Need to know. Truth or consequences Sabbath, Sabbath, Sabbath, why all the attention on this seemingly irrelevant topic? Because The Sabbath question is to be THE ISSUE in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part! The substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this Earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week know that the time has come for God to work. The RCC claims that changing God's Sabbath to Sunday, is a mark of the church's authority.. The papacy is the first Beast AKA political, religious entity of Revelation 13. Thus you have it. The mark of the beast, which the Bible says is about worship. Many floods and fires and disasters happening... Evangelicals hold much political power and will scream to the government to enact Sunday law legislation. They believe that all these things are happening because we're not keeping Sunday Holy. That is a satanic lie my friends because nowhere in scripture is Sunday the Sabbath.. Satan deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9 Saturday is the true Lord's Day. Sunday will become the mark of the beast when the laws are enacted.. it is not the mark of the beast at this point.

A Nugget of Truth. The most life-changing decisions don't always begin with a major event. Sometimes they start with a whisper, a seemingly harmless idea, or a voice presenting error as the best path. This is what happened to Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent didn't resort to force or reveal its true intentions from the start. It approached with carefully chosen words, sowing doubt about what God had said. Little by little, deception made what was forbidden seem desirable. What began as a conversation ended up becoming a decision that changed the course of human history. The story of Eve reminds us that deception rarely presents itself openly. It often takes on a convincing appearance, offering paths that seem good while concealing consequences that aren't immediately apparent. That's why the Bible emphasizes the importance of remaining attentive to God's truth, which stands firm above any voice that tries to distort it. Eve's story remains an invitation to value the wisdom that comes from the Lord and to recognize that His Word continues to be a sure guide in a world where many ideas seek to take the place of truth. "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes... she took of its fruit and ate." — Genesis 3:6 Eve's story reminds us that discernment begins when God's truth stands above any appearance.

Ever feel like your choices are catching up to you? Or wondered if actions really do have invisible ripple effects that we can't outrun? ​Join us this sunday (23rd August, 2026) for an eye-opening, honest look at the word of God on consequences and the unshakeable reality of cause and effect. We will explore how God examines the heart, how our choices shape our lives, and—most importantly—how His grace redeems us when we need a fresh start.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: YOUNG PEOPLE, DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH. Theme: Your Youth Is a Gift, Not a Season to Throw Away. «“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” — Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)» 🔥DON'T WASTE WHAT YOU CANNOT REPLACE Young person, you can recover lost money. You can replace a broken phone. You can rebuild a failed business. But you cannot recover yesterday. Youth is one of the greatest gifts God gives a person—and one of the easiest gifts to waste. You have energy today. You have time today. You have opportunities today. You have the ability to learn, build, serve, dream, pray, create and make a difference. But the enemy wants you to believe: «“You are still young. There is plenty of time. Enjoy yourself now. You will become serious with God later.”» That is a dangerous lie. The devil does not always destroy young people through terrible sins. Sometimes he destroys them through distraction. He keeps them busy but unproductive. Connected to everyone but disconnected from God. Entertained but empty. Informed but not transformed. Chasing popularity while losing purpose. Young people, don't waste your youth! Your youth is not merely for having fun. It is preparation for purpose. 1. REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR BEFORE YOU WASTE YOURYEARS Ecclesiastes 12:1 «“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”» Solomon did not say, “Remember your Creator when you become old.” He said “now.” God deserves your youthful years—not merely the leftovers of your life. Many people say: «“When I get older, I will serve God.”» But what if God wants to use you now? David was young when he confronted Goliath. Samuel was young when God called him. Josiah was young when he became king and began reforming Israel. Timothy was young when Paul recognized his spiritual potential. Your age does not disqualify you from God's purpose. Deep Insight Youth is not an excuse for spiritual laziness. The earlier you surrender your life to God, the more years you can spend fulfilling His purpose. Don't give God your retirement. Give Him your strength. Don't give God your leftovers. Give Him your first fruits. 2. DON'T ALLOW PLEASURE TO STEAL YOUR PURPOSE 1 John 2:15–17 «“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…”» There is nothing wrong with enjoying life. But there is a difference between enjoying God's blessings and becoming enslaved to worldly pleasures. Social media can become a distraction. Entertainment can become an addiction. Relationships can become an idol. Money can become a master. Sexual temptation can destroy destiny. And the desire to be accepted can cause a young person to compromise convictions. Ask yourself: What is consuming most of my time? Because what controls your time will eventually influence your life. You cannot spend five hours every day feeding your flesh and expect your spirit to remain strong. You cannot constantly consume content that weakens your values and expect your character to remain strong. Be careful what you repeatedly watch, listen to, follow, admire and imitate. 3. USE YOUR YOUTH TO BUILD, NOT JUST TO CONSUME 1 Timothy 4:12 «“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…”» Paul did not tell Timothy: «“Because you are young, wait until you become older.”» He said: «“Be an example.”» Young people should not only be consumers. Build something. Learn a skill. Study the Word. Develop your character. Serve in church. Help people. Create something useful. Learn technology. Develop your gifts. Start preparing for your future. Don't spend your entire youth watching other people build their dreams. Remember this: Entertainment gives you moments. Development gives you capacity. Your future will demand skills you must begin developing today. Your character must grow alongside your career. Your spiritual life must grow alongside your education. Your wisdom must grow alongside your influence. 4. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY Proverbs 13:20 «“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”» Not everybody who laughs with you is helping you. Not everybody who calls you “brother” or “sister” is taking you toward your destiny. Some relationships are assignments from God. Others are distractions from your purpose. Look at the people closest to you. Do they encourage you to become better—or pressure you to become worse? Do they respect your faith? Do they challenge you to grow? Can you say “no” around them without losing the friendship? Can you discuss your dreams with them? Can they correct you? Your environment matters. If you constantly surround yourself with people who celebrate foolishness, eventually foolishness will become normal to you. Choose friends who can pray with you, grow with you, correct you and walk with you toward God's purpose. 5. DON'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW TO OBEY GOD Ephesians 5:15–16 «“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”» Notice the phrase: “Redeeming the time.” Time is a currency you cannot save forever. Every day you receive 24 hours. You can waste them. You can invest them. But you cannot reverse them. There are young people who are praying for opportunities while wasting the opportunities already in their hands. Some are waiting for a miracle while refusing to develop discipline. Some are asking God for greatness while neglecting the small responsibilities He has already given them. Faith does not cancel responsibility. Pray—but prepare. Believe—but build. Trust God—but discipline yourself. Ask for opportunities—but develop the capacity to handle them. 📖 BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JOSEPH — A YOUNG MAN WHO DID NOT WASTE HIS SEASON Joseph was young when his life suddenly changed. He was betrayed by his brothers. He was sold into slavery. He was falsely accused. He was imprisoned. Yet Joseph did not allow his circumstances to determine his character. Genesis 39:9 When tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”» Joseph understood something powerful: His future was more valuable than his temporary pleasure. He could have said: «“Nobody will know.”» But Joseph knew that God was watching. He could have compromised. He could have become bitter. He could have wasted his youth in anger. Instead, he remained faithful. And eventually, God lifted him from the prison to the palace. The lesson: Don't destroy tomorrow because of today's temptation. That relationship may be temporary. That pleasure may be temporary. That opportunity may be temporary. But the consequences of some decisions can follow you for years. Young person, protect your future. 🔥 DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Your youth is a seed season. What you plant now will influence what you harvest later. Plant prayer. Plant discipline. Plant knowledge. Plant integrity. Plant service. Plant righteousness. 2. Your habits are building your future before you see it. You may not see the harvest today, but your daily decisions are constructing tomorrow. 3. God is more interested in your character than your popularity. You may impress thousands of people online and still disappoint God privately. Character is who you are when nobody is watching. 4. Not every open door is a God-given opportunity. Some doors are traps disguised as opportunities. Learn to ask: «“Lord, is this good for me—or merely attractive to me?”» 5. Your greatest battle may not be against people; it may be against distraction. A distracted generation can have enormous potential and accomplish very little. Protect your attention. What captures your attention repeatedly can eventually shape your direction. ✅ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Starting today: 1. Give God the first part of your day. Pray. Read Scripture. Listen for God's direction. 2. Set goals for your life. Spiritual goals, educational goals, financial goals, relational goals and career goals. 3. Learn valuable skills. Don't depend only on certificates. Develop practical competence. 4. Control your phone; don't let your phone control you. 5. Choose your friends intentionally. 6. Avoid sexual and moral compromises. 7. Find a mature Christian mentor. 8. Serve somewhere. Don't just attend church—be useful in God's house. 9. Stop comparing your journey with other people's journeys. 10. Start now. Don't wait until everything is perfect. 🤔 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION Take a moment and answer these honestly: - If I continue living exactly as I am today, where will I be five years from now? - What am I doing with my time? - What habit is secretly destroying my potential? - Who are the people influencing my decisions? - Am I becoming closer to God or farther from Him? - What gift has God placed inside me? - What am I doing to develop that gift? - What temptation am I repeatedly entertaining? - What should I stop doing? - What should I start doing? - If Jesus returned today, would I be satisfied with how I used my youth? 🙏 POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Purpose Father, open my eyes to understand Your purpose for my life. Help me not to wander through life without direction. 2. Prayer for Wisdom Lord, give me wisdom to make decisions that will preserve my future and honor You. 3. Prayer Against Distraction Every distraction assigned to waste my time, weaken my faith and derail my destiny, I reject it in Jesus' name. 4. Prayer for Discipline Holy Spirit, give me the discipline to do what is right even when nobody is watching. 5. Prayer for Purity Lord, keep my heart, mind and body pure. Give me strength to overcome every temptation that seeks to destroy my future. 6. Prayer for Good Relationships Father, connect me with people who will strengthen my faith, sharpen my character and help me fulfill my purpose. 7. Prayer for Courage Lord, give me courage to stand for truth even when my generation is going in the opposite direction. 8. Prayer for Impact Father, let my life become a blessing to my generation. May I not pass through this world without making a positive difference. 🔥 STRONG CLOSING: DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH Young person, you are not too young for God to use you. You are not too young to pray. You are not too young to preach. You are not too young to serve. You are not too young to lead. You are not too young to build. You are not too young to make a difference. David had a sling. Joseph had a dream. Samuel had a listening ear. Timothy had youthful strength. And God used them. What is in your hands? What gift is inside you? What dream has God placed in your heart? What are you doing with the years God has given you? Don't wait until you are old before you become serious with God. Don't spend your best years chasing things that cannot satisfy your soul. Don't exchange your destiny for temporary pleasure. Don't allow social media to consume the years that should be building your future. Don't let fear paralyze you. Don't let failure define you. Don't let your past imprison you. Rise. Pray. Learn. Build. Serve. Grow. Your youth is not a waiting room. Your youth is a training ground for destiny. And when you stand before God one day, may you be able to say: «“Lord, I did not waste what You gave me.”» FINAL CHARGE Young people, don't waste your youth. Give God your strength. Give God your gifts. Give God your dreams. Give God your time. Give God your future. And watch what He can do with a life that is completely surrendered to Him. Your youth is passing. Your purpose is waiting. Start today. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do you by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/book/d3f4fa1c7e CONTACT - Whatsapp +2349024173027, +2449055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  In today’s verse there is no mention of repentance or repenting but the core message is based upon that action. If we are to confess our sins and be purified, we must first turn from the wrongful behavior and seek Him and His ways. Then we have the promise that He is just and will forgive us. The Apostle John wrote his letter to believers who were facing false teachers. These false teachers claimed they were sin free. But we know from Paul that no one is sin free for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We inherited our sinful nature from Adam and Eve and no matter how hard we try we will never be totally sin free.  Lucky for us, God loves us despite that. He provided a way to escape the punishment of sin and the consequences that our actions would result in. He gave His Son, perfect and blameless, the only one to ever be sin free, as a sacrifice for our sin. He died on the cross and was raised again to satisfy the requirement of the law for the remission of sin. And we are made righteous because of Him. This verse is not about salvation though. It is about restoring fellowship with God. If we claim we have fellowship with Him but are living a life of hidden sin or denying our sinful nature then that fellowship is disrupted. Instead, we are walking in darkness and lying against the truth (1 John 1:6; 1 John 1:8).  The only way for us to restore fellowship with Him is to repent and turn back to Him once more. We must confess our sins in order to be forgiven. The Greek word for confess is homologeo and literally means to say the same thing or to agree with God about our sin. We don’t make excuses or try to hide it, instead, seeking His ways and His will for our lives.  And when we repent and change our behavior, He forgives us. He gives us grace and mercy that we don’t deserve. The penalty for our sin is paid in full thanks to the death of Jesus on the cross. When we acknowledge our sin and ask for forgiveness, the barrier that prevented us from fellowship with Him is removed and we have our relationship restored.  Don’t let your sin come between you and God. Confess, repent, and seek Him once more. He is waiting and faithful, ready to embrace you just like the father of the prodigal son did. He will restore fellowship with you and you will be made righteous and holy. But it all begins with repentance. What are you waiting for? #TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse 

Matthew 20:29-34 Sometimes the accounts of healings have one detail that makes us question everything. Here it is His question. “What do you want Me to do for You?” Now you would think this question had an obvious answer. It was two blind men calling out to Jesus so loudly the crowd was telling them to shut up. So he turns with this question. Did He Not know? No. Jesus is wanting them to voice it. They wanted to see. Their only hope of that happening was for Him to notice them and heal them. So they called out, then answered his question. You see, they wanted the healing, but it's at this point in ministry that Jesus has watched the newly healed turn from, Him without an ounce of gratitude. And now here's two more. Do they desire healing? Or is their concern more eternal in nature? Were these two going to thank Him for the healing or just walk away? Remember the healing of the cripple who was lowered from the rooftop into a house. That's when Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven before healing him. The more urgent matter for Jesus was this man's soul. When we come before the Lord, we pray for what we desire, not always necessarily what we need. Do not forget that these men and women allowed their handicap to be their occupation for a lifetime. Many were aware of the healing happening, few when asked address their need for forgiveness of sin. Jesus asks because the healing led to other issues. These grown adults were incapable of following a traditional career path. They would have to find a way to sustain their existence without relying on begging. And this would cause a financial issue for them. So what kind of fool would possibly begin to resent being made well? Keep in mind that many of those who were screaming for excitement at the healing were some of the same people who remained silent when Jesus was being crucified. We do the same thing today when we pray for temporary results. Our prayers should reflect more concern for the people's eternal consequences than for earthly temporal results. Friday we will interrupt the study on Matthew for a special lesson on the madness occurring today. Be here for “This is Baphomet.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

🔥 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PROPHECY MEETS DESTINY? Can the words spoken over one generation become reality in another? Can a person become a victim of a spiritual consequence they did not personally create? Can someone become a beneficiary of a prophetic word because of what someone before them did? These questions take us into some of the most fascinating accounts in Scripture. 📖 Hiel rebuilding Jericho. ⚔️ Ahaziah becoming entangled in the consequences surrounding Ahab. 🔥 Amalek facing a trans-generational conflict with Israel. 👑 Jehu receiving a prophetic promise concerning his dynasty. ⚔️ Amaziah confronting a dynasty whose prophetic foundation he apparently did not understand. 🙏 And the Canaanite woman confronting what appeared to be a spiritual and covenantal barrier through extraordinary faith. What happens when the words spoken over one generation collide with the choices of another? Tonight, we go into Scripture to discover the: VICTORS & VICTIMS OF PROPHECY. 🎥 Watch the full teaching on GSIM TV: 🔗🖇️📎https://youtu.be/9DgVY2fQNnc?si=jHAliHjAKP5-arkg 💬 What does this subject make you think about? Don't merely watch. Listen. Think. Search the Scriptures. Pray. And share. Someone somewhere may need this revelation. #VictorsAndVictimsOfProphecy #BiblicalProphecy #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #GSIMTV

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Thursday, August 20 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 21 — The Restoration of Benjamin 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Judges! Tomorrow we begin Ruth. ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 JOHN 2 — Christ Our Advocate & Walking in the Light 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 31 — Trust in God, Not Egypt 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 21 The book of Judges closes with Israel seeking a way to restore the tribe of Benjamin after the devastating conflict. The ending highlights the consequences of Israel's spiritual disorder and the need for godly leadership. ✝️ 1 John 2 John encourages believers to walk in obedience, love one another, and avoid loving the world above God. Christ is our Advocate, and those who claim to know Him are called to live according to His ways. 🌿 Isaiah 31 Isaiah warns Judah against depending on Egypt and its horses for protection. True security comes from the Lord, who is able to defend and deliver His people. ✨ KEY VERSE “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” — 1 John 2:15 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us through another book of Your Word. Help us to walk in obedience, love You above everything else, and place our complete confidence in You rather than human strength. As we begin the book of Ruth tomorrow, prepare our hearts to receive everything You want to teach us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Choose God over the attractions of the world today. Walk in obedience, love others sincerely, and trust God completely with every situation.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 17–18 | Galatians 4 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 17 The Consequences of Persistent Rebellion 2 Kings 17 records one of the most significant turning points in the history of God's people—the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria. After generations of rejecting the Lord, the nation experiences the judgment that God had repeatedly warned would come through His prophets. The chapter is not simply a historical account of military defeat; it is a theological explanation of why the nation fell. The final king of Israel reigns during a time when Assyria grows increasingly powerful. Eventually, Samaria is besieged, the people are carried into exile, and the northern kingdom comes to an end. Yet the inspired writer makes it clear that Assyria is only the instrument. The true reason for Israel's downfall is persistent covenant unfaithfulness. The chapter pauses to explain Israel's long history of rebellion. Despite God's continual faithfulness, the people repeatedly chose idolatry, ignored His commandments, rejected His prophets, and followed the practices of the surrounding nations. Again and again, the Lord patiently called them to repentance. He warned them through Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, and many other prophets. Yet they hardened their hearts and refused to return. God's judgment, therefore, is not sudden or unfair. It comes only after centuries of patience and repeated opportunities for repentance. The exile demonstrates that God's holiness requires Him to deal with sin while His patience reveals His desire to save rather than destroy. The chapter concludes by describing the resettlement of the land by foreign peoples who adopt a mixture of pagan worship and limited acknowledgment of the Lord. This blending of truth and idolatry becomes another reminder that God desires wholehearted devotion rather than divided allegiance. Theologically, 2 Kings 17 reveals both God's justice and His extraordinary patience. The Lord faithfully keeps both His promises of blessing for obedience and His warnings of judgment for persistent rebellion. The chapter also demonstrates that outward religion without genuine faithfulness can never substitute for wholehearted obedience. This chapter points to Christ, who bore the judgment that sinful humanity deserved. Israel experienced exile because of covenant unfaithfulness, but Jesus endured separation and judgment on the cross so that those who trust Him might be reconciled to God forever. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant founded upon His perfect obedience rather than their own. For believers today, 2 Kings 17 reminds us not to take God's patience for granted. His mercy invites repentance, not complacency. We are called to reject every form of idolatry and remain wholly devoted to the Lord. In Christ, we have received grace beyond measure, and our response should be faithful obedience flowing from grateful hearts. 2 Kings 18 Trusting God Above Every Earthly Power 2 Kings 18 introduces the reign of Hezekiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. In sharp contrast to many of his predecessors, Hezekiah wholeheartedly seeks the Lord and leads the nation through a season of genuine spiritual reform. He removes idols, destroys the high places, and restores proper worship according to God's Word. His leadership demonstrates that true revival begins when God's people return to wholehearted obedience. The chapter emphasizes that Hezekiah trusted the Lord with exceptional faith. Rather than simply maintaining religious traditions, he actively removed everything that competed with God's rightful place in the nation. Even objects that had once served a legitimate purpose were removed when they became idols. His actions remind us that anything replacing devotion to God must be surrendered, regardless of its history or significance. Because of Hezekiah's faithfulness, God blesses his reign. Yet obedience does not eliminate opposition. The powerful Assyrian Empire eventually invades Judah, placing enormous pressure upon the nation. Humanly speaking, Judah appears defenseless against such overwhelming military strength. The Assyrian commander attempts to undermine Judah's confidence through intimidation and deception. He mocks Hezekiah's trust in God, questions the Lord's ability to save His people, and encourages surrender rather than faith. His strategy is spiritual as well as military, seeking to replace confidence in God with fear and doubt. Throughout the chapter, the central question becomes this: Will God's people trust the Lord when circumstances appear impossible? The enemy's arguments sound persuasive from a human perspective, yet they ignore the sovereign power of the living God. Hezekiah's response is marked by restraint and quiet trust. Rather than engaging in fearful debate, the people remain silent according to the king's instruction. The chapter closes with the crisis unresolved, preparing the reader for God's remarkable deliverance in the chapters ahead. Theologically, 2 Kings 18 teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only during seasons of blessing but also in moments of overwhelming opposition. The chapter highlights the importance of removing idols, trusting God's promises, and refusing to allow fear to replace faith. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance. Jesus faced opposition, temptation, and impossible situations without wavering in His confidence. He is the greater King who leads His people not merely against earthly enemies but to victory over sin, death, and Satan through His perfect obedience and finished work. For believers today, 2 Kings 18 reminds us that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does guarantee God's presence. We will face voices that question God's promises and encourage compromise, yet we are called to trust the Lord above every earthly power. In Christ, we have a King who has already won the ultimate victory, giving us confidence to stand firm regardless of the challenges before us. Galatians 4 — Adopted as Sons Through the Christ Galatians chapter 4 continues Paul's explanation of the believer's freedom in the Christ, the Son of God. Having established that righteousness comes by faith rather than by the Law, Paul now reveals the intimate relationship believers have with God through adoption into His family. The chapter contrasts slavery under the Law with the freedom of sonship, demonstrating that the redemptive plan has always pointed toward a personal relationship with God through His Son rather than a life of religious bondage. The chapter begins with the illustration of an heir who, while still a child, lives under guardians and restrictions until the appointed time. Paul uses this picture to explain that before the coming of the Christ, God's people lived under the supervision of the Law. The Law served an important purpose, but it was temporary. It prepared people for the coming of the Son of God, who would bring the fullness of God's redemptive plan. At the perfect time in history, God sent His Son into the world. The Christ entered humanity, fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and accomplished redemption for those who were under its condemnation. Through His work, believers are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God. Christian living begins with this new identity. The Son of God has not simply forgiven sinners; He has welcomed them into His family. Paul emphasizes the privilege of adoption. Believers are no longer distant from God but are able to know Him as their loving Father. The Holy Spirit confirms this relationship by producing confidence, assurance, and intimacy with God. The redemptive plan does not merely change a believer's legal standing before God; it transforms the relationship completely. Those who belong to the Christ become heirs of all that God has promised. The chapter then expresses Paul's concern that the Galatian believers were drifting back toward religious bondage. Having experienced the freedom found in the Christ, they were allowing themselves to become entangled again in regulations and external observances. This saddened Paul because it represented a return to slavery after having experienced true freedom. Christian living is never sustained through legalism but through continual dependence upon the grace of the Son of God. Paul reminds the Galatians of the love they once shared and recalls how they had joyfully received him when he first preached the gospel. His concern is not personal rejection but their spiritual well-being. Like the Christ, Paul longs to see believers fully mature in their faith. The redemptive plan is not complete until the character of the Son of God is increasingly formed within His people. Toward the end of the chapter, Paul uses an illustration from the lives of Abraham's two sons to explain the difference between living under the Law and living under God's promise. One son represents human effort and bondage, while the other represents God's promise fulfilled by grace. This comparison demonstrates that believers belong to the family established through God's promise rather than through human achievement. The Son of God fulfills the promise, and those who trust in Him become children of the promise as well. The chapter concludes by reminding believers that they are not children of slavery but children of freedom. Their identity is no longer defined by striving to earn God's acceptance but by receiving His grace through the Christ. Christian living flows from that secure relationship rather than attempting to achieve it. Throughout Galatians chapter 4, the Christ is revealed as the One who brings believers into God's family, secures their inheritance, and frees them from the bondage of legalism. The redemptive plan moves from law to grace, from slavery to sonship, and from fear to joyful fellowship with God. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to live in the freedom the Christ has secured for us. Christian living is rooted in our identity as God's beloved children, not in our ability to keep religious rules. We are encouraged to reject every form of spiritual bondage and to embrace the confidence that comes from knowing the Son of God. As we walk daily in the assurance of our adoption, we experience the joy, freedom, and intimacy that God's redemptive plan has provided through the Christ. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.