Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Rip Off the Mask By Shelley Quinn August 14th, 2026 “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13 Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing. “Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?” After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head. “You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!” My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.” He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk. He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason. I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness. Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.” People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares. Verbal camouflage is deceitful. I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you. Let’s rip off the mask and get real!

When Leadership Is Driven by Ambition Scripture Judges 9:23 (NKJV) Then God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech God Does Not Bless Ungodly Authority Judges chapter 9 tells a tragic story of ambition power and betrayal. Abimelech seeks leadership not through God’s calling but through manipulation violence and self promotion. He kills his brothers secures power through fear and rules without regard for God or people. Verse 23 reveals a sobering truth. God allows division and conflict to expose unrighteous leadership. Abimelech’s rule was built on bloodshed and deceit and it could not stand. The same treachery he used to gain power eventually turned against him. This chapter shows that leadership without God leads to destruction. Authority gained without righteousness cannot produce peace or stability. God is not silent when injustice rules. In time He allows the consequences of sin to surface and brings judgment on prideful ambition. For believers today Judges 9 is a warning against seeking position influence or control apart from God. God values humility obedience and servant leadership. When ambition replaces submission to God chaos follows. True authority comes from God and is sustained only by faithfulness to Him. Reflection Questions 1. Do I seek influence through humility or through self promotion 2. Am I willing to wait for God’s timing rather than forcing outcomes 3. How do I respond when God exposes wrong motives or attitudes Prayer Lord God guard my heart from pride ambition and selfish desire. Teach me to seek Your will rather than my own advancement. Help me to walk humbly before You and trust that true authority and influence come from You alone. In Jesus name Amen.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 14) 1. The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2. He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 3. In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4. Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 5. A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. 6. A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. 9. Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. 10. The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. 11. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 13. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. 14. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. 15. The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. 16. A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. 17. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. 18. The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19. The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20. The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends. 21. He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22. Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. 23. In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. 24. The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly. 25. A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 28. In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. 29. He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. 30. A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. 31. He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. 32. The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death. 33. Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known. 34. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. 35. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Rip Off the Mask By Shelley Quinn August 14th, 2026 “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13 Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing. “Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?” After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head. “You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!” My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.” He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk. He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason. I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness. Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.” People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares. Verbal camouflage is deceitful. I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you. Let’s rip off the mask and get real!

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 14) 1. The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2. He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 3. In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4. Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 5. A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. 6. A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. 9. Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor. 10. The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. 11. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 13. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. 14. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. 15. The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. 16. A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. 17. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. 18. The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19. The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20. The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends. 21. He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22. Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. 23. In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. 24. The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly. 25. A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 28. In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. 29. He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. 30. A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. 31. He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. 32. The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death. 33. Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known. 34. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. 35. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 12) 1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. 2. A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. 3. A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. 4. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8. A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. 10. A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11. He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. 12. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. 14. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. 16. A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. 17. He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 18. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. 23. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. 25. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. 26. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. 28. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 12) 1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. 2. A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. 3. A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. 4. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8. A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. 10. A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11. He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. 12. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. 14. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. 16. A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. 17. He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 18. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. 23. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24. The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. 25. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. 26. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. 28. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-017 Today’s Scripture John 1:47 (ESV) “Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’” Opening the Scriptures Nathanael was coming to see Jesus, but before Nathanael could say anything, Jesus spoke about him. Jesus already knew the man who was approaching Him. This is important because Nathanael had just questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. Yet Jesus did not respond with anger. Instead, He revealed something that Nathanael would soon discover more fully: Jesus knew him. Nothing about Nathanael was hidden from Christ. The same is true for us. Jesus does not know only the person we present to other people. He knows what is within us. He knows our motives, our struggles, our doubts, our failures, and the things we may successfully hide from everyone else. We may deceive other people. We can even deceive ourselves. But we can never deceive Christ. Living God’s Word Today This truth should cause us to examine how we live before God. It is easy to appear faithful when other people are watching. It is much harder to live faithfully when nobody is watching. But for the Christian, there is never a moment when nobody is watching. Christ knows us completely. That should not drive us toward pretending to be better than we are. It should drive us toward honesty, repentance, and dependence upon Him. Nathanael was about to discover that the Jesus he had questioned knew him before he ever reached Him. Today, remember this: Jesus knows who you really are. Do not hide behind appearances. Do not pretend before God. Come honestly to Christ, confess your sin, trust His mercy, and seek to live faithfully before Him. Question for Today: Are you willing to live today remembering that Jesus knows your heart? Respond: “Lord, help me walk faithfully before You.”

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TITLE: THE WAY OF BACKBITERS Text: Proverbs 16:28, Romans 1:29–32, James 3:5–10 The Hidden Sin That Destroys Lives Many believers avoid obvious sins like stealing, adultery, and drunkenness, yet they overlook a dangerous sin that quietly destroys friendships, families, churches, and ministries—backbiting. Backbiting is like a slow poison. It often begins with, "I'm just telling you so you can pray," or "Don't tell anyone I said this..." Before long, trust is broken, reputations are damaged, and unity is destroyed. One careless tongue can tear down what years of love and service have built. The Bible warns us that God does not take this sin lightly. > Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV): "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." A backbiter separates people whom God intended to walk together. Key Bible Verses Explained 1. Romans 1:29–30 > "...full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters..." Backbiting is listed among serious sins because it reflects a heart that delights in harming others rather than building them up. 2. James 3:5–6 > "Even so the tongue is a little member... it is a fire..." James teaches that the tongue, though small, has the power to destroy lives, families, and churches. 3. Psalm 101:5 > "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. God Himself promises judgment against persistent slander and secret gossip. 4. Ephesians 4:29 > "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification." Every word spoken by a believer should strengthen others, not destroy them. Point 1: Backbiting Begins in an Unclean Heart Jesus said: > Matthew 12:34 "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The mouth only reveals what is already in the heart. Backbiting often grows out of: Jealousy Pride Bitterness Competition Unforgiveness Insecurity A transformed heart produces gracious words. Point 2: Backbiting Destroys Relationships Backbiters divide: Friends Families Marriages Ministries Churches Many strong relationships have ended not because of facts but because someone carried harmful stories from one person to another. The devil delights in division, but Christ prayed for unity. Point 3: Backbiting Grieves the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit produces: Love Peace Kindness Self-control Backbiting produces: Suspicion Hatred Division Confusion When believers continually speak against one another, the atmosphere becomes difficult for spiritual growth and unity. Point 4: God Calls Believers to Speak Words That Build Instead of criticizing behind people's backs, believers should become: Encouragers Peacemakers Truth speakers Forgivers Our words should heal wounded hearts rather than create new wounds. Biblical Case Study: Miriam Speaks Against Moses Text: Numbers 12:1–15 Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. Their complaint appeared personal, but it revealed deeper issues in their hearts. God defended Moses and called all three before Him. Miriam was struck with leprosy as a sign of God's displeasure until Moses interceded for her. Lessons: God hears conversations held in secret. Speaking against God's servants and against others has consequences. Mercy is available when there is repentance. Practical Action Steps 1. Think before you speak. 2. Refuse to spread unverified information. 3. Speak directly to people instead of about them. 4. Pray for those you are tempted to criticize. 5. Ask God daily to guard your tongue. 6. If you have hurt someone with your words, seek forgiveness and make peace. Deep Spiritual Insights Backbiting is more than a speech problem—it is a heart problem. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). When believers constantly accuse and tear others down, they reflect the work of the accuser rather than the character of Christ. Jesus came to reconcile people to God and to one another. Every believer should therefore use words that promote healing, truth, and unity Questions for Reflection 1. Do my words build people up or tear them down? 2. Have I damaged someone's reputation through careless speech? 3. Am I quick to believe and spread negative reports? 4. Is there anyone I need to ask forgiveness from because of my words? 5. Does my speech reflect the character of Jesus? Powerful Prayer Points 1. Father, cleanse my heart and purify my tongue in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, remove every spirit of gossip, slander, and backbiting from my life. 3. Help me to speak words that bring healing, encouragement, and peace. 4. Restore every relationship that has been damaged by harmful words. 5. Let the Holy Spirit rule my thoughts, my heart, and my speech. 6. Make me an instrument of unity in my family, church, and community. 7. May my life and my words glorify Christ every day. Call to Action The way of the backbiter leads to broken trust, damaged relationships, and spiritual decline. The way of Christ leads to truth, love, reconciliation, and peace. Today, choose to surrender your tongue to God. Let your words become a source of life, hope, and encouragement. As believers, we are called not only to avoid harmful speech but to actively use our words to strengthen others and glorify God. Final Charge: > Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." May God make us believers whose hearts are pure, whose tongues are disciplined, and whose words reflect the love and holiness of Jesus Christ. Amen. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. 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Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.