HOW TO GROW SPIRITUALLY Spiritual growth is not automatic. Just as a child must eat, learn, exercise, and develop, a Christian must intentionally develop his or her relationship with God. 1 Peter 2:2 — “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” God does not want us to remain spiritual babies; He wants us to mature in faith, character, wisdom, and obedience. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 *1. Grow Through the Word of God* The Word of God is spiritual food. A believer who consistently studies and meditates on Scripture becomes stronger and better equipped to resist temptation. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17 *Key lesson:* You cannot grow spiritually if you neglect spiritual food. *2. Grow Through Prayer* Prayer builds intimacy with God. The more we communicate with God, the more we understand His will and depend upon His strength. Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 20 Prayer should not only be about asking for things; it should include worship, thanksgiving, confession, listening, and seeking God's direction. *3. Grow Through Obedience* Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by obedience, not merely by knowledge. Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Knowing God's Word without obeying it will not produce genuine spiritual maturity. James 1:22; Deuteronomy 28:1–2 *4. Grow Through Fellowship* God designed believers to grow together. Fellowship with mature Christians encourages us, corrects us, teaches us, and strengthens our faith. Hebrews 10:24–25; Proverbs 27:17; Acts 2:42 Do not isolate yourself from the church and godly fellowship. *5. Grow by Producing Spiritual Fruit* A spiritually mature Christian should increasingly display Christlike character. Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The evidence of spiritual growth is not merely how much Bible we know, but how much Christ is seen in our lives. *Conclusion* Spiritual growth requires the Word, prayer, obedience, fellowship, and the Holy Spirit. Do not be satisfied with yesterday's spiritual experience. Keep moving forward. Ephesians 4:15: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” *Ask yourself:* Am I growing spiritually or remaining at the same level? How much time do I spend in God's Word? Is my prayer life growing? Can people see the fruit of the Spirit in my character? Am I becoming more like Christ? *Final Thought:* “Spiritual growth is not measured by how long you have been saved, but by how much you have become like Christ.” *Prayer* Father, help me to grow deeper in Your Word, stronger in prayer, faithful in obedience, and fruitful through the Holy Spirit.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

THE SUNDAY BLOG…… Sunday August 16, 2026 HAVING THE RIGHT PRIORITIES WHEN WALKING WITH CHRIST Walking with Christ requires a deliberate reordering of our lives. In a world saturated with distractions, ambition, and endless demands, keeping our focus centered on God is the ultimate challenge of discipleship. True spiritual maturity is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about cultivating an undivided heart that places God above all else. The foundation of proper spiritual priority is explicitly commanded in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus addresses the universal human anxiety regarding sustenance, success, and security. By commanding us to seek His kingdom first, Christ establishes that God’s rule, His values, and His glory must govern every decision. Everything else—career, relationships, and material needs—must occupy a secondary, dependent place. To maintain this divine alignment, we must recognize the radical nature of following Jesus. In Luke 14:26, Christ uses striking language: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." This hyperbole does not negate the commandment to honor our families; rather, it illustrates that our love for Christ must be so supreme that all other earthly attachments look like indifference by comparison. Walking with Him means He holds the absolute highest allegiance of our hearts. Furthermore, setting the right priorities demands that we consciously detach ourselves from the fleeting values of this age. The Apostle Paul underscores this eternal perspective in Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." When our daily ambitions, time management, and emotional investments are anchored in eternity, temporal pressures lose their grip on us. We stop living for the applause of the world and begin living for the audience of One. Ultimately, having the right priorities when walking with Christ transforms our daily existence. It simplifies our choices, eradicates crippling anxiety, and infuses our ordinary routines with extraordinary, eternal purpose. When Jesus is truly our first love, everything else falls perfectly into its proper place. CLOSING PRAYER….. Lord, realign my heart today. Forgive me for the times I let worldly distractions and temporal pursuits take the place that belongs to You alone. Help me to seek Your kingdom first with unwavering devotion. May my love for Christ surpass every earthly attachment, anchoring my mind on things above. Grant me the grace to walk closely with You, trusting that as I put You first, You will faithfully provide for all my needs. Amen. NEXT SUNDAY’S BLOG… Confused Priorities Can Seriously Hinder Our Walk With Christ. Let’s all be Bible readers and not just Bible believers! Amen!!!👏

Work Out Your Own Salvation - Part 1 of 3. Be sure to watch all 3 parts! Welcome to another video of Misunderstood Texts of the Bible. This time I am returning to the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians and to the oft mentioned verse “Work out your own salvation...” oh, and with “fear and trembling”. This verse is, as is almost always the case, has been pulled out of context to justify the argument that salvation, eternal life, is to be worked for and that salvation is not based on faith by is obtained by works. Well, if you just read this verse, out of context and ignore the rest of Paul’s epistles, then I can see how you can certainly come to this conclusion. The problem is that we cannot ignore the rest of Paul’s epistles on the subject of how salvation is obtained and when scripture seems to contradict scripture we must examine the contradiction much more closely. For God is not double tongued, He doesn’t speak out of both sides of His mouth. First, let’s set the matter of how salvation is obtained in Paul’s epistles. Since Paul wrote this verse in Philippians, I will focus on what Paul has to say on this subject. In many of Paul letters, he makes it abundantly clear that salvation/eternal life is a gift from God and is not granted on the basis of works or merit on our part. Let’s see, here’s a few. Rom. 3:28, Rom. 4:5, Rom. 6:23, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5 #misunderstoodtextofthebible #philippians #salvation #workoutyourownsalvation #faithvsworks #sacredwisdom #godisgood #faith #love #godisgoodallthetime #christian #god #bible #christianity #jesus #jesuschrist https://youtube.com/shorts/ADOfK9MzXNk?is=mzqWr25EIL-O6V2L

What if the worst thing that could ever happen to you... was actually a promotion? We spend our entire lives terrified of losing. We stress over losing our jobs, our reputations, our comfort, and ultimately, our lives. So, what do we do? We play it safe. We build walls. We compromise our convictions just to survive the day. But living in constant fear of the "worst-case scenario" isn't living at all. It’s a hostage situation. But thousands of years ago, a man writing from a dark prison cell completely shattered this illusion. In Philippians 1:21, Paul wrote: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Look closely at the math he's using. If you live, you get to serve Christ. If you die, you get to be with Christ. You literally cannot lose. When the ultimate worst-case scenario (death) becomes your ultimate victory (gain), fear loses its grip. The worse the world can do to you only speeds up your reward. Once you actually believe that, you are finally free to live boldly, love recklessly, and step into your purpose without hesitation. You are playing a rigged game, and victory is already yours. Save this post for the next time anxiety tries to hold you hostage. And share this to the story of a friend who needs a reminder that they are completely invincible today.

SERMON TITLE: "He Must Increase& l decrease: Am Reagan a servant & a Witness of Jesus in this Last Age" Key Texts: John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Revelation 1:1-3, Joel 2:28, Hebrews 1:2, Matthew 24:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16 INTRODUCTION Church, we are living in the last age. God is speaking again — Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” And He is still pouring out His Spirit — Joel 2:28 — “your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” The Lord showed me 3 things( visions): Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and then a skeleton after they vanished. I’m not here to be called a title. I’m here for one reason: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” I am a servant to feed His sheep truth. A witness to testify to what I have seen Him. And the message is for you now: Awaken. Renew. Repent. Obey. Be pure. Jesus is coming. 1. AWAKENING: HEAR THE SON-- GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH THE SON. Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” Proverbs29:18 .. ' without visions people perish." MESSAGE of the Red 7 vision in the sky — Red speaks of blood. 7 speaks of completion. This is heaven’s warning: The blood of Jesus has finished the work, and the time is complete. Joel 2:30-31 — “wonders in heavens... before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” God is saying: Wake up. The Judge is at the door. James 5:9 We cannot sleep in sin when heaven is writing in the sky. Romans 13:11 — “it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” 2. RENEWAL & REVIVAL: LIFE ON THE WALL Green 7 vision on the wall — Green is life, growth, restoration. The wall is God’s house, the boundary of His people. Ezekiel 22:30 — “I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach.” God is calling for renewal. Not new methods. New hearts. Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Ezekiel 37:4 — “Prophesy to these bones... O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” This is revival: When God’s Word brings life back to dead places. But it only comes when we return to the Word and the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” 3. REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE: OR THE SKELETON REMAINS Skeleton vision. ,after they vanished. skeleton vision— When the warning of blood and the offer of life are ignored, what’s left is death. Ezekiel 37:11 — “These bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up.’” This is the danger of the last age: Religious, but dead. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead.” The answer is not more activity. It’s repentance. Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” Obedience is proof of love. Purity is proof of waiting. 1 John 3:3 — “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 4. THE WITNESS: TESTIFY OF HIM, NOT OF SELF Acts 26:16 — “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” This is my calling in the last age. Not platforms. Not titles. Witnesses. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Every vision, every warning, every sermon must point to Jesus. John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If people leave remembering me, I failed. If they leave hungry for Jesus, I succeeded. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” APPLICATION: 4 STEPS TO BE READY Awaken - Get out of spiritual sleep. Watch and pray. Mark 13:33 Renew - Ask God to revive your first love. Revelation 2:4-5 Repent + Obey - Turn from sin. Walk in the Word. James 1:22 Purify - Live holy as thy God is Holy God.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Lessons From a Bow and Arrow. By Bobby Davis August 18th, 2026 “You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men.” Jeremiah 32:19 After growing up in South America, I felt pretty lost as a teenager, when my family returned to the United States. I spoke English, as I do now, but everything else was completely unfamiliar. Since I didn’t understand American sports, I looked for something I could get involved with, and for some reason, I chose archery. Before long, I learned all the right techniques and follow-through, but the part I lacked in was experience. Practice does not make perfect, but it does make permanent—so I practiced a lot. I got better, and realized that every single shot had to be carefully executed in order to hit the target. I learned many lessons from archery—persistence, the rewards of practice, and patience. But it was much later in life before I was able to see how really valuable those lessons were. You see, I’m rather impatient at times—with other people, and with myself. I’m not sure why that is, since my parents are really models of patience that I should have learned from. I remember a time when the big family Christmas present was a garage door opener. How excited I was to unpack the pieces. I spread them all over the garage floor, and tried to follow the directions. However, it seems that it was manufactured in a foreign country, and the directions didn’t make sense. But there were pictures, so I began assembly without actually trying very hard to decipher the written directions. And that didn’t turn out well. At times, my father would ask me, “Don’t you think you should do this or that first?” and I would impatiently tell him that I knew what I was doing. That man has the patience of a saint, because not only did he let me try to assemble it, but he also disassembled every piece when I gave up, and started over. Finally, it was done, and we put it up and tried it out. Believe it or not, over 40 years later, that garage door opener still works (although he did have to replace a fuse). Sometimes I’m impatient with God. And that archery experience comes back again. Consider these wise words from one of my favorite authors, Oswald Chambers. “A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer,” he writes. “God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says – ‘I cannot stand any more.’ “God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly.” Although I’m not much of an archer anymore, I know that if I’m an arrow in the hands of the Master Archer, He will never miss.

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY! “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy. Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24. Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming. Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family. Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6. HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You know every diagnosis. You know every symptom. You know every pain. You know every sleepless night. You know every private struggle. You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others. Father, touch them right now. Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14. Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand. Where there is sickness, bring healing. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is weakness, bring strength. Where there is fear, bring faith. Where there is confusion, bring clarity. Where there is discouragement, restore hope. Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace. You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand. Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3. So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free! We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed. Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time. SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ. We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ. Draw them by Your Spirit. Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You. Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You. Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name. Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And let the answer ring clearly: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31. Father, let salvation come into our households! Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13. And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6. Lord, let our children know Jesus. Let our grandchildren know Jesus. Let husbands and wives know Jesus. Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus. Let our extended families know Jesus. Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love. May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!” PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment. You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back. Open the right doors. Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated. For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way. Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7. Bless the work of our hands, Lord. Let integrity speak for us. Let excellence distinguish us. Let favor surround us. And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door. PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure. Some are trying to stretch a paycheck. Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments. Some are facing medical bills. Some are dealing with debt. Some need groceries. Some are facing unexpected expenses. Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet. But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Father, You are our Source. Provide what our families need. Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards. Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors. Where there has been lack, provide. Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom. Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline. Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action. Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them. Protect those driving to work. Protect those traveling. Protect our children and grandchildren. Protect those working long hours. Protect those caring for loved ones. Protect those going to medical appointments. Protect our homes while we are away. Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11. Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming. Bring everyone safely home. STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37. Lord, You come first. Before our plans—You. Before our ambitions—You. Before our possessions—You. Before everything else—You. And because we love You, teach us how to love one another. Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11. Heal broken relationships within our family. Remove bitterness. Destroy unforgiveness. Break down walls caused by pride. Help us apologize when we are wrong. Help us forgive when we have been hurt. Help us communicate with grace. Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation. Let husbands and wives love one another. Let parents and children understand one another. Let brothers and sisters support one another. Let generations respect and learn from one another. Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered. OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION... This Tuesday morning, we declare: Our family belongs to God! We declare healing over our sick. We declare peace over troubled minds. We declare deliverance for those who are bound. We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus. We declare employment for those seeking jobs. We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement. We declare provision for those struggling financially. We declare restoration over broken relationships. We declare protection over our homes and families. We declare love where there has been division. And above everything else, we declare: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15. Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands. Therefore, we trust You. Order our steps. Guard our hearts. Renew our minds. Strengthen our bodies. Provide for our needs. Protect our families. Save our loved ones. Restore our relationships. And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name. We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We believe You can do it. We believe You are working even when we cannot see it. And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family! In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

A WORD TO PASTORS AND MINISTERS Beloved Pastors and Ministers, I want to plead with us as men and women of God: let us be careful about the way we approach other pastors, churches, and ministries for connection or support. If you desire to connect with someone, simply reach out and connect. Introduce yourself, share about your ministry, build a genuine relationship, and allow God to establish the connection. We should not reduce ourselves, our ministries, or the work God has entrusted to us to repeated begging and emotional appeals for financial assistance. There is nothing wrong with sharing a need. There is nothing wrong with asking for support when there is a genuine project or a legitimate ministry need. However, there is a difference between presenting a need with dignity and continually begging people for assistance. The Church is bigger than money. Ministry relationships should not begin and end with financial requests. Let us learn to build genuine friendships, fellowship, mentorship, partnership, prayer relationships, and ministry connections. When God connects people, He can create opportunities that money alone cannot create. If you need help, you can communicate your need respectfully. If someone is willing to support, appreciate them. If they are not able to support, do not become offended or continue pressuring them. Let us protect the dignity of the ministry. Pastors should be able to connect with other pastors simply because they want fellowship, encouragement, spiritual growth, and kingdom partnership—not only because they need money. Let us trust God as our ultimate provider. Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” May God give us wisdom, humility, integrity, and the right spirit as we build relationships within the Body of Christ. Connect because you value the person. Build because you value the relationship. Partner because you value the Kingdom. And trust God to provide for the needs of His work. May the Lord bless and strengthen every pastor and ministry leader. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen. From your brother and fellow servant in Christ, Pastor Deba Eric

Matthew 20:1-16 And Jesus continues with the lesson of the first being the last with this parable. A landowner is the comparison this time. The Kingdom of God is like a landowner seeking employees in the early morning. He hires them for a denarius for the day. This was the typical amount for a day's wages for a laborer so this wouldn't have been unusual. The unusual bit would come later. But then Jesus adds to the story that this owner then returns to the market another 4 times to hire workers for the same amount he paid workers for all day. And at the end of the day this landowner lines up those he hired and begins paying them by starting with the latest hired and chosing to pay all workers a full day's wage. Now Jesus did this as part of a lesson, explaining that those who worked and bore the heat of the day would complain. But the truth is a denarius was a fair wage for the period of a full day. And the owner was well within his rights to pay what he wished. The idea was that what was given was the same reward whether one came early or one came late. The big picture is Jesus is making it clear that the reward of eternal life goes to even those who show up late. In context, Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is going to be open to the groups the nation of Israel considered beneath them and as a result would be jealous of those who are brought into the kingdom even if they were not brought in from the beginning as Israel was. Even today, non messianic Jews are extremely jealous in defending their position before God as His original people and cannot grasp that from 70 AD to current times there's been no temple at which to offer sacrifice. No real Aaronic priesthood either. The thought of anyone entering into God's kingdom apart from the nation of Israel is repugnant to them, let alone the idea someone would be entering before them. And some of the apostles really continued to struggle with this concept of Gentiles being welcomed into God's Kingdom. Especially Peter, who was part of the problem that became known as the first great heresy of the church. It took the Apostle Paul to correct him. So the Catholic notion of an infallible Peter is entirely fictional. It took 2 consecutive visions from God to get Peter off his butt to go speak with Cornelius. Even then, Peter hesitated to share the gospel with a Gentile. And even after this, Peter shares in the heresy and even Barnabas is carried away. Jesus is using the national pride of Israel against them. He knows their jealousy regarding others who joined the Kingdom. The first century Jews were zealous for their nation while at the same time having what they considered good reasons to despise other nations. The faithful Jews who did receive Jesus heard Him when He taught that ALL nations would be blessed with the gift of being able to turn to Him and believe. They heard him. And this was one of the great failures of Peter and some of the other believers. On the day of judgment, the faithful witnesses will be standing behind the believers of today for their reward. Not because we earned it, but because God has mercy. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [15] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. [16] This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!’ [17] And the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. [19] And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Moses knew the Messiah would be rejected and God says if any Israelite does not listen to Him, God would require their punishment and they will be utterly cut off from the people of God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are the new Israel. We are the saints, we are the last who became first. We are not better than the Jews, we are not worse off. We are saved by grace through faith. We should with our very last breath be sharing the gospel with everyone. [1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; [4] and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ [7] They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ [8] “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ [9] When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. [10] And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”