
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Fear
often grows
in darkness.
When we cannot see
what lies
ahead.
When we do not know
what tomorrow
will bring.
When the path
that once seemed clear
suddenly
becomes uncertain.
David knew
those moments.
He knew
what it was
to have enemies.
To face danger.
To wonder
what might happen
next.
Yet David
does not begin
this psalm
by describing
what frightened him.
He begins
by describing
his God.
“The LORD
is my light.”
Light
does not always
show us
the entire road.
Sometimes
it gives us
only enough
to see
the next step.
But that
is enough.
Because our confidence
is not
in how far
we can see.
Our confidence
is in
the One
who sees
everything.
Then David says:
“My salvation.”
The God
who shows
the way
is also
the God
who saves.
And then:
“The strength
of my life.”
God does not
merely stand
at a distance
and point us
toward safety.
He becomes
our strength
along the way.
Then David asks:
“Whom
shall I fear?”
Notice
that he does not say
there is nothing
frightening
in the world.
There certainly was
in David's world.
And there certainly is
in ours.
Faith
does not pretend
danger
doesn't exist.
Faith remembers
that danger
does not get
the final word.
Fear says,
“Look at
what might happen.”
Faith answers,
“Look at
who God is.”
When darkness
surrounds us,
He is
my Light.
When I need
rescuing,
He is
my Salvation.
When I feel
weak,
He is
the Strength
of my life.
Perhaps
we do not need
to know
everything
tomorrow holds.
We only need
enough light
for today.
And we know
the One
who provides it.
A new beginning steps into the light:
I may not see the entire road ahead, but I do not have to fear the darkness when the Lord Himself is my light.
Reflection: What uncertainty am I allowing to frighten me today, and how might it look different if I focused first on who God is rather than what might happen?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my light when I cannot see the way ahead. When fear grows in the uncertainty of tomorrow, turn my attention back to You. You are my salvation and the strength of my life. Give me enough light for the next step and enough faith to take it, trusting that You already see the entire road. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dear Father,

You instructed a young prophet, saying, “Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.” But there was an old prophet who came and misled him, saying, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.” But he lied to him. This very act cost the young prophet his life.

The unsettling part of this story is that the Scripture refers to a man who caused the downfall of another in the same field he operated, a prophet! I strongly believe in and advocate for mentorship, and a model who has gone before us often has greater influence on our decisions, especially when its a trusted voice. Today, I am concerned about people we look up to, whose words of direction and contributions to our assignment, although genuine, may lead us astray.

I think of those moments in our destiny when, in what seems like a dilemma, we must choose between obedience to You and what appears to be rebellion against a trusted voice. And like the younger prophet, we may be faced with the risk of letting our guard down. How can we, in such situations, know which way to go? Especially when what they talk us into is not bad in itself. If a man who clearly heard You fell victim, how can we trust our own discernment?

I do not have all the answers, Father. But I have developed a pattern: whenever I experience contradictions, to always check back with You. I believe in mentorship, but I also believe that every trusted voice may not always speak a trusted word.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu

#LettertoGod
#mentorship
#instructions
#dilemma
#obedience