• Your journey doesn’t end here.

    Get daily inspiration and powerful messages delivered right to your phone. Join our community and strengthen your faith today

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    ✨ Your journey doesn’t end here. 🙏 Get daily inspiration and powerful messages delivered right to your phone. Join our community and strengthen your faith today 🎧 Listen Online: graceinfusion.org 🔽 Download the App: 👉 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.himfirstapps.graceinfusionapp 👉 IOS: https://apps.apple.com/ug/app/grace-infusion-app/id6535689666 #GraceInfusion #DailyInspiration #FaithOverFear #ChristianApp #HopeReflected #GraceToday #SpiritualGrowth #DownloadNow
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  • Get Listed on the Triyum App Today!

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    #Triyum #GetListed #RestaurantPartner #SupportLocalRestaurants #FoodDelivery #GrowYourBusiness #LocalEats #TriyumPartners #RestaurantSuccess
    📲 Get Listed on the Triyum App Today! 🍽️ Put your restaurant in front of more local customers and make it easier for them to discover your menu. Join the Triyum Restaurant Network and start growing your reach with a delivery platform designed for local restaurants. ✅ Reach more local customers ✅ Transparent flat-rate delivery packages ✅ Keep your menu pricing consistent ✅ Grow your restaurant with confidence Your next customer is just a tap away. Get listed on the Triyum app today! 👉 Limited Time Offer - 1st 100 Orders Free - Join TriYum Today: www.triyumapp.com 📲 Download the TriYum App Now: Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.triyumhfmg.app&pcampaignid=web_share IOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/triyum/id6757215456 #Triyum #GetListed #RestaurantPartner #SupportLocalRestaurants #FoodDelivery #GrowYourBusiness #LocalEats #TriyumPartners #RestaurantSuccess
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  • Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    Sound the Alarm

    By Jenni Poling

    August 19th, 2026

    “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1

    To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion.

    No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing.

    So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart.

    Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous!

    Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for?

    Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you!

    So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Sound the Alarm By Jenni Poling August 19th, 2026 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1 To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion. No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing. So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart. Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous! Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for? Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you! So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
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  • Guidelines for living.
    August 19th, 2026

    God is as Close as Your Need

    The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1



    Anyone who has ever looked up at the stars on a dark night has, at times, been awe-struck by their vastness and the greatness of space, yet only twelve men in all history have been privileged to stand on the moon and look back towards the blue planet, as Earth has described. Standing on the surface of the moon, the Earth is some 229,000 plus miles away, and, according to Jim Irwin, one of the 12 astronauts who saw it from that perspective, the Earth appears to be the size of a walnut.

    It takes a second and a half for light to reach us from the moon. Accordingly, astronomers refer to heavenly bodies as being light-years away. Now, a light year is the distance it takes light to travel in 365 days at the speed of 186,282 miles per second.

    Our closest star, excluding the sun, is Alpha Centauri: 26 trillion miles away. It’s five times the sun; it takes 4.5 light years for light to reach us even from the closest star.

    Very quickly the vastness of God’s creation begins to challenge our minds and comprehension—too great to fathom. So, how can the human mind handle all of this when we are accustomed to measuring distance in terms of miles or kilometers from our home?

    Now, imagine the thickness of a single sheet of paper and conceptualize that sheet of paper as representing the distance from the Earth to the sun, 93 million miles away. The distance to Alpha Centauri, the closest star, would be represented by the thickness of a stack of paper 71 feet high, or the height of a seven-story building. The diameter of our galaxy alone would be a pile of paper 310 miles high. Again, that’s based on the fact that the thickness of a single sheet of paper would represent the distance between the Earth and the sun.

    On several occasions, Jim Irwin, one of the 12 astronauts, was our guest at Guidelines. Before I did an interview with him, we had lunch with several friends at a nearby restaurant. While he was away from the table making a phone call, I told the waitress serving us who he was. When Jim came back to the table, the waitress kept peering out of the corner of her eye.

    But honestly, having experienced what Colonel James Irwin experienced separated him from the masses of humanity who stand on Earth and look up at the moon and the stars. One thing that impressed me about Jim is that his perspective of Earth, as well as of space and God, was different from most people. Why? He’d been there! He saw it from a different perspective, and for him life would never be the same.

    Robert Louis Stevenson, the poet, put it so beautifully when he wrote,

    The stars shine over the mountains,

    The stars shine over the sea,

    The stars look up to the mighty God,

    The stars look down on me,

    The stars shall last for a million years,

    A million years and a day,

    But God and I will live and love

    When the stars have passed away.”1

    God is not “out there” somewhere. He’s as close as your need. He will reveal something of that personal care for you as you turn to Him and trust Him. He’s the God who cares, as well as the God, the Creator—which you can discover for yourself. Friend, get to know God. That’s the secret to life.


    Resource Reading: Psalm 19:1-14
    Guidelines for living. August 19th, 2026 God is as Close as Your Need The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 Anyone who has ever looked up at the stars on a dark night has, at times, been awe-struck by their vastness and the greatness of space, yet only twelve men in all history have been privileged to stand on the moon and look back towards the blue planet, as Earth has described. Standing on the surface of the moon, the Earth is some 229,000 plus miles away, and, according to Jim Irwin, one of the 12 astronauts who saw it from that perspective, the Earth appears to be the size of a walnut. It takes a second and a half for light to reach us from the moon. Accordingly, astronomers refer to heavenly bodies as being light-years away. Now, a light year is the distance it takes light to travel in 365 days at the speed of 186,282 miles per second. Our closest star, excluding the sun, is Alpha Centauri: 26 trillion miles away. It’s five times the sun; it takes 4.5 light years for light to reach us even from the closest star. Very quickly the vastness of God’s creation begins to challenge our minds and comprehension—too great to fathom. So, how can the human mind handle all of this when we are accustomed to measuring distance in terms of miles or kilometers from our home? Now, imagine the thickness of a single sheet of paper and conceptualize that sheet of paper as representing the distance from the Earth to the sun, 93 million miles away. The distance to Alpha Centauri, the closest star, would be represented by the thickness of a stack of paper 71 feet high, or the height of a seven-story building. The diameter of our galaxy alone would be a pile of paper 310 miles high. Again, that’s based on the fact that the thickness of a single sheet of paper would represent the distance between the Earth and the sun. On several occasions, Jim Irwin, one of the 12 astronauts, was our guest at Guidelines. Before I did an interview with him, we had lunch with several friends at a nearby restaurant. While he was away from the table making a phone call, I told the waitress serving us who he was. When Jim came back to the table, the waitress kept peering out of the corner of her eye. But honestly, having experienced what Colonel James Irwin experienced separated him from the masses of humanity who stand on Earth and look up at the moon and the stars. One thing that impressed me about Jim is that his perspective of Earth, as well as of space and God, was different from most people. Why? He’d been there! He saw it from a different perspective, and for him life would never be the same. Robert Louis Stevenson, the poet, put it so beautifully when he wrote, The stars shine over the mountains, The stars shine over the sea, The stars look up to the mighty God, The stars look down on me, The stars shall last for a million years, A million years and a day, But God and I will live and love When the stars have passed away.”1 God is not “out there” somewhere. He’s as close as your need. He will reveal something of that personal care for you as you turn to Him and trust Him. He’s the God who cares, as well as the God, the Creator—which you can discover for yourself. Friend, get to know God. That’s the secret to life. Resource Reading: Psalm 19:1-14
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  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    It appears that the rain monster is headed back our way. Perhaps today. I have one more yard to mow/bale, and hopefully I can get that done before it gets here. If I recall, the rain is supposed to start this afternoon around 3. We kind of made a plan for today, so…fingers crossed that the monster stays away for the right amount of time.

    This year has been a wild year for my yard. I do not recall a year where it felt like a cloud just passed over my place and the grass grew six inches. It is crazy how fast my yard is growing this year. I don’t even think that it has to rain a tiny bit for my yard to keep growing. It is crazy. You know, I always thought a balance of water and sun was the formula for a good growing yard. Apparently, my yard has an attitude and has said, “Give me rain, or not; give me sun or not; give me cold or not; I will grow and will not rot.” I guess it is its version of ‘hold my beer’.

    The wonderful part of it is that my yard actually looks like a fluffy pillow of beautiful grass. Not sure how that happened, but it did. There are not a lot of thistles or weeds; even in the back part of the yard, it is beautiful grass.

    The way that the grass is growing so quickly and fully is a reminder of how quickly sin can manifest in our lives. Now you are wondering, how did I just turn my beautiful pillow grass into sin? Stick with me; I think you will like this. Some of you who are used to my brain are trying to see my vision first. Haha.

    In one of the parables that Jesus taught, the farmer planted bountiful seeds and had a great crop. However, one day one of his servants told him of how the weeds were growing up in the plants and should they pull the weeds. The farmer told them no; they would worry about the weeds at harvest.

    My nice and quick-growing yard is just like the weeds in the parable, in that the weeds sprung up quickly and became noticeable to the servants. They did not need attention, but they were trying to take over the crop to the point that the servant wanted to rid the field of them.

    Sin works the same way. It finds its way into our lives, usually with logic. Such as, Jesus sat with sinners, so why can’t I? The problem with that example is that Jesus was perfect and without blemish. He did not succumb to the sin from which he was trying to save them from. He simply sat with them and told them the truth in love. WE on the other hand, are sinners who are saved by grace. WE are still human and are susceptible to the temptation of the same sins that we are sitting with. Meaning, a drug addict should not move into a drug-infested area to witness because the temptation could become too strong for them to resist.

    Once sin has planted itself in our minds, it festers and grows quickly. It uses logic and ‘common sense’ ideas to justify its existence. Soon, and it does not take long, for those around you to see how the sin has manifested and grew in your/our lives. And the bad part of it all is that many times we either do not see it and still try to justify our actions with the ‘Jesus sat with sinners’ or we do not see it at all.

    Today I encourage you to go to Him in prayer and ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that you may be lying to yourself about as a witness opportunity to allow for your sin. When He reveals it to you, go to Him and ask Him to forgive you. If He had sent anyone to open your eyes, ask them to forgive you for not listening to His servant. As you do that, you are telling the enemy to kick rocks and that will give him a headache for sure.

    Be blessed.

    **Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:17
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. It appears that the rain monster is headed back our way. Perhaps today. I have one more yard to mow/bale, and hopefully I can get that done before it gets here. If I recall, the rain is supposed to start this afternoon around 3. We kind of made a plan for today, so…fingers crossed that the monster stays away for the right amount of time. This year has been a wild year for my yard. I do not recall a year where it felt like a cloud just passed over my place and the grass grew six inches. It is crazy how fast my yard is growing this year. I don’t even think that it has to rain a tiny bit for my yard to keep growing. It is crazy. You know, I always thought a balance of water and sun was the formula for a good growing yard. Apparently, my yard has an attitude and has said, “Give me rain, or not; give me sun or not; give me cold or not; I will grow and will not rot.” I guess it is its version of ‘hold my beer’. The wonderful part of it is that my yard actually looks like a fluffy pillow of beautiful grass. Not sure how that happened, but it did. There are not a lot of thistles or weeds; even in the back part of the yard, it is beautiful grass. The way that the grass is growing so quickly and fully is a reminder of how quickly sin can manifest in our lives. Now you are wondering, how did I just turn my beautiful pillow grass into sin? Stick with me; I think you will like this. Some of you who are used to my brain are trying to see my vision first. Haha. In one of the parables that Jesus taught, the farmer planted bountiful seeds and had a great crop. However, one day one of his servants told him of how the weeds were growing up in the plants and should they pull the weeds. The farmer told them no; they would worry about the weeds at harvest. My nice and quick-growing yard is just like the weeds in the parable, in that the weeds sprung up quickly and became noticeable to the servants. They did not need attention, but they were trying to take over the crop to the point that the servant wanted to rid the field of them. Sin works the same way. It finds its way into our lives, usually with logic. Such as, Jesus sat with sinners, so why can’t I? The problem with that example is that Jesus was perfect and without blemish. He did not succumb to the sin from which he was trying to save them from. He simply sat with them and told them the truth in love. WE on the other hand, are sinners who are saved by grace. WE are still human and are susceptible to the temptation of the same sins that we are sitting with. Meaning, a drug addict should not move into a drug-infested area to witness because the temptation could become too strong for them to resist. Once sin has planted itself in our minds, it festers and grows quickly. It uses logic and ‘common sense’ ideas to justify its existence. Soon, and it does not take long, for those around you to see how the sin has manifested and grew in your/our lives. And the bad part of it all is that many times we either do not see it and still try to justify our actions with the ‘Jesus sat with sinners’ or we do not see it at all. Today I encourage you to go to Him in prayer and ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that you may be lying to yourself about as a witness opportunity to allow for your sin. When He reveals it to you, go to Him and ask Him to forgive you. If He had sent anyone to open your eyes, ask them to forgive you for not listening to His servant. As you do that, you are telling the enemy to kick rocks and that will give him a headache for sure. Be blessed. **Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:17
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  • Matthew 20:17-34

    Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed.

    Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask.

    He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes.

    And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her.

    She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles.

    James was the first Apostle to die.

    Acts 12:1-2
    [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword.

    Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles.

    After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide.

    And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him.

    Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally.

    Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them.




    [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

    Matthew 20:17-34 Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed. Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask. He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes. And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her. She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles. James was the first Apostle to die. Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles. After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide. And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him. Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally. Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them. [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
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  • 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟐-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, and I’m excited to share the conversation with my friends here on Lordsbook.

    In the interview with 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 , I shared aspects of my journey in ministry, my experience serving in a remote island community, and some of the lessons God has taught me about 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝.

    We also talked about my writing journey and the message behind one of my published books, No Place Is Bad If God Sends You—a reminder that when God sends us, we can trust Him for the grace to thrive wherever He places us.

    I would love for you to listen to the interview and let me know what part of the conversation speaks to you most.

    𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰.

    For friends who would like to get a copy of No Place Is Bad If God Sends You, I’ll also drop the 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

    Thank you for always being part of the journey.

    #12MinuteConvos #NoPlaceIsBadIfGodSendsYou #ChristianAuthor #Ministry #Faith #Purpose #Obedience #GodsCalling

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1963EbHNmi/
    🎙️ 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟐-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, and I’m excited to share the conversation with my friends here on Lordsbook. In the interview with 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 , I shared aspects of my journey in ministry, my experience serving in a remote island community, and some of the lessons God has taught me about 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝. We also talked about my writing journey and the message behind one of my published books, No Place Is Bad If God Sends You—a reminder that when God sends us, we can trust Him for the grace to thrive wherever He places us. I would love for you to listen to the interview and let me know what part of the conversation speaks to you most. 🎧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰. 📖 For friends who would like to get a copy of No Place Is Bad If God Sends You, I’ll also drop the 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Thank you for always being part of the journey. ❤️ #12MinuteConvos #NoPlaceIsBadIfGodSendsYou #ChristianAuthor #Ministry #Faith #Purpose #Obedience #GodsCalling https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1963EbHNmi/
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  • In a moment that could have ended everything, God’s hand proved stronger than the darkest attack.

    Have you read the book Mama Jennifer? If so, I would love to hear what you thought. Please leave me a review on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0f0iHfTU

    Get your copy today: www.jennasummersus.org

    #SheWasNotDefeated #MamaJennifer #ChristianMemoir #TestimonyOfHope #FaithInTrials #FromPainToPurpose #GodIsFaithful #ChristianBooks #HopeInChrist #InspiringStories
    📕 In a moment that could have ended everything, God’s hand proved stronger than the darkest attack. 📖 Have you read the book Mama Jennifer? If so, I would love to hear what you thought. Please leave me a review on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0f0iHfTU 🌐 Get your copy today: www.jennasummersus.org #SheWasNotDefeated #MamaJennifer #ChristianMemoir #TestimonyOfHope #FaithInTrials #FromPainToPurpose #GodIsFaithful #ChristianBooks #HopeInChrist #InspiringStories
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  • Daily devotion for August 19th
    Time After Time
    But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

    Nehemiah 9:28
    What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free.

    One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together.

    The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death.

    Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning.

    The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation.

    This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy.

    Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores.

    Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore
    Daily devotion for August 19th Time After Time But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time. Nehemiah 9:28 What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free. One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together. The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death. Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning. The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation. This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy. Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores. Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore
    Praying
    1
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  • TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

    SERMON TOPIC:

    WHEN TRUTH MEETS GRACE.

    Main Text:
    John 1:14, 17

    «“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us... full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14»

    «“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17»

    TWO SIDES OF THE CROSS.

    There are two dangerous extremes in Christianity.
    One says, “Tell people the truth, no matter how you hurt them.”
    The other says, “Just show them love; don't confront anything.”
    But Jesus did something greater.
    Jesus was full of grace AND truth.
    Truth without grace can become harshness.
    Grace without truth can become compromise.
    Truth tells us what is wrong. Grace shows us that we can be made right.
    Truth exposes the wound; grace brings healing to the wound.
    Truth says, “You have sinned.”
    Grace says, “There is forgiveness.”
    Truth says, “You must change.”
    Grace says, “God will help you change.”
    Truth reveals our condition. Grace reveals God's compassion.
    That is what happens when truth meets grace.
    1. TRUTH REVEALS WHAT GRACE COMES TO HEAL
    John 8:32 — “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
    Truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary.
    A doctor cannot treat a sickness that the patient refuses to acknowledge.
    In the same way, we cannot experience spiritual transformation while continually denying our spiritual condition.

    The Word of God tells us:

    - If we are living in sin, truth calls it sin.
    - If we are walking in bitterness, truth exposes it.
    - If pride is controlling us, truth confronts it.
    - If unforgiveness has taken root, truth reveals it.
    But God does not reveal our condition to destroy us.
    He reveals it so that His grace can transform us.
    Spiritual Insight
    Conviction is not rejection.
    When the Holy Spirit shows you something that needs to change, He is not saying, “I have abandoned you.”
    He is saying, “I love you too much to leave you like this.”
    2. GRACE DOES NOT CANCEL
    TRUTH.
    One of the greatest misunderstandings about grace is that grace means God does not care about our behavior.
    That is not biblical.
    Romans 6:1–2 asks:
    «“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”»
    Grace does not give us permission to remain in sin.
    Grace gives us power to overcome sin.
    A person who truly encounters grace does not say:
    «“Because God forgives me, I can do whatever I want.”»
    Instead, he says:
    «“Because God has forgiven me, I want to live differently.”»
    Grace does not lower God's standard.
    Grace gives us the strength to pursue God's standard.
    3. TRUTH WITHOUT LOVE CAN PUSH PEOPLE AWAY
    Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to speak the truth in love.
    Notice that Scripture does not say:
    “Speak truth anyhow.”
    It says:
    “Speak the truth in love.”
    There are people who are correct in what they say but wrong in how they say it.
    You can win an argument and lose a soul.
    You can prove someone wrong and still fail to show them Christ.
    Jesus never compromised truth, but He also never treated broken people as worthless.

    Biblical Example:

    The Woman Caught in Adultery

    Read John 8:1–11.
    The religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus.
    They wanted judgment.
    Jesus gave her something greater than condemnation—an opportunity for transformation.
    He did not say:
    «“What you did doesn't matter.”»
    Neither did He say:
    «“You are hopeless.”»
    Jesus told her:
    “Go, and sin no more.”
    That is truth and grace working together.
    Grace did not approve her sin. Grace gave her a future beyond her sin.
    4. JESUS IS THE PERFECT MEETING POINT OF TRUTH AND GRACE
    John 1:14 says Jesus was:
    «“full of grace and truth.”»
    Not half grace and half truth.
    Full of grace. Full of truth.
    Jesus could look at Zacchaeus and say, “Come down.”
    Then He could enter his house and bring salvation.
    Jesus could confront Peter's failure and still restore Peter to ministry.
    Jesus could confront Thomas's doubt and still invite him closer.
    Jesus could confront Saul's persecution of the Church and transform him into Paul, a powerful apostle.
    This is the Gospel:
    God does not ignore our brokenness, but neither does He abandon us because of it.
    At the cross, truth and grace met.
    Truth declared:
    Sin must be judged.
    Grace declared:
    God Himself will provide the sacrifice.
    And Jesus became that sacrifice.
    5. WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH BOTH TRUTH AND GRACE
    As Christians, we must become people who carry both.
    In our homes
    Tell your children the truth, but correct them with love.
    In the church
    Teach holiness, but never make struggling people feel that restoration is impossible.
    In relationships
    Be honest, but do not use honesty as an excuse for cruelty.
    On social media
    Stand for biblical truth, but do not become known for insulting people.
    In evangelism
    Tell people about sin, judgment, repentance and holiness—but also tell them about the mercy, forgiveness and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
    The goal is not merely to expose people.
    The goal is to lead people to Christ.

    REAL-LIFE PICTURE:

    THE MIRROR AND THE SOAP

    Imagine someone standing before a mirror with a dirty face.
    The mirror shows the dirt.
    But the mirror cannot wash the face.
    That is what truth does.
    Truth shows us who we are and where we have fallen.
    But then grace comes like water and soap.
    Grace says:
    “You don't have to remain this way.”
    The mirror is necessary.
    The washing is necessary.
    Truth and grace belong together.

    DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

    1. Truth without grace produces condemnation.
    People may know they are wrong but believe they are beyond redemption.
    2. Grace without truth produces deception.
    People may feel comfortable while continuing in destructive patterns.
    3. Truth brings conviction; grace brings restoration.
    The Holy Spirit exposes sin so that Christ can restore the sinner.
    4. Grace is not God's approval of our past.
    Grace is God's invitation into a transformed future.
    5. Mature Christianity knows how to confront without destroying.
    Spiritual maturity is not merely knowing Scripture.
    It is knowing how to apply Scripture with the character of Christ.

    PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

    This week:

    1. Allow God's truth to examine you.
    Read Psalm 139:23–24 and ask God to reveal areas that need correction.
    2. Stop using grace as an excuse.
    Identify one habit or attitude that God is calling you to surrender.
    3. Correct someone with love.
    If confrontation is necessary, pray first. Speak truth without humiliation.
    4. Forgive someone who has failed you.
    Remember the grace you have received from God.
    5. Share the Gospel with someone.
    Tell them both the truth about sin and the good news of salvation through Christ.
    6. Examine your social media behavior.
    Before posting or commenting, ask:
    “Am I representing Christ, or am I merely trying to win an argument?”

    QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

    1. Do I usually emphasize truth while neglecting grace?
    2. Do I use grace as an excuse to tolerate sin?
    3. Can people see the character of Christ in the way I correct them?
    4. Is there an area of my life where God is asking me to change?
    5. Have I received God's grace personally, or am I only talking about it?
    6. Who needs truth from me today?
    7. Who needs grace from me today?

    POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

    1.
    Father, give me the courage to accept Your truth, even when it confronts me.
    2.
    Lord Jesus, deliver me from every attitude that uses grace as an excuse for sin.
    3.
    Holy Spirit, teach me to speak the truth in love.
    4.
    Father, heal every area of my life that Your truth has exposed.
    5.
    Lord, give me grace to forgive those who have hurt me.
    6.
    Father, remove pride, bitterness, hypocrisy and self-righteousness from my heart.
    7.
    Lord Jesus, make my life a testimony of both holiness and compassion.
    8.
    Let everyone who encounters me encounter something of the character of Christ.
    9.
    Father, give me wisdom to know when to confront, when to correct, when to forgive and when to remain silent.
    10.
    Lord, let Your truth set me free and let Your grace transform me completely.

    COME TO JESUS

    Perhaps truth has exposed something in your life today.
    Do not run from it.
    Run to Jesus.
    Maybe you have failed.
    Grace is still available.
    Maybe you have wandered away.
    Grace is calling you home.
    Maybe you have been hiding behind religious activity while your heart is far from God.
    Truth is calling you back.
    Maybe you have been using grace to justify what God has asked you to surrender.
    Truth is calling you to repentance.
    And perhaps you have been condemning yourself because of your past.
    Grace is telling you that your story is not over.
    At Calvary, truth and grace met.
    Your sin was serious enough to require the cross.
    But God's love was great enough to provide the cross.
    So today, do not choose between truth and grace.
    Receive both.
    Let truth correct you.
    Let grace restore you.
    Let truth make you honest.
    Let grace make you humble.
    Let truth lead you to repentance.
    Let grace lead you into restoration.
    And above everything else—

    LET JESUS CHRIST BE THE PLACE WHERE TRUTH AND GRACE MEET IN YOUR LIFE.

    FINAL DECLARATION

    “I will not run from God's truth, and I will not abuse God's grace. I will walk in truth, live by grace, speak the truth in love, and become more like Jesus every day. Amen!”

    If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church.
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    TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: WHEN TRUTH MEETS GRACE. Main Text: John 1:14, 17 «“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us... full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14» «“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17» TWO SIDES OF THE CROSS. There are two dangerous extremes in Christianity. One says, “Tell people the truth, no matter how you hurt them.” The other says, “Just show them love; don't confront anything.” But Jesus did something greater. Jesus was full of grace AND truth. Truth without grace can become harshness. Grace without truth can become compromise. Truth tells us what is wrong. Grace shows us that we can be made right. Truth exposes the wound; grace brings healing to the wound. Truth says, “You have sinned.” Grace says, “There is forgiveness.” Truth says, “You must change.” Grace says, “God will help you change.” Truth reveals our condition. Grace reveals God's compassion. That is what happens when truth meets grace. 1. TRUTH REVEALS WHAT GRACE COMES TO HEAL John 8:32 — “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary. A doctor cannot treat a sickness that the patient refuses to acknowledge. In the same way, we cannot experience spiritual transformation while continually denying our spiritual condition. The Word of God tells us: - If we are living in sin, truth calls it sin. - If we are walking in bitterness, truth exposes it. - If pride is controlling us, truth confronts it. - If unforgiveness has taken root, truth reveals it. But God does not reveal our condition to destroy us. He reveals it so that His grace can transform us. Spiritual Insight Conviction is not rejection. When the Holy Spirit shows you something that needs to change, He is not saying, “I have abandoned you.” He is saying, “I love you too much to leave you like this.” 2. GRACE DOES NOT CANCEL TRUTH. One of the greatest misunderstandings about grace is that grace means God does not care about our behavior. That is not biblical. Romans 6:1–2 asks: «“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”» Grace does not give us permission to remain in sin. Grace gives us power to overcome sin. A person who truly encounters grace does not say: «“Because God forgives me, I can do whatever I want.”» Instead, he says: «“Because God has forgiven me, I want to live differently.”» Grace does not lower God's standard. Grace gives us the strength to pursue God's standard. 3. TRUTH WITHOUT LOVE CAN PUSH PEOPLE AWAY Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to speak the truth in love. Notice that Scripture does not say: “Speak truth anyhow.” It says: “Speak the truth in love.” There are people who are correct in what they say but wrong in how they say it. You can win an argument and lose a soul. You can prove someone wrong and still fail to show them Christ. Jesus never compromised truth, but He also never treated broken people as worthless. Biblical Example: The Woman Caught in Adultery Read John 8:1–11. The religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. They wanted judgment. Jesus gave her something greater than condemnation—an opportunity for transformation. He did not say: «“What you did doesn't matter.”» Neither did He say: «“You are hopeless.”» Jesus told her: “Go, and sin no more.” That is truth and grace working together. Grace did not approve her sin. Grace gave her a future beyond her sin. 4. JESUS IS THE PERFECT MEETING POINT OF TRUTH AND GRACE John 1:14 says Jesus was: «“full of grace and truth.”» Not half grace and half truth. Full of grace. Full of truth. Jesus could look at Zacchaeus and say, “Come down.” Then He could enter his house and bring salvation. Jesus could confront Peter's failure and still restore Peter to ministry. Jesus could confront Thomas's doubt and still invite him closer. Jesus could confront Saul's persecution of the Church and transform him into Paul, a powerful apostle. This is the Gospel: God does not ignore our brokenness, but neither does He abandon us because of it. At the cross, truth and grace met. Truth declared: Sin must be judged. Grace declared: God Himself will provide the sacrifice. And Jesus became that sacrifice. 5. WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH BOTH TRUTH AND GRACE As Christians, we must become people who carry both. In our homes Tell your children the truth, but correct them with love. In the church Teach holiness, but never make struggling people feel that restoration is impossible. In relationships Be honest, but do not use honesty as an excuse for cruelty. On social media Stand for biblical truth, but do not become known for insulting people. In evangelism Tell people about sin, judgment, repentance and holiness—but also tell them about the mercy, forgiveness and salvation found in Jesus Christ. The goal is not merely to expose people. The goal is to lead people to Christ. REAL-LIFE PICTURE: THE MIRROR AND THE SOAP Imagine someone standing before a mirror with a dirty face. The mirror shows the dirt. But the mirror cannot wash the face. That is what truth does. Truth shows us who we are and where we have fallen. But then grace comes like water and soap. Grace says: “You don't have to remain this way.” The mirror is necessary. The washing is necessary. Truth and grace belong together. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Truth without grace produces condemnation. People may know they are wrong but believe they are beyond redemption. 2. Grace without truth produces deception. People may feel comfortable while continuing in destructive patterns. 3. Truth brings conviction; grace brings restoration. The Holy Spirit exposes sin so that Christ can restore the sinner. 4. Grace is not God's approval of our past. Grace is God's invitation into a transformed future. 5. Mature Christianity knows how to confront without destroying. Spiritual maturity is not merely knowing Scripture. It is knowing how to apply Scripture with the character of Christ. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS This week: 1. Allow God's truth to examine you. Read Psalm 139:23–24 and ask God to reveal areas that need correction. 2. Stop using grace as an excuse. Identify one habit or attitude that God is calling you to surrender. 3. Correct someone with love. If confrontation is necessary, pray first. Speak truth without humiliation. 4. Forgive someone who has failed you. Remember the grace you have received from God. 5. Share the Gospel with someone. Tell them both the truth about sin and the good news of salvation through Christ. 6. Examine your social media behavior. Before posting or commenting, ask: “Am I representing Christ, or am I merely trying to win an argument?” QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Do I usually emphasize truth while neglecting grace? 2. Do I use grace as an excuse to tolerate sin? 3. Can people see the character of Christ in the way I correct them? 4. Is there an area of my life where God is asking me to change? 5. Have I received God's grace personally, or am I only talking about it? 6. Who needs truth from me today? 7. Who needs grace from me today? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the courage to accept Your truth, even when it confronts me. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from every attitude that uses grace as an excuse for sin. 3. Holy Spirit, teach me to speak the truth in love. 4. Father, heal every area of my life that Your truth has exposed. 5. Lord, give me grace to forgive those who have hurt me. 6. Father, remove pride, bitterness, hypocrisy and self-righteousness from my heart. 7. Lord Jesus, make my life a testimony of both holiness and compassion. 8. Let everyone who encounters me encounter something of the character of Christ. 9. Father, give me wisdom to know when to confront, when to correct, when to forgive and when to remain silent. 10. Lord, let Your truth set me free and let Your grace transform me completely. COME TO JESUS Perhaps truth has exposed something in your life today. Do not run from it. Run to Jesus. Maybe you have failed. Grace is still available. Maybe you have wandered away. Grace is calling you home. Maybe you have been hiding behind religious activity while your heart is far from God. Truth is calling you back. Maybe you have been using grace to justify what God has asked you to surrender. Truth is calling you to repentance. And perhaps you have been condemning yourself because of your past. Grace is telling you that your story is not over. At Calvary, truth and grace met. Your sin was serious enough to require the cross. But God's love was great enough to provide the cross. So today, do not choose between truth and grace. Receive both. Let truth correct you. Let grace restore you. Let truth make you honest. Let grace make you humble. Let truth lead you to repentance. Let grace lead you into restoration. And above everything else— LET JESUS CHRIST BE THE PLACE WHERE TRUTH AND GRACE MEET IN YOUR LIFE. FINAL DECLARATION “I will not run from God's truth, and I will not abuse God's grace. I will walk in truth, live by grace, speak the truth in love, and become more like Jesus every day. Amen!” If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com Join our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1HZA5cQsuy/
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