This thought has been sitting with me for a while now. And every time I think about it, I somehow become even more convinced. I genuinely don't think you can afford to follow Jesus and ignore emotional intelligence. Notice I didn't say every Christian is emotionally intelligent. They're not. We've all met Christians who can quote Scripture for hours but cannot apologize. Who can discern "spirits" in every room but cannot discern that the person sitting beside them is tired, grieving or afraid. Who know how to pray, but don't know how to listen. Who know how to correct, but don't know how to restore. And I don't say that to judge anybody. I say it because I think we've accidentally separated two things that Jesus never separated. We've treated spiritual maturity and emotional maturity like they are different journeys. I don't think they are. Actually... I don't think they can be. Because who exactly are you becoming if you're becoming like Christ? Think about Jesus for a second. And no, not just what He taught. But the way He related to people. That's the part that keeps arresting me. He didn't speak to everyone the same way. To some people, He asked questions. To others, He sat and listened. Sometimes He challenged. Sometimes He comforted. Sometimes He walked away. Sometimes He stayed. He knew when Peter needed correction. He knew when Peter needed breakfast by the sea. He stood in front of a woman caught in adultery and somehow managed to hold both compassion and truth in the same conversation. How? He wasn't just spiritually deep. He understood people. He understood timing. He understood emotions. He understood that the same truth can heal one person and crush another depending on how and when it's delivered. And I think that's where a lot of us struggle. We've become so committed to saying the right thing... that we've forgotten to ask whether this is the right moment. Sometimes the truth is right. The timing isn't. Sometimes the words are biblical. The posture isn't. Sometimes we're so eager to "speak the truth" that we forget Scripture didn't stop there. It says to speak the truth in love. Love changes how truth sounds. I've also noticed something else. A lot of us think emotional intelligence means having deep conversations. Or using words like "boundaries" and "attachment styles." No. Sometimes emotional intelligence is much simpler than that. It's noticing that your friend has gone unusually quiet. It's realizing someone is angry but the anger isn't the real emotion. It's apologizing without adding, "But you also..." It's knowing when your spouse doesn't need another solution. They need to know they're not carrying the weight alone. It's recognizing that the person who keeps interrupting everyone may not be proud. They may simply be desperate to be heard. It's asking one more question instead of making one more assumption. You know what I find interesting? Paul spent so much of the New Testament teaching people how to relate. Be kind. Bear with one another. Forgive one another. Encourage one another. Be patient. Be gentle. Those aren't just spiritual instructions. They're relational ones. And relationships are where emotional intelligence is tested. Not during prayer meetings. During disagreement. During disappointment. During correction. During marriage. During leadership. During friendship. During ordinary Tuesday afternoons when someone says something that hurts your feelings. That's where you find out whether you've just learnt Scripture... or whether Scripture has started reshaping you. Because following Jesus should change more than your prayer life. It should change how safe people feel around you. How you handle conflict. How quickly you assume the worst. How you carry people's weaknesses. How you respond when you're misunderstood. How you hold both conviction and compassion without sacrificing either. If ten years with Jesus has made me more knowledgeable but less patient... something is wrong. If I've learnt how to preach but not how to apologize... something is wrong. If I know every spiritual principle but cannot sit with someone's grief without trying to fix it immediately... something is wrong. I honestly think we've admired gifting more than we've admired Christlikeness. And they're not the same thing. You can be gifted and still be emotionally immature. You can be anointed and still wound people with your words. You can lead thousands and still not know how to love the person sitting across from you. That should bother us. Because the goal of Christianity has never been to know more about Jesus. It's to become more like Him. And every time I read the Gospels, I don't just see a man full of power. I see a man who noticed people. Who made space for questions. Who wasn't intimidated by tears. Who wasn't threatened by people's emotions. Who could tell the hardest truths without making people feel unseen. The more I think about it, the less I believe emotional intelligence is optional for the Christian. Not because it's trendy or because psychology says it's important. But because every step towards Christ should also be a step towards becoming more patient, more gentle, more aware, more compassionate, more self-controlled. More human in the way heaven intended. Maybe that's what emotional intelligence looks like in the Kingdom. And not becoming better at reading people so you can manage them. But becoming so formed by Christ... that people consistently experience His heart when they encounter yours.

Good morning God 12 August 2026 As we continue our meditation on the Sermon on the Mount, we see Jesus teaching His disciples and followers the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, the King, reveals how citizens of His Kingdom are called to live according to God’s ways and experience the blessings that come from following His will. Today, we focus on another beautiful statement of blessing: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Mercy is one of the important attributes of God revealed throughout Scripture. Understanding who God is helps us understand His character, strengthens our faith, and gives us confidence in the One whom we trust. The Old Testament repeatedly reveals that God is merciful, gracious, compassionate, loving, just, and righteous. Psalm 103:8 declares, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.” The same God calls His children to reflect His character in the way they live and treat others. As followers of Christ, our goal is to become more like Jesus. Christlikeness means allowing God’s character to be reflected through our words, actions, attitudes, and relationships. Therefore, showing mercy is not simply an outward action; it is evidence of a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace. Jesus concludes this section by saying, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Kingdom citizens are called to reflect their Heavenly Father. May we therefore be people who freely extend mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and love to others, remembering the mercy we ourselves have received from God. This is the blessed way of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. May God bless you as you love God and love people.

If I had to offer one piece of sincere advice to Christians, it would be this: Don’t let your relationship with Christ become a routine. Protect it above everything else. It’s possible to attend church regularly, know Scripture, serve in ministry, and still slowly drift from a genuine love for God. Christianity is more than religious activities—it’s a daily relationship with Jesus that transforms how you think, speak, forgive, love, and live. A few practical reminders: * Read the Bible not just to gain knowledge, but to know God better. * Pray consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. * Let your character preach louder than your words. * Forgive quickly and love genuinely, even when it’s difficult. * Stay humble. Spiritual maturity is measured by Christlikeness, not by titles or popularity. * Be faithful in the small things. God often prepares people through quiet obedience before giving them greater responsibility. * Don’t compare your journey with others. God’s timing and purpose for your life are unique. * Share the gospel through both your lifestyle and your words. People should see Jesus in the way you treat them. As the Bible says in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” At the end of life, success won’t ultimately be measured by wealth, influence, or achievements, but by faithfulness to God. Make knowing Christ your highest priority, and let everything else flow from that relationship.

Radiating Goodness in Our Pursuits begins with: Embracing Christlikeness in our pursuit of life and business success is about faithfully reflecting the character of God in every aspect of our lives. We are called to honor our divine sealing, to ward off actions that would grieve the Spirit, and to strive for a lifestyle that resonates with authenticity and integrity. By doing so, we can cultivate an environment that not only celebrates success but also creates a ripple effect of goodness in our workplaces and communities. As we walk this path, may we remember that true success is not measured merely by material accomplishments but by the legacy we leave behind—a legacy rooted in faith, love, and a steadfast commitment to living a life that radiates God's goodness. In the words of the psalmist, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Ultimately, as we align our desires with His will, we will find that the journey toward Christlikeness is, indeed, the most rewarding path to true success.

Daily devotion for July 18th God's Vineyard He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2 Chapters 15 through 17 occurred as the Lord and His disciples were walking on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way they passed through the vineyards that surrounded the city. Perhaps Jesus stopped in the midst of a vineyard, took a vine, and used it as a means of illustrating to His disciples the great secret He had been seeking to impart to them in His whole discourse there in the upper room, the most fundamental and basic secret of Christian life--I am in the Father, and ... the Father is in me (John 14:10). His beautiful analogy has helped many Christians understand the relationship God wants them to know. When He said, I am the true vine, He did not mean true in contrast with something false, but rather real, genuine, as opposed to the mere copy or symbol. As He held this vine and its branches in His hand, He indicated that this was the copy. He was the true vine from which true life is received. The purpose of this vine is to bring forth fruit. A vineyard is planted not for ornamentation, but to produce grapes, to bear fruit. This is the point our Lord makes in the story. All through this account His emphasis is upon the fruit. So the question arises, What does this fruit stand for in our life? Some people who read this and understand the fruit to be others won to Christ. How that can be deduced from this parable is difficult to understand, because there is nothing in it that suggests that at all. Fruit is that which is produced by the vine and is the natural outflow of the life of the vine. Though it is wonderful when a Christian has the privilege of leading others to Christ, it is no indication of fruitlessness if you never have had this experience. The figure of the vine is used many times in the Scriptures. These disciples would immediately think of several places where it was used. One is in Isaiah 5: The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel (Isaiah 5:7a). Israel was that vine. As Isaiah tells us, God cleared out the rocks in His vineyard and hedged it about. He built a tower; He protected the vineyard and cared for it. He did everything possible to cause it to produce grapes. But when He came into His vineyard and looked for grapes, He found instead sour, tasteless grapes. Isaiah tells us what that represents in verse 7: The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress (Isaiah 5:7). God came looking for justice and righteousness; instead, He found oppression, cruelty, exploitation, and indifference to the needs of others. It is evident from this parable that the fruit that God expects of the vine is moral character or, as described in Galatians, the fruit of the Spirit. The life that is in the vine produces fruit that Paul describes in Galatians 5 as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. The fruit, in other words, is Christlikeness. And our Lord is indicating that the very purpose of the vine is to produce such fruit. Lord, teach me to abide in You so that I can bear the fruit of Christlikeness.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY JULY 18, 2026. "LOOKING GOOD, OR DOING GOOD?" '…Jesus…went about doing good…’  Acts 10:38 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘God anointed Jesus…with the Holy Spirit and with power, Who went about doing good…’ When you’re led by God’s Spirit, your focus won’t be on looking good, but on doing good. You say, ‘But I’m so busy!’ Nobody was busier than Jesus, yet He always responded to those in need. In Luke chapter 10 He tells of a Jewish traveller who was attacked by a gang and left to die by the road. First a Levite, then a priest passed by. But each had important appointments to keep, so they didn’t stop. Then a Samaritan came along. Now, he had every reason to look the other way, because the Jews and the Samaritans were long-standing enemies. Instead, ‘…He…came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion’ (Luke 10:33 NKJV). Compassion will make you stop and rearrange your priorities. This Samaritan realised that where he was at that moment was more important than his next appointment. What would you have done that day? Do you think you’d have acted like him? How about when God tries to interrupt your inflexible, tightly-organised, written-in-concrete schedule and asks you to make time for someone who’s hurting? Are you willing to forgo your plans and do what He wants? If you’re too busy to reach out to those who are hurting, you’re too busy! You say, ‘But I’m shy around people.’ Then start with the people you know in your local church. ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith’ (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). Bible In A Year: Acts 20-21; Matt 10:21-31; Ps 14; Pro 16:6-7. 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. [17/07, 7:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 18TH JULY, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ACTS 8:1-4```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles" (ACTS 8:1).*_ *On its website, _Open Doors International,_ the Christian organisation, published its report on persecution of believers in 2024. The report showed that 4,476 Christians were murdered, 7,679 churches and Christian properties attacked and 4,744 Christians imprisoned across the globe. "In _Open Doors' World Watch List_ top 50 alone, 310 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecutions and discriminations for their faith", the report said. Christian persecution is real in our world today.* *The early Church also faced persecution as we read from today's Bible passage. The horrible death of Stephen by public stoning in Acts 7 triggered a wave of serious persecutions led by Saul. While the church was mourning over the death of the young preacher, Saul "...made havok of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison" (Acts 8:3). The believers had no choice but to scatter and flee Jerusalem to safety. The good news though is that the scattering helped them to take the gospel to new locations.* *Jesus warned the disciples to prepare for persecution in their journey of faith. He said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service" (John 16:1, 2). Persecution is normal in the Christian race, but the grace of God is also available to see us through to the end.* *Since we may not be able to avoid persecution, what can we do? We must, like the early Church, develop effective survival strategies. These include prayerfulness, endurance, maintaining a joyful disposition and readiness to spread the gospel anywhere life takes us. We must also raise sound and committed disciples who are ready to labour anywhere and everywhere for the Master.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Sometimes, God uses persecution as a tool for gospel propagation.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 5-7*📜📜 Christian Persecution https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 78: FAITH OF OUR FATHERS; GHS 91: WHERE HE LEADS ME; GHS 55: ANYWHERE WITH JESUS; AND GHS 88: WHEREVER HE LEADS I'LL GO* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna18thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/07, 7:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 18TH JULY, 2026``` *RENEWING YOUR STRENGTH* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️💪🏽🦅🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 40:28-31```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (ISAIAH 40:31).*_ *Strength renewal in our text is predicated on waiting upon the Lord. For health and healing, man applies, natural, medical or spiritual means. These are aimed at helping man to function well. In life, renewal is the way to go if one wants to function optimally. Some trees shed their leaves seasonally and grow new ones to function better.* *Farmers and wood cutters sharpen their blunting axes or machetes for ease of work. Students have siesta, mid-term breaks and holidays to renew the mind and body for excellent academic work. Also, machines are serviced regularly to prevent breakdown and for proper performance. Christians should follow godly principles for renewal of strength.* *Dear friend, God's word says, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Jehovah gives power and strength. How do we obtain them from Him? By just waiting upon Him. Wait by being silent before Him. Wait by reading and meditating on His word. Wait by praying and worshipping Him. However, sleep, rest, proper eating and exercise are also godly means of strength renewal.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jehovah gives power and strength.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Apply biblical methods for renewal of strength.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, give me strength to finish strong, in Jesus' name.*_ Renewing Your Strength https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday18thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/07, 7:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 18TH JULY, 2026``` *PREPARE FOR THE RAPTURE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🎺⚡✨☁️🙌🏽 📜📜```1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-17```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The rapture is the catching away of believers to meet Jesus in the air when the trumpet sounds. It will be a signal of the end of time. Only true friends of Jesus will hear this sound and go to meet Him in the clouds. Those who were friends of Jesus before they died will also hear the sound and rise from their graves to meet Jesus in the clouds. The marriage supper of the Lamb will take place there. Sinners and backsliders will remain on earth to suffer under the reign of the antichrist for seven (7) years. The torment, torture and agony will be much, it would be unbearable. You must endeavour to escape that terrible time because there will be no time for delay, because it is dangerous to do so. *How will you prepare for the rapture?* *- Know yourself as a sinner.* *- Repent of your sins, confess them to God.* *- Ask for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus.* *- Invite Jesus into your life as Saviour and Lord.* *Begin to live for Christ by reading your Bible and praying every day. Tell others about Jesus. Live every day in holiness so that you will not miss the rapture.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, help me to live in readiness for the rapture every day.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Acts 1:9-11* Prepare For The Rapture https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk18thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/07, 7:41 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 18TH JULY, 2026. *CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE* *TEXT:* ACTS 8:1-4. 1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. *Timeless Truth:*_"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"_ (Acts 16:33). *INTRODUCTION* Have you ever experienced a serious persecution before? If no, then you are missing some divine blessings in your life. There is no genuine Christian, living the true Christian life that will not face some persecutions in some shape or form as a result of his faith or profession. Persecution has always been part of the Christian experience. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because it hated Him first (John 15:18–20). Yet God turns what the enemy intends for destruction into an instrument for purification, expansion and spiritual growth. The persecution that arose after Stephen's martyrdom scattered the believers, but it also spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Thus, persecution is never the end of God's work; it is often the beginning of a greater harvest. *1.Persecutions for Perfection* Persecution comes in different forms ranging from ridicule, deprivations, denials of rights, mockery, rejection and more violent despicable attacks from anybody for the sake of Christ. The Word of Christ on persecution is "when" and not "if", showing that every true believer will always experience it. The persecution He is referring to is as a result of living and standing for the truth. *"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"*. Those who never faced persecution or faced, but dodge it cannot claim to be righteous, but compromisers. They cannot claim to be Christlike, but betrayers of the cause of Christ. Such cannot enter heaven. Jesus further gave explanations on the nature of inescapable persecutions of christians and the blessings on them. *"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake"*. What should be our attitude towards persecutions? Our attitude will bring out or foreclose the blessings. *"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you"* (Matthew 5:10-12). Persecutions make the believer to be more mature in the faith, help him to separate the wheat from the chaff in his Christian journey and produce Christ's virtue of Christlikeness and Christian perfections. Though it may not be pleasant and the persecutors are deceived to believe that they are achieving their evil objectives, yet God deliberately allowed it for the good of the Christian. Afterall, Jesus also was persecuted. Persecution is the badge of unfeigned and uncompromising faith in Christ. b. *"And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem..."* The early Church had enjoyed remarkable growth, fellowship and miracles. However, God allowed persecution to refine His people and moved them beyond their comfort zone. Spiritual maturity is often forged in the furnace of affliction. Trials expose genuine faith, produce perseverance and deepen dependence upon God (James 1:2–4; Romans 5:3–5). Instead of destroying the Church, persecution strengthened it and fulfilled Christ's command to take the gospel beyond Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). Believers should not interpret persecution as God's abandonment, but as an opportunity for spiritual perfection and greater usefulness in His kingdom. *Question* How have life's difficulties refined your faith and drawn you closer to Christ rather than away from Him? *2.Persecutors without Prudence* a. The persecutors lack wisdom. If satanic hosts and his human agents that they used to cause persecutions were wise, they would not have crucified Jesus and neither would they have persecuted the saints. *"Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory"*. If the Satanic host had known that the death of Stephen would open the door for the spread of the gospel, they would not have kill Stephen. Persecutions are heralds of revivals. *"As for Saul, he made havoc of the church..."* Saul zealously persecuted Christians, believing he was serving God. Religious passion without divine truth can become destructive. b. While godly men buried Stephen with honour, Saul violently entered homes, arrested believers and committed them to prison. His actions remind us that ignorance of God's will, even when clothed in sincerity, can lead to cruelty and injustice. Persecutors often fail to realize that they are resisting God's purposes. Yet God's grace is so abundant that even Saul, the chief persecutor, later became Paul, the great apostle of Christ. This demonstrates that no enemy is beyond God's transforming power. A persecutor is a potential convert when the persecuted learn to pray, praise and practice true Christianity in the midst of persecutions. *Question* Are your convictions producing Christlike compassion or do they encourage harshness and intolerance toward others? *3.Preaching during Persecutions* a. The disciples, including the Apostles, were satisfied with their comfort zone and did not see the need to take the gospel to unreached places. The Lord allowed the persecution to awaken them to His plan and purpose for them which is preaching the gospel. God at times allows persecutions to direct the believer to refocus on His divine purpose for them. *"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word."* Who scattered them- God or Satan? The scattered believers did not retreat into silence or despair. At times the ignorance of believers makes them blaming Satan when it is God that is actually at work. They, instead, wherever they went, they proclaimed the gospel. Their circumstances changed, but their mission did not. Persecution became the vehicle through which Christianity spread into new territories. b. Faithful believers do not wait for favourable conditions before serving God. Whether in peace or adversity, they remain committed to proclaiming Christ. Difficult seasons often create the greatest opportunities for the gospel to shine. *Question* Do challenges discourage you from witnessing for Christ or do they motivate you to trust Him and proclaim His truth more boldly? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, grant me the grace to remain faithful and steadfast whenever I face persecution for Christ's sake 🙏. 2.Lord, use every trial in my life to perfect my faith, strengthen my character and increase my usefulness in Your kingdom 🙏. 3.Lord, fill me with boldness to preach Your Word faithfully in every circumstance, regardless of hardship or persecution 🙏. 5.Father, turn every opposition against the gospel into an opportunity for greater evangelism and revival🙏 *HYMN:* Hold the fort *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 5-7. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. ⏤ James 1:17 In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ⏤ John Bunyan Our Father, breathe on us and give us a morning blessing. We thank You for keeping us through the night. We thank You for the blessings that came to us even while we slept. As a new day has dawned, may new divine light and peace pour into our lives. Fill our path with gladness. We ask You to provide our daily bread today. We don’t ask for luxury—just for what we need. May Your blessing be on everything we receive. We ask for the strength to do our work so we can earn the food we need. Open our eyes so we can see You as the Giver of all the good things we enjoy. Sometimes we forget that these blessings come from Your hand. We think we’ve gotten them by our own efforts. Show us that every good and perfect gift comes from You, and give us grateful hearts. We want to live cheerfully today. Sometimes we complain and grumble about the little trials that come our way. Forgive us for all our complaining and give us hearts that are always thankful. You’ve promised that You work all things together for good for those who love You. Help us believe this promise, and when we face trials and losses, help us still rejoice, knowing that Your hand will bring good out of every situation. Help us trust You in all things, laying our cares in Your hands and leaving them there without anxiety. You’ve promised to be with us always. Fulfill that promise for us today. We can’t go out into this new day without Your presence. We ask You to walk beside us, giving us Your protection, guidance, and help. We’ve never traveled this path before, and we can’t find the way on our own. We ask all this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/13/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

*Today's Prophetic Declaration - Saturday, 4th July, 2026.* 🌟*I Pursue Spiritual Maturity and Christlikeness*🌟 📖 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I am growing daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I pursue spiritual maturity and desire to reflect the character of my Heavenly Father in all I do. I declare that I will walk in love, humility, holiness, forgiveness, and obedience. Every attitude, habit, or desire that does not glorify God is being transformed by His grace. My thoughts, words, and actions shall reflect the life of Christ. Today, I receive grace to love even when it is difficult, to forgive as Christ has forgiven me, and to show mercy just as my Heavenly Father is merciful. I reject bitterness, pride, anger, and every work of the flesh, choosing instead to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. I declare that the Lord is perfecting everything that concerns me. He is molding me into the image of Christ, strengthening my faith, and preparing me for every good work. My life shall be a testimony of God's transforming power and amazing grace. Today, I choose to live for the glory of God. I shall shine as a light in the world, influence others through godly living, and fulfill the purpose for which God has called me. By His grace, I will grow in spiritual maturity and become more like Christ each day in Jesus' mighty name. 🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Thank God for His grace that is transforming your life. 2️⃣ Declare: “Lord, help me to become more like Christ every day.” 3️⃣ Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you need spiritual growth. 4️⃣ Show love, forgiveness, and kindness to someone today. 5️⃣ Read and meditate on God's Word, allowing it to shape your character. 🔥 Today, may the Lord perfect His work in you, strengthen your walk with Him, and help you reflect the character of Christ in all you do. Amen! 🙏📖 Good morning beloved. Happy weekend and do have a blessed day. Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_

TO KNOW CHRIST IS MORE THAN OPERATING IN POWER Many people think knowing Christ means operating in gifts. If demons leave, if miracles happen, if prophecies flow, then surely the person knows God. Yet Jesus said something frightening. Many will say, "Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not cast out demons in Your name? Did we not do mighty works in Your name? And He will say, "I never knew you." (Matthew 7:22-23) Notice He did not deny the activities. The issue was relationship. Paul said, "I want to know Christ." Then he explained what knowing Christ looks like. The power of His resurrection. Participation in His sufferings. Becoming like Him. [Philippians 3:10] Sharing in His life. Sharing in His path. Sharing in His obedience. Knowing Christ is not merely experiencing power. It is becoming acquainted with His ways. Many people chase gifts. Very few pursue Christ Himself. Power can attract crowds. Character pleases God. Power can impress people. Christlikeness pleases God. The gifts of the Spirit are wonderful. We should desire them. But never mistake gifts for intimacy. Because on that day, the question will not be whether power flowed through you. The question will be whether you knew Him. Do yourself good to know Him. Shalom!

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 23RD JUNE, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* EXAMPLES OF GOD'S AMAZING GRACE. *TOPIC:* ZIPPORAH. *TEXT:* EXODUS 4:24-26. 24. At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. 25. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. 26. So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.) *TOPIC:* ZIPPORAH. *THE MESSAGE:* Moses was en route to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Abruptly, God wanted to kill him, but his wife Zipporah intervened by circumcising their son. Culturally, women are not supposed to circumcise a child, but God graciously spared her. The next highlights the seriousness of covenant keeping, which Moses had neglected (Gen. 17:10-14). God's confrontation serves as a stern reminder that spiritual leadership demands personal alignment with divine commands Zipporah's swift action in circumcising their son and touching Moses' feet with the foreskin symbolises the appeasement of divine wrath and the restoration of covenantal order. Be warned, God's call does not override His standard. Faithfulness and obedience suspersede what you do for the Lord. *REFLECTION:* Be courageous and decisive in challenging situations. *PRAYER:* Father, help me always to make the right decisions. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* JOHN 1:16. "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* PSALM 111-118. 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. ⏤ Psalm 127:1 A home is never a perfect home until Jesus has been welcomed into it. ⏤ Billy Graham Father, let Your face shine upon our home tonight. We thank You for it. May it be . . . A shelter to us from the world's storms, A nest of love, A school where we may learn love's lessons, and Where we may grow into the beauty of Christlikeness. We pray continually that our home may become more and more like Heaven. Teach all of us how to live, so as to add to its sweetness. Come and be a guest in our home. Then its love will become sweeter and more and more holy. For Your presence gives light, blessing, and joy. Make our home, Your home. Dwell with us. Then we shall be happy. Then we shall live beautifully. Bless the children. We thank You for childhood, with its simplicity, and its glad joyousness. Let Your grace be upon all our children, and give them Your sweet love, to keep their hearts unspoiled. Bless all mothers into whose hands little children come first to be taught and trained. May their own lives be pure with the purity of Jesus. Let no mother's heart be impure, or her hands defiled—while she is training her children for You. Bless all teachers of little children, giving them skill to do their work faithfully, so that they shall not be ashamed when they meet them at the judgment bar. Let a blessing rest upon schools where children are trained for life. Make the teachers wise and faithful. Bless all academies, colleges, and schools of every grade. Give to teachers power to teach well. Bless all books, papers, and literature prepared for the children and young people. So may the children of the world be saved. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, the children's Friend. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/79/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* THURSDAY, 18TH JUNE, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* EXAMPLES OF GOD'S AMAZING GRACE. *TOPIC:* BARTIMAEUS. *TEXT:* MARK 10:46-52. 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus, His disciples, and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus) was sitting by the road. Mat 20:29 Luk 18:35 47 When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many people sternly told him to be quiet, but he started shouting even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 So Jesus stopped and said, “Call him!” So they called the blind man and told him, “Have courage! Get up. He’s calling you.” 50 He threw off his coat, jumped up, and went to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man told Him, “Rabbouni, I want to see again.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go. Your faith has made you well.” At once the man could see again, and he began to follow Jesus down the road. Mat 9:22 Mar 5:34. *TOPIC:* BARTIMAEUS. *THE MESSAGE:* Physical impairment or disability can limit a person, but it cannot impede the Grace of God from reaching them. In this text, the blind Bartimeus sat at the roadside, begging. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he shouted for mercy. When rebuked, he cried the more. Then Jesus stopped for the 'insignificant' beggar and asked what He could do for him. Bartimeus asked for his sight, and he got it. Jesus lifted Bartimeus' veil of blindness, and he followed Him. Many people are spiritually blinded by sin and are stuck in life. The Grace that restored and transformed Bartimeus is available. Ask Jesus to remove what is hindering you from seeing and following Him. He is willing and able. Do not delay. *REFLECTION:* Spiritual blindness is a limitation. *PRAYER:* Lord Jesus, heal my spiritual blindness. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* JOHN 1:16. "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* PSALM 90- 97. ED.ii. Resurrect your dream Friday 19th June 2026 'For God does speak...in a dream.' Job 33:14-15 NIV God is the giver of dreams. 'For God does speak...in a dream, in a vision...when deep sleep falls on people' (Job 33:14-15 NIV). If you want the rest of your life to be fulfilled and inspired, take your dream out the closet and blow the dust off. It's easy to get caught up in the 'have tos' of life - working; caring for children, spouses and ageing parents; taking care of homes, etc. But you must believe that you can resurrect your life and your dreams and believe you have the ability to tap into the enthusiasm you once felt for life. You must have the courage to face the disappointments of the past, take a good look at how you got off the path and see where you are headed. Then you have to silence the voice in your head that says: 'This is all there is. Who are you to want more from life? You can't do it; it's too late for you.' We give up on our dreams because we think that's what grown-ups are supposed to do. But as we mature, we realise that reaching for our dreams is what makes us feel alive. The truth is that with love, prayer and great attention, your dream, like Lazarus, can be resurrected (see John 11:43). The secret of recapturing dreams is to enjoy the pursuit of the dream rather than focus on the outcome. Achievement in this case is not about position, fame or financial compensation, but about doing what you love. That's what Jesus promised: 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full' (John 10:10 NIV). 2. Evening Prayer for today. MP.i. Evening Prayer But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 4:19 When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works. ⏤ Hudson Taylor Our Father, we beseech You to hear us tonight and to bless us. We have few requests to make. We would rather leave You to bless us in whatever way Your divine wisdom may choose. We do not know what is best for us. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. We often wish for things which would not be real blessings to us. We cannot tell what would be the effect of our having them. Oft-times denial of our requests is a better blessing than the granting of them would be. So we put ourselves into Your hand and ask for Your blessing—whatever will bless us the most really and the most deeply. We beseech You for spiritual good, rather than for temporal favors. The things of this earth are but for a day—and then they are gone. May You give us hunger and desire for things that will last forever. We ask for wisdom, for holiness, for truth, for Christlikeness. You have promised that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. Give us hunger for righteousness—and thirst for divine grace. Then we shall be satisfied, and what we receive we shall keep forever. While the night is over us, keep us from all harm and danger. We cannot keep ourselves. We are weak and foolish—and the enemies about us are strong and cunning. We cast ourselves upon You, sure that You will shelter us. Let no plague come near our dwelling. May Your angels encamp around our home. May the night bring us rich blessing—sleep and renewal, calmness and quietness. Spread over us Your wings of love. And may grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us all forever. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/74/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.