JOY IN THE MORNING
By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah.

This story will bless your life. Ensure you read till the end.

Daniel was the kind of young man people admired from a distance but rarely helped when he needed them most.

He was intelligent, hardworking, and full of ideas. At school, he had always been among the best. His teachers spoke highly of him and often said, "Daniel will go far in life."

Daniel believed them.

But after graduation, life began to tell him a different story.

He wrote applications. He attended interviews. He shared business ideas with people who had influence and resources. Again and again, he heard the same words:

"We'll get back to you."

They never did.

Some people praised his intelligence but refused to support him. Others took his ideas, promised partnership, and disappeared. Even friends who once came to him for advice suddenly became too busy when Daniel was the one asking for help.

Months became years.

One evening, Daniel sat alone in his small room, staring at his laptop. The battery was almost dead. His rent was overdue. His phone had stopped ringing.

He felt abandoned.

"What is the use of being intelligent," he whispered, "if nobody is willing to give me a chance?"

For the first time in his life, Daniel began to doubt himself.

That night, he lay awake with tears in his eyes. He was tired—not because he lacked dreams, but because he was exhausted from carrying them alone.

Before dawn, unable to sleep, Daniel stepped outside. The night was still dark. The streets were quiet.

He sat on a wooden bench and watched the sky.

For a long time, nothing happened.

Then, slowly, the darkness began to change.

A faint light appeared at the edge of the sky.

Daniel watched as morning pushed back the night—not with noise, not with force, but gradually and faithfully.

And something stirred inside him.

He realized that the darkness had not lasted forever.

The morning had been on its way even when he could not see it.

Daniel returned to his room with a different decision. If nobody would help him open a door, he would begin with whatever was in his hands.

He used his intelligence to solve small problems for people around him. He started offering services online. He read more, learned new skills, and refused to let rejection become his identity.

It was not easy.

Some days, he earned nothing. Some days, he wanted to give up again.

But he remembered that morning.

One opportunity led to another. A small client introduced him to someone else. The skills he had developed during his lonely years became the foundation of a growing career.

Years later, Daniel stood before a group of young people and told them something he had learned the hard way:

"Sometimes, the people you expect to help you will not come. Sometimes, doors will remain closed longer than you hoped. But never conclude that your story has ended because you are in a dark season. Keep moving. Keep learning. Keep believing. There is always another way, another door, another opportunity, and another morning."

Daniel smiled as he looked at the rising sun through the window.

He finally understood.

The night had not destroyed him.

It had prepared him to recognize the morning.

Reflection

No matter what you are going through today, do not surrender to the darkness. Your present situation is not the final chapter of your life. You may feel alone, rejected, forgotten, or unsupported, but there is always a way forward.

Sometimes the help you are waiting for will come. Sometimes you will discover strength you never knew you had.

But one thing is certain: the darkest night cannot stop the morning from coming.

Keep going.

Joy may not be visible tonight, but joy is still possible in the morning.

#highlights
#beinspired
#dontgiveup

LEP'S FAITH QUOTE: Faith is an Act 8/21 Friday Faith
I was not able to send out a quote for Thursday.
Now God does not want anybody in the world, under any circumstances, to be in a place where they live on eyesight and on feelings. Faith never feels and faith never looks. Faith is an act, and faith without an act is not faith, but doubt and disgrace. Every one of you has more faith than you are using.
--Smith Wigglesworth

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.

WHEN GOD WRITES ON THE WALL
A Call to Examine Your Heart Before God

KEY SCRIPTURE
“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)

Thought Of The Day...
There are times when God whispers to our hearts. There are times when He sends warnings through His Word, through circumstances, and through people. And then there are moments when God makes His message so unmistakably clear that it can no longer be ignored.
Daniel 5 gives us one of the most powerful and sobering examples in all of Scripture.
King Belshazzar was surrounded by celebration. The palace was filled with people, food, wine, wealth, music, power, and prestige. To everyone looking from the outside, it appeared that the king had everything under control. But while Belshazzar was celebrating on earth, Heaven was examining his heart.
While people were honoring the king, God was weighing the king.
While Belshazzar was looking at what he possessed, God was looking at what he had become.
Suddenly everything changed.
“In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”
— Daniel 5:5 (KJV)
The celebration stopped. The king's confidence disappeared. The man who commanded others suddenly had no control over himself.
Scripture says:
“Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him... and his knees smote one against another.”
— Daniel 5:6 (KJV)
Belshazzar discovered something that we must never forget: when God speaks, earthly power cannot silence Him. When God exposes something, money cannot cover it. When God pronounces judgment, human influence cannot reverse it.
Belshazzar called for the astrologers, Chaldeans, soothsayers, and wise men of Babylon, but none of them could interpret the writing. All the intelligence of Babylon was powerless before a message that came from God.
Eventually Daniel was summoned.
Daniel had lived faithfully before God for years. Kings had changed. Governments had changed. Circumstances had changed. Daniel had grown older, but his commitment to God had remained.
What a testimony!
The queen said concerning Daniel:
“...there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods... light and understanding and wisdom... was found in him.”
— Daniel 5:11 (KJV)
Daniel had developed a reputation that when everybody else was confused, Daniel knew how to seek God.
May that become our testimony.
When people around us are confused, may they know that we know God. When families experience trouble, may they know there is somebody who knows how to pray. When darkness enters a situation, may our lives carry the light of Christ.
Jesus declared:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
— Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Belshazzar offered Daniel wealth, clothing, jewelry, and political promotion if he could interpret the message. But Daniel answered:
“Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another...”
— Daniel 5:17 (KJV)
Daniel's integrity was not for sale.
He didn't need the king's money to tell the king God's truth. He wasn't seeking popularity. He wasn't chasing another title. Daniel understood that pleasing God was greater than pleasing people.
That same conviction must live within us.
There will be times when standing upon God's Word will not make us popular. There will be times when truth will challenge people. There will be times when obedience may cost us opportunities, relationships, applause, or acceptance.
But we must be able to say:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?...”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
Daniel reminded Belshazzar about Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had once become lifted up in pride, and God humbled him until he understood:
“...that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.”
— Daniel 5:21 (KJV)
Then Daniel spoke words that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
“And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.”
— Daniel 5:22 (KJV)
Though thou knewest all this.
Belshazzar had been given an example. He knew what pride had done before him, but he refused to learn from it.
There is a dangerous difference between not knowing God's will and knowing God's will but refusing to obey it.
The Bible says:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
— James 4:17 (KJV)
God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval.
Just because judgment has not come does not mean God approves of what we are doing. Sometimes God's delay is actually God's mercy giving us time to repent.
“The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
Belshazzar had also taken the sacred vessels from God's temple and used them during his celebration. He treated what belonged to God as though it were common.
Daniel told him:
“...thou hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven...”
— Daniel 5:23 (KJV)
This should cause us to ask ourselves: Have we become too casual with the things of God?
Have we become casual about prayer?
Casual about worship?
Casual about God's Word?
Casual about holiness?
Casual about our calling?
Casual about the gifts God placed inside us?
Casual about gathering with other believers?
God is loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate, but He is still holy.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
— 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)
Belshazzar praised gods made from silver, gold, brass, iron, wood, and stone. Yet when trouble entered the palace, none of those gods could answer him.
How often do people still place their confidence in things that cannot save them?
Money cannot save the soul.
A career cannot save the soul.
A title cannot save the soul.
Popularity cannot save the soul.
Possessions cannot save the soul.
Human relationships cannot take God's place.
Jesus asked:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)
Then Daniel revealed the handwriting:
“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.”
— Daniel 5:25 (KJV)
MENE meant:
“God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
— Daniel 5:26 (KJV)
Belshazzar thought he had more time.
God said his time had been numbered.
That should remind us that every day is a gift from God.
Every morning is mercy.
Every breath is grace.
Every opportunity to pray is precious.
Every opportunity to forgive matters.
Every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus matters.
Every opportunity to obey God matters.
David prayed:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
Then came TEKEL:
“Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)
What a frightening statement.
Belshazzar had been weighed—not by public opinion, not by his friends, not by his servants, and not by the standards of Babylon.
He had been weighed by God.
People may celebrate what God is correcting.
People may applaud what God is examining.
People may be impressed by our gifts while God is concerned about our character.
People may see our appearance while God sees our hearts.
Scripture declares:
“...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
That brings us to a serious question:
If God examined my heart today, what would He find?
Would He find humility or pride?
Would He find obedience or rebellion?
Would He find forgiveness or bitterness?
Would He find love or hatred?
Would He find integrity when nobody is watching?
Would He find genuine faith?
Would He find someone seeking His glory—or someone seeking his or her own?
This is not about earning salvation. We cannot save ourselves through our works.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works...”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
Our hope is Jesus Christ. But when Christ truly transforms our hearts, our lives should produce evidence of that transformation.
Finally came PERES:
“Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
— Daniel 5:28 (KJV)
Then Scripture delivers the sobering conclusion:
“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.”
— Daniel 5:30 (KJV)
That night.
Belshazzar started the evening sitting on a throne and ended it having lost everything.
He thought he had tomorrow.
He didn't.
This is why Scripture says:
“...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Don't wait for tomorrow to surrender what God is asking for today.
Don't wait until tomorrow to forgive.
Don't wait until tomorrow to repent.
Don't wait until tomorrow to pray.
Don't wait until tomorrow to make things right.
Don't wait until tomorrow to answer God's call.
And above all, don't wait until tomorrow to come to Jesus.
Daniel 5 is not merely about handwriting appearing on a wall. It is about a God who sees beyond appearances and examines the heart.
Belshazzar's kingdom is gone. Babylon's glory faded. Its wealth could not last. Its power could not last. Its king could not last.
But our God remains.
“For I am the LORD, I change not...”
— Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
Before God ever has to write something on the wall, allow Him to write His Word upon your heart.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
— Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Let His Word correct you.
Let His Word convict you.
Let His Word humble you.
Let His Word guide you.
Let His Word transform you.
And when God reveals something in your heart that needs to change, don't run from Him.
Run to Him.
Because through Jesus Christ there is forgiveness, mercy, restoration, and new life.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

PRAYER...
Most Holy and Eternal God, our Father,
We come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, humbled by Your Word and grateful for Your mercy.
Father, search us today.
Your Word declares:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”
— Psalm 139:23 (KJV)
Lord, shine Your light into every area of our lives. Reveal anything within us that does not please You.
If pride has entered our hearts, humble us.
If bitterness has entered our hearts, cleanse us.
If unforgiveness has taken root, help us forgive.
If compromise has entered our lives, give us courage to turn away from it.
If we have become casual concerning holy things, restore our reverence for You.
If anything has taken Your rightful place in our hearts, tear down every idol and draw us back to You.
Father, never allow us to become so comfortable with Your blessings that we forget the One who blessed us.
Help us remember that every breath comes from You, every opportunity comes from You, every gift comes from You, and every good thing comes from You.
Your Word says:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...”
— James 1:17 (KJV)
Give us the spirit of Daniel.
Give us wisdom when others are confused.
Give us courage when others compromise.
Give us integrity when temptation comes.
Give us faith when circumstances become difficult.
Give us boldness to speak Your truth with love.
May we never sell our convictions for acceptance, promotion, popularity, money, or position.
Father, teach us to number our days.
Help us understand that tomorrow is not promised and today is an opportunity to glorify You.
May our lives bring honor to Jesus Christ.
May our homes glorify You.
May our marriages and families glorify You.
May our ministries glorify You.
May our workplaces glorify You.
May our words glorify You.
May our decisions glorify You.
And when You examine our hearts, may You find people who sincerely love You, trust You, obey You, and desire to walk according to Your Word.
Thank You for Jesus.
Thank You that where we have fallen short, the blood of Jesus still cleanses.
Thank You that repentance is still available.
Thank You that grace is still available.
Thank You that mercy is still available.
Thank You that restoration is still available.
Create within us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
We surrender ourselves completely to You.
In the mighty, matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
I DECLARE IN THE NAME OF JESUS:
My heart belongs to God!
My life belongs to God!
My family belongs to God!
My gifts belong to God!
My future belongs to God!
My worship belongs to God!
I will not allow pride to rule my heart.
I will not allow the things of this world to become idols in my life.
I will not compromise God's Word for popularity, acceptance, position, possessions, or applause.
Like Daniel, I will walk with an excellent spirit.
I will stand when others compromise.
I will pray when others panic.
I will trust God when others doubt.
I will speak truth with love.
I will honor God publicly and privately.
MENE! I understand that my days are numbered, therefore I will make my days count for the glory of God.
TEKEL! I understand that God examines the heart, therefore I will walk humbly and sincerely before Him.
PERES! I understand that earthly kingdoms, possessions, titles, and accomplishments will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
I declare that God's Word will be written upon my heart.
I will not wait for the handwriting on the wall before I obey God.
TODAY I CHOOSE JESUS!
TODAY I CHOOSE HUMILITY!
TODAY I CHOOSE OBEDIENCE!
TODAY I CHOOSE HOLINESS!
TODAY I CHOOSE FAITH!
TODAY I CHOOSE TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
This is my declaration, this is my commitment, and this is my prayer—in Jesus' mighty name. Amen and Amen!

REJOICE: GOD ACTS IN HIS TIME

Joel 2:23

"And you, children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he will give you the autumn rains in their season, the autumn and spring rains, as before."

Israel has just gone through a period of devastation and drought. But God announces restoration and promises rain again because the difficult season is not the end of the story.

God knows the time of the rain. What seems delayed is not necessarily forgotten. There are seasons when God prepares what we do not yet see.

Faith does not rejoice only when the rain falls; it rejoices because it knows the One who holds the seasons in His hands. God can restore what seemed lost and revive hope at the right time.

Do not let the current drought make you doubt God's faithfulness. Continue to believe, pray, and work faithfully. The season will change, and God will send you rain in His time.

O Lord, teach me to trust in Your timing. Even in dry seasons, keep my faith alive and prepare me to receive what You have promised.

#GodActs🏼
#SpiritAndLife

Pray Always and Not Lose Heart

Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow in direct response to a clear reality: that people lose heart in prayer before the answer arrives. The parable reveals God's heart towards the believer who refuses to give up. The widow's persistence was rewarded because she recognised the justice of her cause and refused to let time erode her confidence.

The one who presses forward without prayer is a soldier advancing without communication with headquarters. Strategy, supplies, and specific orders all come through that essential, maintained line.

Jesus knows that prolonged prayer without a visible answer can tempt one to loosen one's grip on faith. His instruction: do not let go. Keep praying. Keep knocking. Keep asking. Press forward in prayer as the primary fuel for sustained, enduring, faith-filled progress.

PRAYER:
Gracious Heavenly Father, teach me to pray with the persistence of the widow, not in doubt but in confidence in Your justice and Your love. I will not lose heart. I will keep pressing forward in prayer. In Jesus' name! Hallelujah! Amen!

Acts 28:

"1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

This is solid evidence for those in doubt! I say to you though, never doubt in the Word of our Lord!

Devotion: Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19: “Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.”

Thoughts:

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and thus inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, you also gain power through God; power to face even the most daunting enemies and challenges.

If you live your life in honor of God, if you understand that His presence in your life is a constant, you never need to be afraid again.

Fear makes us weak, it makes us doubt that God can intervene in time to save us. If we stand firm in the knowledge that we have power through our belief in the Lord, if we face the future with courageous hearts, we can (and will) overcome any obstacle in our way.

Fear gives the devil a foothold, he thrives on us being afraid and uses it against us. When we take our stand against evil, against the world, knowing that we are children of the Almighty; children with God-given power, even the devil and his minions will fall. Luke 10:17: “....Even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name."

A word of warning, though, remember that with this power comes a warning:

Luke 10:17: “But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.”

Therefore you should accept our God-given power and use it to quench the human fear still lurking in our lives. In our commitment to God we can use this power to overcome even the darkest of enemies and do so to glorify His name. For it is only through Him that we can claim this power and only with His blessing that we can use it in our daily battle.

Ask yourself:

Are you ready to accept God's challenge and take up the powerful sword God gave you? Are you ready to trust in Him so that you can live a life to His glory, victorious agaist the treachery of the world?

#Luke10 #Devotion #PowerofGod