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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-09-13 17:11:12 -
    Need to know.
    The world tells us to bow to many things: money, success, popularity, power, people’s opinions, and the pressure to fit in. But as believers, our hearts belong to one King. Jesus said, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).

    There may be moments when standing for your faith makes you feel alone, when people misunderstand you, reject you, or pressure you to compromise what you believe. But never trade your devotion to Christ for acceptance from people.
    Galatians 1:10 says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

    You were not called to live for applause; you were called to follow Jesus. There is nothing wrong with respecting people, honoring authority, or loving those around you, but worship belongs to God alone. When everyone else goes one direction, have the courage to remain faithful.

    When your values are challenged, stand on Scripture. When you are offered something that requires you to compromise your relationship with God, remember that obedience is worth more than temporary approval.

    Jesus Christ gave His life for you, and He deserves first place in your life.

    Philippians 2:10 reminds us, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”
    So make your decision today: I will not bow to fear, pressure, pride, or the opinions of people. My life belongs to Jesus Christ. I will honor Him when it is easy and when it costs me something.

    I will follow Him when I am celebrated and when I am misunderstood. Let your faith be firm, your heart humble, and your eyes fixed on Christ. Bow before God willingly today, because He alone is worthy of your worship, your trust, and your whole life.
    Need to know. The world tells us to bow to many things: money, success, popularity, power, people’s opinions, and the pressure to fit in. But as believers, our hearts belong to one King. Jesus said, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). There may be moments when standing for your faith makes you feel alone, when people misunderstand you, reject you, or pressure you to compromise what you believe. But never trade your devotion to Christ for acceptance from people. Galatians 1:10 says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” You were not called to live for applause; you were called to follow Jesus. There is nothing wrong with respecting people, honoring authority, or loving those around you, but worship belongs to God alone. When everyone else goes one direction, have the courage to remain faithful. When your values are challenged, stand on Scripture. When you are offered something that requires you to compromise your relationship with God, remember that obedience is worth more than temporary approval. Jesus Christ gave His life for you, and He deserves first place in your life. Philippians 2:10 reminds us, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” So make your decision today: I will not bow to fear, pressure, pride, or the opinions of people. My life belongs to Jesus Christ. I will honor Him when it is easy and when it costs me something. I will follow Him when I am celebrated and when I am misunderstood. Let your faith be firm, your heart humble, and your eyes fixed on Christ. Bow before God willingly today, because He alone is worthy of your worship, your trust, and your whole life.
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  • Ebenezer Bimi Nfor
    2026-09-13 16:37:53 -
    AUTHORITY AND POWER TO TAKE OVER AND TAKE CHARGE

    PART 2118 — KINGDOM ERA

    THIS IS THE KINGDOM SEASON — A TIME OF RESTORATION

    We are in a specific moment that we are calling the Kingdom Season—a prophetic season in which the Spirit of God is moving to restore His Church to His original order, purpose, design, and pattern.

    The Lord is not merely bringing another revival of activities, crowds, programs, or religious excitement. He is restoring His Church to Christ.

    He is exposing what has been built according to human wisdom and calling His people back to what was established according to His divine blueprint.

    The Spirit is restoring Christ as the Head, the Word as the standard, the Holy Spirit as the Guide, servants as leaders, disciples as functioning members, and the Church as the Body of Christ rather than a platform for human kingdoms.

    This is a season of reordering, cleansing, correcting, restoring, and rebuilding.

    What has been distorted must be corrected.
    What has been misplaced must be restored to its proper place.
    What has been built according to human patterns must come back under the government of Christ.
    What has exalted man must bow before Christ.
    What has become religious tradition must be tested by the Word.
    And what belongs to Christ must be returned fully to Christ.

    The Spirit of God is bringing His Church back to His original plan and pattern—not man’s improved version of Christianity, but Christ’s Church according to the Father’s eternal purpose.

    This is why we must discern the season.

    We are not merely entering another season of church activity. We are entering a season of Kingdom restoration.

    Those who discern what the Spirit is doing must therefore be willing to surrender every pattern, practice, title, structure, tradition, ambition, and personal kingdom that cannot stand under the authority of Christ and His Word.

    This is the Kingdom Season.
    This is the season of restoration.
    This is the season of divine order.
    This is the season of returning to the original pattern.
    This is the season in which Christ must have His rightful place in His Church.

    “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30

    CHRIST DESIGNED HIS CHURCH FOR COLLECTIVE FUNCTIONING, NOT ONE-MAN OWNERSHIP

    One of the areas the Spirit is restoring is the way Christ’s Church functions.

    The Church Christ is building is a corporate Kingdom work, not a one-man show.

    A one-man system is not the pattern of Christ’s Kingdom. It is a pattern that develops when one individual begins to occupy a place that belongs to Christ and when what was entrusted to a servant becomes treated as the servant’s personal possession.

    The Lord structured His Church so that no individual could rightly claim ownership of it.

    The Church was never designed to become the personal possession, platform, or kingdom of one man.

    It is Christ’s Church—purchased by His blood, built by Him, and governed under His headship.

    Jesus said:

    “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18

    He did not say, “I will build your church.”

    The Church belongs to Christ.

    The people belong to Christ.
    The ministry belongs to Christ.
    The gifts belong to Christ.
    The harvest belongs to Christ.
    The glory belongs to Christ.

    Therefore, no servant has the right to turn what belongs to Christ into a personal possession.

    GOD DESIGNED HIS CHURCH FOR MANY MEMBERS TO FUNCTION TOGETHER

    God did not place every gift, responsibility, and function in one individual. He distributed grace throughout the Body.

    Paul writes:

    “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” — Ephesians 4:11

    And concerning the Body, he says:

    “For as the body is one, and hath many members… so also is Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12

    The Body has many members but one Head—Christ.

    This means no apostle, pastor, bishop, elder, prophet, evangelist, teacher, founder, or any other servant can take Christ’s place or claim personal ownership of His Church.

    The Kingdom pattern is:

    Many servants under one Lord.
    Many members under one Head.
    Many gifts working together for one purpose.

    THE LORD ESTABLISHED ELDERS AND LEADERS IN THE PLURAL

    The New Testament repeatedly presents spiritual leadership in the plural.

    Paul and Barnabas:

    “ordained them elders in every church.” — Acts 14:23

    Paul later called:

    “the elders of the church.” — Acts 20:17

    He then told them:

    “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” — Acts 20:28

    These elders were entrusted with spiritual oversight of God’s flock.

    This plurality was not designed to create disorder or competing authorities. It provided a framework for shared responsibility, spiritual oversight, accountability, discernment, and the functioning of different gifts.

    The biblical pattern does not eliminate leadership.

    It puts leadership in its proper place under Christ.

    ELDER AND BISHOP/OVERSEER

    The New Testament also shows the close relationship between the terms elder and bishop/overseer.

    In Acts 20, Paul first called the leaders elders and then told those same men that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers.

    The same pattern appears in Titus 1.

    Paul instructed Titus:

    “ordain elders in every city…” — Titus 1:5

    Then, speaking about that same leadership responsibility, he says:

    “For a bishop must be blameless…” — Titus 1:7

    Thus, biblical leadership was not designed around personal ownership of the flock by one individual.

    The elders were servants entrusted with oversight of what belonged to God.

    PETER AND JOHN DEMONSTRATED THE PRINCIPLE

    Peter was an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, yet he wrote:

    “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ.” — 1 Peter 5:1

    He then instructed them:

    “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…” — 1 Peter 5:2

    Notice the language:

    “The flock of God.”

    Not Peter’s flock.

    Peter understood that he was a servant entrusted with responsibility for what belonged to God.

    John likewise identified himself in his letters as:

    “The elder…” — 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1

    These apostles carried tremendous spiritual authority, yet their authority did not make them owners of Christ’s Church.

    They were entrusted with the flock; they did not own the flock.

    ACTS 15 SHOWS COLLECTIVE SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT

    A serious doctrinal question arose in the early Church concerning circumcision.

    How was it handled?

    “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.” — Acts 15:6

    Peter spoke.

    Paul and Barnabas testified.

    James contributed.

    And Acts 15:22 says:

    “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church…”

    This was neither anarchy nor one-man dictatorship.

    It was spiritual leadership functioning together with order, discernment, testimony, and accountability under Christ.

    Therefore, rejecting one-man ownership does not mean rejecting godly leadership.

    It means restoring leadership to its proper place under Christ.

    AUTHORITY IS RESPONSIBILITY, NOT OWNERSHIP

    There is a profound difference between saying:

    “God has entrusted this responsibility to me”

    and:

    “This belongs to me.”

    A steward receives responsibility without claiming ownership.

    An elder oversees God’s flock but does not own it.

    A pastor shepherds, but the sheep belong to Christ.

    An apostle establishes and equips, but Christ remains the Builder.

    A teacher instructs, but Christ remains the Lord of His Church.

    Therefore, we must never confuse being entrusted with something with owning it.

    PAUL AND APOLLOS — MANY SERVANTS, ONE WORK

    Paul gives us the proper Kingdom perspective:

    “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

    Different servants performed different functions, but God alone gave the increase.

    Paul therefore said:

    “For we are labourers together with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9

    Labourers together.

    The Kingdom advances through cooperation, not competition for ownership.

    One may plant.

    Another may water.

    Another may teach.

    Another may shepherd.

    Another may evangelize.

    Another may disciple.

    But God gives the increase.

    LEADERSHIP EXISTS TO EQUIP THE BODY

    Ephesians 4:11–12 reveals why Christ gave ministry gifts:

    “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

    The purpose of leadership is therefore to equip the saints and build up the Body.

    A mature leader does not seek to make everyone permanently dependent upon him. He raises disciples who can mature, serve, exercise their gifts, and help others grow.

    Paul told Timothy:

    “The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

    This is Kingdom multiplication:

    Paul → Timothy → faithful men → others.

    The goal is not to build dependence upon one man but to multiply faithful servants of Christ.

    THE ONE-MAN MINDSET RESTRICTS THE BODY

    When everything must pass through one individual, the functioning of other members can be unnecessarily restricted.

    One person can gradually become the preacher, teacher, decision-maker, representative, visionary, administrator, and final voice, while everyone else becomes a spectator.

    But Christ has given different gifts to different members.

    The Church must therefore make room for the Body to function.

    The greatness of one person’s gift should never become a reason to suppress another person’s gift.

    The strength of one leader should never become a reason to make everyone else unnecessary.

    The Church is not strengthened by making one man indispensable. It is strengthened when every member functions faithfully under Christ.

    A MATURE LEADER REJOICES WHEN OTHERS RISE

    John the Baptist demonstrated the proper heart of a servant when he said:

    “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30

    A true servant does not compete when Christ raises another servant.

    He rejoices when disciples mature.

    He rejoices when other ministers become fruitful.

    He rejoices when other members discover and exercise their gifts.

    He rejoices because he understands:

    I am a steward, not the owner.

    EVEN MOSES LEARNED TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY

    Jethro observed Moses carrying the entire burden alone and told him:

    “The thing that thou doest is not good.” — Exodus 18:17

    He instructed Moses to share responsibility with capable men.

    The principle is simple:

    God’s work is often too great for one person to carry alone.

    No individual has every gift, every capacity, or every reach.

    God designed His people to work together.

    CHRIST ALONE IS THE HEAD

    Paul declares:

    “And he is the head of the body, the church.” — Colossians 1:18

    Therefore:

    The elder is not the Head.

    The bishop is not the Head.

    The pastor is not the Head.

    The apostle is not the Head.

    The founder is not the Head.

    The denomination is not the Head.

    Christ is the Head.

    Every legitimate ministry must therefore function under Him, serve Him, and direct people to Him.

    KINGDOM ERA DECLARATION

    This Kingdom Season is calling the Church back to the New Testament pattern of collective functioning, faithful stewardship, spiritual oversight, mutual service, and complete submission to the headship of Christ.

    Let the one-man mindset give way to the Body principle.

    Let ownership give way to stewardship.

    Let leaders equip the saints.

    Let elders provide godly oversight.

    Let every ministry gift function.

    Let disciples mature.

    Let servants multiply.

    Let ministers become co-labourers rather than competitors.

    For:

    “We are labourers together with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9

    The Church is not a personal enterprise.

    The flock is not a personal possession.

    The ministry is not a personal kingdom.

    The Body belongs to Christ.

    Therefore:

    ONE HEAD — CHRIST.

    ONE BODY — THE CHURCH.

    MANY MEMBERS — FUNCTIONING ACCORDING TO GOD-GIVEN GRACE.

    PLURAL ELDERS — PROVIDING SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT.

    MANY SERVANTS — LABOURING TOGETHER.

    ONE KINGDOM — CHRIST’S KINGDOM.

    ONE PURPOSE — THAT THE BODY MAY MATURE, CHRIST MAY BE FORMED IN HIS PEOPLE, AND HIS KINGDOM MAY ADVANCE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH.

    Christ alone is the Head.
    Christ alone is the Owner.
    We are servants and stewards of what belongs to Him.

    This is the Kingdom Season.

    This is the season in which the Spirit is restoring His Church to Christ’s original order, purpose, design, and pattern.

    May everything that has taken the place of Christ come down, and may Christ alone take His rightful place in His Church.

    To be continued…
    AUTHORITY AND POWER TO TAKE OVER AND TAKE CHARGE PART 2118 — KINGDOM ERA THIS IS THE KINGDOM SEASON — A TIME OF RESTORATION We are in a specific moment that we are calling the Kingdom Season—a prophetic season in which the Spirit of God is moving to restore His Church to His original order, purpose, design, and pattern. The Lord is not merely bringing another revival of activities, crowds, programs, or religious excitement. He is restoring His Church to Christ. He is exposing what has been built according to human wisdom and calling His people back to what was established according to His divine blueprint. The Spirit is restoring Christ as the Head, the Word as the standard, the Holy Spirit as the Guide, servants as leaders, disciples as functioning members, and the Church as the Body of Christ rather than a platform for human kingdoms. This is a season of reordering, cleansing, correcting, restoring, and rebuilding. What has been distorted must be corrected. What has been misplaced must be restored to its proper place. What has been built according to human patterns must come back under the government of Christ. What has exalted man must bow before Christ. What has become religious tradition must be tested by the Word. And what belongs to Christ must be returned fully to Christ. The Spirit of God is bringing His Church back to His original plan and pattern—not man’s improved version of Christianity, but Christ’s Church according to the Father’s eternal purpose. This is why we must discern the season. We are not merely entering another season of church activity. We are entering a season of Kingdom restoration. Those who discern what the Spirit is doing must therefore be willing to surrender every pattern, practice, title, structure, tradition, ambition, and personal kingdom that cannot stand under the authority of Christ and His Word. This is the Kingdom Season. This is the season of restoration. This is the season of divine order. This is the season of returning to the original pattern. This is the season in which Christ must have His rightful place in His Church. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 CHRIST DESIGNED HIS CHURCH FOR COLLECTIVE FUNCTIONING, NOT ONE-MAN OWNERSHIP One of the areas the Spirit is restoring is the way Christ’s Church functions. The Church Christ is building is a corporate Kingdom work, not a one-man show. A one-man system is not the pattern of Christ’s Kingdom. It is a pattern that develops when one individual begins to occupy a place that belongs to Christ and when what was entrusted to a servant becomes treated as the servant’s personal possession. The Lord structured His Church so that no individual could rightly claim ownership of it. The Church was never designed to become the personal possession, platform, or kingdom of one man. It is Christ’s Church—purchased by His blood, built by Him, and governed under His headship. Jesus said: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18 He did not say, “I will build your church.” The Church belongs to Christ. The people belong to Christ. The ministry belongs to Christ. The gifts belong to Christ. The harvest belongs to Christ. The glory belongs to Christ. Therefore, no servant has the right to turn what belongs to Christ into a personal possession. GOD DESIGNED HIS CHURCH FOR MANY MEMBERS TO FUNCTION TOGETHER God did not place every gift, responsibility, and function in one individual. He distributed grace throughout the Body. Paul writes: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” — Ephesians 4:11 And concerning the Body, he says: “For as the body is one, and hath many members… so also is Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12 The Body has many members but one Head—Christ. This means no apostle, pastor, bishop, elder, prophet, evangelist, teacher, founder, or any other servant can take Christ’s place or claim personal ownership of His Church. The Kingdom pattern is: Many servants under one Lord. Many members under one Head. Many gifts working together for one purpose. THE LORD ESTABLISHED ELDERS AND LEADERS IN THE PLURAL The New Testament repeatedly presents spiritual leadership in the plural. Paul and Barnabas: “ordained them elders in every church.” — Acts 14:23 Paul later called: “the elders of the church.” — Acts 20:17 He then told them: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” — Acts 20:28 These elders were entrusted with spiritual oversight of God’s flock. This plurality was not designed to create disorder or competing authorities. It provided a framework for shared responsibility, spiritual oversight, accountability, discernment, and the functioning of different gifts. The biblical pattern does not eliminate leadership. It puts leadership in its proper place under Christ. ELDER AND BISHOP/OVERSEER The New Testament also shows the close relationship between the terms elder and bishop/overseer. In Acts 20, Paul first called the leaders elders and then told those same men that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers. The same pattern appears in Titus 1. Paul instructed Titus: “ordain elders in every city…” — Titus 1:5 Then, speaking about that same leadership responsibility, he says: “For a bishop must be blameless…” — Titus 1:7 Thus, biblical leadership was not designed around personal ownership of the flock by one individual. The elders were servants entrusted with oversight of what belonged to God. PETER AND JOHN DEMONSTRATED THE PRINCIPLE Peter was an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, yet he wrote: “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ.” — 1 Peter 5:1 He then instructed them: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…” — 1 Peter 5:2 Notice the language: “The flock of God.” Not Peter’s flock. Peter understood that he was a servant entrusted with responsibility for what belonged to God. John likewise identified himself in his letters as: “The elder…” — 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1 These apostles carried tremendous spiritual authority, yet their authority did not make them owners of Christ’s Church. They were entrusted with the flock; they did not own the flock. ACTS 15 SHOWS COLLECTIVE SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT A serious doctrinal question arose in the early Church concerning circumcision. How was it handled? “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.” — Acts 15:6 Peter spoke. Paul and Barnabas testified. James contributed. And Acts 15:22 says: “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church…” This was neither anarchy nor one-man dictatorship. It was spiritual leadership functioning together with order, discernment, testimony, and accountability under Christ. Therefore, rejecting one-man ownership does not mean rejecting godly leadership. It means restoring leadership to its proper place under Christ. AUTHORITY IS RESPONSIBILITY, NOT OWNERSHIP There is a profound difference between saying: “God has entrusted this responsibility to me” and: “This belongs to me.” A steward receives responsibility without claiming ownership. An elder oversees God’s flock but does not own it. A pastor shepherds, but the sheep belong to Christ. An apostle establishes and equips, but Christ remains the Builder. A teacher instructs, but Christ remains the Lord of His Church. Therefore, we must never confuse being entrusted with something with owning it. PAUL AND APOLLOS — MANY SERVANTS, ONE WORK Paul gives us the proper Kingdom perspective: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 Different servants performed different functions, but God alone gave the increase. Paul therefore said: “For we are labourers together with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9 Labourers together. The Kingdom advances through cooperation, not competition for ownership. One may plant. Another may water. Another may teach. Another may shepherd. Another may evangelize. Another may disciple. But God gives the increase. LEADERSHIP EXISTS TO EQUIP THE BODY Ephesians 4:11–12 reveals why Christ gave ministry gifts: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” The purpose of leadership is therefore to equip the saints and build up the Body. A mature leader does not seek to make everyone permanently dependent upon him. He raises disciples who can mature, serve, exercise their gifts, and help others grow. Paul told Timothy: “The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 This is Kingdom multiplication: Paul → Timothy → faithful men → others. The goal is not to build dependence upon one man but to multiply faithful servants of Christ. THE ONE-MAN MINDSET RESTRICTS THE BODY When everything must pass through one individual, the functioning of other members can be unnecessarily restricted. One person can gradually become the preacher, teacher, decision-maker, representative, visionary, administrator, and final voice, while everyone else becomes a spectator. But Christ has given different gifts to different members. The Church must therefore make room for the Body to function. The greatness of one person’s gift should never become a reason to suppress another person’s gift. The strength of one leader should never become a reason to make everyone else unnecessary. The Church is not strengthened by making one man indispensable. It is strengthened when every member functions faithfully under Christ. A MATURE LEADER REJOICES WHEN OTHERS RISE John the Baptist demonstrated the proper heart of a servant when he said: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 A true servant does not compete when Christ raises another servant. He rejoices when disciples mature. He rejoices when other ministers become fruitful. He rejoices when other members discover and exercise their gifts. He rejoices because he understands: I am a steward, not the owner. EVEN MOSES LEARNED TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY Jethro observed Moses carrying the entire burden alone and told him: “The thing that thou doest is not good.” — Exodus 18:17 He instructed Moses to share responsibility with capable men. The principle is simple: God’s work is often too great for one person to carry alone. No individual has every gift, every capacity, or every reach. God designed His people to work together. CHRIST ALONE IS THE HEAD Paul declares: “And he is the head of the body, the church.” — Colossians 1:18 Therefore: The elder is not the Head. The bishop is not the Head. The pastor is not the Head. The apostle is not the Head. The founder is not the Head. The denomination is not the Head. Christ is the Head. Every legitimate ministry must therefore function under Him, serve Him, and direct people to Him. KINGDOM ERA DECLARATION This Kingdom Season is calling the Church back to the New Testament pattern of collective functioning, faithful stewardship, spiritual oversight, mutual service, and complete submission to the headship of Christ. Let the one-man mindset give way to the Body principle. Let ownership give way to stewardship. Let leaders equip the saints. Let elders provide godly oversight. Let every ministry gift function. Let disciples mature. Let servants multiply. Let ministers become co-labourers rather than competitors. For: “We are labourers together with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9 The Church is not a personal enterprise. The flock is not a personal possession. The ministry is not a personal kingdom. The Body belongs to Christ. Therefore: ONE HEAD — CHRIST. ONE BODY — THE CHURCH. MANY MEMBERS — FUNCTIONING ACCORDING TO GOD-GIVEN GRACE. PLURAL ELDERS — PROVIDING SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT. MANY SERVANTS — LABOURING TOGETHER. ONE KINGDOM — CHRIST’S KINGDOM. ONE PURPOSE — THAT THE BODY MAY MATURE, CHRIST MAY BE FORMED IN HIS PEOPLE, AND HIS KINGDOM MAY ADVANCE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH. Christ alone is the Head. Christ alone is the Owner. We are servants and stewards of what belongs to Him. This is the Kingdom Season. This is the season in which the Spirit is restoring His Church to Christ’s original order, purpose, design, and pattern. May everything that has taken the place of Christ come down, and may Christ alone take His rightful place in His Church. To be continued…
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  • Glord Mkelroi
    2026-09-13 16:30:58 -
    This text won the German Short Literary Award

    A man
    was dying;
    when he realized
    he was dying,
    he saw God
    holding a box in His hand.

    God said:
    “It’s time to go.”

    The man said:
    “So soon?
    I had so many plans.”

    God said:
    “Sorry, but
    it’s time to go!”

    The man asked God:
    “What’s in your box?”

    God replied:
    “Your belongings.”

    The man asked:
    “My belongings?
    You mean:
    all my things?
    My clothes,
    my money, and so on?”

    God said:
    “Those are no longer yours!
    They belong to the earth.”

    The man said:
    “What about my memories?”

    God replied:
    “They belong to time.”

    The man asked:
    “My family
    and friends?”

    God said:
    “No,
    they were temporary!”

    The man asked:
    “What about my wife
    and children?”

    God replied:
    “They belong to your heart.”

    The man asked again:
    “So surely the contents of the box
    are my body parts, right?”

    God said:
    “No;
    they belong to dust!”

    The man said:
    “Then surely it’s my soul?”

    God replied:
    “Wrong!
    Your soul belongs to Me.”

    The man,
    with tearful eyes
    and great fear,
    took the box from God
    and opened it,
    only to find it empty.

    The man,
    with a broken heart, said:
    “I never had anything?”

    God replied:
    “That’s right,
    you owned nothing.

    The man asked:
    “So, what did I have?”

    God replied:
    “The moments of life
    were yours.

    Every moment
    that you lived
    was yours.

    Life is
    just moments;
    treasure
    the moments
    and love
    the moments.

    What has passed,
    became the past!
    Sadly, it passed
    without attention,
    but it passed!

    And when we
    wanted to reflect
    on ‘just a couple of days,’
    the sign on the door said:
    ⇦ Passed Away ⇨

    Let us treasure each other
    and the good moments we share.

    This text won the German Short Literary Award.
    Dedicated to all noble and wise individuals.
    Let us value the moments of life.
    This text won the German Short Literary Award 🤔 A man was dying; when he realized he was dying, he saw God holding a box in His hand. God said: “It’s time to go.” The man said: “So soon? I had so many plans.” God said: “Sorry, but it’s time to go!” The man asked God: “What’s in your box?” God replied: “Your belongings.” The man asked: “My belongings? You mean: all my things? My clothes, my money, and so on?” God said: “Those are no longer yours! They belong to the earth.” The man said: “What about my memories?” God replied: “They belong to time.” The man asked: “My family and friends?” God said: “No, they were temporary!” The man asked: “What about my wife and children?” God replied: “They belong to your heart.” The man asked again: “So surely the contents of the box are my body parts, right?” God said: “No; they belong to dust!” The man said: “Then surely it’s my soul?” God replied: “Wrong! Your soul belongs to Me.” The man, with tearful eyes and great fear, took the box from God and opened it, only to find it empty. The man, with a broken heart, said: “I never had anything?” God replied: “That’s right, you owned nothing. The man asked: “So, what did I have?” God replied: “The moments of life were yours. Every moment that you lived was yours. Life is just moments; treasure the moments and love the moments. What has passed, became the past! Sadly, it passed without attention, but it passed! And when we wanted to reflect on ‘just a couple of days,’ the sign on the door said: ⇦ Passed Away ⇨ Let us treasure each other and the good moments we share. 🌹 This text won the German Short Literary Award. Dedicated to all noble and wise individuals. Let us value the moments of life.
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  • Grace Goldston added a photo
    2026-09-13 11:52:10 -
    Romans 8:1–17 — The Life of the Spirit

    This is one of the clearest passages in Scripture about freedom from condemnation, life through the Holy Spirit, and our identity as God’s children.

    Romans 8:1 — No condemnation
    If you belong to Christ Jesus, your past no longer has the final word. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

    Romans 8:2–4 — Freedom from sin’s power
    Through Christ, the law of the Spirit of life sets believers free from the law of sin and death. Jesus accomplished what the law could not do by dealing with sin through His own sacrifice.

    Romans 8:5–8 — Two ways of living
    Paul contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit. What controls our minds shapes the direction of our lives. The mind governed by the Spirit is characterized by life and peace.

    Romans 8:9–11 — The Holy Spirit lives in believers
    Paul makes the distinction clear: belonging to Christ is connected with having the Spirit of Christ. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead gives life to believers.

    Romans 8:12–13 — Put sin to death
    Grace doesn’t mean continuing in sin. Because we belong to Christ, we are called to put sinful practices to death through the Spirit.

    Romans 8:14–17 — Children and heirs of God
    Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children. We don’t have to approach God as slaves living in fear. Through Christ, we can call Him Father.

    And if we are God’s children, we are also heirs with Christ.

    The message

    Romans 8:1–17 connects beautifully with what you were writing about:

    You are not condemned.
    You are not who you used to be.
    You belong to Christ.
    You have the Holy Spirit.
    You are called to walk by the Spirit.
    You are God’s child.
    And your future is with Christ.

    The Christian life isn’t simply about being saved from something.

    It’s about being given new life in Christ and learning to walk by the Spirit.

    “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” — Romans 8:14
    Romans 8:1–17 — The Life of the Spirit This is one of the clearest passages in Scripture about freedom from condemnation, life through the Holy Spirit, and our identity as God’s children. Romans 8:1 — No condemnation If you belong to Christ Jesus, your past no longer has the final word. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Romans 8:2–4 — Freedom from sin’s power Through Christ, the law of the Spirit of life sets believers free from the law of sin and death. Jesus accomplished what the law could not do by dealing with sin through His own sacrifice. Romans 8:5–8 — Two ways of living Paul contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit. What controls our minds shapes the direction of our lives. The mind governed by the Spirit is characterized by life and peace. Romans 8:9–11 — The Holy Spirit lives in believers Paul makes the distinction clear: belonging to Christ is connected with having the Spirit of Christ. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead gives life to believers. Romans 8:12–13 — Put sin to death Grace doesn’t mean continuing in sin. Because we belong to Christ, we are called to put sinful practices to death through the Spirit. Romans 8:14–17 — Children and heirs of God Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children. We don’t have to approach God as slaves living in fear. Through Christ, we can call Him Father. And if we are God’s children, we are also heirs with Christ. 🔥 The message Romans 8:1–17 connects beautifully with what you were writing about: You are not condemned. You are not who you used to be. You belong to Christ. You have the Holy Spirit. You are called to walk by the Spirit. You are God’s child. And your future is with Christ. The Christian life isn’t simply about being saved from something. It’s about being given new life in Christ and learning to walk by the Spirit. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” — Romans 8:14
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  • Russ Hjelm Bible Studies added a photo
    2026-09-13 11:29:52 -
    Come to Me and Find Rest: The Gracious Invitation of Christ to the Weary and Burdened

    A Devotional Bible Study Reflecting on Matthew 11:28

    “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

    Few invitations in Scripture speak as tenderly and directly to the human condition as the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28. They are simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough to sustain a lifetime of theological reflection. “Come to Me,” Jesus says. In these few words, the heart of the gospel is revealed. Christ does not merely offer advice to the weary. He does not simply provide principles for managing burdens more effectively. He does not point exhausted people toward a religious system and tell them to work harder. He invites them to Himself.

    The setting of this invitation gives it even greater significance. Jesus has been speaking about the revelation of God and the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Immediately before this invitation, He declares that all things have been entrusted to Him by the Father and that no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Then comes the invitation: “Come to Me.”

    The connection is important. Jesus is not presenting Himself merely as a sympathetic teacher who understands human exhaustion. He speaks as the Son who reveals the Father. The One calling the weary is the One through whom God makes Himself known. Therefore, coming to Christ is not simply coming to a source of emotional comfort. It is coming to God as He has revealed Himself in His Son.

    The Christian faith begins with this movement toward Christ.

    “Come to Me.”

    Jesus does not say, “Come to an idea.” He does not say, “Come to a philosophy.” He does not say, “Come to a set of moral achievements.” Christianity is rooted in a Person. The center of Christian faith is Jesus Christ Himself.

    This distinction matters because people often attempt to find rest through everything except Christ. Some seek rest through achievement. They imagine that peace will come when enough has been accomplished, enough recognition has been received, enough money has been earned, or enough goals have been reached. Others seek rest through control, believing that if circumstances can be managed carefully enough, uncertainty can be eliminated. Others pursue distraction, entertainment, possessions, relationships, or constant activity.

    These things may provide temporary relief, but they cannot give the kind of rest Jesus promises.

    The rest of Christ reaches deeper than circumstances because the deepest burdens of humanity are deeper than circumstances.

    Human beings carry the burden of sin. They carry guilt over what has been done and regret over what cannot be undone. They carry fear about the future, grief over what has been lost, disappointment over what has failed, and anxiety over what cannot be controlled. They carry the exhausting pressure of trying to justify themselves before others, before themselves, and ultimately before God.

    Jesus speaks directly into this condition: “Come to Me.”

    Notice that Christ does not first demand that the weary become strong.

    He calls them while they are weary.

    He does not require the burdened to remove their burdens before approaching Him.

    He calls them while they are burdened.

    This reveals something essential about grace. Grace does not wait for human beings to make themselves acceptable before approaching God. Grace is God’s invitation to those who know they cannot rescue themselves.

    The gospel does not announce that strong people can come to Christ once they have demonstrated their strength. The gospel announces that sinners, sufferers, failures, doubters, exhausted servants, frightened hearts, and burdened souls may come because Christ Himself has opened the way.

    There is profound humility in coming to Jesus.

    To come to Christ is to acknowledge that self-sufficiency has failed. It is to admit that the human heart cannot manufacture the peace it desperately needs. It is to recognize that salvation cannot be earned, guilt cannot be erased by good intentions, and spiritual life cannot be sustained by human strength alone.

    The world often celebrates independence as strength. The kingdom of God reveals dependence upon Christ as wisdom.

    Jesus specifically addresses “all you who are weary and burdened.”

    The word “weary” brings to mind exhaustion from labor. It describes people who have worked until their strength has been depleted. Spiritually, it speaks powerfully to the exhaustion that comes from attempting to establish righteousness through human effort.

    Religious striving can become an enormous burden when people begin to believe that God’s acceptance must continually be earned. Every failure then becomes evidence of rejection. Every weakness becomes a reason for fear. Every spiritual discipline becomes another test that must be passed.

    The gospel changes the foundation entirely.

    Christ does not say, “Work until you deserve rest.”

    He says, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest.”

    Rest is given.

    That word “give” carries the fragrance of grace.

    Jesus does not sell rest. He does not negotiate rest. He does not place rest at the end of an impossible spiritual obstacle course.

    He gives it.

    The gift is possible because Christ Himself carries the ultimate burden that sinners could never carry. At the cross, Jesus bears sin and its judgment. The sinless Son enters the place of condemnation so that those who belong to Him may receive reconciliation with God.

    The rest of Matthew 11:28 therefore finds its deepest meaning in the saving work of Christ.

    The conscience cannot truly rest while guilt remains unresolved. Human beings can suppress guilt, excuse it, redefine it, or distract themselves from it, but none of those actions actually removes it. The gospel offers something radically different: forgiveness grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

    The cross declares that sin is serious enough to require the death of the Son of God, but grace is powerful enough for the Son of God willingly to give Himself for sinners.

    This is why Christian rest is not denial.

    It is reconciliation.

    The believer rests not because sin does not matter but because Christ has dealt with it. The believer rests not because judgment is imaginary but because Christ has borne judgment. The believer rests not because righteousness is unnecessary but because the righteousness needed before God is found in Christ rather than produced through human self-salvation.

    There is also a deeply personal quality to the invitation.

    Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

    He does not merely offer rest from a distance. He gives Himself.

    This pattern appears throughout Scripture. God’s greatest gift to His people is ultimately God Himself. Salvation includes forgiveness, adoption, eternal life, resurrection, and the restoration of creation, but at the heart of all these blessings is communion with God.

    Christ does not merely change the believer’s destination. He becomes the believer’s life.

    This means the rest Jesus gives is relational.

    There are burdens that disappear when circumstances change, but there are other burdens that must be carried through circumstances that may not change quickly. Jesus does not promise that every difficult situation will immediately vanish when someone comes to Him.

    The sick may still need healing.

    The grieving may still mourn.

    The lonely may still wait.

    The financially troubled may still need wisdom and provision.

    The persecuted may still face opposition.

    The uncertain may still walk through seasons where answers are incomplete.

    Yet something fundamental changes: these burdens are no longer carried apart from Christ.

    Christian rest is not always the removal of responsibility. Often it is the presence of Christ within responsibility.

    This protects Matthew 11:28 from becoming a promise of passive spirituality. Jesus is not inviting people into inactivity. The verses that follow speak of taking His yoke and learning from Him. A yoke was associated with work, direction, and discipleship.

    The paradox is beautiful.

    Jesus gives rest, and then He gives a yoke.

    But His yoke does not destroy rest. His yoke teaches the shape of rest.

    The exhausting burden is not obedience to Christ. The exhausting burden is life apart from Christ—trying to carry what only He can carry, trying to control what belongs to God, trying to establish an identity apart from grace, and trying to secure through human strength what can only be received through divine mercy.

    Christ’s lordship does not crush the soul. It restores the soul to its proper order.

    The human heart was created to live under God’s loving authority. Sin promised freedom through independence from God, but that supposed freedom produced slavery. Christ restores true freedom by bringing human life back under the gracious reign of its Creator.

    This has enormous practical implications.

    Many people are exhausted not only because they have too much to do, but because they are trying to carry responsibilities God never gave them.

    People try to control how others think about them.

    They try to guarantee outcomes.

    They try to predict every possibility.

    They carry tomorrow before tomorrow arrives.

    They replay yesterday even though yesterday cannot be changed.

    They assume responsibility for circumstances beyond their authority.

    They measure their worth by productivity.

    They confuse faithfulness with constant activity.

    Matthew 11:28 interrupts this pattern.

    “Come to Me.”

    Before solving every problem, come to Christ.

    Before carrying tomorrow, come to Christ.

    Before trying to prove worth, come to Christ.

    Before attempting to understand every unanswered question, come to Christ.

    This does not mean Christians abandon planning, wisdom, responsibility, or action. It means these things are practiced from a different spiritual center.

    Faithful planning says, “God is sovereign, so plans can be made without pretending to control the future.”

    Faithful work says, “God has given responsibilities, so they can be carried without making productivity the foundation of identity.”

    Faithful service says, “God calls His people to love others, but no servant is the Savior.”

    Faithful prayer says, “This burden is real, but it does not belong in human hands alone.”

    One of the most practical ways to live Matthew 11:28 is to learn the spiritual discipline of surrender.

    Surrender is not indifference. It is the deliberate recognition that God is God and His people are not.

    There are matters requiring action, and those should be addressed faithfully. There are matters requiring repentance, and those should be confessed honestly. There are relationships requiring reconciliation, and those should be pursued humbly. There are decisions requiring wisdom, and those should be approached prayerfully.

    But after faithful obedience has done what it can do, faith releases what it cannot control.

    The burden is placed into the hands of Christ.

    This is particularly important when dealing with anxiety about the future. The human mind has an extraordinary ability to suffer events that have not happened. It imagines possibilities, develops worst-case scenarios, and then begins emotionally carrying them as though they were already reality.

    Christ calls the anxious heart back to Himself.

    Grace is given for the present moment.

    Strength is given for the present obedience.

    Tomorrow remains in the hands of God.

    This does not mean tomorrow will be easy. It means tomorrow will not arrive before God’s presence does.

    The One who says, “Come to Me,” is already Lord over every tomorrow.

    Matthew 11:28 also reshapes how the church should treat weary people.

    If Jesus welcomes the weary, His people must not shame them for being weary.

    The church should be a community where burdens can be acknowledged without pretending, where weakness can be confessed without humiliation, where repentance leads toward restoration, and where suffering people encounter the compassion of Christ through His body.

    Christians are called to bear one another’s burdens precisely because they themselves live by grace.

    A community centered on performance will hide weakness.

    A community centered on grace can bring weakness into the light.

    This does not mean ignoring sin or abandoning truth. Jesus is full of grace and truth. Genuine rest never requires pretending that destructive things are harmless. Sometimes the most loving act is correction. Sometimes burdens grow because patterns of sin need to be confronted and abandoned.

    But even correction should lead people toward Christ rather than toward despair.

    The goal is restoration.

    The invitation also speaks powerfully to those who have been following Christ for many years. Matthew 11:28 is not merely an evangelistic doorway that believers pass through once and leave behind.

    The Christian life continually returns to Christ.

    Every day presents new burdens.

    Every season reveals new limitations.

    Every stage of discipleship exposes deeper areas where self-reliance must give way to trust.

    Spiritual maturity therefore does not mean needing Jesus less.

    It means increasingly understanding how completely He is needed.

    The mature Christian is not someone who has graduated from dependence upon grace. The mature Christian has learned to live more consciously within it.

    Prayer becomes less about persuading God to cooperate with human plans and more about bringing life beneath His wisdom.

    Scripture becomes more than information; it becomes the voice through which Christ continually reshapes the mind.

    Worship becomes more than religious activity; it becomes the response of a heart remembering who God is.

    Obedience becomes less about earning approval and more about living from the approval already given in Christ.

    Service becomes less about proving significance and more about participating in God’s work.

    Rest becomes not the absence of labor but freedom from the need to make labor the source of identity.

    There is also an eschatological dimension to Christ’s promise. The rest believers experience now points toward the final rest that awaits the people of God.

    For now, Christians still live in a world marked by death, injustice, disease, temptation, grief, and decay. The rest Christ gives is genuine, but believers still groan for the completion of redemption.

    One day the invitation will reach its fullest expression.

    Faith will become sight.

    The struggle against sin will end.

    Death will be defeated completely.

    Tears will be wiped away.

    Creation will be renewed.

    The people of God will dwell forever in the presence of the One who called them to Himself.

    Until that day, Matthew 11:28 remains both invitation and anchor.

    When guilt becomes heavy: come to Christ.

    When responsibility becomes overwhelming: come to Christ.

    When grief becomes exhausting: come to Christ.

    When uncertainty becomes frightening: come to Christ.

    When spiritual failure produces discouragement: come to Christ.

    When success tempts the heart toward self-sufficiency: come to Christ.

    When ministry becomes tiring: come to Christ.

    When prayer feels difficult: come to Christ.

    When the road ahead is unclear: come to Christ.

    The answer is repeatedly the same because Christ remains the same.

    The invitation does not depend upon the strength of the one approaching. Its reliability rests upon the character of the One who speaks.

    Jesus does not say, “Come to Me, and perhaps I will help.”

    He says, “I will give you rest.”

    There is certainty in His promise because there is certainty in His character.

    The weary do not come to a reluctant Savior.

    The burdened do not approach a Christ who must be persuaded to show mercy.

    The invitation originated with Him.

    He calls.

    He receives.

    He gives.

    He restores.

    He carries.

    He saves.

    And this is the heart of Matthew 11:28: Christianity is not ultimately the story of exhausted human beings climbing their way toward God. It is the story of God coming near in Jesus Christ and calling exhausted human beings to Himself.

    The world says, “Become stronger.”

    Christ says, “Come to Me.”

    The world says, “Prove yourself.”

    Christ says, “Come to Me.”

    The world says, “Carry everything.”

    Christ says, “Come to Me.”

    The world says, “Your value depends upon what you accomplish.”

    Christ says, “Come to Me.”

    The invitation remains open wherever the gospel is proclaimed.

    Come with the burden that cannot be solved.

    Come with the sin that must be forgiven.

    Come with the questions that remain unanswered.

    Come with the responsibilities that must still be carried.

    Come with the weakness that cannot be hidden forever.

    Come with the future that cannot be controlled.

    Come not because the burden is small, but because Christ is greater.

    Come not because human strength is sufficient, but because His grace is sufficient.

    Come not merely seeking relief from difficult circumstances, but seeking the Savior Himself.

    For the deepest rest of the Christian life is not found in having every problem resolved, every question answered, every road made easy, or every burden immediately removed.

    The deepest rest is found in belonging to Jesus Christ.

    The hands that receive the weary are the hands that were pierced for sinners.

    The voice that calls the burdened is the voice of the Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep.

    The Savior who promises rest is the risen Lord who conquered sin and death.

    Therefore, the weary may come without fear.

    The burdened may come without pretending.

    The sinner may come without attempting first to become worthy.

    The exhausted servant may come without shame.

    The anxious heart may come without having tomorrow figured out.

    And the promise of Jesus still stands:

    “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

    This is not merely an invitation to stop carrying a burden.

    It is an invitation to discover who was meant to carry it.

    It is not merely an invitation to escape exhaustion.

    It is an invitation to live in communion with Christ.

    It is not merely an invitation to rest for a moment.

    It is an invitation into the grace of the Savior whose presence becomes the resting place of the soul.

    Come to Him.

    And rest.
    Come to Me and Find Rest: The Gracious Invitation of Christ to the Weary and Burdened A Devotional Bible Study Reflecting on Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 Few invitations in Scripture speak as tenderly and directly to the human condition as the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28. They are simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough to sustain a lifetime of theological reflection. “Come to Me,” Jesus says. In these few words, the heart of the gospel is revealed. Christ does not merely offer advice to the weary. He does not simply provide principles for managing burdens more effectively. He does not point exhausted people toward a religious system and tell them to work harder. He invites them to Himself. The setting of this invitation gives it even greater significance. Jesus has been speaking about the revelation of God and the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Immediately before this invitation, He declares that all things have been entrusted to Him by the Father and that no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Then comes the invitation: “Come to Me.” The connection is important. Jesus is not presenting Himself merely as a sympathetic teacher who understands human exhaustion. He speaks as the Son who reveals the Father. The One calling the weary is the One through whom God makes Himself known. Therefore, coming to Christ is not simply coming to a source of emotional comfort. It is coming to God as He has revealed Himself in His Son. The Christian faith begins with this movement toward Christ. “Come to Me.” Jesus does not say, “Come to an idea.” He does not say, “Come to a philosophy.” He does not say, “Come to a set of moral achievements.” Christianity is rooted in a Person. The center of Christian faith is Jesus Christ Himself. This distinction matters because people often attempt to find rest through everything except Christ. Some seek rest through achievement. They imagine that peace will come when enough has been accomplished, enough recognition has been received, enough money has been earned, or enough goals have been reached. Others seek rest through control, believing that if circumstances can be managed carefully enough, uncertainty can be eliminated. Others pursue distraction, entertainment, possessions, relationships, or constant activity. These things may provide temporary relief, but they cannot give the kind of rest Jesus promises. The rest of Christ reaches deeper than circumstances because the deepest burdens of humanity are deeper than circumstances. Human beings carry the burden of sin. They carry guilt over what has been done and regret over what cannot be undone. They carry fear about the future, grief over what has been lost, disappointment over what has failed, and anxiety over what cannot be controlled. They carry the exhausting pressure of trying to justify themselves before others, before themselves, and ultimately before God. Jesus speaks directly into this condition: “Come to Me.” Notice that Christ does not first demand that the weary become strong. He calls them while they are weary. He does not require the burdened to remove their burdens before approaching Him. He calls them while they are burdened. This reveals something essential about grace. Grace does not wait for human beings to make themselves acceptable before approaching God. Grace is God’s invitation to those who know they cannot rescue themselves. The gospel does not announce that strong people can come to Christ once they have demonstrated their strength. The gospel announces that sinners, sufferers, failures, doubters, exhausted servants, frightened hearts, and burdened souls may come because Christ Himself has opened the way. There is profound humility in coming to Jesus. To come to Christ is to acknowledge that self-sufficiency has failed. It is to admit that the human heart cannot manufacture the peace it desperately needs. It is to recognize that salvation cannot be earned, guilt cannot be erased by good intentions, and spiritual life cannot be sustained by human strength alone. The world often celebrates independence as strength. The kingdom of God reveals dependence upon Christ as wisdom. Jesus specifically addresses “all you who are weary and burdened.” The word “weary” brings to mind exhaustion from labor. It describes people who have worked until their strength has been depleted. Spiritually, it speaks powerfully to the exhaustion that comes from attempting to establish righteousness through human effort. Religious striving can become an enormous burden when people begin to believe that God’s acceptance must continually be earned. Every failure then becomes evidence of rejection. Every weakness becomes a reason for fear. Every spiritual discipline becomes another test that must be passed. The gospel changes the foundation entirely. Christ does not say, “Work until you deserve rest.” He says, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest.” Rest is given. That word “give” carries the fragrance of grace. Jesus does not sell rest. He does not negotiate rest. He does not place rest at the end of an impossible spiritual obstacle course. He gives it. The gift is possible because Christ Himself carries the ultimate burden that sinners could never carry. At the cross, Jesus bears sin and its judgment. The sinless Son enters the place of condemnation so that those who belong to Him may receive reconciliation with God. The rest of Matthew 11:28 therefore finds its deepest meaning in the saving work of Christ. The conscience cannot truly rest while guilt remains unresolved. Human beings can suppress guilt, excuse it, redefine it, or distract themselves from it, but none of those actions actually removes it. The gospel offers something radically different: forgiveness grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The cross declares that sin is serious enough to require the death of the Son of God, but grace is powerful enough for the Son of God willingly to give Himself for sinners. This is why Christian rest is not denial. It is reconciliation. The believer rests not because sin does not matter but because Christ has dealt with it. The believer rests not because judgment is imaginary but because Christ has borne judgment. The believer rests not because righteousness is unnecessary but because the righteousness needed before God is found in Christ rather than produced through human self-salvation. There is also a deeply personal quality to the invitation. Jesus says, “Come to Me.” He does not merely offer rest from a distance. He gives Himself. This pattern appears throughout Scripture. God’s greatest gift to His people is ultimately God Himself. Salvation includes forgiveness, adoption, eternal life, resurrection, and the restoration of creation, but at the heart of all these blessings is communion with God. Christ does not merely change the believer’s destination. He becomes the believer’s life. This means the rest Jesus gives is relational. There are burdens that disappear when circumstances change, but there are other burdens that must be carried through circumstances that may not change quickly. Jesus does not promise that every difficult situation will immediately vanish when someone comes to Him. The sick may still need healing. The grieving may still mourn. The lonely may still wait. The financially troubled may still need wisdom and provision. The persecuted may still face opposition. The uncertain may still walk through seasons where answers are incomplete. Yet something fundamental changes: these burdens are no longer carried apart from Christ. Christian rest is not always the removal of responsibility. Often it is the presence of Christ within responsibility. This protects Matthew 11:28 from becoming a promise of passive spirituality. Jesus is not inviting people into inactivity. The verses that follow speak of taking His yoke and learning from Him. A yoke was associated with work, direction, and discipleship. The paradox is beautiful. Jesus gives rest, and then He gives a yoke. But His yoke does not destroy rest. His yoke teaches the shape of rest. The exhausting burden is not obedience to Christ. The exhausting burden is life apart from Christ—trying to carry what only He can carry, trying to control what belongs to God, trying to establish an identity apart from grace, and trying to secure through human strength what can only be received through divine mercy. Christ’s lordship does not crush the soul. It restores the soul to its proper order. The human heart was created to live under God’s loving authority. Sin promised freedom through independence from God, but that supposed freedom produced slavery. Christ restores true freedom by bringing human life back under the gracious reign of its Creator. This has enormous practical implications. Many people are exhausted not only because they have too much to do, but because they are trying to carry responsibilities God never gave them. People try to control how others think about them. They try to guarantee outcomes. They try to predict every possibility. They carry tomorrow before tomorrow arrives. They replay yesterday even though yesterday cannot be changed. They assume responsibility for circumstances beyond their authority. They measure their worth by productivity. They confuse faithfulness with constant activity. Matthew 11:28 interrupts this pattern. “Come to Me.” Before solving every problem, come to Christ. Before carrying tomorrow, come to Christ. Before trying to prove worth, come to Christ. Before attempting to understand every unanswered question, come to Christ. This does not mean Christians abandon planning, wisdom, responsibility, or action. It means these things are practiced from a different spiritual center. Faithful planning says, “God is sovereign, so plans can be made without pretending to control the future.” Faithful work says, “God has given responsibilities, so they can be carried without making productivity the foundation of identity.” Faithful service says, “God calls His people to love others, but no servant is the Savior.” Faithful prayer says, “This burden is real, but it does not belong in human hands alone.” One of the most practical ways to live Matthew 11:28 is to learn the spiritual discipline of surrender. Surrender is not indifference. It is the deliberate recognition that God is God and His people are not. There are matters requiring action, and those should be addressed faithfully. There are matters requiring repentance, and those should be confessed honestly. There are relationships requiring reconciliation, and those should be pursued humbly. There are decisions requiring wisdom, and those should be approached prayerfully. But after faithful obedience has done what it can do, faith releases what it cannot control. The burden is placed into the hands of Christ. This is particularly important when dealing with anxiety about the future. The human mind has an extraordinary ability to suffer events that have not happened. It imagines possibilities, develops worst-case scenarios, and then begins emotionally carrying them as though they were already reality. Christ calls the anxious heart back to Himself. Grace is given for the present moment. Strength is given for the present obedience. Tomorrow remains in the hands of God. This does not mean tomorrow will be easy. It means tomorrow will not arrive before God’s presence does. The One who says, “Come to Me,” is already Lord over every tomorrow. Matthew 11:28 also reshapes how the church should treat weary people. If Jesus welcomes the weary, His people must not shame them for being weary. The church should be a community where burdens can be acknowledged without pretending, where weakness can be confessed without humiliation, where repentance leads toward restoration, and where suffering people encounter the compassion of Christ through His body. Christians are called to bear one another’s burdens precisely because they themselves live by grace. A community centered on performance will hide weakness. A community centered on grace can bring weakness into the light. This does not mean ignoring sin or abandoning truth. Jesus is full of grace and truth. Genuine rest never requires pretending that destructive things are harmless. Sometimes the most loving act is correction. Sometimes burdens grow because patterns of sin need to be confronted and abandoned. But even correction should lead people toward Christ rather than toward despair. The goal is restoration. The invitation also speaks powerfully to those who have been following Christ for many years. Matthew 11:28 is not merely an evangelistic doorway that believers pass through once and leave behind. The Christian life continually returns to Christ. Every day presents new burdens. Every season reveals new limitations. Every stage of discipleship exposes deeper areas where self-reliance must give way to trust. Spiritual maturity therefore does not mean needing Jesus less. It means increasingly understanding how completely He is needed. The mature Christian is not someone who has graduated from dependence upon grace. The mature Christian has learned to live more consciously within it. Prayer becomes less about persuading God to cooperate with human plans and more about bringing life beneath His wisdom. Scripture becomes more than information; it becomes the voice through which Christ continually reshapes the mind. Worship becomes more than religious activity; it becomes the response of a heart remembering who God is. Obedience becomes less about earning approval and more about living from the approval already given in Christ. Service becomes less about proving significance and more about participating in God’s work. Rest becomes not the absence of labor but freedom from the need to make labor the source of identity. There is also an eschatological dimension to Christ’s promise. The rest believers experience now points toward the final rest that awaits the people of God. For now, Christians still live in a world marked by death, injustice, disease, temptation, grief, and decay. The rest Christ gives is genuine, but believers still groan for the completion of redemption. One day the invitation will reach its fullest expression. Faith will become sight. The struggle against sin will end. Death will be defeated completely. Tears will be wiped away. Creation will be renewed. The people of God will dwell forever in the presence of the One who called them to Himself. Until that day, Matthew 11:28 remains both invitation and anchor. When guilt becomes heavy: come to Christ. When responsibility becomes overwhelming: come to Christ. When grief becomes exhausting: come to Christ. When uncertainty becomes frightening: come to Christ. When spiritual failure produces discouragement: come to Christ. When success tempts the heart toward self-sufficiency: come to Christ. When ministry becomes tiring: come to Christ. When prayer feels difficult: come to Christ. When the road ahead is unclear: come to Christ. The answer is repeatedly the same because Christ remains the same. The invitation does not depend upon the strength of the one approaching. Its reliability rests upon the character of the One who speaks. Jesus does not say, “Come to Me, and perhaps I will help.” He says, “I will give you rest.” There is certainty in His promise because there is certainty in His character. The weary do not come to a reluctant Savior. The burdened do not approach a Christ who must be persuaded to show mercy. The invitation originated with Him. He calls. He receives. He gives. He restores. He carries. He saves. And this is the heart of Matthew 11:28: Christianity is not ultimately the story of exhausted human beings climbing their way toward God. It is the story of God coming near in Jesus Christ and calling exhausted human beings to Himself. The world says, “Become stronger.” Christ says, “Come to Me.” The world says, “Prove yourself.” Christ says, “Come to Me.” The world says, “Carry everything.” Christ says, “Come to Me.” The world says, “Your value depends upon what you accomplish.” Christ says, “Come to Me.” The invitation remains open wherever the gospel is proclaimed. Come with the burden that cannot be solved. Come with the sin that must be forgiven. Come with the questions that remain unanswered. Come with the responsibilities that must still be carried. Come with the weakness that cannot be hidden forever. Come with the future that cannot be controlled. Come not because the burden is small, but because Christ is greater. Come not because human strength is sufficient, but because His grace is sufficient. Come not merely seeking relief from difficult circumstances, but seeking the Savior Himself. For the deepest rest of the Christian life is not found in having every problem resolved, every question answered, every road made easy, or every burden immediately removed. The deepest rest is found in belonging to Jesus Christ. The hands that receive the weary are the hands that were pierced for sinners. The voice that calls the burdened is the voice of the Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. The Savior who promises rest is the risen Lord who conquered sin and death. Therefore, the weary may come without fear. The burdened may come without pretending. The sinner may come without attempting first to become worthy. The exhausted servant may come without shame. The anxious heart may come without having tomorrow figured out. And the promise of Jesus still stands: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This is not merely an invitation to stop carrying a burden. It is an invitation to discover who was meant to carry it. It is not merely an invitation to escape exhaustion. It is an invitation to live in communion with Christ. It is not merely an invitation to rest for a moment. It is an invitation into the grace of the Savior whose presence becomes the resting place of the soul. Come to Him. And rest.
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  • Grace Goldston added a photo
    2026-09-13 10:45:59 -
    THE VEIL IS BEING LIFTED

    Sometimes we make the end harder to understand because we haven’t fully understood the beginning.

    In the beginning, God created humanity for relationship with Him, life, purpose, and His presence.

    But sin entered the world, and humanity fell.

    Yet God’s plan of redemption was already unfolding.

    Jesus Christ came as the Second Adam—the One who brings redemption, reconciliation, and new life.

    We are sealed.
    The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to Him and are awaiting the fullness of our redemption.
    — Ephesians 1:13–14

    We are filled.
    The Holy Spirit works within us, empowering us to live and walk according to God’s will.
    — Ephesians 5:18

    We are transformed.
    God changes us from the inside out, conforming us more and more to the image of Christ.
    — 2 Corinthians 3:18

    And our identity is no longer defined by who we were.

    We are a new creation in Christ.

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
    — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    The story begins with creation.

    The Fall brought separation.

    The Cross brought redemption.

    The Holy Spirit brings transformation.

    And Christ’s return brings the completion of God’s redemptive plan.

    The Bible begins with a garden and ends with a renewed creation—the river of the water of life, the tree of life, the presence of God, and His people dwelling with Him forever.
    — Revelation 21–22

    We aren’t going backward to become Adam and Eve again.

    We are being made new in Christ.

    The veil is being lifted as the Holy Spirit opens our understanding to the truth revealed in God’s Word.

    THE GOSPEL INVITATION

    If you don’t know Jesus Christ, today is the day to turn to Him.

    We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again.

    You cannot save yourself through works, religion, knowledge, or trying to become good enough.

    Salvation is through Jesus Christ.

    Repent. Turn from sin and turn toward God. Believe in Jesus Christ. Trust in His death and resurrection. Call upon His name and surrender your life to Him.

    “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
    — Romans 10:13

    You don’t have to understand everything before you come to Jesus.

    Come to Him. Believe in Him. Follow Him.

    And for those who already belong to Christ:

    Stand firm. Walk in the Spirit. Keep His Word. Love one another. Share the Gospel.

    Be ready for His return.

    The question isn’t whether we can solve every mystery of the end times.

    The question is:

    Are you in Christ?
    Are you walking in His truth?
    Are you ready for His return?

    No games.
    No pride.
    No chasing revelation for revelation’s sake.

    Jesus first.
    Scripture first.
    The Gospel first.

    GRACE SENT

    Not pointing people to ourselves.

    Pointing people to Jesus.
    THE VEIL IS BEING LIFTED Sometimes we make the end harder to understand because we haven’t fully understood the beginning. In the beginning, God created humanity for relationship with Him, life, purpose, and His presence. But sin entered the world, and humanity fell. Yet God’s plan of redemption was already unfolding. Jesus Christ came as the Second Adam—the One who brings redemption, reconciliation, and new life. We are sealed. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to Him and are awaiting the fullness of our redemption. — Ephesians 1:13–14 We are filled. The Holy Spirit works within us, empowering us to live and walk according to God’s will. — Ephesians 5:18 We are transformed. God changes us from the inside out, conforming us more and more to the image of Christ. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 And our identity is no longer defined by who we were. We are a new creation in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 The story begins with creation. The Fall brought separation. The Cross brought redemption. The Holy Spirit brings transformation. And Christ’s return brings the completion of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible begins with a garden and ends with a renewed creation—the river of the water of life, the tree of life, the presence of God, and His people dwelling with Him forever. — Revelation 21–22 We aren’t going backward to become Adam and Eve again. We are being made new in Christ. The veil is being lifted as the Holy Spirit opens our understanding to the truth revealed in God’s Word. ✝️ THE GOSPEL INVITATION If you don’t know Jesus Christ, today is the day to turn to Him. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again. You cannot save yourself through works, religion, knowledge, or trying to become good enough. Salvation is through Jesus Christ. Repent. Turn from sin and turn toward God. Believe in Jesus Christ. Trust in His death and resurrection. Call upon His name and surrender your life to Him. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 You don’t have to understand everything before you come to Jesus. Come to Him. Believe in Him. Follow Him. And for those who already belong to Christ: Stand firm. Walk in the Spirit. Keep His Word. Love one another. Share the Gospel. Be ready for His return. The question isn’t whether we can solve every mystery of the end times. The question is: Are you in Christ? Are you walking in His truth? Are you ready for His return? No games. No pride. No chasing revelation for revelation’s sake. Jesus first. Scripture first. The Gospel first. 🔥 GRACE SENT Not pointing people to ourselves. Pointing people to Jesus.
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  • Uche Victory Nwankwoifedi added a photo
    2026-09-13 07:01:08 -
    AFTER SURRENDER — WHAT?

    “I have finished the work which You gave Me to do.” — John 17:4

    Have you ever had one of those moments when you told God:

    “Lord, I surrender everything to You.”

    Maybe you cried.

    Maybe you prayed deeply.

    Maybe something happened that made you realize, I can't keep running my life my own way.

    But then what?

    After surrender—what?

    I think this is where the Christian journey becomes even more beautiful.

    Because surrender isn't simply about giving up a relationship, a career, a possession, a dream, or a particular plan.

    At its deepest level, surrender is about who gets the final say.

    Me?

    Or Christ?

    And honestly, that question can be uncomfortable.

    Because sometimes we want Jesus as our Saviour but still want to remain the manager of our lives.

    We say:

    “Lord, save me.”

    But when He says, “Follow Me,” we hesitate.

    We say:

    “Lord, bless my plans.”

    But rarely ask:

    “Lord, are these plans Yours?”

    Surrender says:

    “Jesus, I have plans, but Your will comes first.”

    “I have desires, but I surrender them to You.”

    “I have dreams, but I want Your purpose more than my own.”

    And here's something important:

    Surrender doesn't mean becoming passive.

    You still think.

    You still work.

    You still plan.

    You still make responsible decisions.

    You still pursue excellence.

    But now, you bring everything under the lordship of Christ.

    Jesus said:

    «“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28»

    Sometimes fear, anxiety, confusion, disappointment and uncertainty become the very things that push us toward Jesus.

    Not because He wants to break us.

    But because He wants us to discover that we were never designed to carry life without Him.

    And surrender isn't always dramatic.

    Sometimes surrender looks like forgiving someone when your flesh wants revenge.

    Sometimes it looks like saying no to a temptation.

    Sometimes it means waiting when you desperately want to move.

    Sometimes it means walking away from something you know isn't pleasing to Christ.

    Sometimes it means obeying God when nobody applauds you.

    And sometimes…

    surrender means staying faithful when following Jesus becomes costly.

    Peter learned this.

    Jesus told him in John 21 that there would come a time when someone else would lead him where he did not want to go.

    Peter's surrender couldn't remain an emotional moment.

    It had to become a life.

    And perhaps that's the part we sometimes miss.

    We can surrender something to God today…

    …and try to take it back tomorrow.

    “Lord, I give this to You.”

    Then later:

    “Actually, Jesus, let me handle this one.”



    But real surrender grows beyond emotion.

    It becomes a way of living.

    After surrender, life doesn't suddenly become problem-free.

    You still work.

    You still face temptation.

    You still have unanswered questions.

    You still experience disappointment.

    You still have difficult seasons.

    But something fundamental has changed:

    You are no longer trying to be your own master.

    You belong to Christ.

    So the question every morning becomes:

    “Lord, what is the work You have given me to do today?”

    And then…

    Do it faithfully.

    Not perfectly.

    Faithfully.

    Because after surrender comes daily obedience.

    After surrender comes deeper intimacy.

    After surrender comes continual dependence.

    After surrender comes learning to say:

    “Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42

    Maybe today, the thing Jesus is asking you to surrender isn't a possession.

    Maybe it's your need to control everything.

    Maybe it's your timeline.

    Maybe it's your fear.

    Maybe it's your relationship.

    Maybe it's your ambition.

    Maybe it's simply your right to always have your own way.

    Whatever it is, you don't have to pretend you can surrender perfectly.

    Just come to Jesus.

    Open your heart.

    And tell Him the truth.

    “Lord Jesus, You have my life. Teach me to live like it belongs to You.”

    After surrender—what?

    A life of walking with Jesus.

    One day at a time.

    One decision at a time.

    One act of obedience at a time.



    Let me ask you:
    What do you think is harder to surrender—your plans, your desires, your relationships, or your need for control?

    Let's talk honestly in the comments.

    #Jesus #Surrender #ChristianLife #Faith #GodsWill #FollowingJesus #ChristianLiving #Prayer
    AFTER SURRENDER — WHAT? “I have finished the work which You gave Me to do.” — John 17:4 Have you ever had one of those moments when you told God: “Lord, I surrender everything to You.” Maybe you cried. Maybe you prayed deeply. Maybe something happened that made you realize, I can't keep running my life my own way. But then what? After surrender—what? I think this is where the Christian journey becomes even more beautiful. Because surrender isn't simply about giving up a relationship, a career, a possession, a dream, or a particular plan. At its deepest level, surrender is about who gets the final say. Me? Or Christ? And honestly, that question can be uncomfortable. Because sometimes we want Jesus as our Saviour but still want to remain the manager of our lives. We say: “Lord, save me.” But when He says, “Follow Me,” we hesitate. We say: “Lord, bless my plans.” But rarely ask: “Lord, are these plans Yours?” Surrender says: “Jesus, I have plans, but Your will comes first.” “I have desires, but I surrender them to You.” “I have dreams, but I want Your purpose more than my own.” And here's something important: Surrender doesn't mean becoming passive. You still think. You still work. You still plan. You still make responsible decisions. You still pursue excellence. But now, you bring everything under the lordship of Christ. Jesus said: «“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Sometimes fear, anxiety, confusion, disappointment and uncertainty become the very things that push us toward Jesus. Not because He wants to break us. But because He wants us to discover that we were never designed to carry life without Him. And surrender isn't always dramatic. Sometimes surrender looks like forgiving someone when your flesh wants revenge. Sometimes it looks like saying no to a temptation. Sometimes it means waiting when you desperately want to move. Sometimes it means walking away from something you know isn't pleasing to Christ. Sometimes it means obeying God when nobody applauds you. And sometimes… surrender means staying faithful when following Jesus becomes costly. Peter learned this. Jesus told him in John 21 that there would come a time when someone else would lead him where he did not want to go. Peter's surrender couldn't remain an emotional moment. It had to become a life. And perhaps that's the part we sometimes miss. We can surrender something to God today… …and try to take it back tomorrow. “Lord, I give this to You.” Then later: “Actually, Jesus, let me handle this one.” 😂 But real surrender grows beyond emotion. It becomes a way of living. After surrender, life doesn't suddenly become problem-free. You still work. You still face temptation. You still have unanswered questions. You still experience disappointment. You still have difficult seasons. But something fundamental has changed: You are no longer trying to be your own master. You belong to Christ. So the question every morning becomes: “Lord, what is the work You have given me to do today?” And then… Do it faithfully. Not perfectly. Faithfully. Because after surrender comes daily obedience. After surrender comes deeper intimacy. After surrender comes continual dependence. After surrender comes learning to say: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42 Maybe today, the thing Jesus is asking you to surrender isn't a possession. Maybe it's your need to control everything. Maybe it's your timeline. Maybe it's your fear. Maybe it's your relationship. Maybe it's your ambition. Maybe it's simply your right to always have your own way. Whatever it is, you don't have to pretend you can surrender perfectly. Just come to Jesus. Open your heart. And tell Him the truth. “Lord Jesus, You have my life. Teach me to live like it belongs to You.” After surrender—what? A life of walking with Jesus. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One act of obedience at a time. ❤️ Let me ask you: What do you think is harder to surrender—your plans, your desires, your relationships, or your need for control? Let's talk honestly in the comments. #Jesus #Surrender #ChristianLife #Faith #GodsWill #FollowingJesus #ChristianLiving #Prayer
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  • Bisola Hephzi-bah Johnson
    2026-09-13 06:17:26 -
    https://www.youtube.com/live/oZnc3mERA1E Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." The mysteries of God decoded in this deep dive reveal why these spiritual truths were kept hidden from most people throughout history. Understanding the divine purpose behind these veils changes your entire perspective on faith and biblical prophecy.
    Kindly join Word, Spirit & Prayers at 10 AM West Africa Time. Blessings!
    https://www.youtube.com/live/oZnc3mERA1E Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." The mysteries of God decoded in this deep dive reveal why these spiritual truths were kept hidden from most people throughout history. Understanding the divine purpose behind these veils changes your entire perspective on faith and biblical prophecy. Kindly join Word, Spirit & Prayers at 10 AM West Africa Time. Blessings!
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  • LIVING WORD shared a link
    2026-09-13 04:23:27 -
    Good morning, brethren. Pray for God's blessings on us as worship in our various churches.

    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY.
    SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2O26.
    "WHEN CONFLICT COMES HOME (2)"

    '...Let there be no strife between you and me…for we are brothers.’  Genesis 13:8 NAS

    FAMILY CONFLICT brings out the worst and the best in all of us. But conflict itself isn’t the problem—character is! Conflict just reveals what’s important to us. Abram’s priority was the family; Lot’s was ‘getting rich.’ Abram’s concern was harmony; Lot’s was self-preservation. Abram was driven by his faith; Lot by his greed. Abram was a giver; Lot was a taker. But watch how the story turned out. 1) What should have happened? The junior partner should have submitted to the senior; the follower should have deferred to the leader; the less-spiritual should have acknowledged the more-spiritual. But Lot failed on all counts! 2) What could have happened? As the God-appointed leader Abram could have assumed top dog status and enforced his will, but he didn’t. He could have been concerned about winning, but wasn’t. He could have called in his debts with Lot, but refused to. 3) What did happen? First, Abram elevated relationship above personal advantage. Second, he relinquished his ‘rights’, to keep peace in the family. Third, he ‘turned the other cheek’ and deferred to Lot. The greater gave way to the lesser. The stronger made allowance for the weaker. The mature showed mercy toward the immature. Did it make Abram the weaker man and Lot the stronger? Did Abram lose and Lot win? No! God always has the last word. And it was this: ‘…Look…northward and southward and eastward and westward…all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever’ (Genesis 13:14-15 NAS). Doing things God’s way is the certain road to peace and prosperity.

    Bible In A Year: 2 Cor 9:1 – 11:15, Matt 25:22-30, Ps 24, Pro 21:1-2. 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. [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

    *TRIUMPHING IN CHRIST AND SPREADING HIS FRAGRANCE*

    *TEXT:* 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14–17


    14. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
    15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
    16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
    17. For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.


    *Timeless Truth*

    _Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven._(Matthew 5:14)


    *INTRODUCTION*

    In 2010, Jessica Watson, an Australian teenager, completed a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the world by sea at the age of 16. The journey was extremely dangerous. She faced severe storms, enormous waves, isolation, and the constant possibility of failure. Yet she continued because she had a clear goal and refused to allow the difficulties of the journey to determine her final destination.
    Her story illustrates an important principle: the journey may be difficult, but purpose gives us the strength to continue.
    Apostle Paul's ministry was also marked by difficulty. He experienced opposition, persecution, rejection, imprisonment and hardship. Yet he could confidently say:

    *Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.* (2 Corinthians 2:14)
    Paul the apostle did not say that every circumstance was easy. He said that God always leads His people in triumph in Christ.
    Furthermore, Apostle Paul's life was not only a testimony of victory; it was also a fragrance. Wherever he went, his life and ministry made Christ known. The passage therefore, challenges us to consider three questions: Are we walking in Christ's triumph? Are we spreading Christ's fragrance? And are we serving Christ with sincerity? We are not called to use Christianity as a means of personal gain. We are called to represent Christ faithfully “in the sight of God.”
    This should transform the way we approach ministry. We do not preach merely because people are listening. We preach because God is watching. We do not serve because people will applaud. We serve because Christ is worthy. We do not live holy lives merely to protect our reputation. We live holy lives because we belong to Jesus.
    Therefore, let us go into our homes, churches, workplaces, schools, businesses and communities as representatives of Christ.

    *1. The Triumph of Christ's Victory*

    a. Apostle Paul begins with thanksgiving because the victory belongs to God. He does not say, "I always lead myself in triumph." He says God leads him. Christian victory does not come from self-confidence, but from dependence upon Christ. We may face temptation, disappointment, opposition, or hardship, but Christ remains our source of strength.
    b. Paul the apostle says God “always” leads His people in triumph. This does not mean Christians will never experience suffering or apparent defeat. Paul himself endured imprisonment, beatings, rejection and hardship. Rather, it means that nothing can ultimately defeat God's purpose for those who belong to Christ. Do not interpret temporary difficulties as evidence that God has abandoned you.
    Paul's response to God's victory was thanksgiving:
    Victory should produce worship.

    *Questions*

    (i). When I face difficulties, do I focus more on my problems or on Christ's power?
    (ii) Do I regularly thank God for His victories, including victories I may not immediately recognize?

    *2. The Fragrance of Christ's Witness*

    a. Apostle Paul moves from triumph to testimony. God uses His people to spread the knowledge of Christ. The gospel is compared to a fragrance that spreads. Every Christian is called to make Christ known—not only through preaching, but also through everyday conduct. Our homes, workplaces, schools, communities and churches should encounter something of Christ through us.
    b. Our character should make the gospel attractive.
    People should see Christ in our patience, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, humility and integrity. A believer's conduct can either strengthen or weaken his or her testimony. Paul the apostle says the fragrance has different effects: The gospel demands a response. Some will receive Christ; others will reject Him.

    *Questions*

    *(i)*. What kind of spiritual "fragrance" do people experience when they interact with me?
    (ii) Does my conduct attract people toward Christ or create barriers to the gospel?

    *3. The Truthfulness of Christian Ministry*

    a. Paul the apostle distinguishes genuine Christian ministry from those who manipulate God's Word for personal advantage.
    He refused to corrupt or manipulate God's Word. Christian teachers and preachers must communicate God's Word faithfully rather than changing it to please people.
    b. Christian service should flow from a sincere desire to please God. We should examine why we serve. Are we serving for God's glory or for recognition, money, influence or applause? Paul the apostle emphasizes that ministry happens:
    God sees both the public ministry and the private motives behind it.

    *Questions*

    (i). Are my motives for Christian service genuinely centered on God's glory?
    (ii). Am I faithful to God's Word even when compromise would make me more popular?


    *Prayer Points*

    1. Lord Jesus, help me to depend upon Your strength and walk confidently in the victory You have accomplished for me.
    2. Father, make my life a beautiful fragrance of Christ wherever I go. Let my words, attitudes and actions point people to You.
    3. Lord, purify my motives and help me serve You sincerely, faithfully and without seeking selfish recognition or personal gain.
    4.Father , let the Holy Spirit, use my life and testimony to spread the knowledge of Christ and draw unbelievers to salvation.

    *Hymn:* Let the Beauty ofJesus Be seen in Me

    *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NUMBERS 11-13
    [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026```

    *DANGER OF CORRUPTING THE GOSPEL* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-17```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (2 CORINTHIANS 2:17).*_

    *In the _Spokesman Review_ of December 8, 1984, we find the story of Pedro De Mesones, who served a three-year prison sentence for mail fraud and conspiracy. He told a congressional panel that in three years of "expediting" medical degrees, he provided about 100 clients with false transcripts showing they had fulfilled medical requirements of schools they didn't attend. "Clients paid me from $5,225 to $27,000 for my services, De Mesones said. In all, I earned about $1.5 million in those three years. I only got to keep about $500,000 of this total. The rest went for bribes and expenses."*

    *Fraud not only exists in the secular world, but it is sadly present too among the clergy. There are so-called men of God who carry certificates from Bible schools and colleges, but showcase lives that are uncomplimentary of their calling. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, breaks it all down for us. He tells of the air of aura around the minister, which draws both saints and sinners unto him to hear the truth about the divine demands upon man. He warns that the gospel will become a savour of death unto death if not made a savour of life unto life.*

    *Once the gospel is corrupted, it becomes a different variant, or 'another gospel', which lacks the essential ingredients to make it whole. Those whom the Apostle accuses of the contrary practice, of corrupting the word of God, seem to have been Jews, who accepted Jesus to be Christ and His gospel to be divine, yet adulterated it by intermingling with it the law of Moses and their own traditions. And in doing this, their principal intention was to make a gain of Christ, which, consequently, brought them under a necessity of concealing the end they proposed, as well as the means they used to obtain it.*

    *On the contrary, those who intend the good of humanity are by no means concerned to hide their intentions. They come out plain. They do not preach a gospel with private interpretation. If the benefit we purpose in speaking is to ourselves alone, it is often in our interest to keep it private. If the benefit we propose is to others, it is always in our interest to make it public. Corrupting the gospel can be in the form of adding, subtracting or embellishing it with worldly contents so that it loses its form and strength. We should, as believers and preachers of the word, be very vigilant and contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. We should avoid all forms of adulation for errant preachers who preach the gospel to fill up their bellies. We should always live our lives in conformity with Christ's demands.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*The gospel corrupters soon perish with their filthy lucre.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NUMBERS 11-13*


    Danger Of Corrupting The Gospel
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 23: NO OTHER PLEA; GHS 49: LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU; GHS 73: JESUS ONLY IS OUR MESSAGE; AND GHS 83: THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
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    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026```

    *GOD HATES LYING LIPS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🫦🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:PROVERBS 12:18-22```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight" (PROVERBS 12:22).*_

    *According to the _Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary,_ "Lying is, to say or write something that you know is not true." A lie is told with deliberate intention to conceal the truth and deceive.*

    *Testifying of his past life, a man of God said, "I recalled with abhorrence, how we were actively practicing and perfecting our lying skills as teenagers in the high school, hoping we were on the right path to smartness; we never knew we were descending the bottomless valley of destruction...But when Christ met me...lying became so disgusting that I cannot now tolerate any form of it around me."*

    *Friend, if you are living in lies and deceit, and getting away with it, you are not wise. God is Omniscient and can never be deceived. Ananias and Sapphira died because of lying. God hates lying lips. It is an abomination to Him.*

    *Desist from lying, confess your sins to Christ and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour. He will save you and empower you to live a righteous and truthful life, with eternal life as your reward.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Lying lips are abominable to God.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Surrender your life to Christ to be free from lies.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Save me Lord, and deliver me from lying lips.*_



    God Hates Lying Lips
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼‍‍🏼‍🏼‍🏼‍

    ```SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026```

    *THE SCAR OF BAD TEMPER* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```PROVERBS 22:24,25```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go" (Proverbs 22:24).*_



    There was once a little girl who had a bad temper. To help her solve the problem, her mother gave her a bag of nails and told her that every time she feels angry, she must hammer a nail to the fence. The first day, the girl had driven 35 nails into the fence.

    Over the next few weeks, as she learned to control her anger, the number of nails hammered gradually reduced. She discovered it was easier to hold her temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the girl did not lose her temper at all. Over time, she overcame the problem of anger, and she was so happy.

    The mother then suggested the girl now pull out one nail for each day that she was able to control her temper. The days passed and she happily told her mother that she has pulled out all the nails.

    The mother took her daughter by the hand and led her to the fence. She said, *"You have done well my daughter, but look at the holes in the fence, the fence will never be the same again." "When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one."*

    *The story reveals the danger of allowing the spirit of anger to grow in us. If you have the problem of anger, pray now and confess to God. Ask Him to cleanse your heart and give you power to completely overcome the bad habit.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, deliver me from the spirit of anger.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Ecclesiastes 7:9*



    The Scar Of Bad Temper
    https://dailymanna.app//

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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    [A Psalm] of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and [he] in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. ⏤ Psalm 144:1-2

    Prayer is the language of a man burdened with a sense of need. ⏤ E.M. Bounds

    Blessed are You, O God, our strength, who teaches our hands to war and our fingers to fight. Teach us to war against all wickedness. You are our goodness and our fortress, our high tower, our deliverer, our shield, and the God in whom we trust. You are our refuge and strength, our keeper in the midst of trouble, and our deliverer.

    Lord, what is man that You take knowledge of him? Man is like vanity; his days are as a shadow that passes away. Yet we rejoice in Your love and thought for Your redeemed children. Though we are so frail, like a flower, like the reed, bruised and broken—still You do indeed take account of us. You have put Your image upon us. You have put Your Spirit within us. You have made us Your own children. We are dearer to You than all other things in the universe because we are Your own children, and You are our Father, and because You have redeemed us at the price of the blood of Your own Son. In the person of Your Son, we are as dear to You as He is. Help us to realize our nearness and dearness to You.

    We would rejoice as a family in Your goodness and grace. Rid us and deliver us from the hand of evil men, whose mouths speak vanity and whose right hands are right hands of falsehood. May our sons be as plants grown up in their youth. May our daughters be as cornerstones polished after the similitude of a palace. May our garners be full, that we may feed the hungry. May we all honor You by holy and beautiful lives.

    Fill our home today with Your love, and may all of us receive from You grace, mercy, and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/70/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. Pray for God's blessings on us as worship in our various churches. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2O26. "WHEN CONFLICT COMES HOME (2)" '...Let there be no strife between you and me…for we are brothers.’  Genesis 13:8 NAS FAMILY CONFLICT brings out the worst and the best in all of us. But conflict itself isn’t the problem—character is! Conflict just reveals what’s important to us. Abram’s priority was the family; Lot’s was ‘getting rich.’ Abram’s concern was harmony; Lot’s was self-preservation. Abram was driven by his faith; Lot by his greed. Abram was a giver; Lot was a taker. But watch how the story turned out. 1) What should have happened? The junior partner should have submitted to the senior; the follower should have deferred to the leader; the less-spiritual should have acknowledged the more-spiritual. But Lot failed on all counts! 2) What could have happened? As the God-appointed leader Abram could have assumed top dog status and enforced his will, but he didn’t. He could have been concerned about winning, but wasn’t. He could have called in his debts with Lot, but refused to. 3) What did happen? First, Abram elevated relationship above personal advantage. Second, he relinquished his ‘rights’, to keep peace in the family. Third, he ‘turned the other cheek’ and deferred to Lot. The greater gave way to the lesser. The stronger made allowance for the weaker. The mature showed mercy toward the immature. Did it make Abram the weaker man and Lot the stronger? Did Abram lose and Lot win? No! God always has the last word. And it was this: ‘…Look…northward and southward and eastward and westward…all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever’ (Genesis 13:14-15 NAS). Doing things God’s way is the certain road to peace and prosperity. Bible In A Year: 2 Cor 9:1 – 11:15, Matt 25:22-30, Ps 24, Pro 21:1-2. 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. [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026 *TRIUMPHING IN CHRIST AND SPREADING HIS FRAGRANCE* *TEXT:* 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14–17 14. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17. For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. *Timeless Truth* _Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven._(Matthew 5:14) *INTRODUCTION* In 2010, Jessica Watson, an Australian teenager, completed a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the world by sea at the age of 16. The journey was extremely dangerous. She faced severe storms, enormous waves, isolation, and the constant possibility of failure. Yet she continued because she had a clear goal and refused to allow the difficulties of the journey to determine her final destination. Her story illustrates an important principle: the journey may be difficult, but purpose gives us the strength to continue. Apostle Paul's ministry was also marked by difficulty. He experienced opposition, persecution, rejection, imprisonment and hardship. Yet he could confidently say: *Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.* (2 Corinthians 2:14) Paul the apostle did not say that every circumstance was easy. He said that God always leads His people in triumph in Christ. Furthermore, Apostle Paul's life was not only a testimony of victory; it was also a fragrance. Wherever he went, his life and ministry made Christ known. The passage therefore, challenges us to consider three questions: Are we walking in Christ's triumph? Are we spreading Christ's fragrance? And are we serving Christ with sincerity? We are not called to use Christianity as a means of personal gain. We are called to represent Christ faithfully “in the sight of God.” This should transform the way we approach ministry. We do not preach merely because people are listening. We preach because God is watching. We do not serve because people will applaud. We serve because Christ is worthy. We do not live holy lives merely to protect our reputation. We live holy lives because we belong to Jesus. Therefore, let us go into our homes, churches, workplaces, schools, businesses and communities as representatives of Christ. *1. The Triumph of Christ's Victory* a. Apostle Paul begins with thanksgiving because the victory belongs to God. He does not say, "I always lead myself in triumph." He says God leads him. Christian victory does not come from self-confidence, but from dependence upon Christ. We may face temptation, disappointment, opposition, or hardship, but Christ remains our source of strength. b. Paul the apostle says God “always” leads His people in triumph. This does not mean Christians will never experience suffering or apparent defeat. Paul himself endured imprisonment, beatings, rejection and hardship. Rather, it means that nothing can ultimately defeat God's purpose for those who belong to Christ. Do not interpret temporary difficulties as evidence that God has abandoned you. Paul's response to God's victory was thanksgiving: Victory should produce worship. *Questions* (i). When I face difficulties, do I focus more on my problems or on Christ's power? (ii) Do I regularly thank God for His victories, including victories I may not immediately recognize? *2. The Fragrance of Christ's Witness* a. Apostle Paul moves from triumph to testimony. God uses His people to spread the knowledge of Christ. The gospel is compared to a fragrance that spreads. Every Christian is called to make Christ known—not only through preaching, but also through everyday conduct. Our homes, workplaces, schools, communities and churches should encounter something of Christ through us. b. Our character should make the gospel attractive. People should see Christ in our patience, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, humility and integrity. A believer's conduct can either strengthen or weaken his or her testimony. Paul the apostle says the fragrance has different effects: The gospel demands a response. Some will receive Christ; others will reject Him. *Questions* *(i)*. What kind of spiritual "fragrance" do people experience when they interact with me? (ii) Does my conduct attract people toward Christ or create barriers to the gospel? *3. The Truthfulness of Christian Ministry* a. Paul the apostle distinguishes genuine Christian ministry from those who manipulate God's Word for personal advantage. He refused to corrupt or manipulate God's Word. Christian teachers and preachers must communicate God's Word faithfully rather than changing it to please people. b. Christian service should flow from a sincere desire to please God. We should examine why we serve. Are we serving for God's glory or for recognition, money, influence or applause? Paul the apostle emphasizes that ministry happens: God sees both the public ministry and the private motives behind it. *Questions* (i). Are my motives for Christian service genuinely centered on God's glory? (ii). Am I faithful to God's Word even when compromise would make me more popular? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to depend upon Your strength and walk confidently in the victory You have accomplished for me.🙏 2. Father, make my life a beautiful fragrance of Christ wherever I go. Let my words, attitudes and actions point people to You.🙏 3. Lord, purify my motives and help me serve You sincerely, faithfully and without seeking selfish recognition or personal gain.🙏 4.Father , let the Holy Spirit, use my life and testimony to spread the knowledge of Christ and draw unbelievers to salvation.🙏 *Hymn:* Let the Beauty ofJesus Be seen in Me *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NUMBERS 11-13 [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026``` *DANGER OF CORRUPTING THE GOSPEL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️📢📣🤪⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-17```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (2 CORINTHIANS 2:17).*_ *In the _Spokesman Review_ of December 8, 1984, we find the story of Pedro De Mesones, who served a three-year prison sentence for mail fraud and conspiracy. He told a congressional panel that in three years of "expediting" medical degrees, he provided about 100 clients with false transcripts showing they had fulfilled medical requirements of schools they didn't attend. "Clients paid me from $5,225 to $27,000 for my services, De Mesones said. In all, I earned about $1.5 million in those three years. I only got to keep about $500,000 of this total. The rest went for bribes and expenses."* *Fraud not only exists in the secular world, but it is sadly present too among the clergy. There are so-called men of God who carry certificates from Bible schools and colleges, but showcase lives that are uncomplimentary of their calling. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, breaks it all down for us. He tells of the air of aura around the minister, which draws both saints and sinners unto him to hear the truth about the divine demands upon man. He warns that the gospel will become a savour of death unto death if not made a savour of life unto life.* *Once the gospel is corrupted, it becomes a different variant, or 'another gospel', which lacks the essential ingredients to make it whole. Those whom the Apostle accuses of the contrary practice, of corrupting the word of God, seem to have been Jews, who accepted Jesus to be Christ and His gospel to be divine, yet adulterated it by intermingling with it the law of Moses and their own traditions. And in doing this, their principal intention was to make a gain of Christ, which, consequently, brought them under a necessity of concealing the end they proposed, as well as the means they used to obtain it.* *On the contrary, those who intend the good of humanity are by no means concerned to hide their intentions. They come out plain. They do not preach a gospel with private interpretation. If the benefit we purpose in speaking is to ourselves alone, it is often in our interest to keep it private. If the benefit we propose is to others, it is always in our interest to make it public. Corrupting the gospel can be in the form of adding, subtracting or embellishing it with worldly contents so that it loses its form and strength. We should, as believers and preachers of the word, be very vigilant and contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. We should avoid all forms of adulation for errant preachers who preach the gospel to fill up their bellies. We should always live our lives in conformity with Christ's demands.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*The gospel corrupters soon perish with their filthy lucre.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NUMBERS 11-13*📜📜 Danger Of Corrupting The Gospel https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 23: NO OTHER PLEA; GHS 49: LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU; GHS 73: JESUS ONLY IS OUR MESSAGE; AND GHS 83: THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thSeptember2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026``` *GOD HATES LYING LIPS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👄🫦🗣️⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PROVERBS 12:18-22```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight" (PROVERBS 12:22).*_ *According to the _Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary,_ "Lying is, to say or write something that you know is not true." A lie is told with deliberate intention to conceal the truth and deceive.* *Testifying of his past life, a man of God said, "I recalled with abhorrence, how we were actively practicing and perfecting our lying skills as teenagers in the high school, hoping we were on the right path to smartness; we never knew we were descending the bottomless valley of destruction...But when Christ met me...lying became so disgusting that I cannot now tolerate any form of it around me."* *Friend, if you are living in lies and deceit, and getting away with it, you are not wise. God is Omniscient and can never be deceived. Ananias and Sapphira died because of lying. God hates lying lips. It is an abomination to Him.* *Desist from lying, confess your sins to Christ and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour. He will save you and empower you to live a righteous and truthful life, with eternal life as your reward.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Lying lips are abominable to God.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Surrender your life to Christ to be free from lies.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Save me Lord, and deliver me from lying lips.*_ God Hates Lying Lips https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thSeptember2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/09, 8:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026``` *THE SCAR OF BAD TEMPER* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😤😠😡🤬⚠️‼️🛑❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```PROVERBS 22:24,25```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go" (Proverbs 22:24).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 There was once a little girl who had a bad temper. To help her solve the problem, her mother gave her a bag of nails and told her that every time she feels angry, she must hammer a nail to the fence. The first day, the girl had driven 35 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as she learned to control her anger, the number of nails hammered gradually reduced. She discovered it was easier to hold her temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the girl did not lose her temper at all. Over time, she overcame the problem of anger, and she was so happy. The mother then suggested the girl now pull out one nail for each day that she was able to control her temper. The days passed and she happily told her mother that she has pulled out all the nails. The mother took her daughter by the hand and led her to the fence. She said, *"You have done well my daughter, but look at the holes in the fence, the fence will never be the same again." "When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one."* *The story reveals the danger of allowing the spirit of anger to grow in us. If you have the problem of anger, pray now and confess to God. Ask Him to cleanse your heart and give you power to completely overcome the bad habit.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, deliver me from the spirit of anger.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ecclesiastes 7:9* The Scar Of Bad Temper https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thSeptember2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer [A Psalm] of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and [he] in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. ⏤ Psalm 144:1-2 Prayer is the language of a man burdened with a sense of need. ⏤ E.M. Bounds Blessed are You, O God, our strength, who teaches our hands to war and our fingers to fight. Teach us to war against all wickedness. You are our goodness and our fortress, our high tower, our deliverer, our shield, and the God in whom we trust. You are our refuge and strength, our keeper in the midst of trouble, and our deliverer. Lord, what is man that You take knowledge of him? Man is like vanity; his days are as a shadow that passes away. Yet we rejoice in Your love and thought for Your redeemed children. Though we are so frail, like a flower, like the reed, bruised and broken—still You do indeed take account of us. You have put Your image upon us. You have put Your Spirit within us. You have made us Your own children. We are dearer to You than all other things in the universe because we are Your own children, and You are our Father, and because You have redeemed us at the price of the blood of Your own Son. In the person of Your Son, we are as dear to You as He is. Help us to realize our nearness and dearness to You. We would rejoice as a family in Your goodness and grace. Rid us and deliver us from the hand of evil men, whose mouths speak vanity and whose right hands are right hands of falsehood. May our sons be as plants grown up in their youth. May our daughters be as cornerstones polished after the similitude of a palace. May our garners be full, that we may feed the hungry. May we all honor You by holy and beautiful lives. Fill our home today with Your love, and may all of us receive from You grace, mercy, and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/70/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Amber Hendrix FoxxFusion added a photo
    2026-09-13 02:49:35 -
    RECOVERY FAMILY… I WANT TO SEE SOMETHING!

    How long have YOU been clean and sober?

    Maybe it's 20 YEARS.
    Maybe it's 2 YEARS.
    Maybe it's 6 MONTHS.
    Maybe it's 10 DAYS.
    Maybe it's 24 HOURS.

    DROP YOUR CLEAN TIME IN THE COMMENTS!
    Years, months, days, or hours—I want to celebrate YOU!

    And if today is DAY ONE, you belong in these comments too.

    EVERY. SINGLE. NUMBER. COUNTS.
    One hour matters. One day matters. One more decision not to go back matters.

    Your number might be exactly what somebody struggling today needs to see to believe RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

    Celebrate somebody else's clean time while you're here!
    FOLLOW FoxxFusion Ministries for more recovery, hope, faith, and encouragement.

    NOW LET'S FILL THESE COMMENTS WITH RECOVERY!

    #WeDoRecover #RecoveryIsPossible #CleanAndSober #RecoverOutLoud #FoxxFusionMinistries
    🔥 RECOVERY FAMILY… I WANT TO SEE SOMETHING! 👀❤️‍🔥 How long have YOU been clean and sober? 🙌 Maybe it's 20 YEARS. Maybe it's 2 YEARS. Maybe it's 6 MONTHS. Maybe it's 10 DAYS. Maybe it's 24 HOURS. ❤️ 👇 DROP YOUR CLEAN TIME IN THE COMMENTS! 👇 Years, months, days, or hours—I want to celebrate YOU! 🎉💪 And if today is DAY ONE, you belong in these comments too. ❤️‍🩹 EVERY. SINGLE. NUMBER. COUNTS. One hour matters. One day matters. One more decision not to go back matters. 🙏 Your number might be exactly what somebody struggling today needs to see to believe RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. 🔥 ❤️ Celebrate somebody else's clean time while you're here! ➕ FOLLOW FoxxFusion Ministries for more recovery, hope, faith, and encouragement. NOW LET'S FILL THESE COMMENTS WITH RECOVERY! 👇🔥 #WeDoRecover #RecoveryIsPossible #CleanAndSober #RecoverOutLoud #FoxxFusionMinistries
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