Let's talk about it. WHAT GRACE IS LIKE Imagine a government makes a law saying, “If you drive above 120 km/h, you will go to prison.” You break the law, you are caught, and you are taken to court. When the judge asks you to plead, you will not plead for justice—you will plead for mercy. Why? Because you know you have broken the law. This helps us understand Grace. Imagine a father establishes rules in his home and makes clear the consequences of disobedience. His children disobey. The mother knows what they deserve, so she pleads with the father to forgive them. The father chooses to forgive them. Then the mother tells the children, “You have been forgiven. Now stop disobeying your father.” That is a picture of grace. Grace does not cancel the law. Grace gives the guilty person mercy and an opportunity to change. The Bible says, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” — Ecclesiastes 8:11. God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval. When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda, He did not tell him, “You are under grace, so continue living however you want.” Jesus said: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” — John 5:14. Grace gave that man another opportunity—not an opportunity to continue in sin, but an opportunity to live differently. My friends, do not reject God's commandments simply because you are uncomfortable with the Sabbath commandment. And do not teach people that God's commandments are no longer binding simply because you want to defend a tradition. The Pharisees had a similar problem. They knew the evidence concerning John the Baptist, but they were more concerned about protecting their position than accepting the truth. They reasoned among themselves and finally said, “We cannot tell.” Don't be like them. Don't be like the people before the Flood who mocked Noah's warning while the ark was being prepared. Don't be like the scoffers Peter warned about, saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” — 2 Peter 3:4. God's delay is not God's denial. Grace is God's mercy giving you time to repent. But that time will not last forever. Ecclesiastes gives us the final warning: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13–14. So don't abuse grace. Grace forgives the sinner, but grace never gives us permission to love sin. Grace does not destroy God's law; grace leads us back to obedience. Today, while mercy is still being offered, choose repentance. Choose truth. Choose obedience. Do not mistake God's patience for God's permission. Amazing Love

A Nugget of Truth. There comes a point when we realize that nothing in this world can truly give lasting peace. Money can disappear, circumstances can change overnight, and even the strongest people eventually reach the end of their own strength. The only place where the soul finds real security is in Jesus Christ. His blood was shed so that we could be forgiven, restored, and brought back to God. When we place our trust in Him, we are not trusting in our own ability to survive life's storms, but in the Savior who has already overcome sin and death. That does not mean life will always be easy, but it means we never have to face it alone. No matter how uncertain the future seems, those who belong to Christ can rest in His promises because He never abandons His own. As the psalmist wrote, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). The Bible also reminds us, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). So instead of placing our confidence in temporary things, let us draw near to the Lord each day, knowing that the safest place we can ever be is in the hands of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Daily devotion for August 25th How To Celebrate At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12:27 It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful. There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy. There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving. Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 23–24 | Ephesians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 23 Revival Through the Word of God 2 Kings 23 records one of the greatest seasons of spiritual reform in Judah's history under King Josiah. After hearing the Book of the Law and humbling himself before the Lord, Josiah immediately begins leading the nation back to covenant faithfulness. His response demonstrates that genuine revival always begins with God's Word and continues through obedient action. Josiah gathers the people and publicly renews the covenant before the Lord. He does not keep God's truth private but calls the entire nation to return to faithful worship. The king understands that spiritual renewal must involve both personal repentance and public obedience. The reforms that follow are comprehensive. Josiah removes idols, destroys pagan altars, eliminates false worship, and cleanses the temple. Nothing that competes with devotion to the Lord is left untouched. His actions reveal that true repentance is more than sorrow over sin—it involves turning away from everything that dishonors God. One of the most significant moments in the chapter is the restoration of the Passover. For generations, this central celebration of God's redeeming work had been neglected. By restoring it, Josiah calls the nation to remember God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His redeemed people. Worship becomes centered once again on God's saving acts rather than human traditions. Yet despite Josiah's remarkable faithfulness, the chapter reminds us that the accumulated rebellion of previous generations has consequences. God delays His judgment because of Josiah's humility, but the coming exile will still occur. National reform, though sincere, cannot erase centuries of persistent rebellion. Josiah's death at the end of the chapter marks the conclusion of a bright season in Judah's history. His passing prepares the way for the nation's final decline. Nevertheless, his example remains a testimony of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Theologically, 2 Kings 23 teaches that God's Word produces genuine repentance, which in turn leads to practical obedience. Revival is never merely emotional; it transforms worship, priorities, and daily living. The chapter also reveals that while God's mercy is abundant, sin carries consequences that cannot always be avoided. This chapter points to Christ, who fulfills the meaning of the Passover as the true Lamb of God. Josiah restored the celebration that pointed forward to Jesus, whose sacrifice would accomplish the ultimate redemption from sin. Christ brings the complete spiritual renewal that even Judah's greatest reforms could never fully achieve. For believers today, 2 Kings 23 reminds us that true revival begins when we humbly submit ourselves to God's Word. We are called to remove every idol from our hearts, renew our devotion to the Lord, and remember the redemption we have received through Christ. Genuine faith is demonstrated not merely by hearing God's truth but by obeying it wholeheartedly. 2 Kings 24 The Faithfulness of God in the Midst of Judgment 2 Kings 24 marks the beginning of Judah's final collapse before the Babylonian exile. After Josiah's death, a series of kings lead the nation back into rebellion against the Lord. Though prophets continue warning the people, they refuse to repent. The chapter records the fulfillment of what God had patiently declared for generations. Babylon rises to become the dominant world power, and Judah gradually falls under its control. Political alliances fail, military strength proves insufficient, and the nation experiences the consequences of years of covenant unfaithfulness. The writer emphasizes that these events are not simply the result of Babylon's military superiority but the outworking of God's righteous judgment. The chapter repeatedly points back to the sins of Manasseh and the persistent rebellion that followed him. Judah has consistently rejected God's Word, ignored His prophets, and embraced idolatry. The exile is therefore presented not as God's abandonment of His people but as His faithful response to His covenant warnings. King Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon despite God's clear purposes, bringing additional suffering upon the nation. His successors continue the same pattern of disobedience. Eventually, King Jehoiachin surrenders, and many of Judah's leaders, craftsmen, and treasures are carried away to Babylon. The exile has begun. Even in this difficult chapter, however, hope remains. God preserves the line of David by allowing Jehoiachin to live. Though the kingdom appears to have collapsed, God's covenant has not failed. His redemptive plan continues quietly through the preserved royal line, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. The chapter reminds us that God's judgment is always purposeful. His discipline is designed not to destroy His covenant but to purify His people and accomplish His larger redemptive purposes. Theologically, 2 Kings 24 reveals God's complete faithfulness. He fulfills both His promises of blessing and His warnings of judgment. The chapter also demonstrates that God's sovereign purposes continue even during seasons of loss, discipline, and apparent defeat. This chapter points to Christ, the faithful Son of David who remained obedient where Judah's kings repeatedly failed. Though the earthly kingdom entered exile, God's promise of an eternal King remained secure. Jesus fulfills that promise by establishing an everlasting kingdom that can never be conquered or carried away. For believers today, 2 Kings 24 reminds us that God's discipline flows from His faithfulness, not from His abandonment. Seasons of correction are opportunities to return to Him with humble hearts. In Christ, we have the assurance that even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, God's redemptive purposes continue unfolding. Our hope is not found in earthly kingdoms or temporary security but in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will never end. Ephesians — The Riches of God's Grace in the Christ The book of Ephesians presents one of the fullest pictures of God's eternal redemptive plan through the Christ, the Son of God. It begins by revealing everything believers have received in Him and then shows how those spiritual blessings are to shape everyday Christian living. The first half of the letter focuses on doctrine—who believers are in the Christ. The second half focuses on practice—how believers are to live because they belong to Him. A central theme throughout the book is God's eternal purpose in the Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God established His plan to redeem a people for Himself through His Son. Every promise, every blessing, and every aspect of salvation finds its fulfillment in the Christ. The redemptive plan is not an afterthought but the unfolding of God's eternal purpose. Another major emphasis is the believer's identity. Those who trust in the Christ are forgiven, adopted into God's family, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and seated with the Christ in heavenly places. They are no longer defined by their past but by their relationship with the Son of God. The book also highlights the unity of the Church. Through the Christ, God has brought together people from every background into one body. Walls of division have been removed, and believers now share one faith, one hope, one Lord, and one Spirit. Christian living reflects this unity through love, humility, and mutual service. Ephesians also emphasizes spiritual growth. Believers are called to put away the old way of life and grow into the likeness of the Christ. They are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, equipped for ministry, and encouraged to walk in holiness, wisdom, and love. The letter concludes with the reality of spiritual warfare. The Christian life involves ongoing conflict, not against people, but against spiritual forces. Yet believers do not fight in their own strength. The Son of God provides everything necessary to stand firm through the armor of God and the power of His Spirit. For believers today, Ephesians reminds us that our identity, purpose, strength, and hope are all found in the Christ. Christian living flows from understanding who we are because of what the Son of God has accomplished. As we walk in His grace, grow in His love, and stand firm in His truth, we display the beauty of His eternal redemptive plan to the world. Ephesians 1 — Every Spiritual Blessing in the Christ Ephesians chapter 1 opens with a magnificent celebration of God's eternal plan of salvation through the Christ, the Son of God. Rather than beginning with human need, Paul begins with God's grace, showing that every aspect of salvation originates with Him. The chapter reveals the immeasurable spiritual riches believers possess because they are united with the Christ. Christian living begins by understanding what God has already accomplished through His Son. The chapter begins by praising God for every spiritual blessing given through the Christ. These blessings are not earned through human effort but freely given by God's grace. The redemptive plan begins with God's initiative, not humanity's achievement. Every blessing believers enjoy flows from their relationship with the Son of God. Paul explains that God's purpose was established before the foundation of the world. Long before humanity fell into sin, God had already planned redemption through the Christ. This demonstrates the certainty and sovereignty of His redemptive plan. The Son of God did not come as a response to an unexpected problem but as the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose to redeem a people for Himself. The chapter then describes the privilege of adoption. Through the Christ, believers are brought into God's family as sons and daughters. This new relationship is based entirely upon God's love and grace. Christian living flows from the security of belonging to the Father through the Son. The believer no longer approaches God as a stranger but as a beloved child. Paul also emphasizes redemption through the blood of the Christ. Forgiveness is possible because the Son of God willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Every debt has been paid, every sin forgiven, and every barrier between God and humanity removed through His finished work. The redemptive plan reaches its fulfillment in the sacrifice of the Christ. Another major theme is God's purpose to bring everything together under the authority of the Christ. History is moving toward the complete fulfillment of His kingdom. The Son of God reigns over all creation, and every promise God has made will ultimately find its completion in Him. Christian living is therefore marked by hope and confidence because believers know that God's purposes cannot fail. The chapter also highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in the Christ are sealed with the Spirit as God's own possession. The Holy Spirit serves as the guarantee of the inheritance awaiting believers. This assurance provides confidence that God's redemptive plan will be completed exactly as He has promised. Paul then prays that believers would grow in spiritual understanding. He desires that they know the hope of God's calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the greatness of His power. Christian living is strengthened as believers continually grow in their knowledge of the Son of God and understand the incredible blessings already given to them through Him. The chapter concludes by declaring the supreme authority of the Christ. God has exalted His Son above every ruler, authority, power, and dominion. The Church is described as His body, living under His headship and displaying His presence in the world. The redemptive plan reaches beyond individual salvation to the creation of a people who live under the lordship of the Christ and proclaim His glory. Throughout Ephesians chapter 1, the Christ stands at the center of every spiritual blessing. He is the source of election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and eternal hope. Everything God has planned and accomplished is found in His beloved Son. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to begin our Christian lives by focusing on what God has already done through the Christ. Christian living is not driven by fear or striving but by gratitude for His abundant grace. We are called to live as God's adopted children, secure in His love, confident in His promises, and empowered by His Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of the Son of God, we increasingly reflect His glory and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

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.

DAY 2 25TH AUGUST 2026 SERVANT OF GOD ARENA, KENYA MISSION WEEK *DEFEAT THE ENEMY CALLED GUILT* There is an enemy called *GUILT* that the devil uses to draw people away from Jesus. He makes you believe that your sins are too great to be forgiven and that you are beyond the reach of God’s mercy. But the Word of God tells us otherwise. *Ps.103.3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. (NLT)* And Hebrews gives us this assurance: when God forgives our sins, He chooses not to remember them anymore (Hebrews 8:12). Today, God is calling/inviting you to come to Him. *“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)* Do not allow guilt to keep you away from the One who is ready to forgive you. Your past does not have to determine your future when you surrender it to Jesus. Defeat guilt today. Take a step toward Jesus. His arms are open, and He is calling you to Himself. He came for you and for me so that we may remain with Him and experience the true rest that this world cannot give. *Come to Jesus today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is rest.* Your brother, Alfred Wabuko Manyasi

Romans 4: "1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

Psalm 32:1-2 KJV "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. [2] Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." Hallelujah!! That is the believer's state of right standing with God. By the grace of God, because of our faith in Jesus and his "finished" work at the cross, we are not only blessed with already having all of our sin debt washed away in the blood of Christ (our transgressions forgiven and sins covered), but also we enjoy a continued blessing going forward of God not counting our iniquities against us. We are forgiven, and we continue to be held in a state of sinlessness. Such blessings are not due to our performance. They are due to God's mercy and grace. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 KJV "And all things are of God, who 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." #grace #mercy #faith #cross #forgiveness

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. A Childlike Faith By Jill Morikone August 24th, 2026 “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 It was time for my phone call with my nephews. My sister’s children—all boys—live in North Carolina. Since we don’t get to see them as often as we like, our phone time became a special time to learn about their lives. Caleb, who was five years old, usually saved his time for last. He picked up the phone, and I prepared to hear about his Lego set or what the cat did that day. His first words, however, stopped me in my tracks: “Auntie Jill, I’m so happy because I asked Jesus into my life.” A lump formed in my throat. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so proud of you!” I fought to keep the tears out of my voice. “That’s the best decision you’ll ever make.” His childish voice prattled on. “I can’t read the Bible yet, but when I want to be mean to my brothers, I ask Jesus to help me. I love God more than anything else, and I get to talk to Him every night!” The conversation turned quickly to something else, but his words burned in my mind. Was that the secret to walking with Jesus? Later, I thought about the simplicity of his faith, as I talked to a woman on the phone. “If I could only know Jesus forgives me. Do you think He’d accept me after what I’ve done?” As she talked, I heard a childish voice in my mind—Auntie Jill, I’m so happy because I asked Jesus into my life! Then, a coworker stopped by my desk. “I’m so irritated by this woman!” Again, I heard a little voice—When I want to be mean, I ask Jesus to help me. Toward evening, I received an e-mail: “I know I shouldn’t because I’m married, but I’m having feelings for someone else.” Again, I heard Caleb’s voice, I love Jesus more than anything else! Is that the secret to walking with Jesus? A childlike faith—Jesus has accepted and forgiven me. A childlike request—Help me, Jesus! Give me victory. A childlike love—I love Jesus above everything else. Father, restore in me the faith of a child.

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 1 of 2. I would like to address one of the most puzzling and perplexing problems confronting the Christian today and that is why do the righteous suffer? In order to deal with this adequately, we're going to be looking at the book of Job. We read in Job Chapter 1:1f There was a man in the Land of Oz whose name is Job and that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and turned away from evil. We continue to read in the book of Job how he lost everything, his family, his property, his possessions, and then lost his health with a loathsome disease. The universal problem of whether or not suffering is a sign of divine displeasure, and thus presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer, is the theme of the book of Job. The central problem of the book of Job is the central problem of humanity. Why do men suffer the way they do, and especially, why do the righteous suffer? Why are not godly, righteous, faithful obedient men and women always blessed? Why does it seem many of the ungodly prosper and are never in trouble? A Christian wonders why must I suffer this or that, or why must I go through this trial, or why do I have to experience all of this pain and adversity? I'm a Christian, I study the Bible, I love the Lord. I feel that I'm obedient, so why do I go through such long trials, hardships, and personal attacks? To make things even worse, many times there is no immediate answer and it's a real test of your faith as with Job. Is all adversity and suffering the direct result of sin? What is the basis upon which prosperity and adversity, blessing and misfortune, affliction and health happen to people? What is the basis upon which these things are distributed to men in this life? The principal aim of the book of Job is to disprove the popular theory that was held by many of the Jews and it's still popular today, that all suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer. Inseparably related to the problem of suffering is the greater problem of evil and to consider one necessitates the consideration of the other. The problem of evil results from the clear fact that within the world that God created good according to Genesis 1, it was created very good! Within this world that God created good there is much that is now imperfect. It has become a world of suffering, sin, hate, warfare, oppression, evil and death. Now even a superficial observer will note that these two facts present somewhat of a dilemma. On the one hand Genesis 1 shows that God created all things good and he hates evil. On the other hand, we've seen the widespread evil and suffering that's in this world of imperfection. Now how can we explain this: what has happened? Some suggest that either God cannot remove evil nor could he have prevented its entrance into his world. Others say God does not will to prevent it and did not will to prevent its entrance into the Garden of Eden. Now the first conclusion will be rejected by all who believe in the Sovereign God of the Bible but neither is the second alternative any help in solving the apparent dilemma. It doesn't give us a satisfactory solution and so believers and Christians have always sought a third alternative to explain the problem of evil in a good universe. Now the book of Job is in reality the source material for a study of some of the most profound theological questions of the Bible- the problem of the righteous suffering adversity and the meaning of the presence of evil in a world God created good. It gives us the source of sickness and adversity. It's not God as some think and is often implied today. It's Satan who is behind the scenes doing this. No book in the Bible gives more insight into the problem of why the righteous suffer and the meaning and purpose of evil in the world. Now we will examine that question. There are three basic solutions that have been given to the problem of evil. First there's a denial of its existence. We're told all evil is only an illusion. This is fundamentally the doctrinal position of the Christian Scientists. All evil experienced, meaning sin, suffering, pain, and the like are purely subjective, existing only in the mind of the observer. They have no objective reality. Christian science teaches that since God is good, he could not permit evil to exist and therefore evil is not real. Suffering, evil, sin, and Satan and death are the imagination of man's finite mind. They're only an illusion. They have no reality and would disappear if man would by faith and self-discipline deny their existence. Of course, the objections to this hypothesis are almost self-evident. Even if this hypothesis were accepted as valid, which it isn't, one is still faced with the question of how the appearance of evil and suffering is to be explained. I mean what's the origin and meaning of the illusion of pain and suffering and death? The illusion of pain and suffering is as real to the sufferer as real pain and suffering. A world in which the majority of its inhabitants are deceived with respect to the presence of suffering needs as much explaining as one in which evil is a genuine reality. It doesn't solve the problem, it only changes the terminology from reality to illusion. The suffering and the evil remain. It is quite obvious that this view is unbiblical and is out of harmony with the facts of experience. I mean Christian Scientists yell just as loudly as anyone else when they mashed their finger with a hammer. They go right on dying like the rest of humanity. Another suggested solution is the error is finitism. We're told God's power is limited. The doctrine of the finite God is the solution that we must choose, we are told. The fact that God is not completely good and that he is not omnipotent is an unscriptural attempt to explain the presence of moral and natural evil. The limitation doctrine argues that God made the best kind of world that he could but that even God could not prevent the presence of evil. Finitism, we are told, preserves the goodness of God and recognizes that God is not the source of all things. He is the source of all that is good and He is an opposition to all that is evil. Finitism seems to be a solution to some people. But again, this theory is unbiblical. The doctrine of a finite God cannot stand in view of the testimony of Scripture. See Daniel 4:35 Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Romans 9, Job 1 and 2. We're told that God is in control of all events and governments in heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for God and with God nothing is impossible. As we read Job chapters 1 & 2 we see that Satan had to get God's permission to afflict Job. The concept of an eternal principle of evil against which God is engaged in some cosmic struggle and the outcome of which is by no means certain is platonic dualism pure and simple. It's not Biblical. The doctrine of finitism is no solution at all to the problem but simply a sophisticated shortcut to avoid what appears to be a dilemma. It results from the fallacy that one must either give up the goodness of God or His omnipotence and power since there appears to be an alleged conflict. The only solution seems to be to sacrifice his omnipotence according to this unscriptural view. Now a third solution which we believe to be the biblical one, is that a moral world involves the possibility of evil. In a moral universe of free creatures, the possibility of moral development involves the possibility of the entrance of moral evil and its consequences into the world. For example, we see in the narratives of Genesis that God did not intend to compel moral obedience, but that a holy moral character could only be developed by voluntary free choice on Adam's part. Hence, a world without the possibility of disobeying God would not present the necessary means of developing moral character. Adam was not born with a holy moral character, but he was innocent. He was pure, but you're not born with character. This must develop and grow as you respond to the experiences of life. Trials, adversities, and so forth are designed to shape one's character. Someone has pointed out that these sufferings sometimes crush the person who experiences it. There are times when the final result is more glorious than would be conceivable in any other kind of universe. Therefore, this view does give us a workable solution to the problem of evil and helps explain the purpose of suffering. It is the suffering of the righteous and the allowance of the entrance of sin into the world. This view involves a possibility of the entrance of evil and also helps explain God's self-imposed limitations. Now those terms are important. We see God is presented in Scripture as omnipotent and all-powerful. But it is also true that, at the moment He created something outside himself, man who is a free moral creature, who could have the power at least temporarily to say no to God, that there was to some degree a self-imposed limitation which God placed upon Himself. This does not mean that God has limited His sovereignty, power, or His rule by creating a being in his own image who had the power to rebel against him. But it does mean that God chose to exercise his sovereignty in a universe filled with creatures who could temporarily rebel against that sovereignty. Notice it's only temporary, and so we see a moral world involves the possibility of the entrance and presence of moral evil. This brings us to the basic question that we're going to discuss. The perplexing problem of why the righteous suffer and biblical solutions. It's not unusual that trials and sufferings of the child of God may involve several purposes. We shall explore these next. Part 2.) First, we see that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We will see from this study that the righteous suffering trial and affliction is not always evidence that they have sinned or evidence that God is displeased with them. There may be some deeper purpose in God allowing it and that is to bring them into conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Examining these purposes is necessary because the Christian goes through trials and sufferings of many kinds. Therefore, they need to know whether or not these are chastisements, are things to be resisted as from the devil, or if these things are from the hand of God! This way we will not be resisting when we should be submitting so we will benefit from our trials and testings. We mentioned that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We see Job's misfortunes and sufferings at first of all as a teaching and educational purpose. We see spiritual wisdom and discernment do not automatically come to the believer but they are gained through the times of hardship and suffering and of trial and testing. Job learned the meaning of an abiding faith in God. He received an education along the line of an abiding and steadfast faith. See chapter 13 in verses 15-18. Job said though he slay me yet will I trust him. He came to know what genuine faith was and he was willing to trust God in spite of circumstances and appearances. He came to know in a more meaningful way God as his Redeemer in chapter 19. He has come through a great valley of testing and trial and affliction and there's one thing he says. I don't understand all of this, but I do know my redeemer lives and then he became confident in his future of vindication. We see that in chapter 9 verses 32-35, chapter 16 verse 19, chapter 13 verse 18. He said I know that I will be justified and this suffering of mine is not the result of sin, but I will be vindicated. Almost beside himself from grief and suffering, he came into a deeper assurance of a future life beyond the grave and this present world of inequality, injustice, and affliction. He came into a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. In chapters 38 to 41 where the Lord addresses him in two discourses of speeches, Job said, I've heard of You in the hearing of the ear and now my eye has seen You. I abhor myself and I repent in dust and in ashes. He said, I lay my hand over my mouth and I'll not speak again. I've spoken once, I've spoken twice but now, he says I'll not speak again. God revealed to him his sovereignty. God doesn't answer job's perplexities or questions. He just reminds him that He is God and that whatever he does is righteous. So, the educational purpose and significance of suffering is evident throughout the Bible especially in the book of Job as Job progressively moves from one valley of doubt and mystery to another. Each time climbing to a mountain peak of faith as he conquers his fears and his doubts and he comes to a new understanding and appreciation of the promises of God. The meaning of suffering is first and foremost of all for the express purpose of developing within the heart of the saint the assurance and understanding of his trust in God. In psalm 119 verses 65-72. The psalmist said there that he praises the Lord for afflicting him because then he came to know how to obey the Lord as he should. He said I thank You for the correction of my affliction because now I've come to understand better how to obey your precepts and your law. Our trials and tests, persecutions and the like have an educational purpose. When Jesus saves you, he sends you to His school. That is the school of the trial of your faith. Sadly, most Christians have not been taught this. They do not profit from their lessons so they keep taking the same course over and over. This is because they're flunking the tests. They've not been taught to submit to the trials but instead resist them. They think trials are something to be avoided at all costs. The Bible says we are to rejoice in our trials, James 1, because it is working in us the steadfast endurance we need to mature. Jesus told us that trials are to be a cause of rejoicing in Matthew 5, because when we're persecuted he said, rejoice because great is your reward in heaven. We are not to resist these things. Again, in Acts 14:22, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. If you're trying to get off the pathway of trial and if you're trying to get out of that school, then you are on the wrong path. Realize you will not be able to graduate because you're flunking the course or you become a spiritual dropout from the school of the trial of your faith. Trials and sufferings are designed by God because He loves you and desires to educate you in an abiding faith in knowing that He is able to deliver and protect you keeping you to the end. You come to trust Him in spite of circumstances as Job. You come to the place where you can say though He slay me yet will I trust Him. That doesn't make any sense to your head or your intellect, but if you stay in God's school and learn your lessons as you should, it will make sense to your spirit and to your heart. Trials and sufferings of the believer for righteousness' sake have an educational purpose. Stay in God's school long enough for him to teach you something and you'll find you'll be blessed for it with a mature faith and trust in the plans and purposes of God in your life! Part 3.) Next, we see that sometimes sufferings and trials have a punitive purpose. This is the solution, by the way, to the problem suggested by Job's friends. You'll notice this as you read the book and although it is by no means the whole answer, yet it does have its place in the total picture. This is the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7 - for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. There are natural consequences of sin and so sometimes trials and sufferings have a punitive purpose. Punitive means punishment. Some of these things we endure and suffer are because we've not heeded the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7. We see this throughout the Bible that this works for the saint as well as the sinner. We have to obey this law. If we don't sow to the Spirit and sow to the flesh, we're going to reap the consequences. We see this in the case of David. He had to reap what he sowed in his sin with Bathsheba. We read the sword never departed from his house, although he did receive forgiveness. We also see this in the New Testament in 1st Corinthians 5 and 1st Corinthians 11. Some of the Christians were not partaking of the communion the Lord's Supper as they should. Therefore, Paul says you don't discern the Lord's body, you're not eating this supper worthily, and therefore some of you are sick and some of you are dying prematurely. This is the law of sowing and reaping. For example, if a Christian girl allows herself to get into trouble and becomes pregnant, she may repent of that sin and be forgiven but she'll still suffer the stigma of bearing an illegitimate child. She's still going to suffer the consequences of what she sowed, for whatsoever you sow you reap. Galatians 6:7. So there's no way to get around the fact that you're going to reap what you sow. This is why sometimes we suffer trials and afflictions. We should examine our lives to see whether or not God is judging us because of something we have disobeyed him about or not getting our lives corrected about some matter. Now what's the significance of Job's suffering in relation to the punitive purpose? Remember this is the suggested solution of Job's three friends. The principle upon which all suffering is based they said is this- that suffering is a direct result of sin and a just recompense for it. Job's sufferings, they insisted, were a sign of divine displeasure and presupposed sin on his part. Now of course the Bible does set forth this principle. It's the law of sowing and reaping where righteousness will bring prosperity and blessing, disobedience and wickedness will bring adversity. This is a principle set forth throughout the Bible as Deuteronomy 28 which is a good example of that. Psalm 1 is another example. But what of the righteous individual who often is the victim of misfortune and suffering, and why so often do the ungodly seem to prosper? What's the explanation for the suffering of the innocent and the prosperity of the wicked? Was the popular notion that the innocent do not suffer and the wicked are always afflicted contrary to the facts, even as Bildad and Zophar dogmatically insisted it was true? They insisted the principle was immutable and that Job, though outwardly righteous, nevertheless must be guilty of some heinous secret sins. Their philosophy was this, that all sin causes suffering. Job is suffering. The conclusion, Job must be a sinner! Job's sufferings, they argue, convict him implicitly of some grave sin and they plead with him to acknowledge it and repent. Job protests his innocence throughout the book and so we still are faced with the perplexing question. Why then is Job suffering? Remember he didn't have chapters 1 and 2 which give us the explanation. He had to endure this experience before the answer came. What then is the explanation for those instances which seemed by the Scriptures, show the moral principle of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, that they could not always be forced into a neat logical system? The laws governing society did not guarantee that in some individual cases the innocent might not suffer and that wickedness might not elude temporary judgment. No, throughout the scriptures we see that suffering is not necessarily the direct result of prior sins. This is proven in many passages as Jeremiah 19, Ezekiel 21, Amos chapter 2, In John 9, the case of the blind man, Jesus said this man was not blind because of his parent's sin or his own sin but that God might be glorified in his healing. So, also, in the case of Job, we see he suffered innocently. What the Scriptures do teach is this - that in the light of eternity it is the righteous who will be blessed and the wicked who will suffer. We should not judge too soon. The conclusion is this, suffering and adversity may sometimes be the result of sin and therefore the purpose is punitive, but this is not always the case. Don't follow Job's friends' rigid thinking in condemning someone when you do not have all the facts. Part 4.) Sometimes trials and suffering have a disciplinary purpose. There are times afflictions are the chastisements of a loving Father. This is in harmony with Hebrews 12, 1st Corinthians 5, 1st Corinthians 11 and proverbs 3 verses 11-12. Who the Lord loves He chastens. The Scriptures tell us in Job chapter 33, that God speaks to man and the purpose for that is he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. God chastens his children because he doesn't want His children going on a path of destruction from disobedience to His Word and will for their lives. We read in Hebrews 12 that who the Lord loves He chastens and He scourges every son He receives. Job 33 speaks of one form of chastisement being sickness. In Hebrews 12 it doesn't say anything about sickness being a form of chastisement. God has many ways to chasten His children. Sometimes he just withholds his blessings. Testing has a way of humbling man's pride. You see, many of Job's utterances under the weight of his afflictions gave indication that his trials had not yet fully accomplished their purpose. You will see this as you read the book of Job. Job sometimes questions God's purposes and in his questioning of God's purpose and his control of human affairs, it implied that Job knew more than God. Sometimes Christians, under the weight of their trials and afflictions, will cry out to God in such a way and try to use their logic and reason to such an extent that they even question God's wisdom in allowing them the trials and afflictions. To be Continued. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.