Conflict and Courage. Isaiah 6:1-10 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15. In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord.... In beholding his God, the prophet ... had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness; there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ... The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease.... The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. “Fear thou not,” He bids them; “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” ... Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? ... Return to your Father's house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live.” 25Prophets and Kings, 314-320.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE. Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 «“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”» A Christian woman is not called to fit into the world; she is called to shine in the world without becoming part of its darkness. There will be pressure to compromise your convictions for a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, fashion, popularity, or social media approval. But remember this: What you compromise to gain today may become the very thing that destroys your testimony tomorrow. You can lose money and recover it. You can lose an opportunity and find another. You can lose popularity and still be fulfilled. But when you lose your character, convictions, and fellowship with God, the cost can be far greater. A godly woman must learn to say: “I would rather disappoint people than disappoint God.” 1. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matthew 6:33 «“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”» Before you are a wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur, student, minister, or friend, you are first a woman created by God. Your relationship with God must not become secondary because life becomes busy. Do not abandon prayer because you have entered a relationship. Do not abandon the Word because you have become successful. Do not stop attending fellowship because you have become comfortable. Do not allow a relationship to replace your relationship with Christ. Deep Spiritual Insight Anything that takes God's rightful place in your heart eventually becomes an idol. A Christian woman must be able to say: “God is not part of my life; God is the foundation of my life.” Practical Action - Maintain a consistent prayer life. - Study God's Word. - Fellowship with other believers. - Guard your spiritual environment. - Put God first in your decisions. 2. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURITY AND CHARACTER 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 «“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”» The world may tell you that purity is outdated. It is not. Holiness is not old-fashioned. Holiness is still God's standard. Your body is not merely an instrument for attracting attention. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. Therefore, do not allow desperation for marriage, money, attention, or acceptance to push you into sexual immorality or compromising situations. A woman of God must understand: Your value is not determined by who desires you. Your value is determined by the God who created you. Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph was tempted privately when nobody appeared to be watching. But Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9» Notice what Joseph considered most important. He did not say, “What will people say?” He said, “I cannot sin against God.” That must also be the conviction of every Christian woman. 3. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY AND GOD-GIVEN VALUE Psalm 139:14 «“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”» Social media can make women compare themselves with other women. One woman looks more beautiful. Another appears richer. Another has a successful marriage. Another has thousands of followers. Another seems to have everything together. But remember: Comparison can make you despise what God created. You don't have to become somebody else to become valuable. God created you intentionally. Your identity should not be built on: - Physical appearance - Relationship status - Wealth - Social media validation - People's opinions - Titles - Material possessions Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 You are part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Therefore, don't sell your identity cheaply for acceptance. You are God's workmanship before you are anybody's girlfriend, wife, employee, friend, or follower. 4. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES FOR MONEY OR SUCCESS Proverbs 11:1 «“A false balance is abomination to the LORD…”» There is nothing wrong with wanting success. There is nothing wrong with building a business. There is nothing wrong with becoming financially independent. But success without integrity is failure wearing expensive clothes. Never lie to make money. Never cheat to get ahead. Never sleep with someone to secure an opportunity. Never participate in corruption because “everybody is doing it.” Never allow financial pressure to destroy your principles. Biblical Example: The Virtuous Woman Proverbs 31:25 «“Strength and honour are her clothing…”» The woman described in Proverbs 31 was productive, hardworking, intelligent, business-minded, generous, and responsible. She was not weak. She was a woman of strength and honour. God does not require Christian women to be unsuccessful. He requires them to be faithful while pursuing success. 5. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURPOSE AND GODLY INFLUENCE Esther 4:14 «“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”» Esther was positioned in the palace for a purpose. Her position was not merely for comfort. It was an opportunity to influence history. Every Christian woman has influence somewhere. You may influence: - Your children - Your husband - Your workplace - Your church - Your community - Your generation - Your social media audience - Young people watching your life Never underestimate your influence. Titus 2:3-5 Older Christian women are instructed to teach and guide younger women. This means Christian women are not merely recipients of spiritual knowledge. They are also carriers and transmitters of godly wisdom. Your life is preaching something even when your mouth is closed. The question is: What is your life preaching? BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah experienced deep emotional pain because she had no child. She was mocked and misunderstood. Yet she took her pain to God. She did not allow her disappointment to destroy her faith. She prayed. She waited. She trusted. And eventually, God answered her with Samuel. Lesson for Christian Women Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter. You may be waiting for: - Marriage - Children - Financial breakthrough - Career advancement - Healing - Ministry growth - Restoration But don't compromise while waiting. Never exchange your destiny for temporary relief. Hannah waited before God, and her story changed. 5 QUESTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD ASK HERSELF 1. What am I tempted to compromise because I desperately want something? 2. Has any relationship become more important to me than God? 3. Does my private life agree with my public Christian testimony? 4. Am I allowing society or social media to determine my value? 5. If Jesus examined my decisions today, would I be proud of them? PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish non-negotiable convictions. Decide beforehand what you will and will not compromise. 2. Choose relationships wisely. Anyone who constantly pushes you away from God is not helping your destiny. 3. Protect your private life. Character is revealed by what you do when nobody is watching. 4. Build your identity in Christ. Know God's Word concerning who you are. 5. Find godly women to learn from. Don't walk alone. Learn from mature Christian women who have walked with God through different seasons of life. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to love You above everything else, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, strengthen me to stand for righteousness when I am under pressure to compromise. 3. Father, protect my heart, mind, body, and destiny from ungodly influences. 4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, insecurity, and the need for human approval. 5. Father, give me wisdom to recognize relationships and opportunities that are not from You. 6. Lord, help me to pursue success without sacrificing my integrity. 7. Father, let my life become a godly example to the generation coming after me. 8. Lord, restore every woman who has fallen through compromise and give her the grace to rise again. CALL TO ACTION Dear woman of God, you don't have to compromise to be accepted. You don't have to compromise to get married. You don't have to compromise to become successful. You don't have to compromise to become beautiful. You don't have to compromise to become influential. You don't have to compromise to survive. God is able to bless you without destroying you. The world may tell you: “Everybody is doing it.” But you must say: “I am not everybody. I belong to Christ.” When everybody is bowing, stand. When everybody is compromising, stand. When everybody is pursuing popularity, pursue holiness. When everybody is choosing temporary pleasure, choose eternal purpose. Your beauty will fade. Your possessions will pass away. Your popularity may disappear. But a life that honours God will leave an eternal testimony. Final Declaration I will not compromise my faith. I will not compromise my purity. I will not compromise my identity. I will not compromise my integrity. I will not compromise my purpose. I am a woman of God. I belong to Christ. My life has purpose. My body is God's temple. My character is my treasure. My faith is my foundation. And by the grace of God, I will stand! “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 Stand firm, woman of God. Your generation needs the woman God has called you to become. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27). Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us. Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks. It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work." When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose. By Prophecy Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such. It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left. This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching. Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter. By Scriptural Teaching; One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching. Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching. On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them. It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17). For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs. Through Circumstances; Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite. Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20). The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences. As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned. CONCLUSION. We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays. It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life. A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement. It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ). Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing. Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us– Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

Dear God, thank You for bringing me through another day. As I get ready to rest tonight, I’m being honest with You about something I’ve realized. I’ve spent so much time asking You to fix my finances, my relationships, and my health, but I haven’t always hungered for You just because You’re You. Your word in 1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” God, tonight I just want Your presence, not Your fixing, not Your provision, just You. Help me build a relentless hunger to know You more, not because of what You can do for me, but because of who You are. I give this night completely to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. -Psalm 27:4

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DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-023 Today’s Scripture John 2:2 (ESV) “Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.” Opening the Scriptures Yesterday we entered a wedding celebration in Cana. Today John gives us another simple detail: Jesus and His disciples had been invited. Nothing miraculous has happened yet. Jesus is simply present among ordinary people during an ordinary event in their lives. Yet the disciples who came with Him were beginning an extraordinary journey. They had left their former lives to follow Jesus, but they still had much to learn about the One they were following. Soon they would witness something at this wedding that would deepen their understanding of who Jesus truly is. For now, they simply went where Jesus went. That is a simple but important picture of discipleship. Living God’s Word Today Following Jesus does not mean inviting Him into selected areas of our lives while keeping control of everything else. Christ is not a guest whom we welcome when convenient and ignore when His presence interferes with our plans. He is Lord. The disciples were learning that following Jesus meant going where He led them. That same principle remains true for us. We follow Christ when His Word agrees with what we want, and we follow Him when His Word confronts what we want. We follow Him in church, but also in our homes. We follow Him when people are watching and when nobody sees us. We follow Him when obedience is comfortable and when obedience costs us something. There is another important warning here. Inviting Jesus into our lives does not mean that He has come to fulfill all our personal desires. At Cana, Jesus was not present to become a servant of human wishes. What would soon happen would reveal His glory and His divine authority. That distinction matters. Christianity is not about adding Jesus to the life we have already chosen. It is about surrendering ourselves to the Christ who calls us to follow Him. The disciples did not yet understand everything about Jesus. Neither do we. But discipleship begins with trusting Him enough to follow. Today, do not merely ask Christ to accompany your plans. Open His Word and ask whether your plans are following His will. Question for Today: Are you asking Jesus to follow your plans, or are you willing to follow His? Respond: “Lord Jesus, I will follow You.”

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 16) 1. The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. 4. The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces,fn none will go unpunished. 6. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 10. Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11. Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15. In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 21. The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26. The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27. An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28. A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

ONE THING NECESSARY LUKE 10:42 (WEYMOUTH) 42 and yet only one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and she shall not be deprived of it." This is the word of Jesus. Someone who knows more than we do -- and loves us more than we love ourselves. So, we need to listen and take heed. (After all, we should realize that Jesus did not say things for His own benefit, but to help us.) It is easy to get busy in life and let ourselves be distracted from what we know is important. That was the case with Martha, the sister of Mary, in the scripture quoted from above. Martha knew she needed to hear what Jesus had to say -- but she also knew that she was responsible for preparing something to eat. What could she do? We all face such problems -- which are actually choices. WE choose what our priorities are. WE decide what we will spend our time and energy on. And we should choose wisely. (Here's a tip: if it won't be important one hundred years from now, it's not that important now, either.) In this situation, Jesus brought a calming -- not a condemning -- word to Martha. (Jesus is still not interested in condemning people, but in helping them.) In effect, Jesus said to not worry, but to put hearing what God has to say first, and then somehow things will work out with God's help. Jesus is saying the same message to you, today. The most important and productive way we can spend time is in getting God's wisdom, guidance, and help. Hearing and heeding His Word will pay rich dividends in this time, as well as for eternity. Never forget that God can do more for you in one minute, than you could accomplish in a lifetime by yourself. Don't make the wrong choices. SAY THIS: I will listen to God's Word. Then, with God's help, I will make it. God bless you!

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 228 DATE: 16TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PERSECUTION IS PART OF THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 10:22 (NKJV) “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Devotional message: Jesus never deceived His disciples concerning the cost of following Him. He did not promise them a life without opposition, rejection, hatred, suffering, or persecution. Instead, He prepared them beforehand so that when these things came, they would not abandon their faith. If our Master was rejected and opposed, we should not be surprised when those who faithfully represent Him experience similar opposition. Following Christ does not mean that everyone will celebrate you, understand you, or agree with your convictions. There will be moments when standing for righteousness will cost you relationships. There will be moments when refusing to compromise will make you unpopular. There may even be seasons when people misunderstand, reject, mock, or oppose you simply because you have chosen to remain faithful to Christ. But persecution does not mean that God has abandoned you. The presence of opposition does not mean the absence of God. In fact, Scripture gives us numerous examples of God's people experiencing persecution while simultaneously experiencing His presence. God promised through Isaiah:Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Notice that God did not say, “You will never pass through the waters.” He said, “I will be with you.” He did not say that His people would never encounter fire; He promised His presence in the fire. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced this reality. They refused to bow to the golden image even though they knew their decision could cost them their lives. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. The king eventually saw a fourth man walking with them in the fire.The fire did not destroy them because God's presence was with them. Child of God, do not interpret persecution as a signal to abandon your testimony. If you are suffering because you have chosen righteousness, remain faithful. If people reject you because you refuse to compromise your convictions, continue standing. If your commitment to Christ costs you something, remember that Christ is worth more than whatever you may lose. Our calling is not merely to begin well but to endure to the end.Paul declared that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). That should also be our determination. The world may hate us because we belong to Christ, but we must never allow the hatred of men to make us lose our love for God. We must continue preaching Christ, living righteously, loving people, and faithfully representing the Kingdom. Persecution may test your faith, but it does not have to terminate your faith. The same God who was with the three Hebrew men in the furnace is with you today. The same Christ who strengthened the apostles to endure persecution is still able to strengthen His Church. PRAYER Heavenly Father,Thank You for the privilege of following Jesus Christ. Give me grace to remain faithful even when I encounter rejection, hatred, opposition, or persecution because of Your name.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING Matt 10:16–33,Isai 43:1–3,Dan 3:13–30,John 15:18–21,2 Timothy 4:6–8 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 16) 1. The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. 4. The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces,fn none will go unpunished. 6. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 10. Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11. Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15. In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 21. The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26. The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27. An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28. A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.