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DBF-001-031 continues with John 2:10. The master of the feast recognizes that something unusual has happened: the best wine has been kept until now. We should keep the focus on Christ’s provision and avoid turning the verse into a promise of material abundance. DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-032 Today’s Scripture John 2:11 (ESV) “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” Opening the Scriptures John identifies Jesus’ turning water into wine as the first of His signs. This was not merely a remarkable act of kindness at a wedding. It was a sign. A sign points beyond itself. The miracle revealed something about Jesus’ identity, authority, and glory. He was not simply a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker. He was the Son of God, possessing divine power and acting with divine authority. Jesus did not perform this sign to draw attention to Himself in a worldly way. He revealed His glory so that His disciples would see more clearly who He was and believe in Him. The miracle met a real need, but its deepest purpose was spiritual. The wine was temporary. The revelation of Christ was eternal. Living God’s Word Today It is possible to experience God’s blessings without truly recognizing what they reveal about Him. We may thank God for answered prayer, provision, healing, or protection, yet fail to grow in our knowledge of Christ. But God’s works are meant to lead us to worship. Every answered prayer should deepen our trust. Every provision should remind us of God’s faithfulness. Every moment of grace should direct our hearts toward the Savior. The disciples saw what Jesus had done, and they believed in Him. Their faith was not based on vague optimism or personal feelings. It was strengthened by seeing His glory revealed through His works. Our faith also rests on the revelation God has given us through Scripture. We may not witness Jesus turning water into wine, but we have the testimony of those who saw Him, heard Him, and recorded His works for us. John wrote his Gospel so that we would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we would have life in His name. Do not stop at admiring what Jesus does. Ask what His works reveal about who He is. He is powerful. He is compassionate. He is faithful. He is worthy of trust and worship. The purpose of every true encounter with Christ is not merely to make life easier. It is to make Him known. Let God’s works lead you to greater faith in Jesus. Question for Today What has God done in your life that has helped you see more clearly who Jesus is? Respond: “Jesus is worthy of my faith and worship.”

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0 GOD HANGS THE EARTH ON NOTHING Long before telescopes, satellites, or space travel, a statement was written that still stands untouched by time. In Book of Job 26:7, we read that God “hangs the earth on nothing.” No pillars. No animals. No mythological supports. Suspended. Exactly as it truly is. At the same time, cultures around the world were offering very different explanations. Hindu traditions spoke of the earth resting on elephants standing on a giant turtle. Greek mythology described Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders. These weren’t just stories. They were the best attempts of human reasoning trying to explain the unknown. And they were wrong. But the Bible was not. Job didn’t have a telescope. He didn’t have modern science. Yet he recorded a truth that aligns with what we now observe in space. The earth is not sitting on anything. It is held in place by forces God established, exactly as Scripture declared thousands of years ago. This wasn’t a lucky guess. This wasn’t poetic accident. This was revelation. As Second Epistle of Peter 1:21 explains, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. That is why the Bible stands apart. It doesn’t echo the errors of man. It speaks with authority because its source is not human imagination. The earth hangs on nothing because the One who created it holds it exactly where it belongs.

August 25th, 2026 Read: Psalm 56:4 The psalmist praises God's Word because it gives him firm ground for trust. Human threats remain real, but they no longer possess ultimate authority over his heart. The eternal truth of Scripture is precious not merely because the Bible is ancient or has crossed many cultures, but because the God who spoke is faithful in every age. When fear of people begins to govern our choices, we return to His promises. Trust in the Lord frees us to obey without being controlled by what flesh can do. Prayer Thank You, Great and Eternal God, for being more stable than the ground I stand on, more resilient than the mountain peaks I aspire to, and more steady than the waves on the oceans I adore. I put my soul, my future, and my life in Your hands. I try to live in a way that will please You. I want my life to be characterized by steadfast devotion to You. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*ONLY BELIEVE!*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.” — Mark 5:37 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Stay Close to Jesus When Faith Is Tested* Mark 5:37 comes in the middle of the story of Jairus, whose daughter was critically ill. Jairus had come to Jesus believing that Jesus could help. But as they journeyed, the situation became even worse. Jesus strategically chose only Peter, James, and John among the twelve disciples to accompany Him as He continued toward Jairus' house. You may what to ask why the three among the twelve? This Show us that even among the elected or selected there are favourites and disciples who are more closer to Jesus than the others. Are you among the inner circle of Jesus? Immediately after this, Jesus would challenge the atmosphere of fear and unbelief with the powerful command: “Be not afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36 The lesson is powerful: when circumstances become more difficult, stay close to Jesus. There will be moments when circumstances appear to contradict what you have prayed for. There may be voices telling you that your situation is finished, your opportunity is gone, or your dream is impossible. But Jesus is still present. Today, choose carefully whose voice you listen to. Stay close to Christ. Let faith speak louder than fear, and let God's promises speak louder than discouraging reports. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I will remain close to Jesus Christ regardless of what happens around me. I shall not allow fear, bad reports, disappointment, or the opinions of people to separate me from my faith in God. I declare that when circumstances become difficult, my faith shall become stronger. When the situation appears impossible, I will remember that nothing is impossible with God. I reject every voice of hopelessness, fear, confusion, and discouragement that tells me to give up. I choose to listen to the voice of Jesus, who calls me to trust Him. Today, I declare faith over fear in every area of my life. I proclaim faith over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, finances, plans, and destiny. May God's power and wisdom guide me through every difficult circumstance. I declare that no negative report shall become the final report over my life. I will not make permanent conclusions based on temporary circumstances. Today, I receive grace to wait for God's intervention even when I cannot see how He will make a way. I shall not run ahead of God because of fear, and I shall not abandon my faith because of delay. I declare that every situation that appears beyond human possibility is placed in the hands of the God who has ultimate authority over life and every circumstance. I proclaim that the Lord shall give me discernment concerning the voices I allow into my heart. May He surround me with people who strengthen my faith, encourage my walk with Christ, and speak wisdom into my life. I declare that my faith shall not be based merely on what I see. I shall walk by faith and trust God's character even when I do not understand His process. Today, I refuse to surrender my hope. I refuse to call dead what God has not called dead. I refuse to give up on what God has instructed me to continue pursuing. I will not be afraid. I will believe. I will remain close to Jesus. I will trust God's timing. I will wait for His word to prevail. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with faith: Thank God before you present your requests, remembering that He is greater than every challenge. 2️⃣ Read Mark 5:21–43: Pay particular attention to Jesus' words to Jairus in verse 36: “Be not afraid, only believe.” 3️⃣ Declare: “I will not be afraid. I will believe. Jesus has the final word over my situation.” 4️⃣ Guard your atmosphere: Be intentional about the voices, conversations, and content you allow to influence your faith. 5️⃣ Surrender one impossible situation: Give it completely to Jesus and refuse to carry it through anxiety. 6️⃣ Take one step of faith: Continue doing what God has placed in your hands, even if the final result is not yet visible. 7️⃣ End with worship: Thank God for His presence and trust Him with the outcome. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You because You are greater than every situation I may face. Lord Jesus, help me to remain close to You when my faith is tested. When I hear discouraging reports, remind me of Your promises. When fear rises, remind me of Your power. Deliver me from the fear of bad news, delay, disappointment, and uncertainty. Give me grace to believe You even when circumstances appear impossible. I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, plans, and future into Your hands. Lord, give me wisdom to know which voices to listen to and which ones to reject. Surround me with people who strengthen my faith and help me remain focused on You. Where I am tempted to give up, give me strength to continue. Where I am tempted to fear, give me courage to believe. Help me not to judge Your ability by my circumstances. Teach me to trust Your wisdom, Your power, and Your timing. I choose faith over fear. I choose hope over despair. I choose to remain close to Jesus. Let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen your faith today and silence every voice of fear and discouragement. May you remain close to Jesus through every season. When circumstances become difficult, may His presence give you courage; when the road becomes uncertain, may His Word give you direction. May the Lord protect your family, establish your ministry, bless your work and business, guide your studies, and order every step of your destiny according to His perfect will. May no temporary situation make you abandon your confidence in God. 🔥 Fear not. 🙏 Only believe. 🕊️ Stay close to Jesus. 🌟 Trust His timing. 🙌 Expect His faithfulness. 🌟 “BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE.” — MARK 5:36 May your faith remain strong, your heart remain peaceful, and your eyes remain fixed on Jesus today. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and victorious 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: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

Tuesday, 25th August, 2026 TITLE: "FAITH THAT OVERCOMES: BELIEVE GOD BEYOND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) 1 John 5:4 (KJV) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Mark 9:23 (KJV) "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Faith does not deny the problem; it believes that God is greater than the problem." DAY'S REFLECTION Every believer will encounter situations that appear bigger than human ability. There may be closed doors, financial difficulties, family challenges, opposition, disappointment, or circumstances that make the future uncertain. Yet God's Word teaches us that faith gives us victory over what seeks to overwhelm us. John declares in 1 John 5:4, "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." To overcome means to prevail, conquer, or gain victory over an opposing force. The verse does not say that God's children will never face difficulties. Rather, it assures us that the difficulties of this world do not have the final authority over those who belong to God. The Scripture identifies the means of this victory: "even our faith." Faith is confident trust in God and His Word. It means believing God's character and promises even when circumstances have not yet changed. In Mark 9:23, Jesus says, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." This statement was made in the context of a desperate father seeking help for his son. Jesus was teaching that faith places our impossible situations into the hands of an unlimited God. However, biblical faith is not a formula for getting everything we desire. It is not simply believing that something will happen because we want it. True faith trusts God Himself—His power, wisdom, goodness, and perfect will. Faith says, "Lord, I believe You can, and I trust You to do what is right." Life experience teaches us that fear grows when we focus exclusively on the size of our problems. Faith grows when we deliberately focus on the greatness of God. The same situation can look completely different depending on where our attention is directed. Therefore, when challenges arise, do not allow fear to become the loudest voice in your heart. Take your concerns to God. Stand upon His Word. Pray with confidence. Continue obeying Him even when the answer has not yet appeared. Your faith may be tested, but do not abandon it. The God you trust is greater than the circumstance you face. Today, choose to believe God beyond what your eyes can see. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) "For we walk by faith, not by sight." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. Faith gives believers strength to overcome worldly challenges. 2. What we see is not always the final reality of what God can do. 3. Faith requires trust in God's character, not merely confidence in a desired outcome. 4. Difficult circumstances should drive us closer to God rather than away from Him. 5. Prayer, God's Word, and obedience strengthen our faith. 6. Nothing is impossible for God, but we must trust His perfect will and timing. EVERYDAY ACTION When a challenge arises today, replace fear with prayer and deliberately remind yourself of God's power and faithfulness. PRAYER Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith to overcome every challenge. Help me trust You beyond what I see and believe that You are able to do what is impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am born of God, and I overcome the world through faith. I will not be ruled by fear or circumstances. I believe in the power of God, trust His Word, and walk confidently in faith. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 23–24 | Ephesians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 23 Revival Through the Word of God 2 Kings 23 records one of the greatest seasons of spiritual reform in Judah's history under King Josiah. After hearing the Book of the Law and humbling himself before the Lord, Josiah immediately begins leading the nation back to covenant faithfulness. His response demonstrates that genuine revival always begins with God's Word and continues through obedient action. Josiah gathers the people and publicly renews the covenant before the Lord. He does not keep God's truth private but calls the entire nation to return to faithful worship. The king understands that spiritual renewal must involve both personal repentance and public obedience. The reforms that follow are comprehensive. Josiah removes idols, destroys pagan altars, eliminates false worship, and cleanses the temple. Nothing that competes with devotion to the Lord is left untouched. His actions reveal that true repentance is more than sorrow over sin—it involves turning away from everything that dishonors God. One of the most significant moments in the chapter is the restoration of the Passover. For generations, this central celebration of God's redeeming work had been neglected. By restoring it, Josiah calls the nation to remember God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His redeemed people. Worship becomes centered once again on God's saving acts rather than human traditions. Yet despite Josiah's remarkable faithfulness, the chapter reminds us that the accumulated rebellion of previous generations has consequences. God delays His judgment because of Josiah's humility, but the coming exile will still occur. National reform, though sincere, cannot erase centuries of persistent rebellion. Josiah's death at the end of the chapter marks the conclusion of a bright season in Judah's history. His passing prepares the way for the nation's final decline. Nevertheless, his example remains a testimony of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Theologically, 2 Kings 23 teaches that God's Word produces genuine repentance, which in turn leads to practical obedience. Revival is never merely emotional; it transforms worship, priorities, and daily living. The chapter also reveals that while God's mercy is abundant, sin carries consequences that cannot always be avoided. This chapter points to Christ, who fulfills the meaning of the Passover as the true Lamb of God. Josiah restored the celebration that pointed forward to Jesus, whose sacrifice would accomplish the ultimate redemption from sin. Christ brings the complete spiritual renewal that even Judah's greatest reforms could never fully achieve. For believers today, 2 Kings 23 reminds us that true revival begins when we humbly submit ourselves to God's Word. We are called to remove every idol from our hearts, renew our devotion to the Lord, and remember the redemption we have received through Christ. Genuine faith is demonstrated not merely by hearing God's truth but by obeying it wholeheartedly. 2 Kings 24 The Faithfulness of God in the Midst of Judgment 2 Kings 24 marks the beginning of Judah's final collapse before the Babylonian exile. After Josiah's death, a series of kings lead the nation back into rebellion against the Lord. Though prophets continue warning the people, they refuse to repent. The chapter records the fulfillment of what God had patiently declared for generations. Babylon rises to become the dominant world power, and Judah gradually falls under its control. Political alliances fail, military strength proves insufficient, and the nation experiences the consequences of years of covenant unfaithfulness. The writer emphasizes that these events are not simply the result of Babylon's military superiority but the outworking of God's righteous judgment. The chapter repeatedly points back to the sins of Manasseh and the persistent rebellion that followed him. Judah has consistently rejected God's Word, ignored His prophets, and embraced idolatry. The exile is therefore presented not as God's abandonment of His people but as His faithful response to His covenant warnings. King Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon despite God's clear purposes, bringing additional suffering upon the nation. His successors continue the same pattern of disobedience. Eventually, King Jehoiachin surrenders, and many of Judah's leaders, craftsmen, and treasures are carried away to Babylon. The exile has begun. Even in this difficult chapter, however, hope remains. God preserves the line of David by allowing Jehoiachin to live. Though the kingdom appears to have collapsed, God's covenant has not failed. His redemptive plan continues quietly through the preserved royal line, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. The chapter reminds us that God's judgment is always purposeful. His discipline is designed not to destroy His covenant but to purify His people and accomplish His larger redemptive purposes. Theologically, 2 Kings 24 reveals God's complete faithfulness. He fulfills both His promises of blessing and His warnings of judgment. The chapter also demonstrates that God's sovereign purposes continue even during seasons of loss, discipline, and apparent defeat. This chapter points to Christ, the faithful Son of David who remained obedient where Judah's kings repeatedly failed. Though the earthly kingdom entered exile, God's promise of an eternal King remained secure. Jesus fulfills that promise by establishing an everlasting kingdom that can never be conquered or carried away. For believers today, 2 Kings 24 reminds us that God's discipline flows from His faithfulness, not from His abandonment. Seasons of correction are opportunities to return to Him with humble hearts. In Christ, we have the assurance that even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, God's redemptive purposes continue unfolding. Our hope is not found in earthly kingdoms or temporary security but in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will never end. Ephesians — The Riches of God's Grace in the Christ The book of Ephesians presents one of the fullest pictures of God's eternal redemptive plan through the Christ, the Son of God. It begins by revealing everything believers have received in Him and then shows how those spiritual blessings are to shape everyday Christian living. The first half of the letter focuses on doctrine—who believers are in the Christ. The second half focuses on practice—how believers are to live because they belong to Him. A central theme throughout the book is God's eternal purpose in the Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God established His plan to redeem a people for Himself through His Son. Every promise, every blessing, and every aspect of salvation finds its fulfillment in the Christ. The redemptive plan is not an afterthought but the unfolding of God's eternal purpose. Another major emphasis is the believer's identity. Those who trust in the Christ are forgiven, adopted into God's family, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and seated with the Christ in heavenly places. They are no longer defined by their past but by their relationship with the Son of God. The book also highlights the unity of the Church. Through the Christ, God has brought together people from every background into one body. Walls of division have been removed, and believers now share one faith, one hope, one Lord, and one Spirit. Christian living reflects this unity through love, humility, and mutual service. Ephesians also emphasizes spiritual growth. Believers are called to put away the old way of life and grow into the likeness of the Christ. They are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, equipped for ministry, and encouraged to walk in holiness, wisdom, and love. The letter concludes with the reality of spiritual warfare. The Christian life involves ongoing conflict, not against people, but against spiritual forces. Yet believers do not fight in their own strength. The Son of God provides everything necessary to stand firm through the armor of God and the power of His Spirit. For believers today, Ephesians reminds us that our identity, purpose, strength, and hope are all found in the Christ. Christian living flows from understanding who we are because of what the Son of God has accomplished. As we walk in His grace, grow in His love, and stand firm in His truth, we display the beauty of His eternal redemptive plan to the world. Ephesians 1 — Every Spiritual Blessing in the Christ Ephesians chapter 1 opens with a magnificent celebration of God's eternal plan of salvation through the Christ, the Son of God. Rather than beginning with human need, Paul begins with God's grace, showing that every aspect of salvation originates with Him. The chapter reveals the immeasurable spiritual riches believers possess because they are united with the Christ. Christian living begins by understanding what God has already accomplished through His Son. The chapter begins by praising God for every spiritual blessing given through the Christ. These blessings are not earned through human effort but freely given by God's grace. The redemptive plan begins with God's initiative, not humanity's achievement. Every blessing believers enjoy flows from their relationship with the Son of God. Paul explains that God's purpose was established before the foundation of the world. Long before humanity fell into sin, God had already planned redemption through the Christ. This demonstrates the certainty and sovereignty of His redemptive plan. The Son of God did not come as a response to an unexpected problem but as the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose to redeem a people for Himself. The chapter then describes the privilege of adoption. Through the Christ, believers are brought into God's family as sons and daughters. This new relationship is based entirely upon God's love and grace. Christian living flows from the security of belonging to the Father through the Son. The believer no longer approaches God as a stranger but as a beloved child. Paul also emphasizes redemption through the blood of the Christ. Forgiveness is possible because the Son of God willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Every debt has been paid, every sin forgiven, and every barrier between God and humanity removed through His finished work. The redemptive plan reaches its fulfillment in the sacrifice of the Christ. Another major theme is God's purpose to bring everything together under the authority of the Christ. History is moving toward the complete fulfillment of His kingdom. The Son of God reigns over all creation, and every promise God has made will ultimately find its completion in Him. Christian living is therefore marked by hope and confidence because believers know that God's purposes cannot fail. The chapter also highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in the Christ are sealed with the Spirit as God's own possession. The Holy Spirit serves as the guarantee of the inheritance awaiting believers. This assurance provides confidence that God's redemptive plan will be completed exactly as He has promised. Paul then prays that believers would grow in spiritual understanding. He desires that they know the hope of God's calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the greatness of His power. Christian living is strengthened as believers continually grow in their knowledge of the Son of God and understand the incredible blessings already given to them through Him. The chapter concludes by declaring the supreme authority of the Christ. God has exalted His Son above every ruler, authority, power, and dominion. The Church is described as His body, living under His headship and displaying His presence in the world. The redemptive plan reaches beyond individual salvation to the creation of a people who live under the lordship of the Christ and proclaim His glory. Throughout Ephesians chapter 1, the Christ stands at the center of every spiritual blessing. He is the source of election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and eternal hope. Everything God has planned and accomplished is found in His beloved Son. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to begin our Christian lives by focusing on what God has already done through the Christ. Christian living is not driven by fear or striving but by gratitude for His abundant grace. We are called to live as God's adopted children, secure in His love, confident in His promises, and empowered by His Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of the Son of God, we increasingly reflect His glory and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

A meek or gentle soul, should be meek in the eyes of GOD alone not for evil, when you appear meek and gentle to evil people they take advantage of you, if you pity the devil, either by attitude or by response you will suffer it temptation and wrath, we are in a time where we don't give chance for evil to rise above the things of GOD, if you have been a cold believer arise and be disciplined, if you are a true believer and you don't know how to pray radically then you have not started, even as humble and meek as Jesus he got angry with the people making his fathers house a place of business, Moses was known as the meek man of the earth, but yet he could not watch the Egyptian bully his people, Daveed is also a meek person, but can't take nonsense especially when it has has to do with the things of GOD, we live in a world full of deciet, you can be meek and gentle but don't keep quiet when you notice evil around you, arise and take authority!! when you sense confusion coming as a man of GOD you surely know!! been meek or quiet or gentle does not mean you should be soft spoken when you see shit going on in your father's house

DBF-001-031 continues with John 2:10. The master of the feast recognizes that something unusual has happened: the best wine has been kept until now. We should keep the focus on Christ’s provision and avoid turning the verse into a promise of material abundance. DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-031 Today’s Scripture John 2:10 (ESV) “And said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.’” Opening the Scriptures The master of the feast had tasted the wine, but he did not know where it had come from. He called the bridegroom and expressed his surprise. Normally, the better wine was served first. Yet at this wedding, the master believed that the best had been kept until later. What he did not know was that the bridegroom had not provided this wine. Jesus had. The master could recognize the quality of the gift, but he did not recognize its source. The servants knew. Behind what appeared to be an unexpected provision stood the power and authority of Jesus Christ. John is steadily directing our attention away from the wedding itself and toward Jesus. Living God’s Word Today There is a danger in receiving God’s gifts while forgetting the Giver. Every day we receive things we can easily take for granted. Food. Shelter. Family. Friendship. Strength for another day. Opportunities to serve. Most importantly, for those who belong to Christ, forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Scripture reminds us: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17 Yet we must also be careful about what this miracle does not teach. Jesus turning water into wine does not promise Christians wealth, comfort, success, or an easy life. The apostles themselves would later suffer greatly for following Christ. The greatest gift at Cana was not the wine. The greatest gift was Christ Himself. That remains true today. God may give us much or little in this world. Our circumstances may change. Health can fail. Possessions can disappear. Human relationships can disappoint us. But the Christian’s greatest treasure cannot be measured by earthly prosperity. We have Christ. In Him we have something infinitely greater than temporary comfort: reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sin, and the certain hope of eternal life. The master of the feast enjoyed the gift without knowing its source. Let us not make the same mistake. Recognize God’s goodness. Give thanks for His daily provision. But never become so occupied with God’s gifts that you forget the God who gives them. Treasure Christ above everything He gives. Question for Today Do you value God’s gifts more than you value God Himself? Respond: “Christ is my greatest treasure.”

Prophecy Alert. The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis. —Prophets and Kings, 537 (c. 1914).