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Words Reveal the Heart Scripture Judges 12:6 (NKJV) Then they said to him Say now Shibboleth And he said Sibboleth for he could not pronounce it right Then they would take him and kill him at the fords of the Jordan There fell at that time forty two thousand Ephraimites Guarding Against Division and Pride Judges chapter 12 records a tragic conflict not between Israel and foreign enemies but within Israel itself. After Jephthah’s victory the tribe of Ephraim confronts him in anger. Pride and accusation lead to civil strife. What begins as disagreement escalates into deadly division. Verse 6 shows how something as small as pronunciation became a test of identity and ultimately a cause of death. The word Shibboleth became a dividing line that exposed differences and fueled hostility. Pride and rivalry turned brothers into enemies. This chapter reminds us that internal division can be more destructive than external opposition. The enemy was no longer outside Israel but within. Pride wounded relationships and caused unnecessary loss. For believers today Judges 12 is a warning about the power of words and attitudes. Pride and rivalry can damage unity in families churches and communities. God calls His people to humility reconciliation and peace. Division often begins with small offenses that grow when left unchecked. Reflection Questions 1. Have I allowed pride or offense to create division in my relationships 2. Do my words build unity or contribute to conflict 3. How can I pursue peace when disagreement arises Prayer Lord God guard my heart from pride and division. Help me to speak words that build unity and reflect Your love. Teach me to pursue peace and humility rather than rivalry and accusation. In Jesus name Amen.

Guarding Your Words Before the Lord Scripture Judges 11:30–31 (NKJV) And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the people of Ammon shall surely be the Lords and I will offer it up as a burnt offering Trusting God Without Rash Promises Judges chapter 11 introduces Jephthah, a man rejected by his family but later called to lead Israel in battle. Before the confrontation with the Ammonites, Jephthah makes a serious vow to the Lord. His words are spoken in intensity and pressure, but they are not commanded by God. The chapter reveals a sobering lesson. Victory was already dependent on God’s power, not on Jephthah’s vow. God did not require a bargain. Yet Jephthah spoke hastily, and his vow brought deep sorrow. His story reminds us that God desires obedience and trust more than dramatic promises. This chapter does not question Jephthah’s courage or leadership, but it highlights the importance of wisdom and restraint in speech. Words spoken before God carry weight. Faith does not need to manipulate outcomes through vows. It rests in God’s character and promises. For believers today Judges 11 teaches us to approach God with reverence and wisdom. We do not need to bargain with God in moments of stress. He is faithful without being pressured. Trust honors God more than impulsive promises. Reflection Questions 1. Do I speak carefully when making commitments before God 2. Have I ever tried to bargain with God instead of trusting Him 3. How can I grow in wise and disciplined speech Prayer Lord God teach me to trust You without making rash promises. Guard my words and give me wisdom when I speak. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness rather than trying to secure outcomes through my own vows. In Jesus name Amen.

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Tuesday, August 11 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 12 — Jephthah and the Judges of Israel ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 PETER 1 — A Living Hope in Christ 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of James! Today we begin 1 Peter. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 22 — The Valley of Vision 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 12 Jephthah's story continues as conflict arises among the tribes of Israel. The chapter reminds us of the danger of internal division and the importance of humility, wisdom, and unity among God's people. ✝️ 1 Peter 1 Peter encourages believers to rejoice in the living hope they have through Jesus Christ. Though trials may test our faith, they can produce something precious and enduring. We are called to live holy lives because God has called us to be His people. 🌿 Isaiah 22 Isaiah confronts Jerusalem's misplaced confidence and reminds the people that their security should be in God rather than human strength or preparation. God deserves our trust and wholehearted devotion. ✨ KEY VERSE "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." — 1 Peter 1:3 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a living hope through Jesus Christ. Help us remain joyful and steadfast when our faith is tested. Teach us to live holy lives, trust You completely, and walk together in unity as Your people. May our lives continually reflect the hope we have in Christ. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Hold firmly to your living hope in Christ today. When challenges come, choose faith over fear and let your words and actions reflect the holiness and hope God has given you.

July 16, 2026 (day 197/365) THURSDAY GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY “The Weight of Our Words” Judges 11:35 “I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.” This is the Word of God. Judges 11 records Jephthah's tragic vow, reminding us that our words carry great weight. While Scripture does not commend his rash vow, it does teach us to be careful about the promises we make, especially before God. God desires honesty, wisdom, and integrity from His people. We should speak thoughtfully, keep our commitments, and avoid making careless promises we may later regret. May the Lord give us wisdom to speak carefully, integrity to keep our commitments, and hearts that honor Him in all we say and do. Amen. Have a blessed day with the Lord. -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto

July 16, 2026 (day 197/365) THURSDAY GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY “The Weight of Our Words” Judges 11:35 “I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.” This is the Word of God. Judges 11 records Jephthah's tragic vow, reminding us that our words carry great weight. While Scripture does not commend his rash vow, it does teach us to be careful about the promises we make, especially before God. God desires honesty, wisdom, and integrity from His people. We should speak thoughtfully, keep our commitments, and avoid making careless promises we may later regret. May the Lord give us wisdom to speak carefully, integrity to keep our commitments, and hearts that honor Him in all we say and do. Amen. Have a blessed day with the Lord. -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺MORNING TEA. THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 15, 2026. "ARE YOU 'STEPHEN'?(2)" ‘Choose…men…full…of the Spirit.’  Acts 6:3 NIV STEPHEN WAS also chosen for leadership in the New Testament church because he was ‘full of…the Holy Spirit’ (v. 5 NIV). Why is that important? Because Jesus said to His disciples: ‘…You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem (your home base), and in all Judea (those within driving distance) and Samaria (places where you won’t necessarily be welcomed) and to the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8 NKJV). Paul writes, ‘…Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit…’ (Ephesians 5:18). The story is told of a pastor who was seen drinking a glass of wine at dinner. Seizing on Paul’s words, ‘Be not drunk with wine,’ the deacon board called for his immediate resignation. Whereupon the pastor responded, ‘Then let’s all resign. You say I failed the first half of the commandment, “Be not drunk with wine.” But you’ve all failed the second half, ”Be filled with the spirit”.’ Understand this: you need to be continually filled with God’s Spirit. After all, you’re not running your car on the first tank of petrol you put in it, are you? Remember the old ad for Brylcreem hair gel for men? ‘A little dab’ll do ya!’ That doesn’t work when it comes to leadership in God’s kingdom! You’re either being led by the Holy Spirit—or your own spirit. ‘But I have talent,’ you say. Yes, and God will use it. But when it comes to building what He wants built, it’s, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord’ (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV). Bible In A Year: Acts 12-15; Matt 5:27-38; Ps 133; Pro 16: 2. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. MD.ii. BROKEN PROMISES "And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." - Judges 11:30-31 The Judge Jephthah was facing an important happening as he was going to fight against the Ammonites. Firstly, he prayed and made a promise to God. How often have we promised in our prayers while we struggle and want to receive from Him? I want to ask you: think back to that promise which you may have made to God long ago. What did you promise Him then? God heard Jephthah's prayer. After this victory he goes home happy. However, who does he see first hopping and dancing? It is his only child, his daughter. Then Jephthah remembered his promise to the Lord, he tore up his clothes and cried: 'Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break' (verse 35). What can we learn from this history? A) We must pay close attention to what we promise; B) We must thoroughly consider and know what we do before we make a commitment; C) We must be aware of our responsibility, for example if you get engaged and eventually get married. Why are these things so important? Because you might end up in the same situation as Jephthah and have to cry out: 'I want to go back on my promise, but I cannot.' Jesus says in Matthew 5:33: 'Do not break your oath but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' When you make a promise, keep it at all costs. The Bible only gives one exception for divorce which is adultery. If you have made a promise to God, keep that promise. The Lord will bless you! https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. Morning Prayer Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ⏤ Psalm 119:105 A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. ⏤ Dwight L. Moody Father, please bless the words we’ve read together this morning. We’re grateful that here in this world, we can read the very words of Heaven and hear Your voice speaking to us. Help us to honor and love Your word. Help us to keep its truths in our hearts so that they can bless and transform our lives. Help us to lean on Your promises like we lean on a staff for support. Help us to take refuge in Your word, just as someone fleeing danger would hide in the cleft of a rock. Let Your word be a lamp to guide our way, showing us the right path. May it be our counselor, guiding us through life’s challenges. Let the lessons we’ve learned this morning touch and bless everything we do today. May its holy truths inspire us, strengthen us, and give us life. Let them be a source of motivation, stirring within us and energizing us. May they build up our character and show us our duties at every step. We can’t live without You. We need Your presence every moment. May we receive Your strength to make us strong for every task and challenge. We pray for everyone in our home. We also pray for our loved ones, wherever they are, that they may be kept safe and in good health. We pray for those who are sick, for the poor and troubled, for those traveling by sea, for those in danger, and for orphaned children. We pray for those facing strong temptations, that You will keep them from falling. We ask You to forgive all our sins and give us the grace to live this day sweetly and beautifully, glorifying You and blessing everyone our lives touch. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/10/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

**Significance of the Letter "J"** Who created the world? **Jehovah**. His covenant with Abraham was fulfilled in the offspring of **Jacob**. He changed the condition of **Jabez**. The first person elevated from prison to president: **Joseph**. The first man with the strangest reason for being gone three nights, having been in the belly of a fish: **Jonah**. From stammering to a fluent prophet: **Jeremiah**. He also felled a fortified wall without a bulldozer — the wall of **Jericho** — through **Joshua**. He also parted the river **Jordan**. The pioneer rulers of Israel: the **Judges**. The soldier who regretted his vow to God: **Jephthah**. The most wicked queen recorded in the Bible: **Jezebel** — killed by the newly chosen king, **Jehu**. The greatest act of loyal friendship was shown by Prince **Jonathan**. He sent His only beloved, begotten (not made) Son, **Jesus Christ**, who was: - Born in **Judea** - Raised by **Joseph** - Baptized by **John** the Baptist, by the river **Jordan** - Welcomed triumphantly into **Jerusalem** - Betrayed by **Judas Iscariot** - Crowned "King of the **Jews**" and sentenced to die on the cross under the authority of Caesar - Suffered death on the cross and became our **Justifier** - After death, buried by **Joseph** of Arimathea ---✍️ Fisherman El'Aziz Aruni Ruel #BibleStudy #Christianfaith #BibleTrivia #BibleTok #FaithOverFear #word of God #Christianity #Scripture #follow and know God's word #learn [marketing_admin] [everyone]

When the Wrong Ship Feels Right July 2,2026 Key Scriptures: Jonah 1:1–17; Proverbs 3:5–6; Hebrews 12:1–2; Romans 11:29 "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord..." — Jonah 1:3 The ship to Tarshish appeared comfortable. It offered Jonah rest, anonymity, and the opportunity to avoid the assignment God had given him. Surrounded by other passengers, he could blend into the crowd without attracting attention. There was already a captain to steer the vessel, so Jonah had no responsibility to lead or speak. All he needed to do was sit quietly while the ship carried him farther away from God's purpose. How deceptive comfort can be! What looked like a place of peace was actually a journey of disobedience. Jonah preferred the security of a familiar crowd to the uncertainty of obeying God. He would rather sleep in the wrong ship than proclaim God's message in Nineveh, fearing that God might show mercy to a people he believed deserved judgment. Many believers today are on similar "ships." Perhaps God has called you into a ministry, an assignment, or a step of faith, yet you have chosen a place where your responsibility is minimized. You may be waiting for the approval of church leaders, pastors, or respected ministers before obeying what God has already spoken to you. Although accountability is important, it should never become an excuse for delaying obedience. Some have received God's anointing but refuse to function unless they remain under someone else's leadership. Like Jonah, they find comfort in letting another person steer the ship while they remain passive. However, God's calling upon your life demands your personal obedience. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), and He expects us to walk faithfully in them. Do not mistake comfort for God's will. The path of obedience may be challenging, but it is always the safest place to be. The size of your assignment often determines the intensity of the battles you face. Jacob wrestled because he was destined to become the father of a nation through whom God's covenant would continue until the coming of the Messiah (Genesis 32:24–30). David endured years of rejection before ascending the throne. Jephthah overcame rejection before becoming Israel's deliverer. Great callings are often preceded by great tests. As you journey through this year, will you realign yourself with the Lord? Will you leave every "Tarshish" and embrace the "Nineveh" He has assigned to you? God is still the One who directs our steps, and His purpose is always greater than our comfort. Prayer Father, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Wherever I have chosen comfort over obedience, forgive me. Grant me the courage to leave every wrong ship and follow Your perfect will. If I have delayed or resisted Your call, give me another opportunity to fulfill Your purpose for my life. Lead me by Your Spirit, strengthen me through every trial, and let my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. For comments or contributions: apostolicchargeministry[gmail].com Read more inspiring messages and devotionals: Visit you apostolicchargeministry.wordpress.com or apostolicchargeministry.blogspot.com

The First 15. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 ESV The Holy Spirit loves to move with power in response to faith. Hebrews 11:30 tells us, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:32-33 says, “For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” As we conclude this week on living by faith, I believe God would fill us with a fresh revelation of his power. Let’s open our hearts and minds to receive all that God would reveal to us about his power and invite him to work in our midst in faith today. We serve the Creator of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” And throughout Scripture we see God using his power in response to the faith of his people. Whether it be the walls of Jericho tumbling down into rubble or the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful jumping to his feet, God clearly moves in powerful ways when his people live by faith. Jesus even promises in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” If we have the smallest amount of faith, Jesus says, “Nothing will be impossible” for us. The God who formed every mountain, valley, river, ocean, and person has told you that he will fight on your behalf in response to your faith. David was an incredible example of a child of God filled with the faith and powerful work of God. David was constantly in need of God’s help. From stepping up to slay Goliath in faith to escaping pursuers, he exemplified what it was to live constantly in the power of faith. David wrote in Psalm 3:1-6, “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” David knew of the power of God when he asked for God’s help. So great was his faith in God’s ability and desire to come to his aid that he found rest and security in the face of thousands of enemies. You are the child of the Most High, all-powerful God. May your life be marked by the power of your faithful heavenly Father. 1. Meditate on the power of faith. Take a few moments to reflect on faith, and allow your desire for more faith to be stirred up. “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 2. Where do you need the power of God in your life? Where do you need the help of your heavenly Father? Take some time to assess your own heart, and ask that God would meet you at your place of need today. 3. In faith ask God to move in mighty, specific ways. Come before your heavenly Father boldly and ask him to make his reality, power, and love known in your life. There is no pride in living your life in line with God’s word. It isn’t haughty or selfish for you to have faith for God to work in your midst. God loves you and longs to help you. He has perfect plans to work in and through every circumstance in your life. Have faith in the love, mercy, and power of your God today. Extended Reading: Psalm 3