PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH Lord God, we pray for our churches and spiritual communities. Renew the hearts of leaders, servants, and ever believer seeking You. Let our churches be places where the weary find rest, the broken find hope and the lost encounter Your truth. Unite us in humility and love so we may reflect Christ not only inside the Church, but in how we live every day. Amen.

Laura Perry Smalts says she spent nearly a decade living as a transgender man named Jake before ultimately leaving that identity and returning to her Christian faith. Her story began with years of confusion about her identity, followed by hormone treatments and surgeries as she attempted to live as a man. But Laura says those changes did not bring the peace and fulfillment she was searching for. Eventually, she returned to Scripture and began seeking God in a completely different way. She says encountering the love of Christ changed the direction of her life. Today, Laura shares her testimony through churches, conferences, interviews, and her ministry with her husband, seeking to help others who are struggling with questions of identity and faith. Her testimony points to a central message of the Gospel. Our deepest identity isn’t something we have to manufacture. It is found in the One who created us.

17th August 2026 Today was actually a really good day. 😊 Some days the orders are really good, and today was one of those days. I worked for about one hour in the early afternoon and then around three hours at night, from 6 to 9. So, just four hours in total, and I made around ₹1,200. I honestly wish every day was like this! 😂 But that's not even the highlight of my day. The highlight was what happened tonight. I was waiting for an order near my home when I got one where the pickup was very close by, but the drop was a little towards the outskirts. The drop location was St. Anthony's Church. That church is actually special to me because it's one of the churches I had visited before. My brother and I completed our Sacrament of Confirmation there a few years ago. Since the place was a little far out, I thought there was a chance I might not get an order back home after dropping the passenger. But then I thought, "It's been almost 6–7 months since I've gone to church. If I don't get another order, I'll just stop there, pray for a few minutes and come home." So I picked up this girl and took her there. And when we reached, I realized the drop was literally right in front of the church! After I dropped her, she asked me if I could wait for 10–15 minutes because she wanted to take a ride back with me to the same place where I picked her up. I asked her what she was going to do there, and she said she was going to the church and would probably take about 10 minutes. It was already around 7:30 at night, so I told her that the church was probably closed. She said she didn't know it was closed and didn't know what to do. I told her that maybe the gate would still be open and that she could at least go in front of the church and pray, even if she couldn't go inside. And I told her, "If you're going to the church, I'll come with you." So both of us went inside the church campus. Just as I thought, the church was closed, but we stood outside the church and prayed together. After that, she booked another ride back, and I got the order and accepted it. While we were coming back, she started telling me her story. She had come to Bangalore from Chennai only about a week ago for a job. She doesn't really know anyone here except a couple of girls who are staying with her in her PG. She told me that she had been feeling really low that day. She just wanted to go somewhere and pray, so she searched on Google for a church. St. Anthony's Church came up, and she simply booked a Rapido to go there. She hadn't even checked properly where the church was or how far it was. And while coming there, she actually got scared because the area was quite far out. There were farms and very few people around, it was dark, and there weren't many streetlights. She was wondering where we were going and whether she had somehow ended up going to a completely different place. 😂 She kept telling me how happy and grateful she was that she got me as her rider. She started calling me "Akka" and was really comfortable talking to me. I was able to give her some advice, share some godly wisdom and also share a few of my testimonies with her. Most importantly, I got the opportunity to talk to her about Jesus. I told her that I genuinely believe it was God's plan that we met today. Because of her, I ended up going to a church after almost 6–7 months. I had been thinking about going to church for a long time, and today, without even planning it, I actually stepped into a church campus and prayed. While we were coming back, she was telling me more about herself, and I noticed that she had a speech difficulty. She was stuttering while talking. After a while, she actually told me herself, "I have stuttering, that's why I talk like this." So while I was encouraging her, I told her that God has great plans for her and that she should always walk in obedience to Him, listen to His guidance, and follow His will for her life. I told her that there will always be things and people that try to take us away from God's path, but we should keep listening to God and choose His way. Then I told her about Moses. I told her that Moses also had difficulty speaking. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses himself felt that he wasn't capable and didn't know how he could do it. But God still chose him and used him to do something incredibly great. I told her, "God doesn't need us to be perfect for Him to use us. He can use people who feel broken, weak, unworthy or inadequate, and He can use them in mighty ways so that His glory can be seen through their lives." When I told her that, she was actually quite amazed. I don't think she knew much about the story of Moses, because she was really surprised to hear it. I felt that this was something she really needed to hear at that moment. I wanted her to understand that whatever she may see as a weakness in herself doesn't mean that God cannot use her. God has a purpose for her, and He can still do great things through her life. I also gave her my number and told her that if she ever needs any help or gets stuck with anything, she can call me and I'll help her if I can. When I dropped her back, I also told her that she doesn't have to travel so far just to go to church. I showed her a few churches closer to where she stays. I even invited her for future Bible reading and Bible studies, and she said she'd be interested. So let's see how that goes. 😊 Honestly, this was the highlight of my entire day. I truly believe this wasn't just a random Rapido ride. I believe God brought our paths together for a reason. ❤️ I went out today thinking I was just going to work and earn some money, but God gave me an opportunity to meet someone, encourage her, talk to her about Jesus, and even get myself back into a church after so many months. So yeah… this is what happened today. ❤️

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The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND "ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING" “All Creatures of Our God and King” traces its roots to one of the most beautiful expressions of praise in Christian history: the Canticle of the Sun, written by St. Francis of Assisi around 1224. St. Francis composed the canticle near the end of his life, during a period of physical suffering. Rather than allowing his circumstances to silence his faith, he looked at creation and saw it as a reflection of God’s glory. The sun, moon, wind, water, fire and earth became, in his poetic prayer, fellow worshippers joining humanity in praising their Creator. Centuries later, the English clergyman William Henry Draper brought this ancient prayer into the world of congregational hymn singing. Draper translated and adapted portions of St. Francis’ canticle into English, creating the hymn now known as “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Draper prepared the hymn for a children’s Whitsuntide celebration in Leeds, England. His version was subsequently published in the early 20th century and became widely used in churches, particularly in Britain and other English-speaking Christian communities. The familiar melody adds another layer of history. The tune, commonly known as “Lasst uns erfreuen,” originated in Germany and appeared in a Catholic hymnal in 1623. Centuries later, it was arranged and popularised in the English-speaking church, notably through the work of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the English Hymnal. The hymn’s message is simple yet profound: all creation belongs to God and is called to praise Him. Its repeated invitation to “O praise Him” turns the song into a celebration of worship that reaches beyond humanity to the entire created world. From a prayer written by a 13th-century saint to an English adaptation sung in churches centuries later, “All Creatures of Our God and King” has endured because of its timeless reminder that creation itself points toward the greatness, goodness and glory of its Creator.

Daily Bible Lesson. THE USA IN BIBLE PROPHECY! Rev 13:11 At the height of the papacy's power, its "iron teeth" fell upon Protestant Reformers. WHO PROTESTED THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES UNBIBLICAL TEACHINGS.... Many of those who were not martyred, however, found a means of escape to the New World. Revelation prophesied this exodus in the symbol of a faithful woman, who represents God's true church. This woman, "persecuted" (12:13) by the dragon through papal Rome, fled "into the wilderness" during "a time and times and half a time" (v.14), the same 1,260 years of papal supremacy. Thus, the prey escaped the predator, and the most notable republic in the world was born. In 1776, the United States declared its independence. It established its own rule of law, the Constitution (1787) and the Bill of Rights (1791). By 1798, simultaneous with the head wound to the Roman Church, the nations of Europe recognized the United States as an independent world power, one built on TWO UNIQUE PRINCIPLES REPRESENTED BY the earth beast's two-lamb-like horns: (Rev. 13:11) ... REPUBLICANISM, a government without a king, and PROTESTANTISM, a church without a pope. ( The two lamb like horns in verse 13:11 represented the 2 principles America was founded on..) 1) We were a republican Nation ~ we had a constitution had, had had.... and 2) we were blessed by God for being a Protestant nation) The United States became the standard bearer of freedom of conscience and embodiment of the separation of church and state--all that the Roman Catholic Church was not. THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST!!! But the Bible makes a surprising prediction: AMERICA WILL FALL AWAY FROM ITS FOUNDING PRINCIPLES and advocate for the sea beast, (Papacy) the very power the Founding Fathers resisted. Revelation 13:12-15 has a few key take aways: A. The United States forms "an image to the beast" (Rome) This is not a statue; rather, "an image"is a "representation" or "RESEMBLANCE." Hence, an "image of the beast"(v.15) will be a religiopolitical power that look, speaks, and AND ACTS LIKE THE PAPACY!!! B. The image of the beast will use a combination of deception (v.14) and coercion (v.15) to achieve universal worship of the papacy (vv.12,15). C. The ultimate power behind the transformation of the United States is the dragon, Satan, who extends his "authority" (v.12) from the sea beast to the earth beast (v.4). According to the Bible, the United States will one day LOOK, SPEAK, AND ACT LIKE THE PAPACY. FACT: During the 1,260 years, the little horn "[persecuted] the saints of the Most High" (Daniel 7:25). During this period of papal supremacy, dubbed the Dark Ages, the Catholic Church labeled as heretics those who followed the Word of God over its own doctrines and, sources state, it condemned more than 50 million people to death.

Daily Bible Lesson. THE USA IN BIBLE PROPHECY! Rev 13:11 At the height of the papacy's power, its "iron teeth" fell upon Protestant Reformers. WHO PROTESTED THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES UNBIBLICAL TEACHINGS.... Many of those who were not martyred, however, found a means of escape to the New World. Revelation prophesied this exodus in the symbol of a faithful woman, who represents God's true church. This woman, "persecuted" (12:13) by the dragon through papal Rome, fled "into the wilderness" during "a time and times and half a time" (v.14), the same 1,260 years of papal supremacy. Thus, the prey escaped the predator, and the most notable republic in the world was born. In 1776, the United States declared its independence. It established its own rule of law, the Constitution (1787) and the Bill of Rights (1791). By 1798, simultaneous with the head wound to the Roman Church, the nations of Europe recognized the United States as an independent world power, one built on TWO UNIQUE PRINCIPLES REPRESENTED BY the earth beast's two-lamb-like horns: (Rev. 13:11) ... REPUBLICANISM, a government without a king, and PROTESTANTISM, a church without a pope. ( The two lamb like horns in verse 13:11 represented the 2 principles America was founded on..) 1) We were a republican Nation ~ we had a constitution had, had had.... and 2) we were blessed by God for being a Protestant nation) The United States became the standard bearer of freedom of conscience and embodiment of the separation of church and state--all that the Roman Catholic Church was not. THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST!!! But the Bible makes a surprising prediction: AMERICA WILL FALL AWAY FROM ITS FOUNDING PRINCIPLES and advocate for the sea beast, (Papacy) the very power the Founding Fathers resisted. Revelation 13:12-15 has a few key take aways: A. The United States forms "an image to the beast" (Rome) This is not a statue; rather, "an image"is a "representation" or "RESEMBLANCE." Hence, an "image of the beast"(v.15) will be a religiopolitical power that look, speaks, and AND ACTS LIKE THE PAPACY!!! B. The image of the beast will use a combination of deception (v.14) and coercion (v.15) to achieve universal worship of the papacy (vv.12,15). C. The ultimate power behind the transformation of the United States is the dragon, Satan, who extends his "authority" (v.12) from the sea beast to the earth beast (v.4). According to the Bible, the United States will one day LOOK, SPEAK, AND ACT LIKE THE PAPACY. FACT: During the 1,260 years, the little horn "[persecuted] the saints of the Most High" (Daniel 7:25). During this period of papal supremacy, dubbed the Dark Ages, the Catholic Church labeled as heretics those who followed the Word of God over its own doctrines and, sources state, it condemned more than 50 million people to death.

MONDAY MORNING PRAYER “BUT IF NOT!” A Faith That Trusts God Regardless of the Outcome! Scripture: Daniel 3:17–18 (KJV) “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods...” Heavenly Father, we come before You this Monday morning with hearts still overflowing from the awesome service we experienced yesterday. Thank You for Your presence, Your Word, Your power, and the reminder that You are still God—even when life doesn't turn out the way we expected. Lord, as we begin this new week, give us the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They stood before a fiery furnace knowing You were able to deliver them, but their faith wasn't dependent upon whether You did. Their declaration was simple but powerful: “Our God is able... BUT IF NOT, we still won't bow!” Father, give us that kind of faith! When the prayer hasn't been answered yet—we will still worship You. When the healing hasn't manifested yet—we will still trust You. When the financial breakthrough hasn't come yet—we will still praise You. When the family situation hasn't changed—we will still believe You. When the door doesn't open—we will still serve You. When we don't understand what You're doing—we will still declare that You are good! Lord, teach us that real faith doesn't say, “I'll trust You if You do what I want.” Real faith says, “God, I know You are able, but even if You choose another way, I will not bow, I will not quit, and I will not turn away from You!” Father, some of us may walk into a furnace this week—a difficult conversation, an unexpected problem, pressure on the job, financial concerns, family struggles, disappointment, or circumstances beyond our control. But remind us that the furnace does not mean You have abandoned us! Daniel 3:25 declares, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire... and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” God, meet us in the fire! If You don't keep us from it, walk through it with us. If You don't immediately remove it, give us strength to endure it. If You don't change the situation today, change us while we're standing in it. And when we come out, let us come out like those three Hebrew men—not destroyed, not defeated, and not smelling like what we've been through! Your Word says in Daniel 3:27 that “the smell of fire had not passed on them.” So Father, don't let yesterday's fire contaminate today's attitude. Don't let past disappointments determine this week's expectations. Don't allow bitterness, fear, frustration, or discouragement to follow us into this new day. We declare: THE FIRE WILL NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD! We may be tested, but we will not bow. We may be pressured, but we will not compromise. We may be surrounded by flames, but we are not alone. We may not understand God's plan, but we trust God's heart. Father, cover our families today. Cover our homes, marriages, children, grandchildren, loved ones, churches, pastors, leaders, workplaces, businesses, finances, and every concern we're carrying. Go before us on the highways and byways. Protect us from dangers seen and unseen. Give us wisdom in every decision, grace in every conversation, patience in every challenge, and strength for every assignment. And Lord, when the enemy whispers, “What if God doesn't do it?” Give us enough faith to answer: “BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST HIM!” Because our faith isn't merely in what God can give us—our faith is in who God is! You are still Jehovah Jireh—our Provider. You are still Jehovah Rapha—our Healer. You are still Jehovah Shalom—our Peace. You are still our Deliverer, our Keeper, our Refuge, and our Strength! So we enter this Monday declaring: OUR GOD IS ABLE! But even if He doesn't do it the way we expected... WE WILL STILL WORSHIP! WE WILL STILL SERVE! WE WILL STILL PRAISE! WE WILL STILL BELIEVE! WE WILL STILL STAND! Because whether God delivers us from the fire or meets us in the fire, we know one thing for certain: WE WILL NEVER WALK THROUGH THE FIRE ALONE! Father, let the Word we received yesterday live in us throughout this entire week. “BUT IF NOT!” Our circumstances will not determine our worship. Our disappointments will not destroy our faith. Our trials will not make us bow. GOD IS ABLE—AND GOD IS STILL GOD! In the mighty, matchless, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN! MONDAY Morning Declaration... My God is able! But if He chooses another way, I will still trust Him. I will not bow to fear, pressure, doubt, or discouragement. If I have to walk through the fire, I know I will not walk alone. God is with me, God is for me, and my faith will remain standing. BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST GOD!

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 11 God Preserves His Covenant Promise 2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger. Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden. After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king. When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King. The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see. Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan. This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come. For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes. 2 Kings 12 Restoring the House of the Lord 2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship. The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord. As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God. The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides. Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well. Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely. For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King. Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan. The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him. The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation. Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit. The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God. For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan. Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan. The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church. Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself. The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace. Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage. The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service. Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas. The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory. Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone. For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27). Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us. Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks. It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work." When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose. By Prophecy Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such. It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left. This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching. Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter. By Scriptural Teaching; One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching. Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching. On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them. It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17). For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs. Through Circumstances; Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite. Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20). The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences. As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned. CONCLUSION. We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays. It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life. A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement. It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ). Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing. Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us– Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.