THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS

“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33

I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation.

Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us.

If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way.

If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did.

God bless you!

Who are Israelites, to whom pertain … the service of God.

Romans 9:4–5 ɴᴋᴊᴠ

Of the eight privileges of Israel listed by Paul in Romans 9:4–5, the fifth one, “the service of God,” is one not often considered. But it is very important, nevertheless, and really brings to light the nation of Israel’s distinct position found in the Scriptures. No other nation could boast that they possessed the “service” of the living God.

This term is found again in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary” (Heb. 9:1). Here it is called “divine service” and is in relationship to the tabernacle in the wilderness, with all of its furnishings, and the priesthood (9:2–10). The “service of God” or “divine service” could also be used in reference to the temple. What other nation could approach God in such a way, or have the presence of God dwelling among them? Other nations had their temples and priests, but they worshiped idols and false gods.

However, as marvelous as this privilege was for Israel, it was but a “shadow” of the “good things to come” (8:5; 9:11). Christ came to institute a “more perfect tabernacle” on the blessed basis of “His own blood” shed “once for all” (9:12). The “earthly sanctuary,” as wonderful as it was, pales in contrast to the heavenly one “not made with hands” (9:11).

As Christians, what a privilege to be priests, and enter into the holy presence of God, not once a year, but at all times! As priests connected with the heavenly system we are exhorted to enter the “Holiest” through the “new and living way” and do so with “full assurance” (10:19–22).

Brian Reynolds


The holiest we enter
In perfect peace with God;Through whom we found our center
In Jesus and His blood.


M. Bowley


https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-23

Let God’s Peace Guard Your Heart (Philippians 4:6–7)

There are seasons when your mind feels full of questions.

What if things don't work out?

What if I lose this opportunity?

What if my plans fail?

What will happen tomorrow?

Sometimes uncertainty can steal the peace we have today.

But God's Word gives us a different way to respond.

The Bible says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Notice the instruction:

Pray.

When you don't know what to do, pray.

When you're worried about tomorrow, pray.

When you are waiting for an answer, pray.

When circumstances are beyond your control, pray.

Prayer doesn't mean pretending that problems don't exist.

It means refusing to face those problems as though you are facing them alone.

God already knows what you're carrying.

He knows the concerns you haven't told anyone.

He knows the questions you keep asking yourself.

He knows the battles happening inside your heart.

And He invites you to bring them to Him.

But Paul gives us another important instruction:

Give thanks.

That can be difficult when life isn't going according to plan.

Yet gratitude changes our focus.

Instead of only looking at what is missing, we begin remembering what God has already done.

Thank Him for life.

Thank Him for His grace.

Thank Him for the people He has placed around you.

Thank Him for the lessons you've learned.

Thank Him for the doors He has opened.

Thank Him for the times He protected you without you even realizing it.

Most importantly, thank Him for Jesus.

Because our greatest hope isn't found in having a perfect life.

Our greatest hope is found in knowing Christ.

God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for our sins and make reconciliation with Him possible.

That truth doesn't change when circumstances change.

And then comes one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God's peace doesn't always mean the storm disappears immediately.

Sometimes the situation remains.

The bills still need to be paid.

The decision still needs to be made.

The answer still hasn't arrived.

The future is still uncertain.

But something inside you can change.

Instead of being controlled by fear, you can learn to trust.

Instead of constantly asking, “What if?”

You can begin saying:

“God is with me.”

Instead of thinking, “I must control everything,”

you can say:

“I will do my part and trust God with the rest.”

Peace doesn't come from knowing exactly what tomorrow will bring.

Peace comes from knowing who holds tomorrow.

So today, don't carry tomorrow's problems with today's strength.

You have enough grace for today.

Bring your worries to God.

Pray honestly.

Give thanks.

Read His Word.

And trust Him one step at a time.

If the worry returns, pray again.

If the fear returns, trust again.

If the uncertainty returns, remember God's faithfulness again.

You don't have to figure everything out today.

God is still working.

Give God your worries, and let His peace guard your heart while you trust Him with what you cannot control.

What is one concern you need to stop carrying alone and place into God's hands today?

#GodsPeace #Philippians46 #Philippians47 #TrustGod #Prayer #FaithOverFear #PeaceInChrist #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

Daily devotion for August 23rd
Any Volunteers?
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11:1-2
The great principle to remember in reading the Old Testament is that what happens to Israel on a physical level pictures what is happening to us on the spiritual level. God too is a builder. The New Testament tells us that He is building a city with inhabitants called the New Jerusalem. It is not like the old one, made of bricks and mortar, but a new city built of spiritual stones--living stones, according to the New Testament (1 Peter 2:5). It is intended to be inhabited by redeemed people. If you draw that parallel, you will begin to see some of the teaching of this passage in Nehemiah.

Chapter 11 is the account of Nehemiah's efforts to repopulate Jerusalem. Although the city wall had been rebuilt at this point, Nehemiah discovered that he had a problem. He had a fine, well-defended city--but without people! His solution was to draft families to move there, for a capital must be inhabited since it is the heart of the nation. As the governor, he simply issued an edict: One out of every ten people living in the suburbs must move to Jerusalem. He went through the towns and numbered the people, counting them off by tens, and then they threw a die with ten numbers on it. The man who had the same number that came up on the die was expected to move his family into Jerusalem.

If you read this carefully, it is apparent that when a man was chosen to move into Jerusalem, he was permitted to decline if he wanted to. That is because God wanted volunteers for this. So a man could be chosen but could decide against moving. Then the lot would be cast again and another name chosen. Sooner or later someone would be found who consented freely to go. According to the account, those who chose to go were commended by the people. They honored them because they volunteered to do what God called them to do.

The same principle applies in the church today. According to the New Testament, we are all called into the ministry--all of us! The ministry belongs to the saints! The minute you become a Christian, you are moved into God's new Jerusalem. You are asked to take up labor there, to do work according to the spiritual gift God has given you. But you must also volunteer to do it. God does not force His people to do what they are asked to do. He gave us all spiritual gifts, but He does not force us to use them. Yet if you want to be respected or honored and commended at last by the Lord Himself and by all His people, then the wise thing is to volunteer to perform the realm of ministry He has opened up for you.

Lord I want to be a part of what You are building. Thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. Show me how best to put them to use.

Strength Is Found in Faithfulness

Scripture

Judges 16:28 (NKJV)

Then Samson called to the LORD, saying, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.

God Can Restore the Repentant

Judges 16 records one of the most tragic chapters in Samson's life. God had uniquely called him from birth to be a Nazirite and a deliverer of Israel. The Lord had given him extraordinary strength through the power of the Holy Spirit, yet Samson repeatedly compromised with temptation instead of walking in obedience.

His relationship with Delilah exposed the weakness that had been growing in his heart. Rather than guarding the calling God had entrusted to him, Samson toyed with sin until it eventually overcame him. After revealing the secret connected to his Nazirite vow, his hair was cut, the Lord's empowering presence departed from him, and the Philistines captured him. They blinded him, bound him, and forced him into humiliating labor.

One of the saddest statements in Scripture is that Samson did not realize that the LORD had departed from him. Sin had gradually dulled his spiritual awareness until he no longer recognized what he had lost.

Yet God's grace had not reached its end.

While Samson was imprisoned, his hair began to grow again. More importantly, his heart turned back to God. At the end of his life, Samson finally humbled himself and prayed. He no longer trusted in his own strength but cried out for God's strength. His final victory came not because of his ability but because of God's mercy.

God answered Samson's prayer. Though Samson suffered the consequences of his disobedience, God restored him for one final act that accomplished more than many of his earlier victories.

This chapter reminds believers that compromise always carries consequences, but repentance opens the door to God's mercy. Our failures do not have to be the end of our story when we return to the Lord with sincere humility. God delights in restoring those who genuinely repent and place their trust in Him.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there any area of compromise that I need to confess before it grows into greater bondage?

2. Am I relying on my own strength instead of God's power?

3. Have I allowed failure to keep me from returning to the Lord, or am I trusting in His restoring grace?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and Your willingness to restore those who turn back to You. Guard my heart from compromise and help me to walk faithfully in the calling You have given me. When I fail, lead me quickly to repentance and remind me that Your grace is greater than my weakness. Strengthen me by Your Spirit so that I may live for Your glory each day. In Jesus' name, Amen..

SO, you're contemplating finding a second job where you get paid hourly. Here are some average numbers that you should consider before going that direction.
Let's say you can find an opportunity to earn $20/hour and work four extra hours each day. That is $80 per day or $400 weekly. For a full year that works out to $20,800. That really sounds good. Maybe you can pay off some credit card debt, pay off a student loan, make some needed repairs around the house, or any number of other ways to use it.

But, wait! Before you put all that money in the bank, there are costs related to this extra income source. First of all, the extra income may put you in a higher tax bracket. At the very least you will probably pay 25% of that extra earnings in federal tax. Plus, you will also have to pay 7.65% FICA tax on that income. That alone will reduce your earnings by $6,800. Now you're only getting $14,000. According to recent studies in the US, the daily expenses incurred by someone working a second job (food, clothing, fuel, parking, etc), averages around $60 per day...not including childcare. That works out to $15,600! WELL, that means you are now paying to work this second job!

NOW WHAT? What alternative do you have?

Comment below "HELP" to learn what I've found.

Episode 31 - “The Evils of Racism – Part 1: What the Bible says about Mankind”
The world tries to heal the wound of racism with temporary Band-Aids. We believe the only true cure is found in the Word of God and a transformed heart. This episode is a call to the Body of Christ to stand for the truth, reject every form of "ugly" prejudice, and see mankind through the eyes of the Father.
https://www.youtube.com/live/BBaO_GHzqxs?si=XGDRAriB6DwBrvD5

(long post ahead)

There is a profound lesson I learned when I read this passage of Scripture:

“said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This passage takes place during Jesus’ trial. He was falsely accused of many things, yet we know that He was completely innocent. He had no sin. Everything He taught was truth, and everything He did, reflected the will of the Father.

Jesus could have defended Himself. After all, He possessed the very nature of God. He had every power and every right to prove His innocence. Yet He chose to remain silent and willingly submit Himself to the Father’s plan.

Even Pilate declared before the crowd that he could find no fault in Jesus. Herod found no crime worthy of death either. Still, the people refused to listen. Instead, they shouted louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified.

This reminds me of a sobering reality:

Even if God Himself stands before people and speaks the truth, there will still be hearts that choose not to believe. Miracles, truth, and evidence alone cannot change a heart that refuses to surrender.

Then came the moment of decision.

The people were given a choice:

Jesus Christ or Barabbas.

One was completely innocent.

The other was a guilty criminal.

Yet the crowd cried out for Barabbas to be released, while demanding that Jesus be condemned to die.

As I reflected on this, something deeply touched my heart.

I realized that Barabbas is a picture of us.

We are the guilty ones.

We are the sinners.

Yet Jesus took our place.

The punishment that should have fallen upon us was placed upon Him instead.

The Son of God willingly exchanged His freedom for ours.

He left the glory of heaven and humbled Himself to be born in a manger. Though He is the King of kings, He did not come to be served but to serve. He walked among the poor, healed the sick, showed mercy to sinners, comforted the brokenhearted, and lived a life of perfect holiness without sin.

Finally, He gave His life on the cross.

The release of Barabbas beautifully illustrates the Gospel.

Barabbas deserved the cross.

Jesus did not.

Yet Jesus took the cross that belonged to Barabbas.

In the same way, we deserve the punishment for our sins…..eternal separation from God. But Jesus took our place.

(Inangkin Niya ang ating mga kasalanan at pinasan Niya ang kaparusahang nararapat para sa atin upang tayo ay maligtas.)

That is the greatest picture of God’s mercy.

And above all, that is the greatest picture of love.

It was never the nails that kept Jesus on the cross. 🏻

It was His immeasurable, unconditional, and unfailing love for us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

(HAVE A NICE DAY PIP’z)

MESSAGE TO THE LIVING ONES IN THIS LAST AGE: ABOUT THE SEALED ONE 144,000 - TRUE ISRAEL ALIVE TODAY

Hear this, living ones. This is for you.

Job 33:14-17 — For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night... then he opens the ears of men.

l got a dream with a voice Saying you& your peace are in 144,000.a no which was in a vision & I did not perceive it well & l woke up. Job 33:14-17, Then on Bukasa Island, a great storm happened, I prayed as sealed one in Revelation 14:1-5 — to Lord, calm down the storm . & The lord confirm me that am among the sealed one. By wind get ceased. Psalm 107:29 — He made the storm be still. James 5:16 — The prayer of a righteous person has great power. That stillness was my seal.

And this is what God unveils when confirm you Among 144000.:

1. YOU ARE TRUE SPIRITUAL ISRAEL, NOT BY FLESH., BUT BY SPIRIT--MADE

Romans 9:6 — Not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.
Romans 2:28-29 — A Jew is one inwardly, circumcision of heart by Spirit.
Galatians 6:16 — The Israel of God.
Galatians 3:29 — If you are Christ's, you are Abraham's offspring.

Though you are Gentile by flesh from Kampala, Uganda — by Spirit-made birth you are grafted in. Ephesians 2:13,19 — Once far off, now brought near by blood, fellow citizens with saints.

2. AM AMONG 12 SPIRITUAL TRIBES, NOT BY FLESH CENSUS.. BUT BY SPIRIT CENSUS.

Revelation 7:4-8 — 12,000 from each tribe sealed.
Notice: Dan is missing, Joseph and Manasseh both listed, Levi included though had no inheritance. It proves it is not flesh census, but Spirit.

Romans 9:8 — It is not children of flesh who are children of God, but children of promise.
Revelation 21:12 — New Jerusalem has 12 gates named for 12 tribes — all who enter come through a tribe.

Thus 12 x 12,000 = Fullness of true Israel. James 1:18 — We should be a kind of firstfruits.

Whether former Muslim like Sheikh Uthman, former Pharisee like Paul, or from Kampala — if born again, you are numbered in one of those tribes. Revelation 14:4 — Redeemed from mankind as firstfruits.

3. YOU WHO ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN — SPECIAL 144000, FIRSTFRUITS.

You are not dead saints. You are among 1 Thessalonians 4:17 — who are alive, who are left, will be caught up.

Revelation 14:4 — These are firstfruits for God and the Lamb.
Revelation 12:17 — Dragon makes war on them — persecuted.
Revelation 12:14 — But woman given wings of eagle to fly into wilderness — protected.
Revelation 7:3 — Do not harm until we have sealed servants of God.

Bible never says 144,000 are killed. They are sealed, protected, alive on heavenly Zion. Hebrews 12:22 — You have come to Mount Zion, city of living God, heavenly Jerusalem. Revelation 14:1 — On Mount Zion stood the Lamb and with Him 144,000.

4. PAUL VS 144,000 — DEAD IN CHRIST VS LIVING FIRSTFRUITS
Paul was martyred. Revelation 6:9 — Souls under altar slain for word of God. He awaits first resurrection. Revelation 20:6 — Blessed and holy is one who shares in first resurrection.

144,000 are living ones on Zion with Lamb, singing new song before throne Revelation 14:3 — only living can sing there.
Order: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — Dead in Christ rise first. Then we who are alive and remain are caught up together with them.

5. WHO IS IN CHRIST AND QUALIFIED? THE ONE BORN OF GOD WHO DOES NOT PRACTICE SIN.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 — Dead IN CHRIST will rise first. Who is in Christ?
1 John 3:9 — No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him.
1 John 5:18 — Everyone born of God does not keep on sinning, but born of God protects him, evil one does not touch him.
1 John 3:6 — No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning.
Not sinless perfect by flesh, but seed abides, walks in Spirit, not practice of sin.
If born again, practicing righteousness, not practicing sin — even if you died, you rise first. Revelation 20:6
If practicing sin as lifestyle — 1 John 3:8 — Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil. He is not in Christ., not part of the first resurrection.
This is why Rev14:5 , in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. Same nature.

HOW ARE YOU BLAMELESS? NOT BY EFFORT, BUT BY BLOOD.
Rev14:4-5, not defiled, virgins, no lie, blameless.
HOW? not by fasting. By blood as grace.
Eph1:7-- in Him we have redemption through his blood.
1john1:7-- blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Rev1:5-- freed us from our sins by his blood.
Jude1:24-- Able to present you blameless before presence of his glory.

FINAL CALL TO LIVING ONES TODAY: God is already in this last age today gathering His elect sealing them redeeming them. Matt24:31

If you want to be confirmed among the 144000.
1). Be born of God -- stop practicing sin as lifestyle. 1john3:9
2). Live pure & uncompromised to this world. Rev14:4, James4:4, rom12:2,
3). Be obedient to the lamb wherever he goes. Rev14:4, john10:27

This is the message for this last age. The sealed ones are alive today. Be among them.

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUND PRESERVED IN SCHOOLYARD

A remarkable discovery has been made in Queensland, Australia, where a slab of rock containing 66 fossilized footprints was unearthed in the yard of an Australian high school. Incredibly, this rock sat at the school for 20 years as students walked by and even occasionally put gum on it.

This slab, measuring several feet in length, appears to show the footprints of :"prehistoric" reptiles or amphibians frozen in motion—perfectly preserved in what was once soft sediment. After examining the rock, paleontogists found even more fossil prints in a nearby parking lot! What makes this find so significant isn’t just the number of footprints, but the conditions that must have existed to preserve them so clearly and suddenly.

From a biblical creationist perspective, this kind of fossil evidence fits seamlessly into the account of Noah’s Flood. During the early stages of the Flood described in Genesis 7, as waters rose and covered the land, creatures would have been fleeing to higher ground. The sediment-laden waters rapidly covered vast areas, and in the process, footprints left in soft mud would be buried quickly under layers of silt and sand—conditions ideal for fossilization. The fact that so many prints are preserved together, with no signs of long-term erosion or disturbance, strongly supports the idea of a rapid, catastrophic event rather than slow geological processes over millions of years. (They claim these are 200 million years old, but we know better)

Additionally, these footprints are often found disconnected from body fossils, which aligns with what we’d expect during a massive Flood event—animals leaving tracks as they tried to escape, but then being swept away before they could be buried whole. This incredible slab serves as yet another silent testimony to the global catastrophe recorded in Scripture. Instead of a slow, evolutionary past, these footprints tell the story of a world overwhelmed by judgment, just as Jesus described in Matthew 24:38–39, pointing to the days of Noah as a warning for today.