This is Ezekiel 34:2-4 season. Here is DAILY BREAD FOR THE LAST DAYS : TODAY'S WORD Text: Jeremiah 23:1-2 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord... You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.” Also: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions...” MESSAGE: SHEPHERDS, RETURN TO THE HEART OF GOD The Lord is crying over His sheep in these last days. 1. THE WARNING TO SHEPHERDS God says “Woe” to shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock. When a shepherd chases the world and its things - money, fame, titles - he leaves the sheep hungry. When he preaches prosperity gospel but not holiness gospel, he trades eternal gifts for temporary bread. John 10:12 “The hireling... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.” A flock that is not sanctified is a flock that will be lost. Because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14 2. THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH Saved church, wake up! Jealousy, hatred, gossip, disobedience to the Word... this is not the garment of Christ Colossians 3:8-10. When we cling to itching ears and reject sound doctrine, we become easy prey. God’s will is not just prosperity in the pocket. It is sanctification of the soul 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Jesus did not die to make us rich. He died to make us HOLY. 3. STRENGTHENING & ENCOURAGEMENT But there is hope. 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” To every faithful shepherd: Keep feeding the Word. Keep calling to repentance. To every sheep: Return to the Word. Love holiness more than miracles. Love Jesus more than blessings. PRAYER: Father, raise up shepherds after Your own heart Jeremiah 3:15. Purify the pulpit. Purify the pew. Let us not trade eternity for earth. Sanctify us by Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ACTION TODAY: For Shepherds/Teachers: Check your message. Is it pointing people to Jesus and holiness, or just to prosperity? For All: Forgive anyone you have bitterness toward today. Gossip and hatred grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.

Lifeline Today Tuesday August 18 The Benefit of Curiosity "The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, and she travelled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions." 1 Kings 10:1 (GNB) The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. She was curious when she heard of the fame of Solomon. Creativity is always born out of curiosity. Curiosity is a holy pursuit that transforms a stagnant faith into an active journey. It moves a person past routine compliance and into a vibrant, deeper relationship with God. Curiosity means being adventurous, living your life outside of the box; not being satisfied with things as they are, but eager to enter true reality. It demands high level of sensitivity and alertness. It is a constant journey of discovery that triggers a new desire for greater accomplishment. Get more curious and you get more creative making you highly productive and a celebrated highflyer! This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence” Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for a fresh, holy curiosity about the life assignment You have designed specifically for me. I receive freedom from routine, a curious mind that is eager to learn, and the humility to ask honest questions. Help me seek understanding like hidden treasure every single day in Jesus’ name.

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 ✍️ “𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦— 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.” Someone says, “𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺.” Society urges us to climb higher, gain more followers, and build our fame. But as Christians, true greatness is measured by service. Whether tempted to rise or called to kneel, the real question isn’t about power—it’s whether we will faithfully carry our great responsibility. Jesus declared in 🕮 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟓, “𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺.” The disciples had been arguing over who would be the greatest, but Christ redefined greatness. The King of kings did not come demanding a throne—He came carrying a towel, serving others, and ultimately giving His life as the ransom for sinners. A fruitful tree does not exist for itself. Its branches bend under the weight of fruit so that others may be nourished. In the same way, spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we receive but by how willingly we serve. The closer we walk with Christ, the more our lives become a blessing to those around us. Scripture calls us to Christlike service. We are to “𝘣𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳” (𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟓:𝟏𝟑), and to be “𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯” (𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟓:𝟏). “𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳” (𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟑). Ministry is not about being noticed—it is about making Christ known. The servant's heart is revealed long before the spotlight arrives. “𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘺” (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟑). Don't seek to elevate your platform, chase lost people for God to transform. We are not called to impress people with our importance but to bless them with Christ's humility. Before Christ called us to serve, He first served us selflessly. He left the glory of heaven, humbled Himself, became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟓–𝟖). Through His sacrifice and victorious resurrection (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒), He paid the ransom our sins deserved. We do not serve to earn His love—we serve because His love has already transformed our hearts. Are you seeking recognition more than opportunities to serve? Whose burden will you bear? Whose souls will you lead to the Lord? You don't need Christ merely to give you a ministry—you need Him because He is the perfect Servant who teaches your imperfect hearts to serve. Don't chase a crown while refusing a towel. The path to true greatness still begins at the feet of Jesus. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who came not to be served but to serve. Forgive us for seeking recognition instead of devotion. Give us the heart of Christ, willing hands to serve, and joyful obedience in every opportunity You place before us. May our lives reflect the Greatest Servant. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

*Today's Prophetic Declaration - Tuesday, 11th August, 2026.* 🌟*THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS BRINGS FREEDOM*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.” — Mark 1:27–28 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – There Is Power in the Word of Jesus* In this passage, the people witnessed something extraordinary: Jesus taught with authority and commanded an unclean spirit, and it obeyed Him. They were amazed because His authority was unlike anything they had seen. This reminds us that Jesus is Lord over every power and every circumstance. His authority is not based on human position or influence. He speaks, and things change. When we place our trust in Christ, we do not have to live as prisoners of fear, sin, discouragement, or hopelessness. His Word brings light, His presence brings peace, and His authority brings freedom. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over my life, and His authority reigns over every area of my existence. Every power contrary to God's purpose for my life must bow before the authority of Jesus Christ. I declare freedom from every bondage that has hindered my spiritual growth, peace, progress, and fulfillment of God's purpose. Every chain of fear, discouragement, confusion, bitterness, sinful habit, and spiritual oppression is broken by the grace and power of Christ. Today, I submit my thoughts, words, decisions, plans, and desires to the lordship of Jesus. His Word shall be the final authority in my life. I will not be controlled by fear or the opinions of people; I will walk according to the truth of God's Word. I declare that the authority of Jesus shall operate in my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and relationships. Every atmosphere of conflict, confusion, and division shall give way to the peace of Christ. May His presence rule in my home and in every place where He has sent me. I proclaim that every obstacle standing between me and God's purpose shall be overcome by His grace. Doors that God has ordained for me shall open, opportunities shall arise, and every hindrance that is contrary to His will shall be removed. Today, I receive boldness to proclaim the Gospel. Like the people in Galilee, others shall see the transforming power of Christ through my words, conduct, service, and testimony. May my life point people toward Jesus. I declare that the name of Jesus shall be glorified through me. Where there is darkness, I shall carry His light. Where there is despair, I shall speak hope. Where there is confusion, I shall proclaim truth. Where there is hatred, I shall demonstrate love. I declare that this day shall be marked by divine authority, spiritual victory, peace, wisdom, favor, and answered prayers. I shall walk confidently under the lordship of Christ, knowing that no power is greater than my Savior. Jesus speaks, and chains are broken. Jesus speaks, and fear must flee. Jesus speaks, and hope is restored. Jesus speaks, and lives are transformed. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🔥✝️🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin your day by declaring the lordship of Jesus Christ over your life. 2️⃣ Read Mark 1:21–28 and meditate on the authority of Jesus. 3️⃣ Declare: “Jesus Christ is Lord over my life, and every power contrary to His will must bow before Him.” 4️⃣ Identify one area where you need God's intervention and deliberately surrender it to Jesus in prayer. 5️⃣ Speak God's Word over your family, work, ministry, studies, and future. 6️⃣ Encourage someone today with the message that Jesus still brings freedom, hope, and transformation. 7️⃣ End the day by thanking Jesus for His authority, protection, mercy, and sustaining grace. 🔥*Prayer:* Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and King over my life. Thank You because all authority belongs to You. Speak Your Word into every situation concerning me. Where there is fear, speak peace. Where there is confusion, speak wisdom. Where there is weakness, speak strength. Where there is bondage, bring freedom. Where there is hopelessness, restore hope. Take complete control of my thoughts, decisions, family, ministry, work, business, studies, and relationships. Let Your authority rule in every area of my life. Give me courage to stand upon Your Word and boldness to proclaim Your Gospel. Let my life become a testimony of Your transforming power, so that others may see Your goodness and glorify Your name. May every power that opposes Your purpose for my life be defeated, and may Your perfect will be established in me. Jesus, You are Lord. Your Word is powerful. Your authority is supreme. In Your mighty name I pray. Amen! 🙏🔥 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the authority of Jesus Christ reign over every area of your life today. May His Word bring freedom where there has been bondage, peace where there has been turmoil, and hope where there has been discouragement. May the Lord protect your household, establish the work of your hands, guide your decisions, and give you victory over every challenge that is contrary to His purpose for you. May your life become a living testimony of the power and authority of Jesus Christ, and may His name be glorified through everything you do. Jesus is Lord! His Word has authority! His grace is sufficient! Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, victorious, and Christ-centered day. Shalom!🙏✝️🔥🕊️ *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

“that woman you put here with me ate so I ate too” above is how we’ve grown so far away. unity in sin is the power of justification. thieves unite with theaves and before you know it shame turns to fame and thrives begin boasting there crimes amungst one another. and the bigger the unity grows the greater the power of justifying. consider a gay man in the 70’s . he hid in the closet. as the unity grew so did the false righteousness until shame became boast . today it’s pride for this reason. all sin grows this way. now a man having sex outside of marriage is of the same devils. the unity of men that have sex outside of marriage had grown so big that men look up to the man who had the most sex. the power of false righteousness had grown tremendously here. but we have all become justified by the ways of the world but can’t see it cuz our sins aren’t as obvious as sex and drugs. but we have all fallen to the world and utilize the products of the world. I tell you cars and phones and everything we use is sinful even the internet. god does not communicate through devices of men. nor does his servants. god doesn’t communicate through the same source porn does.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2026. TOPIC: YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 BIBLE READING READ: MATTHEW 26:15, 27:3-5 (KJV) MATTHEW 26:15 (KJV) 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. MATTHEW 27:3-5 (KJV) 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. MESSAGE: In today's world, many people are selling their salvation for all kinds of mundane things. Some have sold their salvation for money, while others have sold it for fame or positions. There is, however, nothing in this world that is worth trading your salvation for. Anything that a person wants to acquire that will require the person to commit a sin is a trap of the enemy to get the fellow to sell his or her salvation and end up in hell. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asked His disciples, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" These questions still apply to us today. There is no gain in trading the salvation of your soul for anything because nothing in this world is as precious as your soul. Esau is an example of someone who traded something precious for something mundane and temporary. In Genesis 25:29-34, he chose to despise his privileged position in his father's house for just a bowl of pottage. He sold his birthright so cheaply just because he was hungry, and in Hebrews 12:17, the Bible says that he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. In like manner, Judas sold his salvation for money in today's Bible reading. He threw everything he had learnt from Jesus down the drain for 30 pieces of silver. Whatever lures a person to trade his or her salvation only wants to destroy the fellow. It might offer immediate pleasure and instant gratification, but the devil ultimately aims to use it to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). One way the devil tries to lure believers into trading their salvation is by making them believe that some sins are not as important as others and telling them that such sins do not matter. However, there is no act of sin that is not significant; every sinful act matters in God's sight. Every little compromise is a step out of His protective and merciful covering. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says that a serpent will bite whoever breaks a hedge. In other words, sin exposes a fellow to the attack of the enemy. Beloved, do not toy with sin because it only offers a one-way ticket to hell. I pray that you will not trade the salvation of your soul for anything in the world, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT Nothing is worth losing the salvation of your soul over. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 15-17 HYMN 14: O WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY 1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day Day I will never forget; after I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Saviour I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend He met the need of my heart; Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart ! CHORUS Heaven came down and glory fill my soul, When at the cross the Saviour made me whole; My Sins were washed away And my night was tuned to day Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! 2. Born of the Spirit with life from above Into God's family divine, justified fully thru Calvary's love, o what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer He saved me, 0 praise His dear name! 3. Now I've a hope that will surely endure After the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure, There in those mansions sublime. And it's because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received. ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2026 *YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the salvation of my soul and that of my family. Thank You for paying for my salvation with Your life hanged on the cross. 2.Father, please help me to guard my salvation with all my heart, and with all my soul, and never to loose it at any point of my life, in Jesus' name. 3.Father, please help me not to give in to anything that will require me commiting a sin so I won't fall into satanic trap, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me not to trade the salvation of my soul for riches or wealth or anything in this world, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me to put my body under subjection to Your word. Help me to remain disciplined such that my flesh will not lead me into selling off my salvation, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me never to betray my faith in Christ Jesus, never to deny my faith in the face of persecution. May I not get to the point where it will be too late to repent, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me to continue to work on myself until I become perfect as You are, in heaven, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me to depart from sin and all unrighteousness, may I not compromise in the secret or in the open, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please show me any area of my life that is not under Your perfect will, and help me to return to You wholeheartedly before it will be late, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as many that have traded their salvation for the mundane things of this world, please help them to repent and to return to You today, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ May he never trade the salvation of his soul for anything in this world, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ Happy weekend! #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

READ WITH ME – DAY 16 Topic: Who Is My Role Model? Key Verse: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." — 1 Corinthians 11:1 Today's Reflection Everyone has someone they admire—a parent, teacher, pastor, friend, athlete, celebrity, or social media influencer. The people we admire can greatly influence the person we become. The Bible teaches us to be careful about who we choose as role models. Paul said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." He was not asking people to follow him instead of Jesus. He was pointing them to Christ through his own life. A good role model is someone whose life points you closer to God, not further away from Him. Before choosing someone as your role model, ask yourself: • Does this person's life honour God? • Do they encourage honesty, humility, kindness, purity, and self-control? • Will following their example help me grow closer to Christ? Fame, beauty, wealth, talent, and popularity do not automatically mean someone is worth following. What matters most is character. Remember, you are also becoming a role model to someone else. Your words, choices, attitude, and lifestyle may influence people around you. May your greatest desire be to become more like Jesus. When Christ is your perfect example, you will always be walking in the right direction. Today's Takeaway: Choose role models who point you to Christ, because the direction of the person you follow often becomes the direction of your own life. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the perfect example in Jesus Christ. Help me choose role models who love You and live according to Your Word. Give me wisdom to reject ungodly influences and the grace to become more like Christ every day. May my own life also become a godly example to others. In Jesus' name, Amen. Follow this 30-day journey with me as we grow together through God's Word. Download the complete devotional FREE: https://selar.com/1937687kr1 See you tomorrow for Day 17! 🌱 #YoungShallGrow #ReadWithMe #Day16 #RoleModels #ChristianGrowth #GrowInChrist #JesusChrist #1Corinthians111

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TOPIC: HOPE FOR THE YOUTHS. There Is Still Hope! We are in a period where many young people are battling fear, unemployment, addiction, depression, immorality, broken homes, and uncertainty about the future. Many have lost hope because of repeated disappointments. Some believe they have no future, while others are searching for meaning in the wrong places. But God's message to every young person today is this: "There is hope for you!" Your present situation does not determine your final destination. God has not forgotten you. The God who raised Joseph from prison, David from the wilderness, Esther from obscurity, and Daniel from captivity is still raising young men and women today. No matter how dark your night may be, dawn is coming. Key Bible Texts Jeremiah 29:11 > "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This promise was given to people living in difficult circumstances. God assured them that captivity was not the end of their story. Likewise, today's struggles are not the end of your journey. Joel 2:28 > "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy... your young men shall see visions." God has a divine assignment for the youth. Young people are not merely the future of the Church—they are part of God's work today. 1 Timothy 4:12 > "Let no one despise your youth..." Paul encouraged Timothy to become an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Youth is not a limitation; it is an opportunity to glorify God. 1. Hope Begins When You Know God Has a Purpose for Your Life Many young people compare themselves with others and feel like failures. But God never created anyone without purpose. David was forgotten by his family, yet God had already chosen him to become king. Your background cannot cancel God's purpose. Lesson: Never measure your future by your present condition. 2. Hope Grows Through Right Choices Many destinies are destroyed not because God failed, but because wrong decisions were made. Choose: God over sin. Wisdom over foolishness. Discipline over laziness. Character over popularity. Purpose over pleasure. Every decision you make today shapes your tomorrow. Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust the Lord rather than our own understanding. 3. Hope Survives Every Delay Joseph waited. David waited. Abraham waited. Jesus Himself waited until the appointed time before beginning His ministry. Delay does not mean denial. God's timing is always perfect. Never give up because your miracle seems slow. 4. Hope Becomes Reality Through Faith and Hard Work Faith is not laziness. Prayer is not an excuse for idleness. God blesses diligent hands. Develop your gifts. Learn valuable skills. Study the Scriptures. Remain faithful. Keep improving yourself while waiting for God's open doors. 5. Hope Is Found Completely in Christ Money cannot replace hope. Fame cannot replace hope. Friends cannot replace hope. Only Jesus gives lasting hope. Without Christ, success is empty. With Christ, even difficult seasons become stepping stones to victory. Biblical Case Study: Joseph (Genesis 37–50) Joseph was young when God gave him dreams. His brothers hated him. He was thrown into a pit. He was sold into slavery. He was falsely accused. He was imprisoned. Yet Joseph refused to lose hope. At God's appointed time, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt and saved many lives. Lessons from Joseph: Dreams may be delayed but not destroyed. Integrity attracts God's favor. God can turn suffering into promotion. Your present pain can prepare you for your future purpose. Practical Action Steps Build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Read your Bible every day. Pray consistently. Avoid destructive friendships. Learn useful skills and continue developing yourself. Honour your parents and spiritual leaders. Stay sexually pure. Refuse drugs, cultism, internet fraud, and violence. Believe that your future is in God's hands. Deep Spiritual Insights Hope is confidence in God's promises, not wishful thinking. God often prepares people privately before promoting them publicly. Your trials may be God's training ground. Every believer carries a divine purpose that no circumstance can destroy. Young people who walk with God become instruments of revival and transformation. Questions for Reflection 1. Where have I placed my hope—in God or in worldly success? 2. Am I making decisions that support God's purpose for my life? 3. What habits are delaying my progress? 4. Am I growing spiritually while waiting for God's timing? 5. If Jesus returned today, would I be ready? Powerful Prayer Points 1. Father, restore hope to every discouraged young person in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, reveal Your purpose for my life. 3. Every spirit of depression, fear, and hopelessness, leave my life in Jesus' name. 4. Father, connect me with godly mentors and faithful friends. 5. Destroy every addiction and sinful habit fighting my destiny. 6. Open doors of education, employment, ministry, and divine opportunities. 7. Grant me wisdom to make godly decisions every day. 8. Let my generation experience genuine revival. 9. Make me a vessel of honor in Your Kingdom. 10. Let my life glorify Jesus until the very end. Call to Action Young people, the future is not lost. God is still calling, preparing, and empowering a generation that will stand for righteousness in a corrupt world. Do not surrender your destiny to despair. Do not allow temporary failures to define your future. Fix your eyes on Jesus, remain faithful, and keep moving forward. Remember the promise of Romans 15:13: > "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." May the Lord raise a generation of young men and women who love Him, walk in holiness, influence society for Christ, and fulfill their divine purpose. Amen. https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447440 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/1DMHU99QXF/ #UMOHEDEM

# **Stay Faithful Until Death — The Promise of the Crown of Life** **Bible Verse: Revelation 2:10 (New International Version - NIV)** *"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."* — **Revelation 2:10** ## **A Message of Faith, Hope, and Endurance** In the Book of **Revelation, Chapter 2, Verse 10**, Jesus gives a powerful message to His followers: **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."** This message was given to encourage believers who were facing suffering, persecution, fear, and difficult trials. Jesus did not promise that His followers would have a life without problems. Instead, He promised that those who remain faithful through every hardship will receive an eternal reward. True faith is not only shown during peaceful and successful times. The greatest proof of faith appears when a person continues trusting God during pain, struggles, and uncertainty. Every person faces battles that others may never see. Some struggle with financial difficulties, some face illness, some experience loneliness, family problems, rejection, injustice, or disappointment. Sometimes people become tired and question whether their efforts matter. But God sees every struggle and remembers every act of faithfulness. To remain faithful does not mean that we will never experience difficulties. It means that even in difficult situations, we continue to trust God, follow His ways, love others, forgive, and keep our hope alive. The world often defines success through wealth, power, fame, and achievements. But God looks at the heart. A person who remains faithful when life is difficult, who chooses kindness instead of hatred, forgiveness instead of revenge, and hope instead of despair, is precious in God's eyes. The **"Crown of Life"** represents God's eternal reward. It symbolizes victory over suffering, eternal life with God, and the promise that one day pain, sorrow, and tears will come to an end. This verse reminds us that our earthly life is temporary, but our relationship with God and our faithfulness have eternal value. Difficult seasons may test us, but they can also strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God. When life becomes difficult, remember: * God sees every battle you are fighting. * God knows every tear you shed. * God remembers every sacrifice made with love and faith. * God rewards those who remain faithful to Him. So do not give up when the journey becomes hard. Hold on to God, keep your faith strong, and continue walking in His truth. The struggles of today are temporary, but God's promises are everlasting. **Your faithfulness today can become your victory tomorrow. Stay faithful until the end, because God’s promises never fail.** **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."** — **Revelation 2:10**

Today, everything is about attention—platforms, followers, exposure. But God’s way is different. Jesus never promoted Himself, yet He became the most influential person in history. He didn’t chase fame—He obeyed the Father. The world says, “Make a name for yourself.” God says, “Seek Me.” Isaiah 60 shows God bringing people and resources to His purposes. His way isn’t about chasing opportunities—it’s about faithfully using what He’s already given you. The key is to recognize how God designed you, surrender your gift, and use it for His Kingdom. There is sacrifice, but the goodness of God on the other side of obedience outweighs it. That’s learned through walking with Jesus. So stop chasing what the world says you need. Seek the Lord, use what He’s placed in you, and trust Him. He will bring what you need in His time. Father, thank You for the gifts You’ve placed in me. Help me seek You above all else and faithfully use what You’ve given me for Your Kingdom. Lead me in Your way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.