New Living Translation *1Kings 2:28 Joab had not joined Absalom’s earlier rebellion, but he had joined Adonijah’s rebellion. So when Joab heard about Adonijah’s death, he ran* ...(Please read on) From the "God is an Artist 😍" Project: We can't upset God's order by putting our desires above God's. Assigning of offices should be done by God's leading: Through the Holy Spirit, Prophets and other servants. Not through spite, bias, pride, bullying and covetousness. https://youtu.be/al09H0IH2bE?si=vKZgS1hvMMGdewiZ https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BVTDeqZhR/ Jehu: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B4PDsdXNc/ Proof: https://youtu.be/s0qGt0dspCY?si=5yOdr0bCGgAyjGgl Iran Prophecy: https://youtu.be/3eont1dBolU?si=w0JBBXeD-AgNcH-d Trump Prophecies: https://youtu.be/EhXwbcGSKJ8?si=NWKa0pS7UNLXfljY Media: https://share.google/LXCeKfdMW4JZp2iaA Related Links: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEsxcI2kNFoEp8VAq3n https://www.facebook.com/share/17mff8ymQK/ https://www.tiktok.com/[shanehanley75]?_r=1&_t=ZS-94g4mk1bA7G*

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 2 Samuel 15:10 Absalom hired men as spies who he sent to all tribes of Israel to incite the people to hate and rebel against the king, his father David because he wanted to become the next king. Even David's major advisor Ahithophel, ministers and many of his army where bought over and began to conspire against David. There are people who take delight in inciting people against others. They speak what will make people to hate others. Absalom is a son that incites people against even his father. Absalom is a believer that speaks words that would make people to hate others in the church, and leave the church. Absalom is always buying people to himself by making himself look better than others while making them hate others. Absalom incites people to rebel against their leaders. Don't be an Absalom and don't allow an Absalom make you hate others, rebel against your leader, or hate those that you once loved. SHALOM YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER

Need to know. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: GOD'S STANDARD OF JUDGMENT FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. "And God spake all these words, saying..." (Exodus 20:1, KJV) Many people claim that God's law has been abolished. Yet from Genesis to Revelation, God judges sin according to the very principles found in the Ten Commandments. Before Sinai, people were already held accountable because God's moral law reflected His holy character (Romans 2:14–15). The Bible is clear: «"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." — Ecclesiastes 8:11 (KJV)» God's judgment may not always come immediately, but no sin goes unnoticed, and no sin will ultimately go unpunished unless it is repented of and forgiven through Christ (Acts 17:30–31; Romans 6:23). 1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) God has always judged idolatry. Israel worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32:1–35). About 3,000 people died, and the Lord sent a plague upon the people. King Solomon turned to other gods (1 Kings 11:1–13). God declared that the kingdom would be torn from his son. Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and set up a golden image for worship (Daniel 3). God humbled his kingdom, and later, because of his pride, he lived like a beast until he acknowledged the Most High (Daniel 4:28–37). Lesson: God alone deserves worship. 2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." (Exodus 20:4–6) God condemns image worship. The golden calf brought immediate judgment (Exodus 32). Jeroboam's golden calves led Israel into sin, bringing God's judgment upon his house (1 Kings 12:26–33; 1 Kings 13:33–34; 1 Kings 14:7–16). Lesson: Worship belongs to the Creator, not created things. 3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain." (Exodus 20:7) God holds His name sacred. A man blasphemed God's name and was put to death by God's command (Leviticus 24:10–16, 23). Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, treated God's worship with contempt and dishonored His name through their wickedness. God judged them, and both died on the same day (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25, 34; 1 Samuel 4:11). Lesson: God's name must never be treated lightly. 4. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8–11) God blesses obedience and judges deliberate rebellion. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was judged according to God's command and stoned (Numbers 15:32–36). God warned Israel that Sabbath-breaking would bring national judgment (Jeremiah 17:21–27). The Babylonian captivity came in part because Israel neglected God's Sabbaths (2 Chronicles 36:20–21). Lesson: The Sabbath is holy because God made it holy. 5. "Honour thy father and thy mother." (Exodus 20:12) God blesses honor and judges rebellion. Absalom rebelled against his father David and died tragically (2 Samuel 15–18). Children mocked Elisha, saying, "Go up, thou bald head." Two she-bears came out of the woods, and forty-two youths were mauled (2 Kings 2:23–24). Lesson: God expects respect for parents and those He has appointed. 6. "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13) God judges murder. Cain murdered Abel, and God cursed him and drove him from the ground (Genesis 4:8–12). David arranged Uriah's death. Though forgiven, he suffered severe consequences in his household (2 Samuel 11–12). Lesson: Human life is sacred because it bears God's image. 7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14) God judges sexual immorality. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and the child died. The sword never departed from David's house (2 Samuel 11–12). Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38). Judah acknowledged, "She hath been more righteous than I." His sin was exposed publicly. Scripture records the shame of his actions, though it does not say he was judged for "ten generations." Lesson: Sin may be forgiven, but it often carries painful consequences. 8. "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15) God judges theft. Achan stole what God had devoted to destruction. Israel was defeated at Ai, and Achan and his household were judged (Joshua 7:1–26). Gehazi deceitfully took gifts from Naaman and was struck with leprosy (2 Kings 5:20–27). Lesson: Nothing can be hidden from God. 9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness." (Exodus 20:16) God judges lying. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and died immediately (Acts 5:1–11). Jezebel arranged false witnesses against Naboth, bringing God's judgment upon her and Ahab's house (1 Kings 21). Lesson: God is a God of truth. 10. "Thou shalt not covet." (Exodus 20:17) Coveting leads to destruction. Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard, resulting in murder and God's judgment (1 Kings 21). Judas Iscariot's love of money led him to betray Christ and perish (Matthew 26:14–16; Acts 1:18–20). Lesson: Coveting begins in the heart but produces deadly fruit. The Ten Commandments in the Final Judgment The Bible ends where it began: God's law remains His standard of righteousness. Romans 2:12–16 — God will judge the secrets of men. James 2:10–12 — We shall be judged by the "law of liberty." Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 — "Fear God, and keep his commandments... For God shall bring every work into judgment." Revelation 20:12–13 — The dead are judged according to their works. Revelation 22:14 (KJV) — "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life..." Conclusion From Genesis to Revelation, God has never treated sin lightly. Every violation of His holy law brings guilt, and every act is recorded in heaven. Some judgments come immediately, while others are reserved for the final judgment. Yet God's mercy is available to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. The cross did not abolish God's law—it revealed how holy it is. Christ died because the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Through Him we receive forgiveness, and through His grace He writes His law in our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." — Ecclesiastes 8:11 Do not mistake God's patience for approval. His mercy invites repentance, but His judgment is certain. Therefore, let us fear God, trust in Christ, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). Amazing Love

The spirit of assumption: Lessons from the Life of King David 👑 We partner with this principality every day. We assume we know someone’s heart, we assume we know how a situation will end, or we assume our secrets are safe. But history shows that partnering with this principality is the quickest way to ruin relationships, leadership, and lives. Look at the web of toxic assumptions that surrounded King David in the Bible: ❌ What others assumed ABOUT David Samuel assumed Jesse’s oldest son Eliab was God's chosen king based entirely on his tall, noble appearance. Jesse assumed David was too young, insignificant, and unqualified to even be called from the fields to meet the prophet. Eliab (his brother) assumed David was an arrogant, vain thrill-seeker who only came to the battlefield out of malice, mockingly asking who was watching his "few sheep." King Saul assumed David was just an inexperienced kid who could not possibly survive a physical fight with a veteran giant like Goliath. Goliath assumed he could easily crush David, mocking his youth and his simple shepherd's staff. King Hanun of Ammon assumed David's comforting messengers were actually hostile spies sent to map out and overthrow his city. King Achish of Gath assumed David had become fiercely loyal to him and hated Israel, completely unaware David was secretly raiding Philistine allies. The General Public assumed he was a lawless, desperate rebel when he fled Saul; assumed he ordered a political hit when Abner died; and assumed God had permanently cursed and abandoned him during Absalom's rebellion. Assumptions made by David's men The Quick Vengeance Assumption: In the cave of En Gedi, when King Saul entered alone, David's men instantly assumed God had delivered Saul to be killed (1 Samuel 24:4). They assumed David's path to the throne required assassination, and they were shocked when David chose mercy instead. The "All is Lost" Assumption at Ziklag: When the Amelakites burned their town and captured their families, the men assumed David was completely to blame for the tragedy (1 Samuel 30:6). In their grief, they assumed stoning David was the only logical response, momentarily forgetting his years of faithful leadership. The Spoils of War Assumption: After rescuing their families, the greedy men in David's army assumed that the 200 exhausted soldiers who stayed behind to guard the baggage didn't deserve a share of the recovered goods (1 Samuel 30:22). They assumed rewards belonged only to those who physically fought. Assumptions made by Michal (His First Wife) The "Vulgar Fellow" Assumption: When David danced dynamically before the Ark of the Covenant, Michal watched from a palace window [2 Samuel 6:16]. She assumed his ecstatic praise was not genuine worship, but rather cheap, vulgar exhibitionism meant to show off in front of young servant girls [2 Samuel 6:20]. The Status Assumption: Coming from royal blood as King Saul's daughter, she assumed a king should always maintain rigid, aloof, and majestic dignity. She assumed David was degrading the royal office by stripping down to a simple linen garment. Abigail (His Second Wife) The Imminent Bloodshed Assumption: When her first husband, Nabal, insulted David, Abigail immediately assumed David was on his way to slaughter every male in her household [1 Samuel 25:22]. She didn't wait around; she assumed David’s wrath was volatile and fast-moving, prompting her to intercept him with gifts to prevent a massacre. The Inevitable Royalty Assumption: While David was still a hunted fugitive living in caves, Abigail assumed his ultimate rise to the throne was an absolute certainty [1 Samuel 25:28-30]. She explicitly told him she knew God would build him a lasting dynasty, assuming his current hardship was just temporary. Bathsheba (His Most Famous Wife) The Absolute Monarchy Assumption: When David summoned her to the palace after watching her bathe, Bathsheba likely operated under the assumption that a king's command could not be refused or questioned [2 Samuel 11:4]. In the ancient Near East, challenging a king’s sexual summons often meant death or ruin for a woman and her family. The Protection Assumption: After her husband Uriah was killed, Bathsheba assumed marrying David would bring her security, legitimacy, and protection for her pregnancy. She later assumed she had to aggressively secure the throne for her son Solomon when David grew old and passive, knowing her life depended on it [1 Kings 1:15-21]. ⚠️ The dangerous assumptions David made HIMSELF: The Cover-Up Assumption: David assumed he could permanently hide his adultery with Bathsheba by engineering Uriah’s death, learning the hard way that death doesn't silence secrets. The Prideful Census Assumption: David presumed that taking a national military census—fueled by self-reliance—was a harmless administrative task, ignoring warnings and violating divine law. The Passive Parenting Assumption: He assumed family trauma and friction among his children (Amnon and Absalom) would just blow over, letting resentment brew until it exploded into a violent coup. The Political Trophy Assumption: David assumed pulling Michal away from her new husband to reclaim her as a wife would easily solidify his political claim, miscalculating her deep trauma and resentment. The Despair Assumption: For the first time, David assumed God’s protection had an expiration date, telling himself "Saul will destroy me," which drove him straight into enemy territory as a double agent. The Survival Assumption: In a moment of deep despair, David assumed God’s protection had an expiration date and told himself, "Saul will destroy me." This single assumption drove him straight into enemy territory. The Takeaway: We See how this principality wreaked havok in David's life. People will misjudge you based on your appearance, your past, or their own insecurities. But the real danger lies in the assumptions you make when you are desperate, prideful, or trying to hide a mistake. While we all been afflicted by this spirit at some point in our lives, if your life looks anything like David's, I urge you to seek deliverance. Stop guessing. Stop assuming. Check your heart, look at the facts, and trust the truth over your feelings, and God's Word over this spirit's deception.

Psalm 62-64 Today's collection of Psalms as performed by a choirmaster. While reading Scripture, I often times hear a song start to play in my head as I read. ESPECIALLY when Psalms which are either prayers or songs of praise. I will post the song that came to mind with this. Verse 4 in book 62 stood out to me: "They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah." There are those that will smile in your face and stab you in your back as soon as you turn around. King David is hurt, and has been betrayed by not only those close to him, but his own son Absalom had once turned against him. He writes of other enemies that aren't specified at times that attack him with no cause or reason. It reminds me of Paul being "buffeted" by Satan's messengers. We must never forget that even our brothers and sisters in Christ can be used by the enemy to distract or destroy us. David cries in Psalm 63 while in the wilderness of Judah that his soul thirsts for God. "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You." #Psalms #Scripture #Faith Join the conversation @ IAOM1.com I have 2 songs that have come to mind while reading: Behold - Pennell & My Soul Longs For You - Jesus Culture https://youtu.be/Ka5R4pR2a3c?is=QKQvBa5ZpjiSQEfd

ONE KING STOLE ANOTHER MAN'S CROWN... BUT HE NEVER SAT ON THE THRONE. Absalom was handsome, charismatic, and loved by the people. Every day he stood at the city gate, winning Israel's hearts. He listened to their complaints and quietly convinced them that he would make a better king than David. Little by little, he stole the hearts of Israel before he ever tried to steal the throne. Eventually, he declared himself king. For a moment, it looked like he had everything—the palace, the army, the applause, and the crown. But he didn't have God's anointing. That's the lesson many people miss. You can have popularity without God's approval. You can occupy a position without possessing the authority to remain there. Absalom tried to force what God had never given him. His pride became his downfall, while David returned to the throne because God had already promised it to him. Never force what God has not given you. If God opens a door, no one can shut it. If He hasn't opened it yet, trust His timing. Remember this: YOU DON'T HAVE TO STEAL WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY PROMISED YOU. WAIT FOR HIS TIME... AND HIS PURPOSE WILL STAND. 📖 Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 15:1–6 | 2 Samuel 18:9–15 | James 4:10 Minister Clef Bible Insights Bringing Scripture to Life #MinisterClefBibleInsights #BringingScriptureToLife #BibleInsights #WordOfGod #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #Absalom #KingDavid #GodsTiming #Humility #BiblicalTruth

ONE KING STOLE ANOTHER MAN'S CROWN... BUT HE NEVER SAT ON THE THRONE. Absalom was handsome, charismatic, and loved by the people. Every day he stood at the city gate, winning Israel's hearts. He listened to their complaints and quietly convinced them that he would make a better king than David. Little by little, he stole the hearts of Israel before he ever tried to steal the throne. Eventually, he declared himself king. For a moment, it looked like he had everything—the palace, the army, the applause, and the crown. But he didn't have God's anointing. That's the lesson many people miss. You can have popularity without God's approval. You can occupy a position without possessing the authority to remain there. Absalom tried to force what God had never given him. His pride became his downfall, while David returned to the throne because God had already promised it to him. Never force what God has not given you. If God opens a door, no one can shut it. If He hasn't opened it yet, trust His timing. Remember this: YOU DON'T HAVE TO STEAL WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY PROMISED YOU. WAIT FOR HIS TIME... AND HIS PURPOSE WILL STAND. 📖 Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 15:1–6 | 2 Samuel 18:9–15 | James 4:10 Minister Clef Bible Insights Bringing Scripture to Life #MinisterClefBibleInsights #BringingScriptureToLife #BibleInsights #WordOfGod #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #Absalom #KingDavid #GodsTiming #Humility #BiblicalTruth

2 Samuel 16:23 (NLT) “Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice just as David had done, for every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.” Good morning and praise God. Let's pray: Almighty God, thank You for Your Word that teaches us through both faithful servants and tragic examples. Help us to walk in humility and loyalty to You. Amen. Ahithophel was one of King David’s most trusted counselors. His wisdom was so highly regarded that his advice was considered as if one had inquired of God Himself. Yet when Absalom rose in rebellion against David, Ahithophel betrayed the king and joined Absalom’s side. He advised Absalom to commit acts that would publicly sever ties with David and to strike quickly against him while he was weary. But God answered David’s prayer to turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness. Absalom chose instead to follow Hushai’s advice, which gave David time to regroup. Realizing his counsel had been rejected and foreseeing the failure of the rebellion, Ahithophel returned home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. Side Note: Some Bible scholars suggest that Ahithophel’s betrayal may have been fueled by personal pain. Bathsheba—the woman David took after arranging the death of her husband Uriah—was Ahithophel’s granddaughter. This family wound may have broken his loyalty and planted bitterness in his heart, leading him to side with Absalom against David. Are you going through a season where betrayal has wounded you? Are you troubled by leaders who act without loyalty or integrity? Are you wondering how wisdom without humility can lead to ruin? Ahithophel’s life warns us that human wisdom, no matter how great, is empty when divorced from faithfulness to God. This story reminds us to anchor our wisdom in humility and obedience. True counsel is not only clever strategy but loyalty to God’s anointed and submission to His will. Betrayal may seem powerful for a moment, but it ends in emptiness. Let us therefore seek wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, and humble. Let us remain faithful even when tempted to turn aside. God honors loyalty, and He frustrates the plans of the proud. God loves you. Walk in humility and faithfulness today. Shalom.

THE MAN WHO LOST A KINGDOM... BUT KEPT HIS CROWN IN HEAVEN Saul began with everything. He was chosen by God. Anointed by Samuel. Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Made the first king of Israel. But one decision after another slowly pulled him away from God. He feared people more than he feared the Lord. He offered sacrifices he wasn't called to offer. He spared what God had commanded him to destroy. Eventually, God rejected him as king. The crown stayed on his head. But the kingdom had already left his hands. Most people stop the story there. But there's another king whose story points in the opposite direction. David. David lost a crown too. Absalom drove him out of Jerusalem. He crossed the Kidron Valley weeping. He walked barefoot. His own son sat on his throne. For a time, David looked like a defeated king. But there was one difference. Saul fought to keep a throne without God. David was willing to lose the throne rather than lose God. David said, «"If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back."» He trusted God's hands more than his own. And God restored him. Here's the revelation. Saul teaches us that you can keep the appearance of success while losing God's favor. David teaches us that you can lose everything people see and still keep what matters most. One man kept the crown and lost the kingdom. The other lost the kingdom for a season and kept God's heart. That's why one dynasty ended. And the other became the family line of Jesus Christ. LESSON Never protect a position at the cost of your relationship with God. It's better to lose a title and keep God's presence than to keep a title and lose His approval. ENCOURAGEMENT Maybe you've lost something important. A position. An opportunity. A dream. Don't let that convince you God has abandoned you. If your heart still belongs to Him, He can restore what matters—or lead you to something even greater. People look at crowns. God looks at hearts. A surrendered heart is worth more than a successful image.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* MONDAY 27TH JULY, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* CIVIL UNREST. *TEXT:* 2 SAMUEL 20:1-10. 1. Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, “We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!” 2. So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. 3. When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them but had no sexual relations with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows. 4. Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 5. But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him. 6. David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master’s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.” 7. So Joab’s men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bikri. 8. While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath. 9. Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bikri. *TOPIC:* CIVIL UNREST. *THE MESSAGE:* David escaped one trouble, only to fall into another. He survived Absalom's plot, but here comes Sheba, from Saul’s lineage, with his problem. Sheba turned the heart of the Benjamites against King David and his reign. The land fell into another chaos. Creating unnecessary rancour among people for a selfish aim is evil. Many countries and states are facing civil unrest because they have not followed God's principles in governance. Due to political ambitions and selfish interests, many are drawing others into unnecessary crises, especially when thugs are involved. By doing so, they jeopardise the community's peaceful coexistence. In which way have you aided and abetted civil unrest? Desist from this evil act. Be a peacemaker wherever you are - home, community, workplace, and the Church. *REFLECTION:* Be a man and woman of peace. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me not to join the wicked in causing unrest. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* HEBREWS 10:29. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* ISAIAH 46-48. ED.ii. MARRIAGE, THE IMAGE OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." - Ephesians 5:25-26 In the covenant of marriage, the husband has to be devoted to his wife in such a way that he surrenders his life for her. It is often emphasized that a woman must submit to her husband. Everything you have, you should give for your wife, in the same way Jesus Christ gave Himself for His Church. If the man has such attitude, it is not difficult for a woman to submit herself to her husband. Jesus gave His life so that the Church, His Bride, can become holy and prepared for His coming. 'In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of His body' (Ephesians 5:28-30). Husband and wife become one God sees the covenant of marriage between husband and wife as one. Of course, you will keep your personal identity. This is also how it works between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church' (Ephesians 5:31-32). Marriage is an image of Jesus Christ the Bridegroom, and the Church the Bride. That is why marriage is sacred. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice. ⏤ Psalm 141:2 There is a time for heart searching in every evening, to see how the day has been spent. ⏤ Octavius Winslow Lord, we come to You; may You hear our voice when we call upon You. Let our prayer come before You like incense, and the lifting up of our hands be like the evening sacrifice. Give us Your peace. In the quiet evening time, may Your blessing rest upon our home. Forgive the sins and failures of this day. If we didn’t live together in all ways with affection as a family, if we were impatient with each other or lacked Christlike kindness, we ask for Your forgiveness. If any of us have hurt another’s heart with a sharp word or unkind act, may You heal the wounds with Your grace. May we forgive one another, just as You forgive us, and pour out Your love in response to the things that grieve You. Our hearts long tonight to enter more deeply into the experience of Your wonderful love. Help us to know more and more of it. Pour it into our souls, filling us with its tenderness and grace. May we immerse ourselves in the ocean of Your love, as one bathes in the sea. May its blessedness surround us like the air we breathe. Teach us more and more by Your Spirit the deep meaning and infinite riches of Your love. May we be so filled with Your love that we will love others just as You love us. We are not afraid of the darkness because You are with us. The darkness and the light are both alike to You. You are present in the gloom of night just as truly as in the brightness of noonday. So we are not afraid in the darkness with You by our side. We will lie down on our beds in peace because You will be our keeper. Remember our neighbors tonight. Comfort the dying and console the grieving. We ask all this in the name of our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/22/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.