Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2O26. "LEARN TO WAIT" ‘They that wait upon the Lord...’ Isaiah 40:31KJV THE WORD ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you. Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Mark 6:30-44. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026. *BLESSING OUR BOUNTIFUL GIVER* *TEXT:* PSALM 103:1-22.  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name"_ (Psalm 103:1-22). *INTRODUCTION* God gives us blessings. Does He need our blessings? To "bless the Lord" means to praise, worship, and speak well of God's greatness and goodness from a deeply grateful heart. The opposite of blessing God is to speak negatively of God, blame, insult, complain against or even curse Him. While humans usually receive blessings from God, we "bless" Him in return by honoring, thanking and adoring Him for who He is and what He has done.  Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise in which David calls his soul to remember the goodness, mercy and faithfulness of God. The Lord is not only the source of our blessings; He is Himself the Bountiful Giver who forgives, heals, redeems, satisfies, and crowns His children with lovingkindness. As we reflect on His goodness, our appropriate response is to bless His holy name with a grateful heart. *1. Call to Bless the LORD* a. How do you feel when people commend, appreciate or speak well of you right in your presence or in the presence of others? You feel encouraged, satisfied and happy. God feels the same as the Person who created us in His image. David begins by addressing himself: *“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”* He didn't say bless the LORD with his lips. That, as good as it can be, may be mechanical and for people to see. But he said his soul would bless the LORD. The blessings must be from his inner being and must affect all that is within him. It should be wholehearted praise. b. He repeats the command, *“Bless the LORD,”* emphasizing that worship must come from the whole person. He warns himself not to forget God’s benefits. *"And forget not all his benefits"*. It is possible, human and natural to forget some of His benefits, but it is ingratitude to forget ALL. A recollection of a few of His benefits should cancel all forms of complaints due to hardship and delayed blessings. Many times, we remember our problems more readily than God’s goodness; but thanksgiving becomes powerful when we deliberately recall His blessings. Every breath, provision, protection, opportunity, and answered prayer is evidence of His mercy. We should, therefore, bless God not merely with our lips but with our entire being. *Question* Am I deliberately remembering and praising God for His benefits, or have I allowed my challenges to make me forget His goodness? *2. Covenant Blessings from the LORD* a. The divine covenant blessings are those blessings God gives to those who have come into covenant relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus. Such blessings are not for the general populace. David identifies some of the covenant benefits of the Lord: *“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things.”* Our greatest blessing is forgiveness. This forgiveness doesn't put into consideration the gravity of the sin, the foolishness of the offender, etc. It is freely and fully forgiven once there is evidence of repentance. He restores our relationship with Him and gives us a new beginning. He is also our Redeemer, preserving us from destruction and surrounding us with lovingkindness and mercy. He satisfies our lives with good things so that we may experience renewed strength like the eagle. The healings we received freely are part of God's covenant blessings. The irony of life is that many erroneously think they are mere general blessings and as a result, they are weak in pleasing the Lord. b. God's blessings are not accidental; they flow from His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, let us trust Him, appreciate His benefits and remain faithful to Him. Deliberate efforts should constantly be made to recall the uncommon benefits we have received from the Lord. *Question* Which of God's covenant benefits have I received that I should consciously thank Him for today? *3. The Character of the Bountiful LORD* God is not a hypocrite. His blessings flow from His nature and character. The remaining verses reveal the character of our Bountiful LORD. He is righteous and just, defending the oppressed (v.6). He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (v.8). He does not treat us according to our sins, but removes our transgressions far from us (vv.10–12). His compassion is like that of a loving father toward his children (v.13). God understands our frailty because He remembers that we are dust (v.14). Though human life is temporary, *“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting”* (v.17). His throne is established in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (v.19). The psalm, therefore, ends with a universal call for angels, heavenly hosts and all God's works to bless His holy name (vv.20–22). The appropriate response to such a generous and compassionate God is continual praise, obedience, trust and thanksgiving. Blessing God invites further divine blessings and draws the souls to God as well as scare the devil and his agents. *Question* Does the character of God revealed in this Psalm inspire me to trust Him more deeply and bless His name continually? *Prayer Points* 1Lord, give me a grateful heart that will continually remember and bless You for all Your benefits 🙏. 2 Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness, redemption, mercy, healing, provision and preservation in my life 🙏. 3 Lord, help me to trust and always recall Your unfailing mercy and blessings and help me to remain faithful to You in every circumstance🙏 4 O Bountiful Giver, let our lives become a testimony of Your goodness and may everything within us continually bless Your holy name🙏 *HYMN:* Praise the Lord *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NAHUM 1-3. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 103:1-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (PSALM 103:2).*_ *The story was told of a young boy who was given writing materials to write everything God and Satan had done for him within an hour. He set out to write about the blessings he received from God. He kept on remembering new things to write about the goodness of God in his life, and by the time he was done with that, the entire time was taken. So, he wrote at the bottom of his script "NO TIME FOR SATAN".* *It is difficult to itemise all benefits we receive from God as His children. David, in the text, listed several of them, but the list is endless: He forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, satisfies our mouths with good things, provides justice for the oppressed, shows mercy to people, and retains not His anger forever. Attention was then shifted to His throne in heaven, where the angels worship Him and do all His commandments. His dominion is universal and His Kingdom rules over all.* *David, the psalmist, wrote this psalm from his wealth of experience as Israel's king. He could tell and sing of God's mercies because he experienced them. He spoke from personal experience when God took Him from following the sheep as a shepherd to set him up as king in Israel. He saved him from the many battles he had to fight to maintain as well as expand the nation's territory. And when he fell into sin, with the devastating consequences on his family and kingship, he cried to God in penitence and received forgiveness. David knew that God's kingdom is not like that of man. He reigns and rules over the entire universe.* *Like David, we should recall, remember and count our blessings, naming them one by one. We must deliberately focus our attention on the wonderful things He has done for us and stop worrying over the unresolved problems in our lives. As we praise God for His past mercies and blessings, we can be sure that He will arise and do more in our lives.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Don't count your losses, count your blessings.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NAHUM 1-3*📜📜 Forget Not His Benefits https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 50: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS; GHS 9: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS; AND GHS 13: TO GOD BE THE GLORY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE IMPARTIAL* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 2:1-10```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (JAMES 2:1).*_ *A scale is one of the symbols of the judiciary where justice was beautifully represented by the ancients as holding a pair of scales equally balanced. It depicts the principle of equity and fairness, balance and objective outlook. Justice ought to be without prejudice or passion.* *Our text today condemns partiality in its entirety. God expects His children to treat everyone without prejudice or favouritism. We are expressly commanded in the Bible to do "nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21). Christians must avoid double standard in dealing with issues. Partiality makes someone a transgressor. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."* *Believers should act impartially when mediating between two people. Avoid emotional impressions when dealing with issues among people. We must give fair hearing to both parties in dispute. Issues should be treated on merit, not personal attachment, friendship, or fondness. Same punishment should be for same offence; same reward for same good deed, no matter whose ox is gored. Preconceived bias against any man is unrighteousness. Say no to partiality.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Say no to partiality.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Partiality is condemnable, avoid it.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to always stand for justice, fairness and equity.*_ Be Impartial https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD'S GRACE IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🎁✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```EPHESIANS 2:8-10```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 *Grace is a beautiful and undeserved gift from God. It is God's love, forgiveness and help given to us even though we do not deserve it. It is not something we can earn through our actions or good deeds; it is freely given because of God's deep love for us.* *When we accept God's grace, we receive the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God, and this grace transforms our lives. It helps us live in a way that honours God and reflect His love for others.* *Grace is not just a one-time gift, it is something that continues to sustain and guide us. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is always available to lift us up and give us the strength to keep moving forward. It is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire to help us grow closer to Him.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, I thank You for the gift of Your grace.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Titus 2:11, 12* God's Grace Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3 He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law O Light of the hearts that trust You, Life of the souls that love You, and Strength of all who seek Your face—grant us Your grace as we begin this day. We thank You for the mercies of the night. You have brought us back from the seeming death of sleep. We place our hands in Yours and ask You to guide us throughout the day. Be our Good Shepherd. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Teach us to do Your will. Incline our hearts to walk in Your ways. Help us to love Your commandments. Renew our hearts continually, so that we love doing what is right and hate whatever is wrong. We will need Your divine wisdom all day long. Help us to conduct our affairs in a way that pleases You. May all our business be Your business. May our work at home be done without worry. Help us to bear the trials and endure the challenges of life as our blessed Master did, without fretting or complaining, but with patience and joy. Grant us the patience, forbearance, meekness, and joy to make this day holy and beautiful, as we stay near You and live by Your help and grace. Allow no temptation to endanger our souls, but with every temptation make a way for us to escape, so we do not fall away into eternal death. Let us not yield to unholy influences, but may we be more than conquerors in all things through Him who loved us. We ask these mercies, humbly confessing our sins, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

❤️ GRATEFUL HEART, FAITHFUL GOD 🙏 Gratitude changes the way we see life. Even when we don’t have everything we want, we can still thank God for His love, mercy, salvation, strength, and the people He has placed in our lives. 🌅 Thank Him for a new day. ❤️ Thank Him for His unfailing love. ✝️ Thank Him for Jesus and salvation. 💪 Thank Him for strength when you feel weak. 🤝 Thank Him for the people who walk beside you. 📖 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 A grateful heart sees blessings that our eyes often miss. Count your blessings, trust His plan, and live in His goodness. 🙌 Thank You, Jesus! ❤️✝️ Comment “THANK YOU JESUS” if you’re grateful today. 🙏 #GratefulHeart #ThankYouJesus #GodIsFaithful #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #Gratitude #BibleVerse #Faith #GodIsGood #ChristianPost #Amen

Choose Humility (Philippians 2:3–4) Pride doesn't always look obvious. Sometimes pride sounds like: “I don't need anyone.” Sometimes it looks like refusing to apologize. Sometimes it is always needing to be right. Sometimes it is comparing yourself with others. Sometimes it is wanting recognition for everything you do. And sometimes pride can even enter our relationship with God when we begin believing that we know better than Him. But Jesus calls us to a different way of living. The Bible says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Humility doesn't mean thinking you are worthless. It means understanding that you are not the centre of everything. You can recognize your gifts without looking down on others. You can succeed without becoming arrogant. You can be knowledgeable without believing you know everything. You can receive recognition without making recognition your identity. And you can lead while still being willing to serve. Jesus is the greatest example of humility. He had every reason to receive glory. Yet He chose to serve. He washed His disciples' feet. He welcomed people others overlooked. He touched the hurting. He listened. He taught. And ultimately, He humbled Himself and gave His life on the cross for us. Think about that. The Son of God chose the path of sacrifice. If Jesus was willing to serve, we should never consider ourselves too important to serve others. Sometimes humility means saying: “I was wrong.” Sometimes it means: “I need help.” Sometimes: “I don't know.” Sometimes: “I'm sorry.” Sometimes: “How can I help you?” Those words don't make you weak. They can demonstrate strength of character. Pride asks: “What can I get?” Humility asks: “What can I give?” Pride asks: “Why aren't people noticing me?” Humility asks: “How can I make someone else's life better?” Pride wants the platform. Humility is willing to serve even when nobody is watching. This is especially important in a world where social media can make everything about visibility. Followers. Likes. Views. Comments. Recognition. It is easy to begin measuring your value by how much attention you receive. But remember: God sees what people don't see. He sees the quiet act of kindness. He sees the prayer nobody heard. He sees the sacrifice nobody noticed. He sees the person you helped without posting about it. He sees your heart. So don't serve only when people are watching. Don't do good only when you can receive recognition. Serve because you love God. Serve because Christ first served you. And when you succeed, remember where your abilities came from. When God opens a door, be grateful. When He gives you an opportunity, remain humble. When you achieve something, celebrate without looking down on those who haven't reached the same place yet. Your success should give you an opportunity to lift others, not make you feel superior to them. And if someone else succeeds before you, don't allow jealousy to take over. Celebrate them. Learn from them. Encourage them. Your journey doesn't become less valuable because someone else's journey looks different. Humility also means being teachable. Never become so confident that you cannot receive correction. Never become so experienced that you stop learning. Never become so successful that you stop listening. A humble heart remains open to growth. Most importantly, remain humble before God. You don't have to pretend that you have everything figured out. Come to Him honestly. Ask for wisdom. Ask for correction. Ask Him to reveal areas of your heart that need to change. Because the goal isn't simply to look humble. The goal is to become more like Christ. True greatness in God's kingdom is not about how many people serve you. It is about how faithfully you serve others. Today, look for one opportunity to put someone else first. Encourage someone. Help someone. Listen to someone. Apologize if necessary. Give without expecting recognition. And when nobody notices, remember: God does. What is one area of your life where God may be calling you to choose humility over pride? #ChooseHumility #Philippians23 #Humility #ServeOthers #ChristLikeLiving #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #FollowJesus #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Tuesday, August 25 📜 OLD TESTAMENT 1 SAMUEL 1 — Hannah Prays for a Son 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Ruth! Today we begin the book of 1 Samuel. ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 3 JOHN 1 — Walking in Truth 🎉 Congratulations on completing 2 John! Today we begin 3 John. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 36 — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 1 Samuel 1 Hannah pours out her heart before God and faithfully keeps her promise when He answers her prayer. Her story teaches us about persistent prayer, surrender, and trusting God's timing. ✝️ 3 John 1 John commends Gaius for walking in truth and showing hospitality to fellow believers. Our faith should be visible not only in what we believe but also in how we support and treat others. 🌿 Isaiah 36 Assyria threatens Jerusalem and attempts to make God's people doubt His ability to save them. The chapter reminds us not to allow intimidating voices or circumstances to weaken our confidence in God. ✨ KEY VERSE “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” — 1 Samuel 1:27 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, teach us to pray with the faith and persistence of Hannah. Help us trust Your timing, walk faithfully in Your truth, and remain confident in You when circumstances appear frightening or impossible. May our lives demonstrate genuine love and faithfulness toward others. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Bring one deep concern before God in prayer today. Trust Him with the outcome, and look for an opportunity to encourage or support someone else in their walk with Christ. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

Romans 5 teaches because of Gods love, we are completely faultless and can live in perfect peace. Even through hard days we can smile, because our troubles are just building up our patience, strong character, and hope . Jesus didn't wait for us to become blameless before He died for us—He gave His life for us while we were still broken and making mistakes, teaching us that God’s love is bigger than our biggest failures. If God loved us so deeply when we were at our absolute worst, how much more will He hold us, guide us, and flood our lives with grace today now that we belong to Him? Let this word fill us with courage : we do not have to earn God's love today, because an overflow of His grace is already running after us turning every struggle into a victory!

SDAs in the chat, how was your camp meeting? Mine was really nice. We had some very specific preaching on keeping the family grounded in obedience and love, drawn from the book of Isaiah, where the Lord speaks to the prophet about obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The choice is simple: obey and live; disobey and perish. The choice is yours. 🫵

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEVERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO LEAVE THE CHURCH. Theme: Examining the danger of remaining around the things of God while the heart is far from God Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 3:1–3; Luke 18:9–14 Church, let me begin with a statement that may shock you: The most dangerous believer is not always the one who leaves the church. Sometimes, it is the one who remains in the church but leaves Christ in the heart. Some people leave the church physically, and everybody notices. But there are others who remain in the congregation, sing the songs, carry the Bible, attend services, shout “Amen,” give offerings, quote Scriptures—and yet their hearts have slowly moved away from God. They have not left the building, but they have left the Presence. Jesus warned us that there would be people who would say, “Lord, Lord,” and yet He would say, “I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:23. This means church attendance is not the same thing as spiritual transformation. You can sit in church and still be far from God. You can know Christian language and not know Christ. You can serve in a department and secretly serve your flesh. You can have a title without having a testimony. The question is not merely: “Am I in church?” The deeper question is: “Is Christ truly ruling my life?” KEY BIBLE VERSES. 1. Matthew 7:21–23 — “Lord, Lord” Jesus said: «“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”» Notice something frightening: these people called Jesus “Lord.” They knew the language of faith. They even claimed to have done mighty works. Yet Jesus said, “I never knew you.” Spiritual lesson: It is possible to be familiar with the things of God without having a genuine relationship with God. Church activity cannot replace spiritual intimacy. 2. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a name that you are alive” Jesus told the church at Sardis: «“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”» What a frightening diagnosis! The church had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus saw something different. People saw activity. Jesus saw the heart. People saw the appearance. Jesus saw the condition. Spiritual lesson: God is more interested in who you are privately than who you appear to be publicly. 3. Isaiah 29:13 «“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me.”» Their lips were close. Their hearts were far away. This is the danger of religious appearance without genuine surrender. 5 TYPES OF DANGEROUS BELIEVERS 1. THE BELIEVER WHO KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT REFUSES TO OBEY IT There is a difference between knowing God's Word and living God's Word. James 1:22 says: «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”» Some believers can explain forgiveness but refuse to forgive. They can preach holiness but live carelessly. They can quote Scripture but manipulate people. They know what God says, but they have decided to obey themselves. Deep insight: Information without transformation can produce religious pride. The devil does not necessarily fear a Christian who knows many Bible verses. He fears the Christian who believes, obeys, and lives the Word. 2. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT NO POWER 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks about people: «“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”» A form is an outward appearance. It looks right. It sounds right. But something is missing inside. You can dress like a Christian. Talk like a Christian. Post Christian messages. Attend Christian programs. And still refuse to surrender your character to Christ. Ask yourself: What happens to my Christianity when nobody is watching? That is where genuine Christianity is tested. Your secret life is a better measurement of your spiritual condition than your public reputation. 3. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH SIN One of the most dangerous conditions is not falling into sin accidentally. It is becoming comfortable with sin deliberately. The believer begins by saying: «“It is only once.”» Then: «“Everybody is doing it.”» Then: «“God understands.”» Eventually, the conscience becomes quiet. Romans 6:1–2 warns against continuing in sin because grace abounds. Deep spiritual truth: Grace is not permission to remain in sin. Grace is God's power to bring us out of sin. If something is destroying your relationship with God, don't defend it. Repent from it. 4. THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES THE CHURCH BUT DOES NOT LOVE CHRIST This may sound strange, but it happens. Someone can love: - The choir - The pastor - The church building - Christian conferences - Christian music - Christian social media - Christian friendships …but fail to love Jesus with all their heart. Jesus told the church at Ephesus: «“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4» They were working. They were enduring. They were doctrinally discerning. But they had lost their first love. Important lesson: You can be busy doing things for Jesus while becoming distant from Jesus. Don't allow ministry to replace relationship. Don't allow your assignment to replace intimacy. Don't allow the work of God to become more important than the God of the work. 5. THE BELIEVER WHO REFUSES CORRECTION A dangerous believer is one who cannot be corrected. When the pastor preaches against something they are doing, they become angry. When a mature Christian warns them, they say: «“Don't judge me.”» When Scripture confronts their lifestyle, they look for another interpretation. Proverbs 12:1 says: «“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”» Spiritual maturity means: I am willing to be corrected because I want to become more like Christ. A person who cannot receive correction will eventually become a prisoner of their own deception. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT Judas is one of the most sobering examples in Scripture. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He traveled with the disciples. He was part of the ministry. He was close enough to Jesus to call Him Master. Yet Judas eventually betrayed Him. This teaches us something frightening: Being close to spiritual things does not automatically mean your heart belongs to God. You can be around anointed people and remain unchanged. You can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief. You can carry a Bible and still carry bitterness. You can occupy a position and lose your spiritual condition. But there is hope. Peter also failed Jesus. The difference was that Peter returned in repentance. Judas allowed his failure to lead him into destruction. Failure does not have to be the end of your story. Repentance can become the beginning of restoration. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. EXAMINE YOUR HEART Psalm 139:23–24: «“Search me, O God, and know my heart…”» Don't only ask, “What is wrong with others?” Ask: “Lord, what needs to change in me?” 2. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE If prayer has become a duty, return. If Bible reading has become routine, return. If worship has become performance, return. If your passion for Christ has disappeared, return. 3. STOP JUSTIFYING WHAT GOD IS ASKING YOU TO REPENT OF Don't rename sin. Don't call disobedience “weakness.” Don't call compromise “wisdom.” Don't call rebellion “freedom.” When God reveals something, respond with repentance. 4. PRACTICE PRIVATE CHRISTIANITY Pray when nobody is watching. Read the Word when nobody is applauding. Give when nobody knows. Forgive when nobody forces you. Serve when nobody celebrates you. What you do privately reveals what you truly value. 5. STAY TEACHABLE Allow God's Word to correct you. Allow mature believers to challenge you. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you. A heart that can still be corrected is a heart that can still be transformed. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. PROXIMITY TO HOLY THINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE HOLINESS. Judas was close to Jesus physically, but his heart was not surrendered. 2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY CAN HIDE SPIRITUAL DECLINE. A person can become busier in church while becoming colder toward God. 3. GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE PLATFORM. People may see your preaching. God sees your private life. People hear your words. God knows your motives. 4. THE GREATEST DANGER IS SELF-DECEPTION. A sinner who knows he is lost may seek help. But someone who is lost and believes he is spiritually healthy may never seek rescue. 5. JESUS DOES NOT ONLY WANT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE. He wants your heart. He wants your character. He wants your obedience. He wants your entire life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I following Jesus or merely following Christian activities? 2. Does my private life agree with my public confession? 3. Is there any sin I have become comfortable with? 4. Can I receive correction without becoming offended? 5. Have I lost my first love for Christ? 6. Am I more concerned about what people think about me than what God thinks about me? 7. If Jesus examined my heart today, what would He find? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, search my heart and expose everything in me that is not pleasing to You, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from religious appearance without spiritual reality. 3. Father, restore my first love for You. Let my passion for Christ become stronger again. 4. Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word, not merely hear it. 5. Every spirit of hypocrisy and self-deception, be broken over my life, in Jesus' name. 6. Father, give me a heart that receives correction and grows in wisdom. 7. Lord, let my private life and public testimony agree. 8. Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. 9. Father, keep me faithful to Christ until the end of my journey. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't leave this message thinking about another believer. Think about yourself. Don't ask: «“Who in my church needs to hear this?”» Ask: «“Lord, what are You saying to me?”» The goal of Christianity is not simply to remain in church. The goal is to remain in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4: «“Abide in me, and I in you.”» Don't just carry the name Christian. Carry Christ in your heart. Don't just attend church. Become the church wherever you go. Don't just quote the Word. Live the Word. Don't just raise your hands in worship. Surrender your heart in obedience. And don't wait until you stand before Jesus to discover that you were close to church but far from Christ. TODAY, RETURN TO JESUS. Return to your first love. Return to prayer. Return to the Word. Return to holiness. Return to obedience. Return to genuine fellowship with Christ. The greatest question is not, “Did I attend church?” It is: “DOES JESUS TRULY KNOW ME?” May we never be believers who merely look alive. May we be believers who are truly alive in Christ. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I will not merely look like a Christian; I will live for Christ. I will not only hear God's Word; I will obey it. I will not hide behind religious activity; I will pursue genuine relationship with Jesus. My heart belongs to Christ, my life belongs to Christ, and my future belongs to Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/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

Be Careful Who You Follow Scripture Judges 18:30 (NKJV) Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. A False Religion Can Never Replace True Worship Judges 18 continues the spiritual decline that began in the previous chapter. The tribe of Dan had not fully taken possession of the inheritance God had given them, so instead of trusting the Lord, they sought an easier path. Rather than depending on God's promises, they relied on human wisdom and military strength to secure a new territory. As the men of Dan traveled, they came to Micah's house, where they found the Levite serving as a priest over Micah's private shrine. Instead of rejecting the idols and false worship, they stole Micah's carved images, household idols, ephod, and priest, believing these things would bring God's blessing wherever they went. The Levite willingly abandoned Micah because serving an entire tribe seemed like a greater opportunity than serving one family. His decision was motivated by personal advancement rather than faithfulness to God. After conquering the peaceful city of Laish, the tribe of Dan established idol worship there and appointed the Levite and his descendants as priests. What began as one family's compromise became the official religion of an entire tribe. This chapter demonstrates how compromise spreads. One person's disobedience influenced a family, then a priest, and eventually an entire tribe. When God's truth is abandoned, false worship quickly takes its place. Believers today face similar dangers. Culture continually offers substitutes for true worship—success, possessions, popularity, pleasure, and personal opinions. Yet anything that replaces complete devotion to God becomes an idol. God calls His people to remain faithful to His Word, even when compromise appears easier or more successful. True worship is not determined by convenience or popularity but by obedience to the Lord. Reflection Questions 1. Is there anything in my life competing for the place that belongs only to God? 2. Am I making decisions based on God's Word or on what seems easiest or most beneficial? 3. What kind of spiritual influence am I leaving on my family and those around me? Prayer Heavenly Father, keep my heart devoted to You alone. Protect me from compromise and from anything that would become an idol in my life. Help me to seek Your will instead of the easiest path. May my life point others toward faithful worship and obedience to Your Word. Give me discernment to recognize false teaching and courage to remain faithful to Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 25) 1. These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: 2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. 3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4. Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. 5. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. 6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; 7. For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. 8. Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? 9. Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; 10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined. 11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. 13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain. 15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. 16. Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit. 17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. 18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow. 19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. 20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you. 23. The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. 24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 25. As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country. 26. A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. 27. It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory. 28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Just because I post about God doesn’t mean I have everything figured out. It doesn’t mean I’m healed, perfect, or somehow better than anyone else. I’m still human. I’m still a sinner. I still struggle with things I don’t always talk about. I still have days when my faith feels stronger and days when I feel tired, lost, confused, or distant. I make mistakes. I fall back into old habits. I overthink. I doubt. I get frustrated. I have moments where I don’t understand what God is doing in my life. But that’s exactly why I talk about Him. My faith isn’t a declaration that I’ve arrived. It’s a reminder that I’m still being carried. Every day, His grace meets me where I am. Not where I think I should be. Not where everyone expects me to be. Right where I am. Sometimes God doesn’t change the situation immediately. Sometimes He changes the strength I have to face it. Sometimes the miracle is simply getting through another day without giving up. So if you see me posting about God, don’t assume my life is perfect. I’m not preaching from a place of perfection. I’m sharing from a place of dependence. I need grace too. And honestly, that’s the beautiful part. I don’t have to be perfect to come back to God. I just have to keep coming back. Every time I fall, His grace reminds me that falling isn’t the end of my story. I’m still learning. Still growing. Still struggling. Still believing. And every day, somehow, His grace picks me back up. 💜 #quotes #relatable #inspiration #SpiritualGrowth #TrustGod #fyp