• Good evening, brethren.
    1. Evening devotion for today.

    ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
    (COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

    *DATE:*
    TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *SUB-THEME:*
    YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

    *TOPIC:*
    HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS.

    *TEXTS:*
    ROMANS 12:2; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5.

    *ROMANS 12:2.*
    2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

    *CORINTHIANS 10:5.*
    5. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

    *TOPIC:*
    HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS.

    *THE MESSAGE;*
    Each day, our minds are flood with streams of thoughts - some uplifting, others discouraging. If we are not vigilant, negative thoughts can take hold, dragging us into a state of despair that God never intended for us to experience. The first text urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, while the second reminds us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. This means we must not allow any thought that contradicts God's word to go unchecked. The moment you recognise a harmful or untrue thought creeping in, stand firm in your identity in Christ. Reject it, confront it, and replace it with the truth of the Scripture. The more you study scriptures, the easier it will be for you to recognise lies and false teachings. This will prompt you to turn away from them and walk in the truth.

    *REFLECTION:*
    Let the scriptures guide your thoughts.

    *PRAYER:*
    Lord, help me to think rightly. Amen.

    *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
    2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
    "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

    *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
    EZEKIEL 34-36.

    ED.ii. SHAMGAR'S CATTLE STICK

    "After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad. He too saved Israel." - Judges 3:31

    Shamgar was a farmer and one day while he was plowing the enemy, the Philistines, came. They were out to rob, kill and destroy Israel.

    Shamgar had no sword, spear or shield like the Philistines who were well-armed and trained men. In 1 Samuel 13:19 it says: 'The Philistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews.'

    The hero Shamgar

    The only thing Shamgar had was a cattle stick - a stick of about three meters long and four to five centimeters thick. On this cattle stick, there was a small point sticking out which is used to spur the oxen. On the other side of the stick, there was a chisel to scrape the plowshares. There was an army of 600 armed men and there was Shamgar with his cattle stick. Many of us would choose the easiest way out and leave. But Shamgar approached them with his cane and struck them down one after the other. Can you imagine this: 600 men beaten by one man with a stick? Shamgar became a hero on that day and was appointed to judge in Israel.

    Today we also have enemies, from whom the evil one is the worst. The Bible says he came to steal, kill, and destroy. And he comes with many demons.

    Use what you have

    Shamgar did not wait like so many people do but he used what he had. Let us also confront the enemy with what we have. Jesus is with us and with Him we are more than conquerors! Do not wait for what you do not have but use what you have. God is on your side.


    https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

    2. Evening Prayer for today.

    EP.i. Evening Prayer

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ⏤ Proverbs 3:5-6

    The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands. ⏤ Leonard Ravenhill

    O God, the Author of our being and the Preserver of our lives—we come to Your throne of grace this evening, placing ourselves under Your care for the night. Bless us and grant us Your special peace. Cleanse our hearts before You, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from us. Shine the light of Your countenance upon us, and grant us Your salvation.

    The evening is here; come, O Jesus, and abide with us. Keep us securely in Your care. Strengthen our faith so that it will not fail. May we always keep our eyes on You, setting You before us, so that we do not lose our way. We are too prone to trust our own desires and to choose our own ways. Help us to always do what pleases You so that we do not sin against You. Keep us from discouragement and despair. May we learn to leave all the affairs of our lives in Your hands, trusting You to bring about what is best for us and for Your glory. Teach us how to commit our way to You so that You may bring forth our righteousness.

    We bring before You each member of our home. You know each one of us and all our needs. You know the temptations each of us faces—they are not the same, though we live under the same roof. Match Your grace to our specific dangers and needs. Reveal Yourself to us always as the Friend we need, offering the help we need.

    Sanctify all the experiences of the day for us. May our disappointments prove to be Your appointments, and may the way You have led us be indeed the right way. In Your great mercy, forgive all our sins, and bring us into Your heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/evening

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS. *TEXTS:* ROMANS 12:2; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5. *ROMANS 12:2.* 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. *CORINTHIANS 10:5.* 5. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. *TOPIC:* HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS. *THE MESSAGE;* Each day, our minds are flood with streams of thoughts - some uplifting, others discouraging. If we are not vigilant, negative thoughts can take hold, dragging us into a state of despair that God never intended for us to experience. The first text urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, while the second reminds us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. This means we must not allow any thought that contradicts God's word to go unchecked. The moment you recognise a harmful or untrue thought creeping in, stand firm in your identity in Christ. Reject it, confront it, and replace it with the truth of the Scripture. The more you study scriptures, the easier it will be for you to recognise lies and false teachings. This will prompt you to turn away from them and walk in the truth. *REFLECTION:* Let the scriptures guide your thoughts. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to think rightly. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 34-36. ED.ii. SHAMGAR'S CATTLE STICK "After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad. He too saved Israel." - Judges 3:31 Shamgar was a farmer and one day while he was plowing the enemy, the Philistines, came. They were out to rob, kill and destroy Israel. Shamgar had no sword, spear or shield like the Philistines who were well-armed and trained men. In 1 Samuel 13:19 it says: 'The Philistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews.' The hero Shamgar The only thing Shamgar had was a cattle stick - a stick of about three meters long and four to five centimeters thick. On this cattle stick, there was a small point sticking out which is used to spur the oxen. On the other side of the stick, there was a chisel to scrape the plowshares. There was an army of 600 armed men and there was Shamgar with his cattle stick. Many of us would choose the easiest way out and leave. But Shamgar approached them with his cane and struck them down one after the other. Can you imagine this: 600 men beaten by one man with a stick? Shamgar became a hero on that day and was appointed to judge in Israel. Today we also have enemies, from whom the evil one is the worst. The Bible says he came to steal, kill, and destroy. And he comes with many demons. Use what you have Shamgar did not wait like so many people do but he used what he had. Let us also confront the enemy with what we have. Jesus is with us and with Him we are more than conquerors! Do not wait for what you do not have but use what you have. God is on your side. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ⏤ Proverbs 3:5-6 The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands. ⏤ Leonard Ravenhill O God, the Author of our being and the Preserver of our lives—we come to Your throne of grace this evening, placing ourselves under Your care for the night. Bless us and grant us Your special peace. Cleanse our hearts before You, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from us. Shine the light of Your countenance upon us, and grant us Your salvation. The evening is here; come, O Jesus, and abide with us. Keep us securely in Your care. Strengthen our faith so that it will not fail. May we always keep our eyes on You, setting You before us, so that we do not lose our way. We are too prone to trust our own desires and to choose our own ways. Help us to always do what pleases You so that we do not sin against You. Keep us from discouragement and despair. May we learn to leave all the affairs of our lives in Your hands, trusting You to bring about what is best for us and for Your glory. Teach us how to commit our way to You so that You may bring forth our righteousness. We bring before You each member of our home. You know each one of us and all our needs. You know the temptations each of us faces—they are not the same, though we live under the same roof. Match Your grace to our specific dangers and needs. Reveal Yourself to us always as the Friend we need, offering the help we need. Sanctify all the experiences of the day for us. May our disappointments prove to be Your appointments, and may the way You have led us be indeed the right way. In Your great mercy, forgive all our sins, and bring us into Your heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!!
    CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!!

    “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15

    There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow.

    You can change your career.

    You can move to another city.

    You can repair a broken relationship.

    You can change your mind about many things.

    But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone:

    What will you do with Jesus Christ?

    The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations:

    Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ

    or

    eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation.

    This is not a game.

    This is not something to treat casually.

    And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely.

    Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us.

    ---

    CHOICE ONE:

    RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST

    Jesus said:
    «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
    — John 14:6»

    The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth:

    We have all sinned.

    Romans 3:23 says:

    «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”»

    But God did not leave humanity without hope.

    He sent His Son.

    Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again.

    John 3:16 declares:

    «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”»

    Think about the magnitude of that promise.

    God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment.

    He offered mercy.

    God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation.

    He offered forgiveness.

    God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ.

    ---

    JESUS IS CALLING YOU

    Jesus said:

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

    Notice the invitation:

    Come to Me.

    Not:

    “Fix yourself first.”

    Not:

    “Become perfect first.”

    Not:

    “Make yourself worthy first.”

    Come to Me.

    Repent.

    Believe.

    Surrender.

    Trust Him.

    Follow Him.

    Receive His grace.

    And let Christ transform your life.

    ---

    THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST

    Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return.

    Jesus said:

    «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
    — Matthew 24:42»

    Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.

    Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same:

    To be with Christ.

    That is why believers are told:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him.

    It should produce:

    Hope.

    Readiness.

    Faithfulness.

    Holiness.

    Expectation.

    ---

    HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE

    Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery.

    It isn't merely freedom from pain.

    It isn't merely reunion.

    It isn't merely eternal life.

    The greatest blessing is God Himself.

    Revelation 21:3 says:

    «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”»

    And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises:

    «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”»

    Imagine a world where death is gone.

    Where suffering is gone.

    Where sin is gone.

    Where tears are gone.

    Where separation is gone.

    Where God's people dwell with Him forever.

    Revelation 22:4 says:

    «“They will see his face.”»

    That is the ultimate Christian hope:

    To see Jesus face to face.

    ---

    CHOICE TWO:

    REJECT CHRIST

    The Bible also gives a solemn warning.

    God does not force people to love Him.

    He does not force people to receive His salvation.

    He gives humanity a genuine choice.

    Jesus spoke seriously about judgment.

    Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads:

    «“Enter through the narrow gate.”»

    Jesus also warned:

    «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”»

    This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance.

    It should instead awaken us to reality.

    Eternity matters.

    Our response to Christ matters.

    Our relationship with God matters.

    ---

    THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE

    The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment.

    It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God.

    God is the source of life.

    God is the source of goodness.

    God is the source of love.

    God is the source of hope.

    To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation.

    Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there.

    The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care.

    They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously.

    ---

    DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE

    James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears.

    None of us knows exactly how long we have.

    We should therefore never say:

    “I'll get right with God someday.”

    Someday isn't guaranteed.

    Tomorrow isn't promised.

    The Bible says:

    «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”
    — 2 Corinthians 6:2»

    And Hebrews 3:15 says:

    «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”»

    If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today:

    Don't run from Him.

    Turn toward Him.

    ---

    REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY

    Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life.

    Repentance means turning around.

    Turning away from sin.

    Turning toward God.

    Turning away from rebellion.

    Turning toward Jesus.

    Turning away from darkness.

    Turning toward the Light.

    Jesus began His ministry with this message:

    «“Repent and believe the good news!”
    — Mark 1:15»

    Repentance isn't about earning salvation.

    It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart.

    ---

    YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF

    Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

    «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”»

    You cannot purchase salvation.

    You cannot earn salvation.

    You cannot manufacture salvation.

    You cannot become good enough to save yourself.

    Jesus saves.

    That is why the Gospel is called good news.

    Jesus did what we could never do.

    He paid the price for sin.

    He conquered death.

    He rose again.

    And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith.

    ---

    DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU

    The enemy may whisper:

    “You're too far gone.”

    “God won't forgive you.”

    “You've failed too many times.”

    “There's no point coming back.”

    But those accusations are not the Gospel.

    Jesus says:

    «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
    — John 6:37»

    What an incredible promise.

    Whoever comes.

    Not merely the perfect.

    Not merely the religious.

    Not merely the people who have never failed.

    Whoever comes.

    Come to Jesus.

    ---

    TWO ROADS

    There are ultimately two roads.

    One leads toward God.

    One leads away from God.

    One is surrender.

    One is rebellion.

    One receives grace.

    One rejects grace.

    One leads to life.

    One leads to destruction.

    And Jesus tells us to choose life.

    Deuteronomy 30:19 says:

    «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”»

    The invitation is before you.

    Choose Jesus.

    ---

    BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR

    Christianity isn't supposed to be:

    “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.”

    The Gospel says:

    God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you.

    Romans 8:1 says:

    «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”»

    If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures.

    Look toward Jesus.

    Confess your sins.

    Receive His forgiveness.

    Walk with Him.

    Grow in Him.

    And trust His grace.

    ---

    THE FINAL QUESTION

    One day every human being will stand before eternity.

    The question will not ultimately be:

    “How successful were you?”

    “How much money did you accumulate?”

    “How famous did you become?”

    “How many possessions did you own?”

    The most important question is:

    What did you do with Jesus Christ?

    Did you receive Him?

    Did you trust Him?

    Did you repent?

    Did you surrender?

    Did you follow Him?

    Jesus asks:

    «“Who do you say I am?”
    — Matthew 16:15»

    And Peter answered:

    «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
    — Matthew 16:16»

    That is the confession that changes everything.

    ---

    TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS

    If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today.

    You don't need fancy words.

    You need an honest heart.

    You can say:

    “Jesus, I need You.”

    “Jesus, forgive me.”

    “Jesus, I repent.”

    “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.”

    “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.”

    “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.”

    Then begin walking with Him.

    Read His Word.

    Pray.

    Seek fellowship with genuine believers.

    Turn away from deliberate sin.

    Learn to obey Him.

    And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him.

    ---

    FINAL APPEAL

    Don't gamble with eternity.

    Don't assume you have unlimited time.

    Don't harden your heart.

    Don't allow pride to keep you from grace.

    Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus.

    Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow.

    Jesus Christ is calling you today.

    There is forgiveness.

    There is mercy.

    There is grace.

    There is salvation.

    There is hope.

    There is eternal life.

    And it is found in Jesus Christ.

    Choose Jesus.

    Not because you are terrified of death—

    but because He is worthy of your life.

    Not merely because heaven is beautiful—

    but because Jesus is there.

    Not merely because hell is terrible—

    but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son.

    The invitation is before you.

    Come to Jesus.

    Repent.

    Believe.

    Surrender.

    Follow Him.

    And never turn back.

    ---

    DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving.

    I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness.

    I need Jesus.

    Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God.

    I believe that You came into this world.

    I believe that You lived without sin.

    I believe that You willingly went to the cross.

    I believe that You died for our sins.

    I believe that You rose from the dead.

    And I believe that You are alive forevermore.

    Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    Be my Lord.

    Be my Savior.

    Be my King.

    Forgive my sins.

    Wash me clean.

    Change my heart.

    Change my desires.

    Change my thinking.

    Change my words.

    Change my actions.

    Change my priorities.

    Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace.

    Holy Spirit, lead me.

    Convict me when I wander.

    Correct me when I become proud.

    Strengthen me when I am weak.

    Comfort me when I am hurting.

    Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture.

    Give me a hunger for God's Word.

    Give me a desire to pray.

    Give me a desire for holiness.

    Give me compassion for people who are lost.

    Give me courage to tell others about Jesus.

    Father, I don't want to live carelessly.

    I don't want to presume upon Your grace.

    I don't want to harden my heart.

    I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things.

    Help me keep eternity before my eyes.

    But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters.

    Give me strength to keep living faithfully.

    Give me strength to keep serving.

    Give me strength to keep loving.

    Give me strength to keep praying.

    Give me strength to keep believing.

    When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus.

    When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ.

    When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy.

    When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up.

    When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures.

    Father, keep my heart tender toward You.

    Don't allow me to become spiritually cold.

    Don't allow me to become complacent.

    Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus.

    Help me finish my earthly race faithfully.

    And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ.

    My hope is not in my own righteousness.

    My hope is Jesus.

    My confidence is not in my performance.

    My confidence is in Your grace.

    My salvation is not something I can boast about.

    It is Your gift.

    Thank You for the cross.

    Thank You for the empty tomb.

    Thank You for the blood of Jesus.

    Thank You for forgiveness.

    Thank You for mercy.

    Thank You for grace.

    Thank You for the promise of eternal life.

    Father, prepare me for eternity.

    Make me ready to meet Jesus.

    And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have.

    I pray for those who are currently far away from You.

    Soften their hearts.

    Open their eyes.

    Break through their pride.

    Heal their wounds.

    Remove the lies that keep them from believing.

    Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel.

    Let them encounter Jesus.

    Let them discover Your mercy.

    Let them turn from darkness toward light.

    Let them repent.

    Let them believe.

    Let them be saved.

    And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people.

    Instead, give us tears for the lost.

    Give us compassion.

    Give us patience.

    Give us courage.

    Give us love.

    Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ.

    Father, I choose life.

    I choose Jesus.

    I choose surrender.

    I choose faith.

    I choose to follow Christ.

    And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end.

    My future is in Your hands.

    My hope is in Jesus Christ.

    My eternity belongs to You.

    And my prayer is:

    “Come, Lord Jesus.”

    But until that glorious day,

    help me live for Jesus.

    Help me love like Jesus.

    Help me forgive like Jesus.

    Help me serve like Jesus.

    Help me pray like Jesus.

    Help me walk in holiness.

    Help me share the Gospel.

    Help me finish well.

    And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself.

    Jesus Christ is my Lord.

    Jesus Christ is my Savior.

    Jesus Christ is my King.

    Jesus Christ is my hope.

    Jesus Christ is my eternal life.

    In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ,

    Amen.

    ************************

    THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

    A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King

    “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42

    There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously:

    JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN.

    The early Church lived with this expectation.

    The apostles preached it.

    Jesus promised it.

    The book of Revelation ends with it.

    And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face.

    But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming?

    And more importantly:

    How should we live if Jesus could return at any time?

    ---

    1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN

    Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end.

    He told them:

    «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
    — John 14:3»

    What an incredible promise.

    Jesus is not abandoning His people.

    He is coming again.

    The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking.

    It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ.

    The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory.

    ---

    2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?

    The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ.

    Paul writes:

    «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17»

    Think about those words:

    The dead in Christ will rise.

    Believers who are alive will be caught up.

    We will meet the Lord.

    And we will be with the Lord forever.

    Paul concludes:

    «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”»

    Then he says:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers.

    ---

    3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS

    Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15.

    He says:

    «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”
    — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52»

    Our present bodies are temporary.

    But God promises resurrection.

    Corruption will give way to incorruption.

    Mortality will give way to immortality.

    And Paul declares:

    «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
    — 1 Corinthians 15:54»

    That is the Christian hope.

    Death does not have the final word.

    Jesus does.

    ---

    4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING?

    The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return.

    Jesus said:

    «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
    — Matthew 24:30»

    This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event.

    Christ returns as King.

    Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness.

    The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory.

    The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King.

    The One who was crucified will return in triumph.

    ---

    5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT?

    Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together.

    Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later.

    Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return.

    There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events.

    We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline.

    But there are truths we can hold firmly:

    Jesus is coming again.

    The dead in Christ will be raised.

    Believers will be gathered to Christ.

    Jesus will return in glory.

    Christ will ultimately triumph over evil.

    God will judge with perfect righteousness.

    God will establish His eternal kingdom.

    God will make all things new.

    Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines.

    ---

    6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE

    Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified.

    But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror.

    He said:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    Why?

    Because the Christian has a future.

    The grave isn't the end.

    Death isn't the end.

    Suffering isn't the end.

    Grief isn't the end.

    Jesus is coming.

    Resurrection is coming.

    Restoration is coming.

    Eternal life is coming.

    ---

    7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS

    Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return:

    «“What kind of people ought you to be?”
    — 2 Peter 3:11»

    In other words:

    If Jesus is coming again,

    How should we live today?

    The answer isn't:

    “Try to calculate the exact date.”

    Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty.

    Instead:

    Be ready.

    Be faithful.

    Be watchful.

    Repent when you sin.

    Forgive people.

    Love God.

    Love your neighbor.

    Share the Gospel.

    Walk in holiness.

    Keep your heart tender toward God.

    ---

    8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW

    Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness.

    Matthew 24:44 says:

    «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”»

    We don't know exactly when Christ will return.

    We don't know how long our earthly lives will last.

    Therefore:

    Today matters.

    If you need to repent, repent today.

    If you need to forgive, forgive today.

    If you need to return to God, return today.

    If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today.

    If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it.

    ---

    9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7

    Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture:

    «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
    — Matthew 7:21»

    Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection.

    He was warning against empty profession.

    It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God.

    Therefore, don't merely say:

    “I believe in Jesus.”

    Ask:

    Am I actually following Jesus?

    Do I repent when He convicts me?

    Do I trust His grace?

    Do I desire His presence?

    Do I want His will?

    Do I love His Word?

    Do I seek to obey Him?

    Do I get back up when I fall?

    Christianity isn't merely a label.

    It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives.

    ---

    10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS

    If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ.

    Run toward Him.

    Jesus said:

    «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
    — John 6:37»

    That is a beautiful promise.

    When you fail:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you sin:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you are ashamed:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you are afraid:

    Come to Jesus.

    When your faith feels weak:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you don't know what to do:

    Come to Jesus.

    He is the Savior.

    ---

    11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST

    Romans 8:1 declares:

    «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”»

    That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter.

    It means Christ has provided the answer for sin.

    The believer's confidence isn't:

    “I am perfect.”

    It is:

    “Jesus is my Savior.”

    Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly.

    Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ.

    ---

    12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE

    What awaits God's people?

    Revelation 21:4 says:

    «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”»

    Revelation 22:4 says:

    «“They will see his face.”»

    That is the ultimate hope.

    Not merely beautiful surroundings.

    Not merely freedom from suffering.

    Not merely eternal existence.

    Jesus Himself.

    One day we will see our Savior.

    One day we will understand.

    One day the tears will end.

    One day death will be defeated forever.

    One day God will make everything new.

    ---

    13. SO BE READY

    Jesus said:

    «“Keep watch.”»

    Not:

    “Live in panic.”

    Not:

    “Spend your life trying to predict the date.”

    Not:

    “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.”

    Keep watch.

    Live ready.

    Love ready.

    Pray ready.

    Serve ready.

    Repent ready.

    Forgive ready.

    Share the Gospel ready.

    And if Jesus returns tomorrow—

    be ready to meet Him.

    If He returns years from now—

    be faithful until then.

    If our earthly lives end before His return—

    our hope remains Christ.

    ---

    FINAL APPEAL

    There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear.

    Money won't matter.

    Possessions won't matter.

    Status won't matter.

    Career won't matter.

    Popularity won't matter.

    The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ.

    So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement.

    Prepare for eternity.

    Don't merely prepare your house.

    Prepare your heart.

    Don't merely build earthly wealth.

    Build treasure in heaven.

    Don't merely ask:

    “How long will I live?”

    Ask:

    “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?”

    Jesus Christ is coming again.

    The King is coming.

    The resurrection is coming.

    The kingdom is coming.

    The restoration is coming.

    And the Bible's final invitation remains:

    «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’”
    — Revelation 22:17»

    And the final promise of Jesus is:

    «“Yes, I am coming soon.”
    — Revelation 22:20»

    So let the Church answer:

    “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!”

    Until that day:

    KEEP WATCHING.

    KEEP PRAYING.

    KEEP BELIEVING.

    KEEP REPENTING.

    KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS.

    KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING.

    KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING.

    JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN.

    ---

    DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY”

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again.

    Thank You that death does not have the final word.

    Thank You for the resurrection.

    Thank You for eternal life.

    Thank You for the cross.

    Thank You for the empty tomb.

    Thank You for grace.

    Thank You for mercy.

    Thank You for forgiveness.

    Father, prepare my heart for eternity.

    Search me and know me.

    Reveal anything in my life that needs to change.

    Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again.

    Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus.

    Where I have become proud, humble me.

    Where I have become careless, awaken me.

    Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith.

    Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance.

    Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness.

    Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive.

    Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    You are my Lord.

    You are my Savior.

    You are my King.

    I do not want merely to know about You.

    I want to know You.

    I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.”

    I want my life to belong to Christ.

    Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out.

    Give me a hunger for God's Word.

    Give me a deeper prayer life.

    Give me discernment.

    Give me holiness.

    Give me obedience.

    Give me endurance.

    Give me compassion for the lost.

    Give me courage to share the Gospel.

    Help me become the person You have called me to be.

    Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me.

    Give me holy expectation.

    Help me look forward to seeing Jesus.

    Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope.

    When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise:

    “We will be with the Lord forever.”

    When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph.

    When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair.

    When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ.

    When I fall, help me get back up.

    When I fail, help me return to You.

    When I am weak, strengthen me.

    When I am exhausted, carry me.

    When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character.

    Father, keep my heart ready.

    Let me never become complacent.

    Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed.

    Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally.

    Help me love people while I have the opportunity.

    Help me forgive while I have the opportunity.

    Help me serve while I have the opportunity.

    Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity.

    And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times.

    Protect me from false teaching.

    Protect me from sensationalism.

    Protect me from fear.

    Protect me from deception.

    Help me remain anchored in Scripture.

    Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love.

    Keep the main thing the main thing:

    Jesus Christ.

    Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You.

    Open their hearts.

    Open their eyes.

    Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

    Lead them to repentance.

    Lead them to faith.

    Lead them to salvation.

    And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion.

    Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching.

    Let me be found praying.

    Let me be found loving.

    Let me be found serving.

    Let me be found trusting You.

    Let me be found faithful.

    And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true.

    No more death.

    No more sorrow.

    No more crying.

    No more pain.

    Only the presence of God.

    Only the glory of Christ.

    Only eternal life.

    Only the joy of being with You.

    Father, until that day, help me keep walking.

    Help me keep believing.

    Help me keep hoping.

    Help me keep serving.

    Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus.

    And let my heart continually cry:

    “COME, LORD JESUS!”

    Until You come, I will seek to live for You.

    Until You come, I will trust You.

    Until You come, I will worship You.

    Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel.

    Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King.

    Jesus Christ is coming again.

    He is my hope.

    He is my Savior.

    He is my Lord.

    He is my King.

    In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ,

    AMEN.

    -----------------------------------------------------

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    Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word.

    Download the Bible App
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    ***************************************************

    DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD

    Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You

    Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13

    Introduction

    There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble.

    Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask:

    “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?”

    Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.”

    That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously.

    But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness.

    Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8.

    The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?”

    The answer is to look to Jesus Christ.

    1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence

    Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him.

    They said:

    “Lord, Lord…”

    They pointed to what they had done.

    But Jesus said:

    “I never knew you.”

    Notice something important.

    The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough.

    Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ.

    That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror.

    Ask:

    Am I trusting Jesus Christ?

    Am I turning toward Him when I fail?

    Do I want Him to be Lord of my life?

    Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect?

    Those questions are very different from:

    “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?”

    Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.”

    2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection

    Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works.

    That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity.

    We are sinners who need a Savior.

    And our Savior is Jesus.

    When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ.

    You need to run toward Him.

    When you fail, repent.

    When you sin, confess it.

    When you become discouraged, return to Him.

    When you doubt, seek Him.

    When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place.

    Jesus is the foundation.

    3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7

    Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort.

    Romans 8:1 declares:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    Notice those words:

    “In Christ Jesus.”

    Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes.

    He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

    And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security.

    Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    That means your assurance isn't:

    “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.”

    Your hope is:

    “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.”

    4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised

    Jesus said in John 6:37:

    “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

    Think about that.

    Never.

    If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away.

    Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

    John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand.

    The Christian life is not:

    “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.”

    It is:

    “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.”

    5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge

    There will be nights when you feel close to God.

    There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing.

    There will be moments of tremendous faith.

    There will be moments of terrible doubt.

    There will be seasons when prayer seems easy.

    There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling.

    Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior.

    Jesus is.

    Your emotions can change from hour to hour.

    Christ does not.

    Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ.

    6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past?

    Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking:

    “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?”

    The Gospel gives us an answer.

    Christ died for sinners.

    Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin.

    A Christian may stumble.

    A Christian may fail.

    A Christian may have seasons of weakness.

    But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God.

    When you fall, get back up.

    When you wander, come home.

    When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart.

    When you become afraid, remember the cross.

    The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past.

    7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ

    Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this:

    STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF.

    You are not the Savior.

    Jesus is.

    You did not die on the cross for your sins.

    Jesus did.

    You did not rise from the grave.

    Jesus did.

    You cannot forgive your own sins.

    Jesus can.

    You cannot guarantee your own future.

    But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands.

    So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it.

    Let it drive you toward Christ.

    And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too.

    The Bible contains both warning and comfort.

    The warning tells us:

    Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him.

    The comfort tells the genuine believer:

    Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you.

    8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?”

    The question is:

    “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?”

    Are you coming to Him?

    Are you confessing your sins?

    Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you?

    Are you seeking to follow Him?

    Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior?

    Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial.

    Bring your fears to Jesus.

    Bring your failures to Jesus.

    Bring your doubts to Jesus.

    Bring your entire life to Jesus.

    LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD.

    Not yourself.

    Not your emotions.

    Not your performance.

    Not your past.

    Jesus.

    Conclusion

    One day every one of us will stand before God.

    Our hope on that day cannot be:

    “Lord, look how good I was.”

    Our hope is:

    “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.”

    The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God.

    It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son.

    So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough.

    Run to Jesus because you know you aren't.

    And discover that His grace is greater than your failures.

    When fear whispers:

    “What if Jesus rejects you?”

    Answer with His promise:

    “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37

    When condemnation whispers:

    “You're finished.”

    Answer with Scripture:

    “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

    When fear says:

    “You will be separated from God's love.”

    Remember Romans 8:38–39:

    Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God.

    So tonight, tomorrow, and every day:

    Don't look at yourself.

    Look at your Shepherd.

    Look at Jesus.

    Trust Him.

    Follow Him.

    Repent when you fall.

    Receive His grace.

    And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ.

    ---

    CLOSING PRAYER

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You.

    But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself.

    I put my confidence in Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners.

    Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works.

    Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace.

    When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You.

    When I sin, give me genuine repentance.

    When I doubt, strengthen my faith.

    When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise:

    “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

    Jesus, You are my Shepherd.

    I cannot save myself.

    I cannot make myself worthy.

    I cannot depend upon my own goodness.

    I need You.

    Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life.

    Give me a heart that loves You.

    Give me a heart that hates sin.

    Give me a heart that quickly repents.

    Give me a heart that desires Your presence.

    Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus.

    And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am.

    My hope is in how faithful You are.

    Father, I place my past in Your mercy.

    I place my present in Your hands.

    And I place my future in Your hands.

    I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

    Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face.

    In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ,

    Amen.

    REMEMBER:

    Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd.

    Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ.

    Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus.

    Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ.

    ------------------------------------------------------

    The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!!

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    Download the Bible App
    https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

    **************************************************

    THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget:

    Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us.

    When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.”

    ---

    REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE

    John writes:

    > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.”
    — 1 John 3:6

    And:

    > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.”
    — 1 John 3:9

    These are extremely serious words.

    Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label.

    It isn't merely saying a prayer.

    It isn't simply attending church.

    It isn't simply knowing Bible verses.

    Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life.

    The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God.

    ---

    GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN

    Paul anticipated this very question:

    > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!”
    — Romans 6:1–2

    Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion.

    Jesus didn't die so that we could say:

    “Now I can sin without consequences.”

    He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin.

    Romans 6:14 says:

    > “For sin will have no dominion over you.”

    The Christian life isn't:

    “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.”

    It is:

    “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.”

    ---

    BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL

    This distinction is extremely important.

    If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written:

    > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
    — 1 John 1:8

    Christians can stumble.

    Christians can become weak.

    Christians can make terrible decisions.

    Christians can fall into temptation.

    Peter denied Jesus.

    David committed terrible sins.

    But there is a difference between:

    FALLING INTO SIN

    and

    DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE.

    A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit.

    The Holy Spirit convicts.

    The conscience becomes troubled.

    The believer turns back.

    Repentance begins.

    And they cry:

    “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!”

    ---

    THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION

    Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work:

    > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.”

    And:

    > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.”

    That's regeneration.

    God doesn't merely tell us:

    “Try harder.”

    He gives us His Spirit.

    He gives us a new heart.

    He begins changing us from the inside out.

    ---

    WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE?

    A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles.

    It is someone whose direction has changed.

    They begin to hate what they once loved.

    They begin to love what God loves.

    They become increasingly sensitive to sin.

    They desire God's Word.

    They desire prayer.

    They desire fellowship with God.

    They repent when they fall.

    They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus.

    And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing:

    > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
    — Galatians 5:22–23

    Transformation takes time.

    A newborn Christian is still growing.

    God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer.

    But there should be life.

    There should be growth.

    There should be movement toward Christ.

    ---

    DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE

    Romans 6:12 says:

    > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”

    Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill.

    Don't continually return to the same chains while saying:

    “Grace doesn't matter.”

    Instead:

    Run toward Jesus.

    When temptation comes—pray.

    When you fall—repent.

    When you are weak—ask for strength.

    When you are discouraged—remember God's promises.

    When you fail—don't hide from God.

    Come back to Him.

    ---

    YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS

    Here's something every believer needs to understand:

    Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly.

    Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ.

    Ephesians 2:8–9:

    > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.”

    And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope:

    > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

    Therefore:

    Don't become proud when you succeed.

    Don't despair when you stumble.

    Stay close to Jesus.

    Keep repenting.

    Keep believing.

    Keep following.

    Keep surrendering.

    Keep growing.

    Keep your eyes on Christ.

    ---

    PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION”

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy.

    Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works.

    Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again.

    Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    Give me a new heart.

    Give me a new spirit.

    Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

    Break the power of sin over my life.

    Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life.

    Give me genuine repentance.

    Give me genuine faith.

    Give me genuine obedience.

    Give me genuine love for You.

    Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling.

    When I fall, don't let me run away from You.

    Teach me to run toward You.

    Convict me when I sin.

    Give me humility to confess it.

    Give me strength to turn away from it.

    Give me perseverance to keep following You.

    I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips.

    I want You to truly be Lord of my life.

    Change my desires.

    Change my thoughts.

    Change my words.

    Change my actions.

    Make me increasingly like Jesus.

    Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me.

    Let love replace hatred.

    Let purity replace impurity.

    Let forgiveness replace bitterness.

    Let humility replace pride.

    Let obedience replace rebellion.

    Let faith replace fear.

    And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross.

    When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You.

    I want to walk with You.

    I want to know You.

    I want to love You.

    I want to serve You.

    I want to finish my race faithfully.

    Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face.

    You are my Savior.

    You are my Lord.

    You are my King.

    You are my righteousness.

    You are my hope.

    I place my life and eternity into Your hands.

    In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

    AMEN.

    FINAL REMINDER

    Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble.

    Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness.

    You may fall—but get back up.

    You may fail—but run back to Jesus.

    You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin.

    Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you.

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
    — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!! CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!! “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow. You can change your career. You can move to another city. You can repair a broken relationship. You can change your mind about many things. But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone: What will you do with Jesus Christ? The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations: Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ or eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation. This is not a game. This is not something to treat casually. And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely. Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us. --- CHOICE ONE: RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST Jesus said: «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6» The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth: We have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says: «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”» But God did not leave humanity without hope. He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. John 3:16 declares: «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”» Think about the magnitude of that promise. God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment. He offered mercy. God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation. He offered forgiveness. God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ. --- JESUS IS CALLING YOU Jesus said: «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Notice the invitation: Come to Me. Not: “Fix yourself first.” Not: “Become perfect first.” Not: “Make yourself worthy first.” Come to Me. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Trust Him. Follow Him. Receive His grace. And let Christ transform your life. --- THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return. Jesus said: «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42» Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same: To be with Christ. That is why believers are told: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him. It should produce: Hope. Readiness. Faithfulness. Holiness. Expectation. --- HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery. It isn't merely freedom from pain. It isn't merely reunion. It isn't merely eternal life. The greatest blessing is God Himself. Revelation 21:3 says: «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”» And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Imagine a world where death is gone. Where suffering is gone. Where sin is gone. Where tears are gone. Where separation is gone. Where God's people dwell with Him forever. Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate Christian hope: To see Jesus face to face. --- CHOICE TWO: REJECT CHRIST The Bible also gives a solemn warning. God does not force people to love Him. He does not force people to receive His salvation. He gives humanity a genuine choice. Jesus spoke seriously about judgment. Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads: «“Enter through the narrow gate.”» Jesus also warned: «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”» This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance. It should instead awaken us to reality. Eternity matters. Our response to Christ matters. Our relationship with God matters. --- THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment. It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God. God is the source of life. God is the source of goodness. God is the source of love. God is the source of hope. To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation. Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there. The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care. They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously. --- DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. None of us knows exactly how long we have. We should therefore never say: “I'll get right with God someday.” Someday isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow isn't promised. The Bible says: «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2» And Hebrews 3:15 says: «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”» If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today: Don't run from Him. Turn toward Him. --- REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life. Repentance means turning around. Turning away from sin. Turning toward God. Turning away from rebellion. Turning toward Jesus. Turning away from darkness. Turning toward the Light. Jesus began His ministry with this message: «“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15» Repentance isn't about earning salvation. It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart. --- YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF Ephesians 2:8–9 says: «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”» You cannot purchase salvation. You cannot earn salvation. You cannot manufacture salvation. You cannot become good enough to save yourself. Jesus saves. That is why the Gospel is called good news. Jesus did what we could never do. He paid the price for sin. He conquered death. He rose again. And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. --- DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU The enemy may whisper: “You're too far gone.” “God won't forgive you.” “You've failed too many times.” “There's no point coming back.” But those accusations are not the Gospel. Jesus says: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» What an incredible promise. Whoever comes. Not merely the perfect. Not merely the religious. Not merely the people who have never failed. Whoever comes. Come to Jesus. --- TWO ROADS There are ultimately two roads. One leads toward God. One leads away from God. One is surrender. One is rebellion. One receives grace. One rejects grace. One leads to life. One leads to destruction. And Jesus tells us to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”» The invitation is before you. Choose Jesus. --- BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR Christianity isn't supposed to be: “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.” The Gospel says: God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you. Romans 8:1 says: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures. Look toward Jesus. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness. Walk with Him. Grow in Him. And trust His grace. --- THE FINAL QUESTION One day every human being will stand before eternity. The question will not ultimately be: “How successful were you?” “How much money did you accumulate?” “How famous did you become?” “How many possessions did you own?” The most important question is: What did you do with Jesus Christ? Did you receive Him? Did you trust Him? Did you repent? Did you surrender? Did you follow Him? Jesus asks: «“Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15» And Peter answered: «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16» That is the confession that changes everything. --- TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today. You don't need fancy words. You need an honest heart. You can say: “Jesus, I need You.” “Jesus, forgive me.” “Jesus, I repent.” “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.” “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.” “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.” Then begin walking with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Seek fellowship with genuine believers. Turn away from deliberate sin. Learn to obey Him. And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him. --- FINAL APPEAL Don't gamble with eternity. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Don't harden your heart. Don't allow pride to keep you from grace. Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus. Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow. Jesus Christ is calling you today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is grace. There is salvation. There is hope. There is eternal life. And it is found in Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus. Not because you are terrified of death— but because He is worthy of your life. Not merely because heaven is beautiful— but because Jesus is there. Not merely because hell is terrible— but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son. The invitation is before you. Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Follow Him. And never turn back. --- DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness. I need Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You came into this world. I believe that You lived without sin. I believe that You willingly went to the cross. I believe that You died for our sins. I believe that You rose from the dead. And I believe that You are alive forevermore. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Be my Lord. Be my Savior. Be my King. Forgive my sins. Wash me clean. Change my heart. Change my desires. Change my thinking. Change my words. Change my actions. Change my priorities. Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace. Holy Spirit, lead me. Convict me when I wander. Correct me when I become proud. Strengthen me when I am weak. Comfort me when I am hurting. Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a desire for holiness. Give me compassion for people who are lost. Give me courage to tell others about Jesus. Father, I don't want to live carelessly. I don't want to presume upon Your grace. I don't want to harden my heart. I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things. Help me keep eternity before my eyes. But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters. Give me strength to keep living faithfully. Give me strength to keep serving. Give me strength to keep loving. Give me strength to keep praying. Give me strength to keep believing. When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus. When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy. When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up. When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Father, keep my heart tender toward You. Don't allow me to become spiritually cold. Don't allow me to become complacent. Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus. Help me finish my earthly race faithfully. And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ. My hope is not in my own righteousness. My hope is Jesus. My confidence is not in my performance. My confidence is in Your grace. My salvation is not something I can boast about. It is Your gift. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for grace. Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Father, prepare me for eternity. Make me ready to meet Jesus. And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have. I pray for those who are currently far away from You. Soften their hearts. Open their eyes. Break through their pride. Heal their wounds. Remove the lies that keep them from believing. Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel. Let them encounter Jesus. Let them discover Your mercy. Let them turn from darkness toward light. Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them be saved. And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people. Instead, give us tears for the lost. Give us compassion. Give us patience. Give us courage. Give us love. Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ. Father, I choose life. I choose Jesus. I choose surrender. I choose faith. I choose to follow Christ. And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end. My future is in Your hands. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My eternity belongs to You. And my prayer is: “Come, Lord Jesus.” But until that glorious day, help me live for Jesus. Help me love like Jesus. Help me forgive like Jesus. Help me serve like Jesus. Help me pray like Jesus. Help me walk in holiness. Help me share the Gospel. Help me finish well. And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus Christ is my King. Jesus Christ is my hope. Jesus Christ is my eternal life. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️👑 ************************ THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King 👑 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously: JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. The early Church lived with this expectation. The apostles preached it. Jesus promised it. The book of Revelation ends with it. And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face. But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming? And more importantly: How should we live if Jesus could return at any time? --- 1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end. He told them: «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3» What an incredible promise. Jesus is not abandoning His people. He is coming again. The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking. It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ. The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory. --- 2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ. Paul writes: «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17» Think about those words: The dead in Christ will rise. Believers who are alive will be caught up. We will meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever. Paul concludes: «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”» Then he says: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers. --- 3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15. He says: «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52» Our present bodies are temporary. But God promises resurrection. Corruption will give way to incorruption. Mortality will give way to immortality. And Paul declares: «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54» That is the Christian hope. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. --- 4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING? The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return. Jesus said: «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30» This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event. Christ returns as King. Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness. The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory. The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King. The One who was crucified will return in triumph. --- 5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT? Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together. Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later. Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return. There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events. We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline. But there are truths we can hold firmly: Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will be raised. Believers will be gathered to Christ. Jesus will return in glory. Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. God will judge with perfect righteousness. God will establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new. Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines. --- 6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified. But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror. He said: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» Why? Because the Christian has a future. The grave isn't the end. Death isn't the end. Suffering isn't the end. Grief isn't the end. Jesus is coming. Resurrection is coming. Restoration is coming. Eternal life is coming. --- 7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return: «“What kind of people ought you to be?” — 2 Peter 3:11» In other words: If Jesus is coming again, How should we live today? The answer isn't: “Try to calculate the exact date.” Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty. Instead: Be ready. Be faithful. Be watchful. Repent when you sin. Forgive people. Love God. Love your neighbor. Share the Gospel. Walk in holiness. Keep your heart tender toward God. --- 8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness. Matthew 24:44 says: «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”» We don't know exactly when Christ will return. We don't know how long our earthly lives will last. Therefore: Today matters. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive, forgive today. If you need to return to God, return today. If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today. If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it. --- 9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7 Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture: «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21» Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection. He was warning against empty profession. It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God. Therefore, don't merely say: “I believe in Jesus.” Ask: Am I actually following Jesus? Do I repent when He convicts me? Do I trust His grace? Do I desire His presence? Do I want His will? Do I love His Word? Do I seek to obey Him? Do I get back up when I fall? Christianity isn't merely a label. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives. --- 10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ. Run toward Him. Jesus said: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» That is a beautiful promise. When you fail: Come to Jesus. When you sin: Come to Jesus. When you are ashamed: Come to Jesus. When you are afraid: Come to Jesus. When your faith feels weak: Come to Jesus. When you don't know what to do: Come to Jesus. He is the Savior. --- 11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST Romans 8:1 declares: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter. It means Christ has provided the answer for sin. The believer's confidence isn't: “I am perfect.” It is: “Jesus is my Savior.” Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly. Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ. --- 12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE What awaits God's people? Revelation 21:4 says: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate hope. Not merely beautiful surroundings. Not merely freedom from suffering. Not merely eternal existence. Jesus Himself. One day we will see our Savior. One day we will understand. One day the tears will end. One day death will be defeated forever. One day God will make everything new. --- 13. SO BE READY Jesus said: «“Keep watch.”» Not: “Live in panic.” Not: “Spend your life trying to predict the date.” Not: “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.” Keep watch. Live ready. Love ready. Pray ready. Serve ready. Repent ready. Forgive ready. Share the Gospel ready. And if Jesus returns tomorrow— be ready to meet Him. If He returns years from now— be faithful until then. If our earthly lives end before His return— our hope remains Christ. --- FINAL APPEAL There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear. Money won't matter. Possessions won't matter. Status won't matter. Career won't matter. Popularity won't matter. The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ. So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement. Prepare for eternity. Don't merely prepare your house. Prepare your heart. Don't merely build earthly wealth. Build treasure in heaven. Don't merely ask: “How long will I live?” Ask: “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?” Jesus Christ is coming again. The King is coming. The resurrection is coming. The kingdom is coming. The restoration is coming. And the Bible's final invitation remains: «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” — Revelation 22:17» And the final promise of Jesus is: «“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20» So let the Church answer: “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!” Until that day: KEEP WATCHING. KEEP PRAYING. KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP REPENTING. KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS. KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING. 👑 JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. ✝️ --- DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final word. Thank You for the resurrection. Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for grace. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for forgiveness. Father, prepare my heart for eternity. Search me and know me. Reveal anything in my life that needs to change. Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again. Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus. Where I have become proud, humble me. Where I have become careless, awaken me. Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith. Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance. Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness. Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. You are my King. I do not want merely to know about You. I want to know You. I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.” I want my life to belong to Christ. Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a deeper prayer life. Give me discernment. Give me holiness. Give me obedience. Give me endurance. Give me compassion for the lost. Give me courage to share the Gospel. Help me become the person You have called me to be. Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me. Give me holy expectation. Help me look forward to seeing Jesus. Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope. When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise: “We will be with the Lord forever.” When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph. When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair. When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ. When I fall, help me get back up. When I fail, help me return to You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am exhausted, carry me. When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character. Father, keep my heart ready. Let me never become complacent. Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally. Help me love people while I have the opportunity. Help me forgive while I have the opportunity. Help me serve while I have the opportunity. Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity. And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times. Protect me from false teaching. Protect me from sensationalism. Protect me from fear. Protect me from deception. Help me remain anchored in Scripture. Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love. Keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You. Open their hearts. Open their eyes. Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Lead them to repentance. Lead them to faith. Lead them to salvation. And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion. Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching. Let me be found praying. Let me be found loving. Let me be found serving. Let me be found trusting You. Let me be found faithful. And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true. No more death. No more sorrow. No more crying. No more pain. Only the presence of God. Only the glory of Christ. Only eternal life. Only the joy of being with You. Father, until that day, help me keep walking. Help me keep believing. Help me keep hoping. Help me keep serving. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. And let my heart continually cry: “COME, LORD JESUS!” Until You come, I will seek to live for You. Until You come, I will trust You. Until You come, I will worship You. Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel. Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King. Jesus Christ is coming again. He is my hope. He is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my King. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️👑 ----------------------------------------------------- The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app *************************************************** DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13 Introduction There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble. Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask: “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?” Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.” That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously. But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness. Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8. The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?” The answer is to look to Jesus Christ. 1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. They said: “Lord, Lord…” They pointed to what they had done. But Jesus said: “I never knew you.” Notice something important. The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough. Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ. That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror. Ask: Am I trusting Jesus Christ? Am I turning toward Him when I fail? Do I want Him to be Lord of my life? Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect? Those questions are very different from: “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?” Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.” 2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity. We are sinners who need a Savior. And our Savior is Jesus. When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ. You need to run toward Him. When you fail, repent. When you sin, confess it. When you become discouraged, return to Him. When you doubt, seek Him. When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place. Jesus is the foundation. 3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7 Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Notice those words: “In Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes. He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That means your assurance isn't: “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.” Your hope is: “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.” 4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised Jesus said in John 6:37: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Think about that. Never. If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand. The Christian life is not: “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.” It is: “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.” 5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge There will be nights when you feel close to God. There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing. There will be moments of tremendous faith. There will be moments of terrible doubt. There will be seasons when prayer seems easy. There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling. Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior. Jesus is. Your emotions can change from hour to hour. Christ does not. Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ. 6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past? Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking: “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?” The Gospel gives us an answer. Christ died for sinners. Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin. A Christian may stumble. A Christian may fail. A Christian may have seasons of weakness. But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God. When you fall, get back up. When you wander, come home. When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart. When you become afraid, remember the cross. The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past. 7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this: STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF. You are not the Savior. Jesus is. You did not die on the cross for your sins. Jesus did. You did not rise from the grave. Jesus did. You cannot forgive your own sins. Jesus can. You cannot guarantee your own future. But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands. So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it. Let it drive you toward Christ. And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too. The Bible contains both warning and comfort. The warning tells us: Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him. The comfort tells the genuine believer: Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you. 8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?” The question is: “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?” Are you coming to Him? Are you confessing your sins? Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you? Are you seeking to follow Him? Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior? Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial. Bring your fears to Jesus. Bring your failures to Jesus. Bring your doubts to Jesus. Bring your entire life to Jesus. LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD. Not yourself. Not your emotions. Not your performance. Not your past. Jesus. Conclusion One day every one of us will stand before God. Our hope on that day cannot be: “Lord, look how good I was.” Our hope is: “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.” The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God. It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son. So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough. Run to Jesus because you know you aren't. And discover that His grace is greater than your failures. When fear whispers: “What if Jesus rejects you?” Answer with His promise: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37 When condemnation whispers: “You're finished.” Answer with Scripture: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 When fear says: “You will be separated from God's love.” Remember Romans 8:38–39: Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. So tonight, tomorrow, and every day: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him. Repent when you fall. Receive His grace. And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ. --- CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You. But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself. I put my confidence in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners. Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works. Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace. When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You. When I sin, give me genuine repentance. When I doubt, strengthen my faith. When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Jesus, You are my Shepherd. I cannot save myself. I cannot make myself worthy. I cannot depend upon my own goodness. I need You. Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Give me a heart that loves You. Give me a heart that hates sin. Give me a heart that quickly repents. Give me a heart that desires Your presence. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus. And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am. My hope is in how faithful You are. Father, I place my past in Your mercy. I place my present in Your hands. And I place my future in Your hands. I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️❤️ REMEMBER: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ. Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus. Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ. ------------------------------------------------------ The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app ************************************************** 🔥 THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget: Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.” --- ✝️ REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE John writes: > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” — 1 John 3:6 And: > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.” — 1 John 3:9 These are extremely serious words. Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label. It isn't merely saying a prayer. It isn't simply attending church. It isn't simply knowing Bible verses. Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God. --- 🔥 GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN Paul anticipated this very question: > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion. Jesus didn't die so that we could say: “Now I can sin without consequences.” He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 says: > “For sin will have no dominion over you.” The Christian life isn't: “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.” It is: “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.” --- ❤️ BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL This distinction is extremely important. If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written: > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” — 1 John 1:8 Christians can stumble. Christians can become weak. Christians can make terrible decisions. Christians can fall into temptation. Peter denied Jesus. David committed terrible sins. But there is a difference between: FALLING INTO SIN and DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE. A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit. The Holy Spirit convicts. The conscience becomes troubled. The believer turns back. Repentance begins. And they cry: “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!” --- 🕊️ THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work: > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” And: > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” That's regeneration. God doesn't merely tell us: “Try harder.” He gives us His Spirit. He gives us a new heart. He begins changing us from the inside out. --- 🔥 WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE? A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles. It is someone whose direction has changed. They begin to hate what they once loved. They begin to love what God loves. They become increasingly sensitive to sin. They desire God's Word. They desire prayer. They desire fellowship with God. They repent when they fall. They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus. And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing: > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 🌱 Transformation takes time. A newborn Christian is still growing. God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer. But there should be life. There should be growth. There should be movement toward Christ. --- ⚠️ DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Romans 6:12 says: > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill. Don't continually return to the same chains while saying: “Grace doesn't matter.” Instead: Run toward Jesus. When temptation comes—pray. When you fall—repent. When you are weak—ask for strength. When you are discouraged—remember God's promises. When you fail—don't hide from God. Come back to Him. --- ✝️ YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS Here's something every believer needs to understand: Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly. Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9: > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope: > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Therefore: Don't become proud when you succeed. Don't despair when you stumble. Stay close to Jesus. Keep repenting. Keep believing. Keep following. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Christ. --- 🙏 PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Give me a new heart. Give me a new spirit. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Break the power of sin over my life. Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life. Give me genuine repentance. Give me genuine faith. Give me genuine obedience. Give me genuine love for You. Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling. When I fall, don't let me run away from You. Teach me to run toward You. Convict me when I sin. Give me humility to confess it. Give me strength to turn away from it. Give me perseverance to keep following You. I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips. I want You to truly be Lord of my life. Change my desires. Change my thoughts. Change my words. Change my actions. Make me increasingly like Jesus. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Let love replace hatred. Let purity replace impurity. Let forgiveness replace bitterness. Let humility replace pride. Let obedience replace rebellion. Let faith replace fear. And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross. When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You. I want to walk with You. I want to know You. I want to love You. I want to serve You. I want to finish my race faithfully. Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my King. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. I place my life and eternity into Your hands. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️🔥 🌅 FINAL REMINDER Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble. Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness. You may fall—but get back up. You may fail—but run back to Jesus. You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin. Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 ✝️❤️🔥
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  • Charles Spurgeon morning devotional for August 25th
    His fruit was sweet to my taste."
    Song of Solomon 2:3

    Faith, in the Scripture, is spoken of under the emblem of all the senses. It is sight: "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is hearing: "Hear, and your soul shall live." Faith is smelling: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia;" "thy name is as ointment poured forth." Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life. Faith is equally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are thy words to my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my lips." "Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him."
    This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the first performances of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear; we hear it as God's Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the "hearing" of faith. Then our mind looketh upon the truth as it is presented to us; that is to say, we understand it, we perceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover its preciousness; we begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its "smell." Then we appropriate the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace, delight, communion; which are faith in its "taste." Any one of these acts of faith is saving. To hear Christ's voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faith wherein Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual apprehension of his sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit "under his shadow with great delight," and find his fruit sweet to our taste.
    Charles Spurgeon morning devotional for August 25th His fruit was sweet to my taste." Song of Solomon 2:3 Faith, in the Scripture, is spoken of under the emblem of all the senses. It is sight: "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is hearing: "Hear, and your soul shall live." Faith is smelling: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia;" "thy name is as ointment poured forth." Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life. Faith is equally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are thy words to my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my lips." "Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him." This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the first performances of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear; we hear it as God's Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the "hearing" of faith. Then our mind looketh upon the truth as it is presented to us; that is to say, we understand it, we perceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover its preciousness; we begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its "smell." Then we appropriate the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace, delight, communion; which are faith in its "taste." Any one of these acts of faith is saving. To hear Christ's voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faith wherein Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual apprehension of his sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit "under his shadow with great delight," and find his fruit sweet to our taste.
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  • Today’s Walk in the Word is a brief devotional by Joe Barnett that appears Monday through Friday.



    Aug 24, 2026 11:00 pm

    Get Rid of the Garbage

    Rid yourselves of all malice.
    —1 Peter 2:1

    “Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander” (1 Pt 2:1).

    If you want a good starting place for removing the garbage from your life, take malice to the dumpster. Malice indicates a desire to hurt another person.

    Peter goes on to say that we should also dump deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Malice is the whole: deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander are its parts—each a child of malice.

    Deceit is an intentional attempt to hide or distort the truth. Hypocrisy is masquerading outwardly as something you aren’t inwardly; it is deceit’s twin.

    Peter continues, saying we should get rid of envy and slander, which are also twins. We tend to slander those we envy. Eliminating envy goes a long way toward zipping our lips from slander.

    Take bad attitudes to the dumpster.

    The post Get Rid of the Garbage appeared first on Pathway Evangelism, Inc..



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    Today’s Walk in the Word is a brief devotional by Joe Barnett that appears Monday through Friday. Aug 24, 2026 11:00 pm Get Rid of the Garbage Rid yourselves of all malice. —1 Peter 2:1 “Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander” (1 Pt 2:1). If you want a good starting place for removing the garbage from your life, take malice to the dumpster. Malice indicates a desire to hurt another person. Peter goes on to say that we should also dump deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Malice is the whole: deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander are its parts—each a child of malice. Deceit is an intentional attempt to hide or distort the truth. Hypocrisy is masquerading outwardly as something you aren’t inwardly; it is deceit’s twin. Peter continues, saying we should get rid of envy and slander, which are also twins. We tend to slander those we envy. Eliminating envy goes a long way toward zipping our lips from slander. Take bad attitudes to the dumpster. The post Get Rid of the Garbage appeared first on Pathway Evangelism, Inc.. share on Twitter Like Get Rid of the Garbage on Facebook forward to a friend Copyright © 2026 Pathway, All rights reserved. We send this daily devotional to those who have signed up for it on our Web site. Our mailing address is: 15500 Cutten Road #2101, Houston, TX 77070
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  • YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL

    FOUND. ENCIRCLED. INSTRUCTED. TREASURED! YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE!

    THE EYE THAT TREASURES YOU NEVER BLINKS!

    A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 25TH AUGUST 2026.

    HAPPY READING AND SHARING.


    BLESSINGS..!

    https://www.istandinthegap.com/hidden-in-him-devotional-deuteronomy-32-10/
    YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL ✨👁️ FOUND. ENCIRCLED. INSTRUCTED. TREASURED! YOU ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE! THE EYE THAT TREASURES YOU NEVER BLINKS! 📖 A DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR 25TH AUGUST 2026. HAPPY READING AND SHARING. 💖💖💖 BLESSINGS..! https://www.istandinthegap.com/hidden-in-him-devotional-deuteronomy-32-10/
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    Hidden in Him: A Daily Devotional (Deuteronomy 32:10)
    To be hidden in Him is to be guarded as God's own treasure: found, surrounded, instructed, and kept as the apple of His eye.
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  • DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Tuesday, 25th August, 2026.
    https://lnkd.in/p/eg82729D
    DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Tuesday, 25th August, 2026. https://lnkd.in/p/eg82729D
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  • Daily Devotional
    Clothe the naked.

    I was ... naked, and ye clothed me. Matthew 25:35, 36

    Christ ... says, It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison.... While you crowded your wardrobe with rich apparel, I was destitute. While you pursued your pleasures, I languished in prison.

    When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor, when you gave those flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost, did you remember that you were giving to the Lord of glory? All the days of your life I was near you in the person of these afflicted ones, but you did not seek Me. You would not enter into fellowship with Me.

    In the professed Christian world there is enough expended in extravagant display, for jewels and ornaments, to supply the wants of all the hungry and clothe the naked in our towns and cities; and yet these professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus need not deprive themselves of suitable food or comfortable clothing. What will these church members say when confronted in the day of God by the worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless, who have known pinching want for the meager necessities of life, while there was expended by these professed followers of Christ, for superfluous clothing, and needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the Word of God, enough to supply all their wants?

    In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah the work that the people of God are to do in Christ’s lines is clearly set forth. They are to break every yoke, they are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked.... If they carry out the principles of the law of God in acts of mercy and love, they will represent the character of God to the world, and receive the richest blessings of Heaven. [242]
    Daily Devotional Clothe the naked. I was ... naked, and ye clothed me. Matthew 25:35, 36 Christ ... says, It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison.... While you crowded your wardrobe with rich apparel, I was destitute. While you pursued your pleasures, I languished in prison. When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor, when you gave those flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost, did you remember that you were giving to the Lord of glory? All the days of your life I was near you in the person of these afflicted ones, but you did not seek Me. You would not enter into fellowship with Me. In the professed Christian world there is enough expended in extravagant display, for jewels and ornaments, to supply the wants of all the hungry and clothe the naked in our towns and cities; and yet these professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus need not deprive themselves of suitable food or comfortable clothing. What will these church members say when confronted in the day of God by the worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless, who have known pinching want for the meager necessities of life, while there was expended by these professed followers of Christ, for superfluous clothing, and needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the Word of God, enough to supply all their wants? In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah the work that the people of God are to do in Christ’s lines is clearly set forth. They are to break every yoke, they are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked.... If they carry out the principles of the law of God in acts of mercy and love, they will represent the character of God to the world, and receive the richest blessings of Heaven. [242]
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  • OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

    DATE: TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2026

    TOPIC: FEAR GOD, PART 1

    MEMORIZE:
    "But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." 2 Kings 17:39 (KJV)

    BIBLE READING: PSALM 112:1-9
    1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

    2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

    3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

    4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

    5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

    6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

    7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

    8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

    9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

    MESSAGE:
    The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10); therefore, anyone who does not fear God is not wise. He is a Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29), and those who do not fear Him are truly foolish because even a mad dog fears fire. Psalm 111:10 also means that those who fear God become wise.

    Apart from wisdom, however, there are many other benefits to fearing God, and today's Bible reading outlines many of them. One of the benefits is that the seed of a person who fears God will be mighty upon the earth (Psalm 112:2). That same verse also tells us that the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Psalm 112:3 says that you will have access to wealth and riches when you fear God. Also, Psalm 112:7 says that you will not be afraid of evil tidings. People who fear God do not need to be afraid of anything because He will deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies and everything that can harm them.

    Those who do not fear God will find it easy to commit sins, and this can bring a curse upon them and their descendants. For example, Gehazi's lack of fear for the Lord caused him and his descendants to become carriers of the leprosy that was previously upon Naaman (2 Kings 5:20-27). Whenever a person acts in a way that shows that he or she does not fear God, such a person robs his or her children of the opportunity to be great and exposes them to curses rather than blessings.

    Joab was another person whose lack of fear for the Lord brought curses upon his lineage. In (2 Samuel 3:27-29), the Bible details how he tricked Abner and murdered him in cold blood. When David heard about it, he placed a curse on Joab's lineage that sicknesses, leprosy, poverty, weakness, and untimely death would befall Joab's family and his descendants. People who do not fear God purchase trouble for their children.

    Beloved, if you want your future and that of your children to be glorious, you need to have the fear of God in you. If you're going to have peace of mind in your old age, you must fear God. The reason I am sure that my tomorrow and those of my children will be alright is that I fear the Lord. I pray that your life and those of your descendants will be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name.

    KEY POINT:
    The fear of the Lord guarantees God's blessings for you and your lineage.

    AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

    BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
    EZEKIEL 5 - 8

    HYMNAL 7 - I AM THINE O LORD
    1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
    and it told Thy love to me;
    but I long to rise in the arms of faith,
    and be closer drawn to Thee.

    REFRAIN:
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    to the cross where Thou hast died;
    draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    to Thy precious, bleeding side.

    2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
    by the pow'r of grace divine;
    let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
    and my will be lost in Thine.

    [Refrain]

    3 O, the pure delight of a single hour
    that before Thy throne I spend,
    when I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
    I commune as friend with friend!

    [Refrain]

    4 There are depths of love that I cannot know
    till I cross the narrow sea;
    there are heights of joy that I may not reach
    till I rest in peace with Thee.

    [Refrain]


    PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL.
    Tuesday 25th August 2026 FEAR GOD, Part 1

    ‎PRAYER POINTS
    1.God of all wisdom and might, the One who made the heavens and earth with no pillars in between; You laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed

    2.Father, the earth and the fullness thereof is in Your care, and by You we have the fullness of life through Christ Jesus.

    3.Father, by Your wisdom You made the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night. The heavens declare Your glory, and the firmament shows Your handywork.

    4.Father, please help me to fear You, and to walk in complete obedience to Your word, so I can become wiser, in Jesus' name.

    5.Father, please help me to walk in Your fear, so I can be delivered out of the hands of all my enemies, in Jesus' name.

    6.Father, please help me to walk in holiness and in Your righteousness so it will become practically impossible for me to commit sin, in Jesus' name.

    7.Father, please help me to fear You so I won't miss the opportunity to be great and be exposed to blessings rather than curses, in Jesus' name.

    8.Father, please help me not to purchase trouble for my children for lack of fear for You, in Jesus' name.

    9.Father, please put Your fear in me so my children and I will have a glorious future, and peace of mind in my old age, and in Jesus' name.

    10.Father, please let my life and those of my descendants be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name.

    11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

    Help him to abide in Your fear for the rest of his life, till You come again in glory, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name

    ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.

    ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

    ‎14.Your personal petitions.
    ‎(Philippians 4:6)

    ‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
    ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

    ‎#Godblessournation
    OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: FEAR GOD, PART 1 MEMORIZE: "But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." 2 Kings 17:39 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 112:1-9 1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. MESSAGE: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10); therefore, anyone who does not fear God is not wise. He is a Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29), and those who do not fear Him are truly foolish because even a mad dog fears fire. Psalm 111:10 also means that those who fear God become wise. Apart from wisdom, however, there are many other benefits to fearing God, and today's Bible reading outlines many of them. One of the benefits is that the seed of a person who fears God will be mighty upon the earth (Psalm 112:2). That same verse also tells us that the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Psalm 112:3 says that you will have access to wealth and riches when you fear God. Also, Psalm 112:7 says that you will not be afraid of evil tidings. People who fear God do not need to be afraid of anything because He will deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies and everything that can harm them. Those who do not fear God will find it easy to commit sins, and this can bring a curse upon them and their descendants. For example, Gehazi's lack of fear for the Lord caused him and his descendants to become carriers of the leprosy that was previously upon Naaman (2 Kings 5:20-27). Whenever a person acts in a way that shows that he or she does not fear God, such a person robs his or her children of the opportunity to be great and exposes them to curses rather than blessings. Joab was another person whose lack of fear for the Lord brought curses upon his lineage. In (2 Samuel 3:27-29), the Bible details how he tricked Abner and murdered him in cold blood. When David heard about it, he placed a curse on Joab's lineage that sicknesses, leprosy, poverty, weakness, and untimely death would befall Joab's family and his descendants. People who do not fear God purchase trouble for their children. Beloved, if you want your future and that of your children to be glorious, you need to have the fear of God in you. If you're going to have peace of mind in your old age, you must fear God. The reason I am sure that my tomorrow and those of my children will be alright is that I fear the Lord. I pray that your life and those of your descendants will be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: The fear of the Lord guarantees God's blessings for you and your lineage. AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 5 - 8 HYMNAL 7 - I AM THINE O LORD 1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee. REFRAIN: Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side. 2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the pow'r of grace divine; let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine. [Refrain] 3 O, the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend, when I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend! [Refrain] 4 There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea; there are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee. [Refrain] PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL. Tuesday 25th August 2026 FEAR GOD, Part 1 ‎ ‎PRAYER POINTS 1.God of all wisdom and might, the One who made the heavens and earth with no pillars in between; You laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed 2.Father, the earth and the fullness thereof is in Your care, and by You we have the fullness of life through Christ Jesus. 3.Father, by Your wisdom You made the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night. The heavens declare Your glory, and the firmament shows Your handywork. 4.Father, please help me to fear You, and to walk in complete obedience to Your word, so I can become wiser, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me to walk in Your fear, so I can be delivered out of the hands of all my enemies, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me to walk in holiness and in Your righteousness so it will become practically impossible for me to commit sin, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me to fear You so I won't miss the opportunity to be great and be exposed to blessings rather than curses, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me not to purchase trouble for my children for lack of fear for You, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please put Your fear in me so my children and I will have a glorious future, and peace of mind in my old age, and in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please let my life and those of my descendants be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to abide in Your fear for the rest of his life, till You come again in glory, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ ‎#Godblessournation ‎
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY. TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2O26.
    "LEARN TO WAIT"

    ‘They that wait upon the Lord...’ Isaiah 40:31KJV

    THE WORD ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you.

    Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Mark 6:30-44. 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. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *BLESSING OUR BOUNTIFUL GIVER*

    *TEXT:* PSALM 103:1-22.

     Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
    2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
    3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
    4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
    5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
    6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
    7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
    8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
    9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
    10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
    11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
    12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
    13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
    14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
    15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
    16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
    17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
    18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
    19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
    20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
    21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
    22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name"_ (Psalm 103:1-22).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    God gives us blessings. Does He need our blessings? To "bless the Lord" means to praise, worship, and speak well of God's greatness and goodness from a deeply grateful heart. The opposite of blessing God is to speak negatively of God, blame, insult, complain against or even curse Him. While humans usually receive blessings from God, we "bless" Him in return by honoring, thanking and adoring Him for who He is and what He has done.
     Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise in which David calls his soul to remember the goodness, mercy and faithfulness of God. The Lord is not only the source of our blessings; He is Himself the Bountiful Giver who forgives, heals, redeems, satisfies, and crowns His children with lovingkindness. As we reflect on His goodness, our appropriate response is to bless His holy name with a grateful heart.

    *1. Call to Bless the LORD*

    a. How do you feel when people commend, appreciate or speak well of you right in your presence or in the presence of others? You feel encouraged, satisfied and happy. God feels the same as the Person who created us in His image. David begins by addressing himself: *“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”* He didn't say bless the LORD with his lips. That, as good as it can be, may be mechanical and for people to see. But he said his soul would bless the LORD. The blessings must be from his inner being and must affect all that is within him. It should be wholehearted praise.
    b. He repeats the command, *“Bless the LORD,”* emphasizing that worship must come from the whole person. He warns himself not to forget God’s benefits. *"And forget not all his benefits"*. It is possible, human and natural to forget some of His benefits, but it is ingratitude to forget ALL. A recollection of a few of His benefits should cancel all forms of complaints due to hardship and delayed blessings. Many times, we remember our problems more readily than God’s goodness; but thanksgiving becomes powerful when we deliberately recall His blessings. Every breath, provision, protection, opportunity, and answered prayer is evidence of His mercy. We should, therefore, bless God not merely with our lips but with our entire being.

    *Question*

    Am I deliberately remembering and praising God for His benefits, or have I allowed my challenges to make me forget His goodness?

    *2. Covenant Blessings from the LORD*

    a. The divine covenant blessings are those blessings God gives to those who have come into covenant relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus. Such blessings are not for the general populace. David identifies some of the covenant benefits of the Lord: *“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things.”* Our greatest blessing is forgiveness. This forgiveness doesn't put into consideration the gravity of the sin, the foolishness of the offender, etc. It is freely and fully forgiven once there is evidence of repentance. He restores our relationship with Him and gives us a new beginning. He is also our Redeemer, preserving us from destruction and surrounding us with lovingkindness and mercy. He satisfies our lives with good things so that we may experience renewed strength like the eagle. The healings we received freely are part of God's covenant blessings. The irony of life is that many erroneously think they are mere general blessings and as a result, they are weak in pleasing the Lord.
    b. God's blessings are not accidental; they flow from His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, let us trust Him, appreciate His benefits and remain faithful to Him. Deliberate efforts should constantly be made to recall the uncommon benefits we have received from the Lord.

    *Question*

    Which of God's covenant benefits have I received that I should consciously thank Him for today?

    *3. The Character of the Bountiful LORD*

    God is not a hypocrite. His blessings flow from His nature and character. The remaining verses reveal the character of our Bountiful LORD. He is righteous and just, defending the oppressed (v.6). He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (v.8). He does not treat us according to our sins, but removes our transgressions far from us (vv.10–12). His compassion is like that of a loving father toward his children (v.13).
    God understands our frailty because He remembers that we are dust (v.14). Though human life is temporary, *“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting”* (v.17). His throne is established in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (v.19). The psalm, therefore, ends with a universal call for angels, heavenly hosts and all God's works to bless His holy name (vv.20–22).
    The appropriate response to such a generous and compassionate God is continual praise, obedience, trust and thanksgiving. Blessing God invites further divine blessings and draws the souls to God as well as scare the devil and his agents.

    *Question*

    Does the character of God revealed in this Psalm inspire me to trust Him more deeply and bless His name continually?

    *Prayer Points*

    1Lord, give me a grateful heart that will continually remember and bless You for all Your benefits .
    2 Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness, redemption, mercy, healing, provision and preservation in my life .
    3 Lord, help me to trust and always recall Your unfailing mercy and blessings and help me to remain faithful to You in every circumstance
    4 O Bountiful Giver, let our lives become a testimony of Your goodness and may everything within us continually bless Your holy name

    *HYMN:* Praise the Lord

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NAHUM 1-3.
    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```TEXT:PSALM 103:1-22```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (PSALM 103:2).*_

    *The story was told of a young boy who was given writing materials to write everything God and Satan had done for him within an hour. He set out to write about the blessings he received from God. He kept on remembering new things to write about the goodness of God in his life, and by the time he was done with that, the entire time was taken. So, he wrote at the bottom of his script "NO TIME FOR SATAN".*

    *It is difficult to itemise all benefits we receive from God as His children. David, in the text, listed several of them, but the list is endless: He forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, satisfies our mouths with good things, provides justice for the oppressed, shows mercy to people, and retains not His anger forever. Attention was then shifted to His throne in heaven, where the angels worship Him and do all His commandments. His dominion is universal and His Kingdom rules over all.*

    *David, the psalmist, wrote this psalm from his wealth of experience as Israel's king. He could tell and sing of God's mercies because he experienced them. He spoke from personal experience when God took Him from following the sheep as a shepherd to set him up as king in Israel. He saved him from the many battles he had to fight to maintain as well as expand the nation's territory. And when he fell into sin, with the devastating consequences on his family and kingship, he cried to God in penitence and received forgiveness. David knew that God's kingdom is not like that of man. He reigns and rules over the entire universe.*

    *Like David, we should recall, remember and count our blessings, naming them one by one. We must deliberately focus our attention on the wonderful things He has done for us and stop worrying over the unresolved problems in our lives. As we praise God for His past mercies and blessings, we can be sure that He will arise and do more in our lives.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Don't count your losses, count your blessings.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NAHUM 1-3*

    Forget Not His Benefits
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 50: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS; GHS 9: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS; AND GHS 13: TO GOD BE THE GLORY*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna25thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *BE IMPARTIAL* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JAMES 2:1-10```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (JAMES 2:1).*_

    *A scale is one of the symbols of the judiciary where justice was beautifully represented by the ancients as holding a pair of scales equally balanced. It depicts the principle of equity and fairness, balance and objective outlook. Justice ought to be without prejudice or passion.*

    *Our text today condemns partiality in its entirety. God expects His children to treat everyone without prejudice or favouritism. We are expressly commanded in the Bible to do "nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21). Christians must avoid double standard in dealing with issues. Partiality makes someone a transgressor. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."*

    *Believers should act impartially when mediating between two people. Avoid emotional impressions when dealing with issues among people. We must give fair hearing to both parties in dispute. Issues should be treated on merit, not personal attachment, friendship, or fondness. Same punishment should be for same offence; same reward for same good deed, no matter whose ox is gored. Preconceived bias against any man is unrighteousness. Say no to partiality.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Say no to partiality.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Partiality is condemnable, avoid it.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to always stand for justice, fairness and equity.*_


    Be Impartial
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday25thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *GOD'S GRACE IS A GIFT* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```EPHESIANS 2:8-10```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).*_



    *Grace is a beautiful and undeserved gift from God. It is God's love, forgiveness and help given to us even though we do not deserve it. It is not something we can earn through our actions or good deeds; it is freely given because of God's deep love for us.*

    *When we accept God's grace, we receive the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God, and this grace transforms our lives. It helps us live in a way that honours God and reflect His love for others.*

    *Grace is not just a one-time gift, it is something that continues to sustain and guide us. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is always available to lift us up and give us the strength to keep moving forward. It is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire to help us grow closer to Him.*



    ```rayer:``` _*God, I thank You for the gift of Your grace.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Titus 2:11, 12*



    God's Grace Is A Gift
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk25thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3

    He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law

    O Light of the hearts that trust You, Life of the souls that love You, and Strength of all who seek Your face—grant us Your grace as we begin this day. We thank You for the mercies of the night. You have brought us back from the seeming death of sleep. We place our hands in Yours and ask You to guide us throughout the day.

    Be our Good Shepherd. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Teach us to do Your will. Incline our hearts to walk in Your ways. Help us to love Your commandments. Renew our hearts continually, so that we love doing what is right and hate whatever is wrong.

    We will need Your divine wisdom all day long. Help us to conduct our affairs in a way that pleases You. May all our business be Your business. May our work at home be done without worry. Help us to bear the trials and endure the challenges of life as our blessed Master did, without fretting or complaining, but with patience and joy. Grant us the patience, forbearance, meekness, and joy to make this day holy and beautiful, as we stay near You and live by Your help and grace.

    Allow no temptation to endanger our souls, but with every temptation make a way for us to escape, so we do not fall away into eternal death. Let us not yield to unholy influences, but may we be more than conquerors in all things through Him who loved us. We ask these mercies, humbly confessing our sins, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2O26. "LEARN TO WAIT" ‘They that wait upon the Lord...’ Isaiah 40:31KJV THE WORD ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you. Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Mark 6:30-44. 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. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026. *BLESSING OUR BOUNTIFUL GIVER* *TEXT:* PSALM 103:1-22.  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name"_ (Psalm 103:1-22). *INTRODUCTION* God gives us blessings. Does He need our blessings? To "bless the Lord" means to praise, worship, and speak well of God's greatness and goodness from a deeply grateful heart. The opposite of blessing God is to speak negatively of God, blame, insult, complain against or even curse Him. While humans usually receive blessings from God, we "bless" Him in return by honoring, thanking and adoring Him for who He is and what He has done.  Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise in which David calls his soul to remember the goodness, mercy and faithfulness of God. The Lord is not only the source of our blessings; He is Himself the Bountiful Giver who forgives, heals, redeems, satisfies, and crowns His children with lovingkindness. As we reflect on His goodness, our appropriate response is to bless His holy name with a grateful heart. *1. Call to Bless the LORD* a. How do you feel when people commend, appreciate or speak well of you right in your presence or in the presence of others? You feel encouraged, satisfied and happy. God feels the same as the Person who created us in His image. David begins by addressing himself: *“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”* He didn't say bless the LORD with his lips. That, as good as it can be, may be mechanical and for people to see. But he said his soul would bless the LORD. The blessings must be from his inner being and must affect all that is within him. It should be wholehearted praise. b. He repeats the command, *“Bless the LORD,”* emphasizing that worship must come from the whole person. He warns himself not to forget God’s benefits. *"And forget not all his benefits"*. It is possible, human and natural to forget some of His benefits, but it is ingratitude to forget ALL. A recollection of a few of His benefits should cancel all forms of complaints due to hardship and delayed blessings. Many times, we remember our problems more readily than God’s goodness; but thanksgiving becomes powerful when we deliberately recall His blessings. Every breath, provision, protection, opportunity, and answered prayer is evidence of His mercy. We should, therefore, bless God not merely with our lips but with our entire being. *Question* Am I deliberately remembering and praising God for His benefits, or have I allowed my challenges to make me forget His goodness? *2. Covenant Blessings from the LORD* a. The divine covenant blessings are those blessings God gives to those who have come into covenant relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus. Such blessings are not for the general populace. David identifies some of the covenant benefits of the Lord: *“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things.”* Our greatest blessing is forgiveness. This forgiveness doesn't put into consideration the gravity of the sin, the foolishness of the offender, etc. It is freely and fully forgiven once there is evidence of repentance. He restores our relationship with Him and gives us a new beginning. He is also our Redeemer, preserving us from destruction and surrounding us with lovingkindness and mercy. He satisfies our lives with good things so that we may experience renewed strength like the eagle. The healings we received freely are part of God's covenant blessings. The irony of life is that many erroneously think they are mere general blessings and as a result, they are weak in pleasing the Lord. b. God's blessings are not accidental; they flow from His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, let us trust Him, appreciate His benefits and remain faithful to Him. Deliberate efforts should constantly be made to recall the uncommon benefits we have received from the Lord. *Question* Which of God's covenant benefits have I received that I should consciously thank Him for today? *3. The Character of the Bountiful LORD* God is not a hypocrite. His blessings flow from His nature and character. The remaining verses reveal the character of our Bountiful LORD. He is righteous and just, defending the oppressed (v.6). He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (v.8). He does not treat us according to our sins, but removes our transgressions far from us (vv.10–12). His compassion is like that of a loving father toward his children (v.13). God understands our frailty because He remembers that we are dust (v.14). Though human life is temporary, *“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting”* (v.17). His throne is established in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (v.19). The psalm, therefore, ends with a universal call for angels, heavenly hosts and all God's works to bless His holy name (vv.20–22). The appropriate response to such a generous and compassionate God is continual praise, obedience, trust and thanksgiving. Blessing God invites further divine blessings and draws the souls to God as well as scare the devil and his agents. *Question* Does the character of God revealed in this Psalm inspire me to trust Him more deeply and bless His name continually? *Prayer Points* 1Lord, give me a grateful heart that will continually remember and bless You for all Your benefits 🙏. 2 Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness, redemption, mercy, healing, provision and preservation in my life 🙏. 3 Lord, help me to trust and always recall Your unfailing mercy and blessings and help me to remain faithful to You in every circumstance🙏 4 O Bountiful Giver, let our lives become a testimony of Your goodness and may everything within us continually bless Your holy name🙏 *HYMN:* Praise the Lord *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NAHUM 1-3. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 103:1-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (PSALM 103:2).*_ *The story was told of a young boy who was given writing materials to write everything God and Satan had done for him within an hour. He set out to write about the blessings he received from God. He kept on remembering new things to write about the goodness of God in his life, and by the time he was done with that, the entire time was taken. So, he wrote at the bottom of his script "NO TIME FOR SATAN".* *It is difficult to itemise all benefits we receive from God as His children. David, in the text, listed several of them, but the list is endless: He forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, satisfies our mouths with good things, provides justice for the oppressed, shows mercy to people, and retains not His anger forever. Attention was then shifted to His throne in heaven, where the angels worship Him and do all His commandments. His dominion is universal and His Kingdom rules over all.* *David, the psalmist, wrote this psalm from his wealth of experience as Israel's king. He could tell and sing of God's mercies because he experienced them. He spoke from personal experience when God took Him from following the sheep as a shepherd to set him up as king in Israel. He saved him from the many battles he had to fight to maintain as well as expand the nation's territory. And when he fell into sin, with the devastating consequences on his family and kingship, he cried to God in penitence and received forgiveness. David knew that God's kingdom is not like that of man. He reigns and rules over the entire universe.* *Like David, we should recall, remember and count our blessings, naming them one by one. We must deliberately focus our attention on the wonderful things He has done for us and stop worrying over the unresolved problems in our lives. As we praise God for His past mercies and blessings, we can be sure that He will arise and do more in our lives.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Don't count your losses, count your blessings.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NAHUM 1-3*📜📜 Forget Not His Benefits https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 50: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS; GHS 9: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS; AND GHS 13: TO GOD BE THE GLORY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE IMPARTIAL* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 2:1-10```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (JAMES 2:1).*_ *A scale is one of the symbols of the judiciary where justice was beautifully represented by the ancients as holding a pair of scales equally balanced. It depicts the principle of equity and fairness, balance and objective outlook. Justice ought to be without prejudice or passion.* *Our text today condemns partiality in its entirety. God expects His children to treat everyone without prejudice or favouritism. We are expressly commanded in the Bible to do "nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21). Christians must avoid double standard in dealing with issues. Partiality makes someone a transgressor. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."* *Believers should act impartially when mediating between two people. Avoid emotional impressions when dealing with issues among people. We must give fair hearing to both parties in dispute. Issues should be treated on merit, not personal attachment, friendship, or fondness. Same punishment should be for same offence; same reward for same good deed, no matter whose ox is gored. Preconceived bias against any man is unrighteousness. Say no to partiality.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Say no to partiality.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Partiality is condemnable, avoid it.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to always stand for justice, fairness and equity.*_ Be Impartial https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD'S GRACE IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🎁✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```EPHESIANS 2:8-10```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 *Grace is a beautiful and undeserved gift from God. It is God's love, forgiveness and help given to us even though we do not deserve it. It is not something we can earn through our actions or good deeds; it is freely given because of God's deep love for us.* *When we accept God's grace, we receive the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God, and this grace transforms our lives. It helps us live in a way that honours God and reflect His love for others.* *Grace is not just a one-time gift, it is something that continues to sustain and guide us. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is always available to lift us up and give us the strength to keep moving forward. It is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire to help us grow closer to Him.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, I thank You for the gift of Your grace.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Titus 2:11, 12* God's Grace Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3 He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law O Light of the hearts that trust You, Life of the souls that love You, and Strength of all who seek Your face—grant us Your grace as we begin this day. We thank You for the mercies of the night. You have brought us back from the seeming death of sleep. We place our hands in Yours and ask You to guide us throughout the day. Be our Good Shepherd. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Teach us to do Your will. Incline our hearts to walk in Your ways. Help us to love Your commandments. Renew our hearts continually, so that we love doing what is right and hate whatever is wrong. We will need Your divine wisdom all day long. Help us to conduct our affairs in a way that pleases You. May all our business be Your business. May our work at home be done without worry. Help us to bear the trials and endure the challenges of life as our blessed Master did, without fretting or complaining, but with patience and joy. Grant us the patience, forbearance, meekness, and joy to make this day holy and beautiful, as we stay near You and live by Your help and grace. Allow no temptation to endanger our souls, but with every temptation make a way for us to escape, so we do not fall away into eternal death. Let us not yield to unholy influences, but may we be more than conquerors in all things through Him who loved us. We ask these mercies, humbly confessing our sins, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 237
    DATE: 25TH AUGUST 2026
    TOPIC: COME TO JESUS, AND FIND REST
    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11:28 (NKJV)
    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
    Devotional message:

    Are you struggling with sin?Are you struggling with fornication, pornography, or masturbation?Are you battling guilt and self-condemnation?Are you carrying bitterness, unforgiveness, rejection, or disappointment?Are you struggling under sickness, oppression, or the weight of circumstances that seem too heavy to bear?

    Perhaps you have reached a place where you feel overwhelmed and wonder whether there is still hope.There is hope—and His name is Jesus.

    Jesus does not merely offer temporary relief; He offers Himself. He calls the weary, the broken, the burdened, and those who have wandered away to come to Him.

    He says:Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)
    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

    Notice that Jesus does not say, “Fix yourself first, then come.”He says, “Come to Me.”You do not have to clean yourself up before approaching Him. Come with your brokenness. Come with your failures. Come with your questions. Come with your burdens. Come with the struggles you have been unable to overcome by yourself.

    Jesus is able to forgive, restore, transform, and give you a new beginning.

    The Apostle John gives us this assurance:1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Your sin is not greater than His grace.Your past is not greater than His mercy.Your failure does not have to become your identity.There is forgiveness in Christ.

    Jesus also invites us into fellowship with Him. Revelation 3:20 presents the picture of Christ standing at the door and knocking:“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”The invitation is personal.He is calling you to open your heart and allow Him to reign over your life.

    But receiving Jesus is more than merely repeating words. It is surrendering your life to His lordship—turning away from sin, trusting Him, following His Word, and allowing His Spirit to transform you.

    And if you have already received Christ but find yourself struggling, do not run away from Him in shame. Run toward Him.

    The enemy may tell you that you have failed too many times, that God will never accept you again, or that your situation can never change.Do not believe that lie.

    Perhaps today you are carrying a burden that nobody else knows about.Jesus knows.Perhaps you have been smiling publicly while secretly fighting a battle.Jesus sees.

    Perhaps you have reached the point where you have exhausted every human option.

    Jesus is still calling:“Come to Me.”Bring Him your guilt,brokenness,sin,fears,disappointments and burdens.He is able to give you the rest your soul desperately needs.

    PRAYER

    Lord Jesus,I come to You just as I am. I acknowledge that I need You and cannot save or transform myself by my own strength.Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You all the days of my life.I receive Your rest, Your grace, and Your new beginning.In Jesus' name, Amen.

    DAILY BIBLE READING
    Psalm 103:1–5,Isaiah 1:18,1 John 1:5–9,Luke 15:11–24,Jhn 8:31–36

    Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Contact :
    Email : DominionvoicesminisrtyAnderson Mwila.com
    Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026
    © Dominion Voices Ministry
    🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 237 DATE: 25TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: COME TO JESUS, AND FIND REST ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11:28 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Devotional message: Are you struggling with sin?Are you struggling with fornication, pornography, or masturbation?Are you battling guilt and self-condemnation?Are you carrying bitterness, unforgiveness, rejection, or disappointment?Are you struggling under sickness, oppression, or the weight of circumstances that seem too heavy to bear? Perhaps you have reached a place where you feel overwhelmed and wonder whether there is still hope.There is hope—and His name is Jesus. Jesus does not merely offer temporary relief; He offers Himself. He calls the weary, the broken, the burdened, and those who have wandered away to come to Him. He says:Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Notice that Jesus does not say, “Fix yourself first, then come.”He says, “Come to Me.”You do not have to clean yourself up before approaching Him. Come with your brokenness. Come with your failures. Come with your questions. Come with your burdens. Come with the struggles you have been unable to overcome by yourself. Jesus is able to forgive, restore, transform, and give you a new beginning. The Apostle John gives us this assurance:1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Your sin is not greater than His grace.Your past is not greater than His mercy.Your failure does not have to become your identity.There is forgiveness in Christ. Jesus also invites us into fellowship with Him. Revelation 3:20 presents the picture of Christ standing at the door and knocking:“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”The invitation is personal.He is calling you to open your heart and allow Him to reign over your life. But receiving Jesus is more than merely repeating words. It is surrendering your life to His lordship—turning away from sin, trusting Him, following His Word, and allowing His Spirit to transform you. And if you have already received Christ but find yourself struggling, do not run away from Him in shame. Run toward Him. The enemy may tell you that you have failed too many times, that God will never accept you again, or that your situation can never change.Do not believe that lie. Perhaps today you are carrying a burden that nobody else knows about.Jesus knows.Perhaps you have been smiling publicly while secretly fighting a battle.Jesus sees. Perhaps you have reached the point where you have exhausted every human option. Jesus is still calling:“Come to Me.”Bring Him your guilt,brokenness,sin,fears,disappointments and burdens.He is able to give you the rest your soul desperately needs. PRAYER Lord Jesus,I come to You just as I am. I acknowledge that I need You and cannot save or transform myself by my own strength.Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You all the days of my life.I receive Your rest, Your grace, and Your new beginning.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING Psalm 103:1–5,Isaiah 1:18,1 John 1:5–9,Luke 15:11–24,Jhn 8:31–36 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry
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