Daily Devotion — August 25 | Acts 21:13 (NKJV)

Faith That Counts the Cost

As Paul journeyed toward Jerusalem, fellow believers warned him of the suffering that awaited him. Out of love, they pleaded with him not to go. Yet Paul remained steadfast because he knew God had called him to continue the mission. His devotion to Christ was greater than his fear of suffering or even death.

Paul's response reveals the depth of his commitment. He had surrendered every part of his life to the Lord and was willing to endure hardship if it meant remaining faithful to Jesus. His courage was rooted in his confidence that God's will was worth every sacrifice.

For believers today, this verse reminds us that following Christ may require difficult choices. While God does not promise an easy path, He does promise His presence, strength, and eternal reward. A surrendered heart trusts God's plan even when obedience comes at a personal cost.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an area of my life that I have not fully surrendered to God?

2. Am I willing to obey Christ even when it is difficult?

3. How can I grow in courage and faithfulness each day?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the example of Paul's unwavering faith. Help me to surrender every part of my life to You and to follow Your will with courage and trust. Strengthen me to remain faithful, no matter what challenges may come. In Jesus name Amen.

Practical Application

● Pray for courage to obey God in difficult situations.

● Trust God's plan even when the future is uncertain.

● Encourage someone who is facing trials for their faith.

Takeaway Thought

A heart fully surrendered to Christ finds strength to remain faithful in every circumstance.

#LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August25 #Acts2113 #FaithfulToTheEnd #CourageInChrist #LivingForJesus #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

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DAILY YOUTH CHARGE

Topic: GOD'S GOODNESS NEVER CHANGES

Anchor Scripture

Psalm 100:5 (KJV)
"For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations."

One of the most important truths you can learn as a young person is this: God is good—not only when life is good, but at all times.

There will be seasons when your prayers are answered quickly and seasons when you have to wait. There will be moments of celebration and moments of disappointment. But God's character does not change with your circumstances.

Today's scripture gives us three reasons to trust Him: the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to every generation.

GOD IS GOOD

God's goodness is not dependent on what He gives us. He is good because goodness is part of who He is.

Nahum 1:7 (KJV)
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

When you face difficult moments, don't allow your circumstances to convince you that God has abandoned you. He remains your refuge and strength.

Romans 8:28 (KJV)
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

HIS MERCY IS EVERLASTING

Every day we experience God's mercy. We don't receive everything we deserve; instead, God continually extends His compassion and forgiveness toward us.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

That means yesterday's failure does not have to become today's identity. When you sincerely turn back to God, His mercy is available.

Psalm 103:8 (KJV)
"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

HIS TRUTH ENDURES TO ALL GENERATIONS

Everything around us changes. Trends change. Technology changes. Opinions change. Society changes. But God's Word remains true.

Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

As a young person, don't build your identity and values entirely on what is popular today. Build your life on God's eternal truth.

Matthew 24:35 (KJV)
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

God's goodness was not limited to the generation before you, and it will not end with your generation. His mercy and truth remain available to every generation that seeks Him.

Takeaway

When life changes, remember that God doesn't. When circumstances are uncertain, His goodness remains certain. When people fail, His mercy remains everlasting. When opinions change, His truth remains forever.

Trust Him. Praise Him. Build your life on His Word.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You because You are always good. Thank You for Your everlasting mercy and unfailing truth. When circumstances change, help me to remember that Your character never changes. Teach me to trust Your Word, depend on Your mercy, and live every day with gratitude for Your goodness. May my generation know You and experience the reality of Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Taking Directions.

Why is it that so many people have a problem with taking directions? At some time in our lives, most of us have probably used the phrase, “Don’t tell me what to do!” because no one really enjoys being “bossed around.” But learning to take directions starts as a toddler, and the older we become, the more complicated or challenging those directions can be. Children know that if they don’t obey, there will be a consequence. Students soon learn that if they want to pass on to the next grade, they must listen to their teacher and follow her instructions. Adults understand fully that if they don’t do what their boss is asking, then they’ll lose their jobs. And patients can’t expect to get well or have their health improve if they won’t take the advice of their doctor. So it is with our spiritual life. God’s given us His Holy Word as an instruction manual to help us on our journey here on earth. When we follow what He tells us to do, we not only avoid the pain, heartache, and pitfalls along the way, but we also draw closer to our Lord and Savior! Learning to take directions is absolutely essential if we want to have a joy-filled life and extremely crucial if we want a rich spiritual life and enjoy a close relationship with our best Friend, Jesus. Text: Jeremiah 7:23, Luke 11:28, Deuteronomy 4:2

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
---

① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
---

② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
---

③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
---

④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
---

⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
---

⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
---

⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
---

⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
---

⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
---

CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

THE FOUNDATION PROMISE OF GOD ACTED ON FIRST BEFORE ALL OTHER PROMISES OF GOD!!!
REPENT AND ACT ON THIS PROMISE OF GOD, BUT THE WORLD CANNOT UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU THE ABILITY!!!
PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD DO NOT BELIEVE ALL THAT THEY WILL EVER DO OF THEMSELVES IS FILTHY RAGS BEFORE GOD.
ONLY GOD IS PERFECTLY HOLY AND GOD DIED FOR YOUR FILTHY RAGS ON THE CROSS, NOW TRUST IN THAT IF YOU CAN.
ONLY GOD GIVES THE ABILITY TO DO THAT!!!!!
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"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." - Proverbs 25:25 KJV.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19SLLoJ6ex/

☆☆☆ If you have ever been so thirsty before, particularly on a very hot afternoon, after a tedious work; then you will appreciate this verse.
☆☆☆ In the same way also, when you are expectant of a miracle, you have probably lost hope, people have written you off; when your testimony now roles in, you will surely appreciate the meaning of *good news.*
☆☆☆ I don't know the kind of good news that you are expecting this morning, but may I decree as follows

Your waiting is over, your miracles are here and the good news is being delivered right now.
God is set to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger.
Those who have been standing on your way to the top have become the instruments for your lifting.
No more limitation because divine help is coming your way.
This is your season for good news.
Yes, a miracle is coming your way that will gladden your heart.
You shall become a sign and a wonder to many.

It is done, please be expectant.

Happy day

Shalom.

*Daily prophetic prayers and messages by Pastor, Dr. Olutimehin Isaac.*

Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person you want me to be

LOST IN THE CHURCH

[BEING LOST IN CHURCH]

Part Eight

The Name of Jesus

There are many things that are closely associated with the Lord Jesus, and some have even been given His great name. However, people need to understand that these things are not Jesus Himself. Therefore, building one's faith upon such things or worshipping them can be a great deception.

Being close to the Lord, or even being called by His great name, does not necessarily mean that something is worthy of our worship. This means that a person can become lost before the Lord—or even become lost in church.

Satan spent all his time in the presence of the Lord, enjoying His glory, beauty, and blessings; nevertheless, he fell. Judas Iscariot was privileged to eat at the Lord's table. He heard the profound wisdom and extraordinary words that the prophets of old longed to hear; yet he also perished. This happened because they gave created things the place that belonged to the Lord.

The name of Jesus is an extraordinary gift given to the true Church throughout the world for salvation. However, we must understand that Satan has also been permitted to use that very same name on earth for evil purposes and destruction.

Therefore, the Church must be extremely careful. Not everyone who mentions the name of Jesus Christ, or identifies themselves by that name, is from God.

Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is truly a Christian in their heart.

Not every institution that bears the name of the Lord has come from God.

One of the greatest things I have observed in this world is that the Lord Himself can bless an institution, a church, a person, or a thing without actually dwelling in it. And that is one of the saddest dangers!

Remember Ishmael, the son of Abraham. God blessed him even though he was not the one through whom God's covenant purpose would be fulfilled.

> Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.”
Genesis 17:18–20



And concerning Ishmael, Scripture clearly says that the son of the slave woman will never share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. Read Galatians 4:30.

The meaning here is that the Lord blessed a person who would nevertheless not inherit eternal life together with the children of God through the covenant represented by Isaac.

My brothers and sisters, among the most frightening forms of deception taking place in the Church in these last days is the misuse of the name of Jesus.

If a person cannot discern the spirit behind every minister who comes before them, then they are already in serious danger.

> “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
Matthew 24:5



One of the difficult statements in the Bible that I thought I understood well—but which took me many years to understand properly—is this statement in Matthew 24:5.

For a long time, I thought those false ministers would come in His name claiming that they themselves were Christ. But that is not necessarily what the Lord meant.

The correct meaning is that these false ministers would come in His name while openly acknowledging that He—Jesus—is the Christ. They would not necessarily claim to be Christ themselves.

In simple terms, these false ministers would come into the world confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and they would use the name of Jesus in their ministries, yet they would actually be agents of Satan.

Do you see how dangerous that is?

What makes it even worse is that we have often interpreted this Scripture incorrectly. But the Lord said, “many will come.”

He did not say a few would come. He said many.

And notice that He did not say these people would belong to only one particular category—such as prophets, apostles, or miracle workers. Therefore, we should understand that He was warning about many different kinds of ministers: prophets, apostles, teachers, pastors, evangelists, miracle workers and those who do not perform miracles; those leading large churches and those leading small churches, and so on.

I say this because there has been a deception among people who think they only need to fear miracle workers, false prophets, large-church leaders, or apostles.

But beloved, let me tell you something: in my experience, one of the greatest forms of deception I have seen in the Church is being under a false pastor.

And may God help me as I say this!

Deception does not exist in only one place. Everyone can be prepared for a particular kind of deception—according to what they believe, what they understand, and what they are looking for.

There is no weapon that is always used from a distance. Scripture says:

> “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
Matthew 10:36



If you fear today's miracles, false prophets, apostles of anointing oil, and similar things, you are certainly right to be cautious. But understand this: those may be weapons that are too distant for someone like you.

Satan, who is full of cunning and deception, a master of lies and the father of much deception, may never use such obvious weapons to trap someone like you.

Instead, he may send you a false pastor who performs no miracles at all, someone whose ministry perfectly matches your beliefs, so that you can trust him completely.

Then you may gradually be fed false teachings that have no life—teachings that have an outward appearance of godliness and reverence for God, yet are built upon false wisdom that contradicts the power and priorities of the Holy Spirit.

That, my brother and sister, is where you can truly become lost.

Also understand clearly that the false ministers I am speaking about can be of two kinds.

There are those who have consciously made an agreement with Satan and therefore know exactly what they are doing.

And there are those who do not even realize that they are false ministers. They themselves have been deceived by false teachings. They are also products of false teachers.

Many of these are the religious leaders of our time—the Pharisees of the Pharisees of this generation.

And these can be among the most dangerous people, because they were the very kind of religious leaders who even participated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Lord.

Therefore, submitting yourself blindly to such ministers is a truly frightening thing.

May Almighty God have mercy on us all.

Amen!

#ToBeContinued...

Mwl. Ernest Nyalula
+255752057664

#LostInTheChurch #Discernment #ChristianFaith #TruthOfTheGospel #JesusChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity #FalseTeaching #KnowTheWord