St. Stephen of Hungary St. Stephen was from a very noble family and was born in the year 997 to father Prince Geza and mother Sarolt of Hungary. He married Giselle, the daughter of Duke Henry-Ii of Bavaria. He took very sincere efforts to spread Christianity and extended patronage to Church leaders. St. Stephen was anointed as king of Hungary by Pope Sylvester-II on the Christmas day in the year 1001, with the consent of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto-III. St. Stephen dedicated his crown to Holy Mary, during the coronation. His only son Emeric died after being wounded in a hunting expedition in the year 1031. Therefore St. Stephen was having no son left to rule his Kingdom. So in his death bed he raised the Holy Crown by his right hand and prayed to the Holy Mary to take the Hungarians as Her subjects and to become the Queen of Hungarians. He died on August 15, 1038, on the commemoration day of the Assumption of Mary. St. Stephen's right hand is kept as a relic and is called as the "Holy Right" by Hungarians. His right hand remains uncorrupted due to the reason that with this hand he raised the Holy Crown towards heaven and prayed to the Virgin Mary. The right hand is now in the Basilica of King Saint Stephen in Budapest. He is venerated as the patron saint of masons, stone cutters and brick layers. He was canonized by Pope Gregory-VII on August 20, 1083. #crown #king #mason #stone #stonecutter #brick #bricklayers #faith #Catholic #loveformary #catholic #faith #respectmothermary #budapest #holyhand #righthand #hand #right #uncorrupt #king #

thinking ahead to Christmas, trying to figure out christmas gifts for my nephews, one is 6 years old the other is 4 years old.

we are Ambassadors for The Birth of Jesus Christ, we spread Joy to everyone during the Christmas Season. We ALWAYS keep Christ in Christmas first.

I'm tired and busy with work and things that I have to do at home but I just heard a car pass by playing a Christmas song. Christmas starts early here in the Philippines. 😁

I am on the Board of David Bauman Ministries and if you are in the Dallas, Ellis County area we have our Annual Christmas Gala Christmas4Kids coming up very soon. If you aren't then please put this on your prayer list for an awesome event. Consider sponsoring a Table for 8.

🎄 Christmas in July is almost over! 🎄 Our Black Seed Oil BOGO sale ends soon, and this is your chance to stock up before it's gone! If Black Seed Oil is already part of your wellness routine, now is the time to grab extra bottles and save. ⏳ Don't wait until the sale is over and wish you had ordered more! 🛒 Grab yours now while it's still BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE! Drop a 🎁 if you want the link or visit: Zilara.com/Dan #BlackSeedOil #ChristmasInJuly #NaturalWellness #WellnessJourney #StockUpAndSave

Justin Bieber’s story is one of incredible talent meeting overwhelming fame at a young age — and ultimately finding lasting hope and identity in Jesus Christ. Over the years, the pop superstar has openly shared how his Christian faith has carried him through the highs and lows of his career, personal battles, and public scrutiny. Here’s a deeper look at his testimony, drawn from his own words, interviews, and reflections. Bieber didn’t come to faith in a vacuum. His mother, Pattie Mallette, raised him with a strong Christian foundation. She dedicated his life at church in Ontario, took him on mission trips, and brought him to revival meetings like the Toronto Blessing. As a child, he memorized Bible verses for gold stars as rewards. This planted seeds that would later bloom during his darkest seasons. Even as “Baby” catapulted him to global superstardom as a teenager, Bieber has said he always believed in Jesus on some level — but it wasn’t yet a deeply personal, transformative walk. By his late teens and early 20s, the pressures of fame took a heavy toll. Bieber has been candid about spiraling into heavy drug use, anxiety, resentment, disrespect toward others, and feeling empty despite massive success. He went from being one of the most adored people in the world to one of the most ridiculed and judged. In interviews, he’s admitted it got so dark that he wasn’t sure he’d be alive without God’s intervention. Around 2014, at rock bottom, Bieber connected more deeply with Christian leaders like Pastor Judah Smith and Hillsong NYC’s Carl Lentz. One pivotal night, he broke down sobbing in Lentz’s apartment, saying he wanted to know Jesus and start fresh. They prayed together. Bieber then asked to be baptized — immediately. To avoid paparazzi, they ended up at NBA player Tyson Chandler’s apartment. Chandler, a friend, offered his large custom bathtub (built for his 7-foot frame). In the middle of the night, surrounded by a small group, Bieber was baptized as an outward sign of his inward commitment. Lentz and others described it as a powerful moment of genuine surrender and new beginnings. Bieber has called this part of Jesus meeting him in his “dirt” and pulling him out. He later reflected: “I asked God, ‘If you’re real, I need you to show me.’ ... He showed me that I was worth saving, that I was worth dying on the cross for... That is what changed my heart.” Bieber’s faith hasn’t been a one-time event but an ongoing source of healing and strength. He has repeatedly credited Jesus with restoring his identity beyond being a “product” of the music industry. In heartfelt 2025 Instagram posts ahead of Christmas, he wrote openly about the industry: “I grew up in a system that rewarded my gift but didn’t always protect my soul. There were moments I felt used, rushed, shaped into something I didn’t fully choose.” He acknowledged carrying anger and questioning God but emphasized: “Jesus keeps meeting me in the middle of the pain — not excusing what hurt me but teaching me how not to become bitter... I’m not speaking as someone still broken. I’m speaking as someone Jesus has already healed.” “What happened to me was real. But it doesn’t get the final word. Jesus didn’t just help me cope — He restored my identity. I’m not a product. I’m not what the industry demanded. I’m a son.” Faith has helped him navigate public scandals, health issues (including Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2022, which caused facial paralysis and led to tour cancellations), and the emotional weight of constant scrutiny. He has leaned on prayer, trusted that God is with him “in the midst of the storm,” and found comfort in his marriage to Hailey Bieber. The couple renewed their commitment through baptism together in 2020 with Pastor Judah Smith, calling it one of the most special moments of their lives. Bieber has spoken about shifting from trying to earn God’s love through performance to receiving grace as a free gift. “I believed in Jesus, but I never really implemented it into my life... God has already loved me for who I am before I did anything to earn and deserve it.” He aims to live with obedience not out of fear but out of love, and he wants to use his platform to share hope. Pastors close to him, like Judah Smith, have praised his authenticity. Smith said he’s learned more about Jesus from Bieber than he’s taught him, noting the unique pressures of global fame and Bieber’s willingness to be honest about weakness. Bieber has shared worship moments publicly, such as singing “Reckless Love” and proclaiming God’s overwhelming love. He’s delivered simple Gospel messages that have impacted others — one notable story involves a flight attendant who encountered his straightforward explanation of Jesus and later gave her life to Christ in a powerful moment. He continues to attend Churchome and speaks of Jesus as “the king of my heart,” “the wonderful Savior,” and the one who lived sinlessly, died on the cross, and rose again so we can live free. In livestreams and posts, he emphasizes forgiveness, humility, and the joy of knowing you’re loved unconditionally. #JustinBieber #FaithJourney #Jesus #Testimony #Christian #Redemption

ANOTHER KAMEL AND KNAT SATIRE NEWS STORY BY PESTER BRAT WARNING! Rated G-PS for POLITICAL SATIRE The Kamel and Knat After Below Meme Goes Viral, Millions of Americans Shout "Merry Christmas" Including Trump, Causing Many to Buy Hearing Protection Click Below for Important Details and 2 More Images: https://open.substack.com/pub/kamelandknat/p/after-below-meme-goes-viral-millions?r=2u8e73&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Today’s verse is not one we typically focus on outside of the Christmas season, but the Bible is relevant any day of the year, whether in the middle of summer or around the holidays. The book of Isaiah was written around 700 BC and in it the prophet Isaiah gave a promise that was originally meant to give comfort to the people of Israel during a time of political instability and threat. The promise of a coming earthly king who would rescue the nation was a comfort to the people and something they eagerly awaited and looked forward to. But they did not realize just what this prophecy meant. This coming king would not be one who ruled over their nation. He would be so much more than that. One of the names He was given in this prophecy was Prince of Peace. This is directly translated from the Hebrew words Sar Shalom. Sar implies that He would be a leader or a ruler, while shalom was more than just the absence of conflict, which is what we typically think of when we use the English word peace - it was wholeness and completeness. The Prince of Peace or Sar Shalom would be the One who would reconcile people to God and who would establish an eternal kingdom. What are some ways we can be living a life of peace while we await the return of the Prince of Peace and His earthly rule? So much of what we do stems from what we think. It begins there, in the mind. If our mind is not focused on the right things, on the right Person and His ways, we will not be living in peace. We need to guard our minds and fill it with His Word, with praise and worship, and foster a sense of calm and peace in our lives. Embrace peace with those who you are at odds with. Where there is offense, set things straight. Seek reconciliation. Be the first to apologize. Offer forgiveness and restore broken relationships. Life is too short to let conflict interrupt fellowship. And live for Him. Live a life that is pleasing to God. Seek His ways, His will, His purpose for your life. Seek to be set apart and righteous. Let His peace fill your heart, your mind, your soul. Let His peace rule in your life, as one day He will rule this world. What other ways can you think of to bring peace into your life? #TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SUNDAY 5TH JULY, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS. *TEXT:* MATTHEW 15:1-9. 1. Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2. “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3. Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4. For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5. But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6. they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. *TOPIC:* SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS. *THE MESSAGE:* Spiritual emptiness is a life that lacks meaning, purpose, and connection with God. In today's text, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and the Scribes for prioritising human traditions over God's commandments, highlighting their hypocrisy and lip service, which is spiritual emptiness. Jesus emphasised that true worship comes from a heart that reveres God and not just outward observance of the law. One may be committed to regular giving of tithes, supporting church missions and projects, and even participating in evangelism. However, if a person's heart is not inclined with God's will or living in obedience to His word, they are spiritually empty. Therefore, do not give God your material things and deny Him your heart. Evaluate! *REFLECTION:* Be sincere in worship. *PRAYER:* Father, help me to obey Your commandments. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* HEBREWS 10:29. 29 How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? *TODAY'S BIBLhE READING PLAN:* PROVERBS 18-19. ED.ii. *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY* *ⓂANNA* SUNDAY, 5TH JULY 2026 *EXPERIENCING AND EXPRESSING THE LIFE OF CHRIST* *TEXT:* 1 JOHN 1:1–4 1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. *Timeless Truth:* _"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."__(Psalm 34:8) *INTRODUCTION* In 1968, astronaut James Lovell and his fellow Apollo 8 crew members became the first humans to orbit the moon. On Christmas Eve, they broadcast a live message to millions around the world, reading the opening verses of Genesis. Their message was not secondhand information; they spoke as eyewitnesses of a breathtaking experience that changed their perspective of the earth and the Creator. Their testimony carried weight because they had personally experienced what they proclaimed. Likewise, Apostle John did not write about Jesus as a philosopher discussing theories or as a historian reporting distant events. He wrote as an eyewitness who had seen, heard, touched, and lived with the Son of God. His message was based on personal experience and he desired that others would enjoy the same fellowship and joy in Christ. Christianity is not merely learning about Christ—it is knowing Him personally and making Him known faithfully. Walking with Christ brings joyful fellowship with God and His people. John's opening words remind us that Christianity is built upon a real Person—Jesus Christ. The apostles did not invent a message; they testified to the One they had personally known. This passage challenges every believer to examine three vital questions: Do I truly know Christ personally?Am I faithfully making Him known to others? Am I enjoying the fullness of fellowship and joy that He offers? Many people know facts about Jesus Christ without knowing Him intimately. Others profess faith, but seldom share Him. Still others serve faithfully, but have lost the joy of fellowship. John writes to correct all three deficiencies. When we continually, behold Christ, we naturally, proclaim Christ. When we proclaim Christ, others are brought into fellowship. And when fellowship with God deepens, joy becomes complete. May our lives become living testimonies of the One who is the Word of Life. *For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.* (Philippians 1:21) *1. The Reality of the Living Word* a. John emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of Life, fully revealed to humanity. The description of the eternity of Christ dates back to the pre-creation of the earth. Jesus existed from the beginning. He is the eternal God, not merely a great teacher. *“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”* (John 1:1). b. John repeatedly emphasizes that he heard, saw, observed, and touched Jesus Christ. The gospel rests on historical reality. *“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you.”* (Acts 4:20) c. Jesus was manifested so that humanity could know the invisible God. Our faith rests upon the historical, living and eternal Christ—not myths, emotions or human traditions. *Questions* (i) Is my faith rooted in the living Christ or merely in religious activities? (ii) Do I continually seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus through His Word? *2. The Responsibility of the Faithful Witness* a. John declares that what he experienced personally, he now proclaims publicly. This is an impetus to declaring the Gospel boldly. John the apostle understood that genuine faith naturally, leads to faithful witness. *“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”* (Mark 16:15) b. It is the duty of every Christian to draw others into Fellowship with God and with fellow believers. The goal of evangelism is not merely conversion, but fellowship with God and His people. This is clearly spelt out in the Scripture *“Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”* — (1 John 1:3). c. The credibility of our message is strengthened by a life that reflects Christ. Every believer is called to proclaim Christ through both faithful words and consistent living. *"Let your light so shine before men...”* (Matthew 5:16) *Questions* (i). Am I intentionally sharing Christ with those around me? (ii) Does my daily life strengthen or weaken my Christian testimony? *3. The Reward of Lasting Fellowship* a. John writes so that believers may experience complete joy through fellowship with God. This signals the blessings of communion with God. True joy grows out of intimate fellowship with God. b. The beauty of the Christian Community can only be best experienced with your active participation and not as a spectator. Believers are called to encourage and strengthen one another. *“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.”* (Hebrews 10:25) c. Joy is the natural result of walking closely with Christ. *“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full .”*(John 15:11) God desires His children to experience not only salvation, but also joyful fellowship with Him and with one another. *Questions* (i) Is my relationship with Christ growing deeper each day? (ii) Am I contributing to unity and fellowship within God's family? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to know You more intimately and grow daily in my relationship with You.🙏 *2.* Father, fill me with courage and wisdom to share the gospel faithfully wherever You place me.🙏 3. Lord, strengthen the unity of Your Church and help me build relationships that honour You.🙏 4. Heavenly Father, let my joy be rooted in Your presence and not in changing circumstances.🙏 *Hymn:* Nearer to Thee My God* *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* GENESIS 14-16. 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 Prayer is not learned in a classroom but in the closet. ⏤ E.M. Bounds As this Sunday comes to an end, we come to You, God, with our evening prayers. We’re thankful for everything this day has given us—peace, comfort at home, the chance to worship, and opportunities to help others. Bless all these experiences, and may they stay with us throughout the week. Help us to handle our challenges better, do our work with more joy, and face our difficulties with more confidence because of today’s blessings. We want to grow in grace, learn more about spiritual things, and embrace whatever is good and beautiful. May the rest and teachings of today stay with us—in renewed spiritual energy, in deeper sincerity, and in a stronger desire to do what is right. May the words we’ve read and heard stick with us, helping us to live better lives. Let them comfort us when we’re sad, strengthen us when we’re weak, deepen our understanding, and guide our steps. God, we ask You to bless the work done in churches today. Many ministers have shared the gospel; bless every word spoken in love for Jesus. Let none of the truth shared today be lost. May the Holy Spirit use the sermons, lessons, and conversations to bring good into the world. We also remember our friends and loved ones, and everyone who prays for us. Whatever they need, please bless them. Now, watch over us as we sleep. Cover us with Your love and keep us safe. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/00/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.