• THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD

    TOPIC: O GOD, ARISE AND DELIVER ME FROM FINANCIAL DEVOURERS

    Bible Reading: Malachi 3:10-12, Joel 2:25-27, Psalm 35:1-10

    Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily.

    1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries be delivered from every devourer assigned against the resources, finances, members, and kingdom work of this commission, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

    2. O God, arise by Your mercy and preserve every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries from powers assigned to consume the fruits of their labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17)

    3. Father, let every devourer assigned against my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, and legitimate investments be defeated by Your mighty power, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

    4. O God, arise by Your mercy and deliver me from every devourer eating up my harvest, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25)

    5. Every power assigned to consume my income immediately after it comes into my hands, lose your hold over my finances, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:8)

    6. Every satanic force turning my profitable efforts into repeated losses, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12)

    7. Father, rebuke every devourer attacking the fruits of my labour and let my harvest be preserved, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

    8. Every hidden channel through which my financial resources are being wasted or drained, be exposed and closed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Luke 8:17)

    9. O Lord, protect my farm, business, career, ministry, investments, customers, contracts, and every legitimate source of income from destructive losses, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8)

    10. Every power assigned to make me labour without enjoying the reward of my labour, be defeated, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:23)

    11. Father, restore every harvest that has been consumed through losses, setbacks, missed opportunities, and unprofitable ventures, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25)

    12. Every evil pattern of financial leakage operating in my life, break by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 144:13-14)

    13. O Lord, arise and frustrate every plan designed to divert my legitimate income and resources into unproductive channels, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17)

    14. Father, give me wisdom, discipline, and discernment to manage every resource You place in my hands and to recognize profitable opportunities, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

    15. Every devouring power attacking the fruitfulness of my farm, business, career, and investments, be silenced by the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:5)

    16. I declare that my labour shall produce profitable results. I shall eat the fruit of my labour and enjoy the work of my hands, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2)

    17. O Lord, let every legitimate investment I make receive Your wisdom, protection, and favour. Let me not invest into loss or walk into financial traps, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    18. Father, let abundance replace scarcity, preservation replace wastage, and fruitful harvest replace repeated loss in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:1)

    19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let every devourer against their businesses, careers, families, and finances be rebuked, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4)

    20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries never lack the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Rebuke every devourer assigned against the finances of this work, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19; Malachi 3:11)

    21. O God, arise by Your mercy and completely deliver me from every devourer assigned against my harvest. Let every power consuming my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, investments, opportunities, and legitimate income be defeated. I shall not labour in vain; I shall reap, enjoy, preserve, and multiply the fruits of my labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25; Psalm 128:2)



    TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK

    For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com WhatsApp: +2348062343560

    SHALOM
    THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD TOPIC: O GOD, ARISE AND DELIVER ME FROM FINANCIAL DEVOURERS Bible Reading: Malachi 3:10-12, Joel 2:25-27, Psalm 35:1-10 Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily. 1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries be delivered from every devourer assigned against the resources, finances, members, and kingdom work of this commission, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11) 2. O God, arise by Your mercy and preserve every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries from powers assigned to consume the fruits of their labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17) 3. Father, let every devourer assigned against my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, and legitimate investments be defeated by Your mighty power, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11) 4. O God, arise by Your mercy and deliver me from every devourer eating up my harvest, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25) 5. Every power assigned to consume my income immediately after it comes into my hands, lose your hold over my finances, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:8) 6. Every satanic force turning my profitable efforts into repeated losses, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12) 7. Father, rebuke every devourer attacking the fruits of my labour and let my harvest be preserved, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11) 8. Every hidden channel through which my financial resources are being wasted or drained, be exposed and closed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Luke 8:17) 9. O Lord, protect my farm, business, career, ministry, investments, customers, contracts, and every legitimate source of income from destructive losses, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8) 10. Every power assigned to make me labour without enjoying the reward of my labour, be defeated, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:23) 11. Father, restore every harvest that has been consumed through losses, setbacks, missed opportunities, and unprofitable ventures, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25) 12. Every evil pattern of financial leakage operating in my life, break by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 144:13-14) 13. O Lord, arise and frustrate every plan designed to divert my legitimate income and resources into unproductive channels, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17) 14. Father, give me wisdom, discipline, and discernment to manage every resource You place in my hands and to recognize profitable opportunities, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 8:18) 15. Every devouring power attacking the fruitfulness of my farm, business, career, and investments, be silenced by the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:5) 16. I declare that my labour shall produce profitable results. I shall eat the fruit of my labour and enjoy the work of my hands, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2) 17. O Lord, let every legitimate investment I make receive Your wisdom, protection, and favour. Let me not invest into loss or walk into financial traps, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:5-6) 18. Father, let abundance replace scarcity, preservation replace wastage, and fruitful harvest replace repeated loss in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:1) 19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let every devourer against their businesses, careers, families, and finances be rebuked, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4) 20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries never lack the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Rebuke every devourer assigned against the finances of this work, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19; Malachi 3:11) 21. O God, arise by Your mercy and completely deliver me from every devourer assigned against my harvest. Let every power consuming my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, investments, opportunities, and legitimate income be defeated. I shall not labour in vain; I shall reap, enjoy, preserve, and multiply the fruits of my labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25; Psalm 128:2) TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospel[gmail].com WhatsApp: +2348062343560 SHALOM ✋
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  • Good evening, brethren.
    1. Evening devotion for today.

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

    *DATE:*
    WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026.

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

    *TOPIC:*
    DOING SOMETHING USEFUL.

    *TEXT:*
    EPHESIANS 4:25-28.
    25 Therefore, stripping off falsehood, “let each of us speak the truth to his neighbor,” for we belong to one another. Zec 8:16 [Col 3:9]
    26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set while you are still angry, Psa 4:4 [Mat 5:25]
    27 and do not give the devil an opportunity to work. Jas 4:7 1Pe 5:9
    28 The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might earn something to give to the needy. Act 20:35 1Th 4:11 2Th 3:8 2Th 3:12

    *TOPIC:*
    DOING SOMETHING USEFUL.

    *THE MESSAGE:*
    No one is created for a life of waste, rebellion, or indulgence in destructive habits like drugs, immorality, theft, or idleness. This passage encourages believers to live productive, truthful, and purposeful lives as taught in the scriptures. God desires fruitfulness, not wastefulness or sinful living. To be useful, you must shun lies, embrace the truth, and engage in honest work. Hard work brings rewards, growth, and opens doors of opportunity, keeping you from the grip of poverty, unfruitfulness, and shame. It is disheartening to see young people spending their time on social media, pursuing fruitless ventures, and missing numerous opportunities. Usefulness involves taking initiative, being creative, and serving both God and others with diligence and integrity. Embrace a mindset of diligence and purpose today!

    *REFLECTION:*
    Be useful to your Creator and community.

    *PRAYER:*
    Lord, help me to be productive. 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 12-15.

    ED.ii. WHAT WAS I BORN FOR?

    "'You are a king, then!' said Pilate. Jesus answered: 'You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.'" - John 18:37

    Jesus knew what He was born for. There are many people who do not know why they are here on earth. I believe, however, that man was created quite uniquely. So how can you think we were put on earth without a purpose and just for fun? It is good to think about: What was I born for? Is this what God has for me? There is only One who can give you the right answer to that and it is God. He knows exactly why you were born. God's children save themselves from a lot of difficulties when they consult Him; God wants to speak as well as answer them.

    The purpose of our existence

    God did not create us to only build a life here on earth and then die. No, God created mankind to eventually go to heaven to be with Him forever. That is the main reason why He created us.

    However, that is not God's only purpose. On earth we are on our way to our ultimate goal and while we are here, we must consult the Lord: 'Lord, what do You want me to do? What is the earthly purpose for which You want to use me?' Go and consult God about the earthly job you should practice and what you can do for Him, so you will know: This is the reason why I was born!

    Find ways to bless others. Make yourself available to people who need comfort and support. 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me' (Matthew 25:40). Allow yourself to say at the end of your life: 'Lord, I have done what You wanted me to do.'


    https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

    2. Evening prayer for today.

    EP.i. Morning Prayer

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but Manikya Kumar one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14

    Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick

    O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

    This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God.

    As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* DOING SOMETHING USEFUL. *TEXT:* EPHESIANS 4:25-28. 25 Therefore, stripping off falsehood, “let each of us speak the truth to his neighbor,” for we belong to one another. Zec 8:16 [Col 3:9] 26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set while you are still angry, Psa 4:4 [Mat 5:25] 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity to work. Jas 4:7 1Pe 5:9 28 The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might earn something to give to the needy. Act 20:35 1Th 4:11 2Th 3:8 2Th 3:12 *TOPIC:* DOING SOMETHING USEFUL. *THE MESSAGE:* No one is created for a life of waste, rebellion, or indulgence in destructive habits like drugs, immorality, theft, or idleness. This passage encourages believers to live productive, truthful, and purposeful lives as taught in the scriptures. God desires fruitfulness, not wastefulness or sinful living. To be useful, you must shun lies, embrace the truth, and engage in honest work. Hard work brings rewards, growth, and opens doors of opportunity, keeping you from the grip of poverty, unfruitfulness, and shame. It is disheartening to see young people spending their time on social media, pursuing fruitless ventures, and missing numerous opportunities. Usefulness involves taking initiative, being creative, and serving both God and others with diligence and integrity. Embrace a mindset of diligence and purpose today! *REFLECTION:* Be useful to your Creator and community. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to be productive. 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 12-15. ED.ii. WHAT WAS I BORN FOR? "'You are a king, then!' said Pilate. Jesus answered: 'You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.'" - John 18:37 Jesus knew what He was born for. There are many people who do not know why they are here on earth. I believe, however, that man was created quite uniquely. So how can you think we were put on earth without a purpose and just for fun? It is good to think about: What was I born for? Is this what God has for me? There is only One who can give you the right answer to that and it is God. He knows exactly why you were born. God's children save themselves from a lot of difficulties when they consult Him; God wants to speak as well as answer them. The purpose of our existence God did not create us to only build a life here on earth and then die. No, God created mankind to eventually go to heaven to be with Him forever. That is the main reason why He created us. However, that is not God's only purpose. On earth we are on our way to our ultimate goal and while we are here, we must consult the Lord: 'Lord, what do You want me to do? What is the earthly purpose for which You want to use me?' Go and consult God about the earthly job you should practice and what you can do for Him, so you will know: This is the reason why I was born! Find ways to bless others. Make yourself available to people who need comfort and support. 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me' (Matthew 25:40). Allow yourself to say at the end of your life: 'Lord, I have done what You wanted me to do.' https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening prayer for today. EP.i. Morning Prayer Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14 Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God. As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6.
    How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued.
    In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27).

    Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us.
    Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks.

    It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work."
    When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose.

    By Prophecy
    Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such.

    It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left.

    This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit.

    In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching.

    Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter.

    By Scriptural Teaching;
    One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching.

    Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching.

    On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them.

    It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17).

    For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need
    of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by
    faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs.

    Through Circumstances;
    Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose
    in our lives.

    God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite.

    Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20).

    The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences.
    As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the
    foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned.

    CONCLUSION.
    We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge
    of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays.
    It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

    Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life.

    A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the
    proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement.

    It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the
    community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ).

    Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing.

    Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us–
    Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared.

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

    By Pastor Joseph Clark

    Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important:

    The freedom to choose how we will live before Him.

    We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport.

    Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us.

    Paul writes:

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

    Ephesians 2:8–9

    Amen.

    But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says:

    “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    Ephesians 2:10

    Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation.

    That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit.

    I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk.

    Jesus Himself said:

    “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

    Matthew 7:16

    He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said:

    “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

    Matthew 7:17

    There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.”

    That conclusion is not biblical.

    James puts the matter bluntly:

    “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

    James 2:17

    James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith.

    If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim.

    In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.”

    Jesus never taught such complacency.

    Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say:

    “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

    Matthew 7:23

    That should cause every professing Christian to pause.

    Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.”

    The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ.

    Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God.

    A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him.

    This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit.

    Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently.

    Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.

    Jesus said:

    “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

    John 15:16

    That is not passive language.

    Go. Bear fruit.

    Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose.

    Jesus also said:

    “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

    John 15:8

    There is that word again: fruit.

    Fruit is evidence of life.

    Wake Up and Bear Fruit

    Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today?

    Paganism. False religions.

    They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

    Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism!

    Wake up!

    Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel.

    An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree.

    Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children.

    This brings us back to our central question:

    What are you going to do with the life God has given you?

    You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances.

    You can choose whether you will forgive.

    You can choose whether you will serve.

    You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged.

    You can choose whether you will open your Bible.

    You can choose whether you will pray.

    You can choose whether you will share your faith.

    You can choose whether you will repent.

    You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult.

    You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live.

    Paul told the Philippians:

    “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

    Philippians 2:12

    Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live.

    Your faith should become visible.

    Your character should change.

    Your priorities should change.

    Your relationships should change.

    Your choices should change.

    Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow.

    There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.”

    The first can become passive.

    The second is intentional.

    What Will You Do With What God Has Given You?

    Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30?

    Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it?

    To that servant, the master said:

    “You wicked, lazy servant!”

    Matthew 25:26

    The judgment concludes:

    “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

    Matthew 25:30

    Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say:

    “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

    Matthew 25:21

    Let me pause and ask you right now:

    Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you?

    If so, ask yourself: Why?

    Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you?

    And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength.

    Jesus said:

    “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

    John 15:5

    Fruit comes from abiding in Christ.

    But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference.

    We choose to remain close to Him.

    We choose obedience.

    We choose repentance.

    We choose prayer.

    We choose service.

    We choose faithfulness.

    We choose to say yes when Christ calls.

    In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it.

    When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him.

    Why?

    Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used.

    There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes.

    God did not give you your life merely to consume it.

    He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him.

    Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed.

    That should make us think.

    What is your Christian life producing?

    Are people encouraged because you know Christ?

    Are people helped because you serve?

    Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive?

    Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak?

    Are people seeing Christ in your conduct?

    Are you becoming more patient?

    More loving?

    More humble?

    More truthful?

    More generous?

    More courageous?

    More obedient?

    Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools?

    Use them for Christ.

    Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music?

    Share them online with others.

    Do you know someone who is in need or grieving?

    Be present to them.

    Let them know you are praying for them.

    Pray for them!

    Make a prayer list and pray daily.

    Pray for this fallen world.

    Reassure others of the coming of Christ.

    Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel.

    What fruit is your life producing?

    You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful

    You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful.

    You don’t have to preach to thousands.

    You don’t have to write books.

    You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit.

    A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful.

    A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful.

    A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful.

    Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful.

    A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful.

    A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful.

    Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful.

    Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular.

    Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it.

    Jesus said:

    “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

    Matthew 6:4

    Your life will not be perfect.

    You will fail.

    You will sin.

    You will sometimes become discouraged.

    You will occasionally make terrible decisions.

    But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness.

    A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ.

    When he falls, he gets back up.

    When he sins, he repents.

    When he fails, he seeks God’s grace.

    When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking.

    When God opens a door, he walks through it.

    When Christ calls, he responds.

    That is deliberate Christianity.

    So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine.

    Pursue Christ.

    Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness.

    Bear fruit.

    Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works.

    Serve because you have already received His grace.

    Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you.

    By the grace of God, choose to make it count.

    Jesus said:

    “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

    And He also said:

    “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

    The Christian life is not about earning salvation.

    It is about living out the salvation you have received.

    So get up.

    Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go.

    Create content.

    Share content.

    Practice charity.

    Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

    Bear fruit.

    You have been given one life.

    Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it.

    With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it.

    And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you.

    In Jesus’ name, I pray.

    AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!
    Are You an Intentional Christian? By Pastor Joseph Clark Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important: The freedom to choose how we will live before Him. We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us. Paul writes: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.” Ephesians 2:8–9 Amen. But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation. That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit. I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk. Jesus Himself said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16 He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:17 There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.” That conclusion is not biblical. James puts the matter bluntly: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith. If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim. In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.” Jesus never taught such complacency. Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say: “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23 That should cause every professing Christian to pause. Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.” The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ. Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God. A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him. This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit. Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently. Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission. Jesus said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16 That is not passive language. Go. Bear fruit. Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose. Jesus also said: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 There is that word again: fruit. Fruit is evidence of life. Wake Up and Bear Fruit Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today? Paganism. False religions. They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world. Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism! Wake up! Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel. An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree. Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children. This brings us back to our central question: What are you going to do with the life God has given you? You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances. You can choose whether you will forgive. You can choose whether you will serve. You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged. You can choose whether you will open your Bible. You can choose whether you will pray. You can choose whether you will share your faith. You can choose whether you will repent. You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult. You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live. Paul told the Philippians: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live. Your faith should become visible. Your character should change. Your priorities should change. Your relationships should change. Your choices should change. Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow. There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.” The first can become passive. The second is intentional. What Will You Do With What God Has Given You? Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30? Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it? To that servant, the master said: “You wicked, lazy servant!” Matthew 25:26 The judgment concludes: “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21 Let me pause and ask you right now: Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you? If so, ask yourself: Why? Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you? And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength. Jesus said: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Fruit comes from abiding in Christ. But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference. We choose to remain close to Him. We choose obedience. We choose repentance. We choose prayer. We choose service. We choose faithfulness. We choose to say yes when Christ calls. In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it. When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him. Why? Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used. There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes. God did not give you your life merely to consume it. He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him. Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed. That should make us think. What is your Christian life producing? Are people encouraged because you know Christ? Are people helped because you serve? Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive? Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak? Are people seeing Christ in your conduct? Are you becoming more patient? More loving? More humble? More truthful? More generous? More courageous? More obedient? Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools? Use them for Christ. Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music? Share them online with others. Do you know someone who is in need or grieving? Be present to them. Let them know you are praying for them. Pray for them! Make a prayer list and pray daily. Pray for this fallen world. Reassure others of the coming of Christ. Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel. What fruit is your life producing? You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful. You don’t have to preach to thousands. You don’t have to write books. You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit. A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful. A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful. A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful. Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful. A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful. A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful. Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful. Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular. Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it. Jesus said: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4 Your life will not be perfect. You will fail. You will sin. You will sometimes become discouraged. You will occasionally make terrible decisions. But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness. A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ. When he falls, he gets back up. When he sins, he repents. When he fails, he seeks God’s grace. When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking. When God opens a door, he walks through it. When Christ calls, he responds. That is deliberate Christianity. So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine. Pursue Christ. Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness. Bear fruit. Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works. Serve because you have already received His grace. Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you. By the grace of God, choose to make it count. Jesus said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” And He also said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” The Christian life is not about earning salvation. It is about living out the salvation you have received. So get up. Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go. Create content. Share content. Practice charity. Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. Bear fruit. You have been given one life. Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it. With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it. And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!
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  • Stay connected to Jesus, your strength and fruitfulness come from Him.

    Share this with someone who needs a reminder to remain close to Christ.

    #John155 #AbideInChrist #VineAndBranches #StayConnectedToJesus #FruitfulLife #JesusIsMySource #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #Lordsbook
    🌿 Stay connected to Jesus, your strength and fruitfulness come from Him. 📲 Share this with someone who needs a reminder to remain close to Christ. #John155 #AbideInChrist #VineAndBranches #StayConnectedToJesus #FruitfulLife #JesusIsMySource #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #Lordsbook
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  • GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF
    16TH AUGUST 2026

    Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed.
    But before we share the word of God, let us pray

    ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE
    https://youtu.be/IHnZa2BylFo?si=rBUkpriqf33nSXLM
    PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE
    TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS

    LESSON:
    Matthew 7:16-20

    As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is:

    TOPIC:
    WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I?

    TEXT:
    You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
    Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV)

    INTRODUCTION:
    It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question:
    What kind of Christian am I?
    Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him.
    The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce.
    Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name.

    EXPOSITION:
    With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points.

    1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING?
    Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5
    Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.”
    Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts.

    A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible.
    Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

    This gives us something practical to examine.
    Is there love in me? Is there patience in me?
    Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure?
    Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.”

    Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now?

    EXPOSITION:
    2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK?
    Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12
    Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”
    That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us.
    Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching.

    Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life.
    What message are we communicating?

    Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way.
    This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility.
    Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle.

    EXPOSITION:
    3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION?
    John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20
    Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ.
    We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus.

    Jesus commanded us to love one another.
    He commanded us to forgive.
    He commanded us to serve.
    He commanded us to make disciples.
    He commanded us to preach the Gospel.
    He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world.
    The question therefore becomes:
    Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do?

    James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity.
    Knowledge is not the same as obedience.
    Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness.
    Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism.
    Knowing that we should love is not love.
    Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness.
    At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission.

    Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement.
    Somebody needs to hear the Gospel.
    Somebody needs to see forgiveness.
    Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love.
    Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real.

    So the question is not merely:
    “Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is:
    “What kind of Christian am I?”
    Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation?
    Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character?
    This brings us to the conclusion of the message.

    CONCLUSION:
    Today, the mirror is before us.
    Not before our neighbour.
    Not before another church member.
    Not before society. Before me.
    What kind of Christian am I?
    May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ.
    Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus.

    CLOSING PRAYER:
    Let us pray!
    Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

    GOODWILL MESSAGE:
    This is my goodwill message for you this week:
    May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen.

    HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY,
    HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK.

    LIKE IT OR NOT!
    JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!!
    REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!!

    This wonderful message is brought to you
    With Love from Pastor M O Glorious,
    CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH ,
    Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@
    08055646358: 09018952081
    or
    peganmireAnderson Mwila.com

    #WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter
    #ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit
    #BeTheLight #ChristianFaith
    #WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist
    #LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine
    #KingdomLiving #JesusChrist
    GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF 16TH AUGUST 2026 Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed. But before we share the word of God, let us pray 🙏 ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE 👇👇👇 https://youtu.be/IHnZa2BylFo?si=rBUkpriqf33nSXLM PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS 🙏 LESSON: Matthew 7:16-20 As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is: TOPIC: WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I? TEXT: You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV) INTRODUCTION: It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question: What kind of Christian am I? Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him. The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce. Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name. EXPOSITION: With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points. 1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING? Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5 Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts. A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This gives us something practical to examine. Is there love in me? Is there patience in me? Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure? Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now? EXPOSITION: 2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK? Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us. Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching. Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life. What message are we communicating? Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way. This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility. Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle. EXPOSITION: 3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION? John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20 Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ. We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus. Jesus commanded us to love one another. He commanded us to forgive. He commanded us to serve. He commanded us to make disciples. He commanded us to preach the Gospel. He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world. The question therefore becomes: Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do? James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity. Knowledge is not the same as obedience. Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness. Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism. Knowing that we should love is not love. Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness. At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement. Somebody needs to hear the Gospel. Somebody needs to see forgiveness. Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love. Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real. So the question is not merely: “Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is: “What kind of Christian am I?” Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation? Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character? This brings us to the conclusion of the message. CONCLUSION: Today, the mirror is before us. Not before our neighbour. Not before another church member. Not before society. Before me. What kind of Christian am I? May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ. Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus. CLOSING PRAYER: Let us pray! Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. GOODWILL MESSAGE: This is my goodwill message for you this week: May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen. HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY, HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK. LIKE IT OR NOT! JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!! REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!! 🙋This wonderful message is brought to you With Love from Pastor M O Glorious, CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH , Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@ 08055646358: 09018952081 or peganmire[gmail].com #WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter #ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit #BeTheLight #ChristianFaith #WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist #LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine #KingdomLiving #JesusChrist
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 18 Visualizações

  • The blessings of reading, knowing and obeying God's words.
    Revelation 1 Kullie Mawolo
    [vs: 3] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
    You can not do what you don't know and you can not know it unless you read or hear it.obedience to God  is preceded by the knowledge of his will through the hearing of his word . There are spiritual, physical and material  benefits in obeying God but these benefits are kept away from many because of their ignorance of God's word. However to  receive the power and spiritual capacity to obey God one must be born again  John 1:12.
    *How to know God's word. 
    1, daily  reading, study and meditation of the Bible 
    2, constant hearing of spirit led expository sermons 
    *How to obey the Bible 
    1*scriptural and practical application and of the Bible in every area of our lifes. 
    *Blessings of doing God's word. 
    1, eternal life and escape from hell fire 
    2, God's presence and protection from evil 
    3, fruitfulness in every area of our life 
    4, confidence and boldness before God 
    5, Answer to prayers 
    6, victory over the enemies 
    7, heaven after life in the world 
    02 May 2026

    The blessings of reading, knowing and obeying God's words. Revelation 1 [KJV] [vs: 3] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. You can not do what you don't know and you can not know it unless you read or hear it.obedience to God  is preceded by the knowledge of his will through the hearing of his word . There are spiritual, physical and material  benefits in obeying God but these benefits are kept away from many because of their ignorance of God's word. However to  receive the power and spiritual capacity to obey God one must be born again  John 1:12. *How to know God's word.  1, daily  reading, study and meditation of the Bible  2, constant hearing of spirit led expository sermons  *How to obey the Bible  1*scriptural and practical application and of the Bible in every area of our lifes.  *Blessings of doing God's word.  1, eternal life and escape from hell fire  2, God's presence and protection from evil  3, fruitfulness in every area of our life  4, confidence and boldness before God  5, Answer to prayers  6, victory over the enemies  7, heaven after life in the world  02 May 2026
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    1
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  • *TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026.*

    *YOU SHALL HAVE CONFIDENCE BECAUSE THERE IS HOPE*

    Scripture:
    “And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.” — Job 11:18 (KJV).

    *Reflection – Hope Gives Us Confidence*

    Job 11:18 reminds us that hope in God produces confidence and security. When our trust is placed in the Lord, we do not have to live continually controlled by fear about tomorrow.

    There may be uncertainties concerning our future, family, ministry, work, business, studies, or personal plans, but the believer's confidence rests in the faithfulness of God. Our circumstances may change, but God remains constant.

    Hope does not mean that we deny difficulties. Rather, it means that we face them knowing that God is with us and that our future is ultimately in His hands.

    Today, lift your eyes above your present circumstances. There is hope. There is a future. There is a God who is able to sustain you and lead you safely through every season.

    *Prophetic Declaration:*
    Today, I declare that I shall have confidence because there is hope. My future is not controlled by fear, uncertainty, or the plans of people; it is safely held in the hands of Almighty God.

    I declare that every spirit of anxiety, discouragement, hopelessness, and fear concerning tomorrow is broken by the grace of God. I receive a renewed mind, a courageous heart, and unwavering confidence in the promises of the Lord.

    Today, I shall rest securely because God is my Refuge and my Defender. I refuse to allow the challenges around me to steal my peace. The Lord shall give me grace to sleep peacefully, work faithfully, and live confidently.

    I declare that my family shall have hope. My ministry shall have hope. My work and business shall have hope. My studies shall have hope. Every dream and legitimate aspiration that aligns with God's purpose shall receive fresh strength and divine direction.

    I proclaim that every season of uncertainty shall give way to clarity. Every closed door that God does not want for me shall remain closed, while every door appointed by His perfect will shall open at the right time.

    Today, I receive the courage to plan, build, work, pray, and pursue God's purpose with confidence. I shall not abandon my assignment because of temporary difficulties. I know that God is able to establish the work of my hands.

    I declare that the Lord shall protect me from evil and surround me with His favor. I shall dwell in safety under His mighty hand. My going out and coming in shall be preserved, and His peace shall guard my heart and mind.

    I proclaim that my tomorrow shall not be worse than today. By God's grace, I am moving forward into greater spiritual maturity, greater wisdom, greater fruitfulness, and greater opportunities to serve Him.

    I declare that hope shall rise again in every area of my life. Where I have experienced disappointment, God shall give me renewed expectation. Where I have experienced delay, He shall teach me to trust His timing. Where I have experienced weakness, He shall renew my strength.

    I have hope.
    I have confidence.
    I have a future.
    I have a faithful God.
    Therefore, I shall rest securely in Him.

    Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

    *Action Steps for today:*
    Begin your day by thanking God because your future is in His hands.

    Read Job 11:13–20 and meditate on the connection between faith, hope, confidence, and security.

    Declare: “I shall have confidence because there is hope. My future is secure in God's hands.”

    Identify one area where fear has been controlling you and consciously surrender it to God in prayer.

    Encourage someone who is discouraged today by reminding them that there is still hope in God.

    Make one positive, faith-filled step toward a God-honoring goal you have been postponing.

    End the day with thanksgiving, trusting God with everything concerning your future.

    *Prayer:*
    Heavenly Father,
    Thank You because my future is in Your hands. Thank You for giving me hope even when circumstances appear uncertain.

    Remove every fear, anxiety, discouragement, and hopelessness from my heart. Give me confidence to face today and courage to look forward to tomorrow.

    Secure my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of my life. Guide my decisions and order my steps according to Your perfect will.

    Where I have experienced disappointment, restore my hope. Where I have experienced delay, give me patience. Where I have experienced failure, give me courage to rise again.

    Help me to trust You completely and to remember that my life is not without purpose. Establish the work of my hands and lead me into the future You have prepared for me.

    Because there is hope, I will not fear.
    Because You are with me, I will not be shaken.
    Because You are faithful, I will move forward with confidence.

    Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    *Blessing for today:*
    May the Lord fill your heart with renewed hope and confidence today. May every fear concerning your future disappear, and may divine peace take its place.

    May God secure your household, establish your plans according to His will, protect your going out and coming in, and give you courage to pursue your God-given purpose.

    May every season of uncertainty become an opportunity to experience God's faithfulness. May hope rise again in every area of your life, and may your future be brighter by His grace.

    There is hope for you. There is a future before you. God is not finished with you!

    Have confidence.
    Rest in God's promises.
    Keep moving forward.
    Your hope is in the Lord.

    Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, peaceful, and hope-filled day
    Shalom!

    *Remember: Your confession is your possession.*

    * Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.*

    _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you _

    For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703
    Or
    Email: clementoyadosuAnderson Mwila.com
    *TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*YOU SHALL HAVE CONFIDENCE BECAUSE THERE IS HOPE*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.” — Job 11:18 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Hope Gives Us Confidence* Job 11:18 reminds us that hope in God produces confidence and security. When our trust is placed in the Lord, we do not have to live continually controlled by fear about tomorrow. There may be uncertainties concerning our future, family, ministry, work, business, studies, or personal plans, but the believer's confidence rests in the faithfulness of God. Our circumstances may change, but God remains constant. Hope does not mean that we deny difficulties. Rather, it means that we face them knowing that God is with us and that our future is ultimately in His hands. Today, lift your eyes above your present circumstances. There is hope. There is a future. There is a God who is able to sustain you and lead you safely through every season. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I shall have confidence because there is hope. My future is not controlled by fear, uncertainty, or the plans of people; it is safely held in the hands of Almighty God. I declare that every spirit of anxiety, discouragement, hopelessness, and fear concerning tomorrow is broken by the grace of God. I receive a renewed mind, a courageous heart, and unwavering confidence in the promises of the Lord. Today, I shall rest securely because God is my Refuge and my Defender. I refuse to allow the challenges around me to steal my peace. The Lord shall give me grace to sleep peacefully, work faithfully, and live confidently. I declare that my family shall have hope. My ministry shall have hope. My work and business shall have hope. My studies shall have hope. Every dream and legitimate aspiration that aligns with God's purpose shall receive fresh strength and divine direction. I proclaim that every season of uncertainty shall give way to clarity. Every closed door that God does not want for me shall remain closed, while every door appointed by His perfect will shall open at the right time. Today, I receive the courage to plan, build, work, pray, and pursue God's purpose with confidence. I shall not abandon my assignment because of temporary difficulties. I know that God is able to establish the work of my hands. I declare that the Lord shall protect me from evil and surround me with His favor. I shall dwell in safety under His mighty hand. My going out and coming in shall be preserved, and His peace shall guard my heart and mind. I proclaim that my tomorrow shall not be worse than today. By God's grace, I am moving forward into greater spiritual maturity, greater wisdom, greater fruitfulness, and greater opportunities to serve Him. I declare that hope shall rise again in every area of my life. Where I have experienced disappointment, God shall give me renewed expectation. Where I have experienced delay, He shall teach me to trust His timing. Where I have experienced weakness, He shall renew my strength. I have hope. I have confidence. I have a future. I have a faithful God. Therefore, I shall rest securely in Him. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin your day by thanking God because your future is in His hands. 2️⃣ Read Job 11:13–20 and meditate on the connection between faith, hope, confidence, and security. 3️⃣ Declare: “I shall have confidence because there is hope. My future is secure in God's hands.” 4️⃣ Identify one area where fear has been controlling you and consciously surrender it to God in prayer. 5️⃣ Encourage someone who is discouraged today by reminding them that there is still hope in God. 6️⃣ Make one positive, faith-filled step toward a God-honoring goal you have been postponing. 7️⃣ End the day with thanksgiving, trusting God with everything concerning your future. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You because my future is in Your hands. Thank You for giving me hope even when circumstances appear uncertain. Remove every fear, anxiety, discouragement, and hopelessness from my heart. Give me confidence to face today and courage to look forward to tomorrow. Secure my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of my life. Guide my decisions and order my steps according to Your perfect will. Where I have experienced disappointment, restore my hope. Where I have experienced delay, give me patience. Where I have experienced failure, give me courage to rise again. Help me to trust You completely and to remember that my life is not without purpose. Establish the work of my hands and lead me into the future You have prepared for me. Because there is hope, I will not fear. Because You are with me, I will not be shaken. Because You are faithful, I will move forward with confidence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord fill your heart with renewed hope and confidence today. May every fear concerning your future disappear, and may divine peace take its place. May God secure your household, establish your plans according to His will, protect your going out and coming in, and give you courage to pursue your God-given purpose. May every season of uncertainty become an opportunity to experience God's faithfulness. May hope rise again in every area of your life, and may your future be brighter by His grace. There is hope for you. There is a future before you. God is not finished with you! 🌟 Have confidence. 🌿 Rest in God's promises. 🔥 Keep moving forward. 🙏 Your hope is in the Lord. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, peaceful, and hope-filled day🙏🕊️ Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 32 Visualizações
  • 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫
    “𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘺,
    𝘎𝘰𝘥'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺.”

    We often measure success by response—replies, reactions, results. Discouragement whispers that every effort is wasted when silence is the only response. But faithfulness matters more than fruit. Whether we are weary from silence or tempted to quit, the question is not whether people will respond—but whether we will remain faithful when they do not.

    God commissioned Ezekiel: “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳...” (🕮 𝐄𝐳𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝟐:𝟕). Israel's heart was hardened, yet God never measured Ezekiel's ministry by the people's response but by his obedience. His task was to proclaim God’s Word faithfully, leaving the results in God's hands.

    A farmer cannot command the seed to grow. He faithfully prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waits, trusting God to give the increase. So it is with the Gospel. We sow God's truth, but only the Lord can awaken the heart. Our responsibility is faithfulness; God's responsibility is fruitfulness.

    Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that His Word never returns void (𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟓𝟓:𝟏𝟏). Paul planted, Apollos watered, “𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦” (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟑:𝟔). Some rejected Christ despite hearing His own voice (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟐:𝟑𝟕), while others gladly received Him (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟐:𝟒𝟏). The success of our witness is never determined by numbers but by obedience to the One who sent us.

    Many believers grow discouraged because they count results instead of faithfulness. “𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥; 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟒:𝟐). Don't preach like a salesman changing the message just to close the deal. Heaven never called us to sell the Gospel—it called us to proclaim it.

    Christ had experienced the most terrifying rejection. Many left Him (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟔:𝟔𝟔), mocked Him (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟕:𝟑𝟗–𝟒𝟑), and crucified Him, yet He remained perfectly obedient to the Father's will (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟖). Through His death, burial, and resurrection (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒), He accomplished the salvation that no human effort ever could. We faithfully proclaim the Gospel because we belong to the faithful Saviour.

    Have disappointment or rejection made you reluctant to share Christ again? Will you keep measuring your faithfulness by the world's response when Christ measures it by your obedience? You don't need Christ merely to produce results—you need Him because He is the Lord of the harvest who alone changes hearts. Speak His Word. Spread the Gospel to all, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear.

    𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, forgive us for becoming discouraged when we cannot see immediate results. Help us to value faithfulness above success and obedience above recognition. Give us courage to keep sowing Your truth, trusting that You alone can change hearts. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

    Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
    𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝...
    _____________________________________________________
    All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible.
    Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day…

    If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling:
    FREE FlipBook Previews:
    https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html
    Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback)
    Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
    https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso

    Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you.
    Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app

    Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world.
    May God bless you more abundantly…
    𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫 ✍️ “𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘺, 𝘎𝘰𝘥'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺.” We often measure success by response—replies, reactions, results. Discouragement whispers that every effort is wasted when silence is the only response. But faithfulness matters more than fruit. Whether we are weary from silence or tempted to quit, the question is not whether people will respond—but whether we will remain faithful when they do not. God commissioned Ezekiel: “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳...” (🕮 𝐄𝐳𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝟐:𝟕). Israel's heart was hardened, yet God never measured Ezekiel's ministry by the people's response but by his obedience. His task was to proclaim God’s Word faithfully, leaving the results in God's hands. A farmer cannot command the seed to grow. He faithfully prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waits, trusting God to give the increase. So it is with the Gospel. We sow God's truth, but only the Lord can awaken the heart. Our responsibility is faithfulness; God's responsibility is fruitfulness. Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that His Word never returns void (𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟓𝟓:𝟏𝟏). Paul planted, Apollos watered, “𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦” (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟑:𝟔). Some rejected Christ despite hearing His own voice (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟐:𝟑𝟕), while others gladly received Him (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟐:𝟒𝟏). The success of our witness is never determined by numbers but by obedience to the One who sent us. Many believers grow discouraged because they count results instead of faithfulness. “𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥; 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟒:𝟐). Don't preach like a salesman changing the message just to close the deal. Heaven never called us to sell the Gospel—it called us to proclaim it. Christ had experienced the most terrifying rejection. Many left Him (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟔:𝟔𝟔), mocked Him (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟕:𝟑𝟗–𝟒𝟑), and crucified Him, yet He remained perfectly obedient to the Father's will (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟖). Through His death, burial, and resurrection (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒), He accomplished the salvation that no human effort ever could. We faithfully proclaim the Gospel because we belong to the faithful Saviour. Have disappointment or rejection made you reluctant to share Christ again? Will you keep measuring your faithfulness by the world's response when Christ measures it by your obedience? You don't need Christ merely to produce results—you need Him because He is the Lord of the harvest who alone changes hearts. Speak His Word. Spread the Gospel to all, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, forgive us for becoming discouraged when we cannot see immediate results. Help us to value faithfulness above success and obedience above recognition. Give us courage to keep sowing Your truth, trusting that You alone can change hearts. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…
    0 Comentários 1 Compartilhamentos 221 Visualizações
  • Stay connected to Jesus, because true fruitfulness comes from Him.

    Share this with someone who needs encouragement to remain close to Jesus.

    #John155 #AbideInChrist #VineAndBranches #FruitfulLife #JesusIsEnough #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkWithJesus #GrowInFaith #Lordsbook
    🌿 Stay connected to Jesus, because true fruitfulness comes from Him. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to remain close to Jesus. #John155 #AbideInChrist #VineAndBranches #FruitfulLife #JesusIsEnough #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkWithJesus #GrowInFaith #Lordsbook
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