Day - 7 Evening

Theme: GROWING IN COMMUNICATION: Learning To Speak In Ways That Build,Not Break

Reflection
Tonight, remember that your spouse is not an opponent you must defeat.

Good evening,
You are on the same team.
When one wins and the other loses, the marriage may lose.
Seek understanding.
Seek peace.
Seek the relationship.

God's Word
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." — Philippians 2:3

Heart Check
Did I place being right above preserving connection today?

Marriage Nugget
"Being right is not worth much if the way you prove it breaks the relationship."

Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us humble hearts. Help us value our relationship more than the satisfaction of proving ourselves right. Amen.

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Many of us quietly build our entire identity on things that can be taken away—career, ministry, marriage, health, influence, even our trauma. In this honest conversation, J. Warner Wallace shares how retiring from decades as a detective exposed just how deeply he had rooted his identity in his work, and why that identity shift felt so traumatic. He explains the powerful connection between identity and trauma: trauma reshapes how we see ourselves, but identity shifts themselves are also traumatic.

https://coldcasechristianity.com/videos/if-trauma-defines-you-this-will-be-painful-but-freeing-video/

#ChristianApologetics #ColdCaseChristianity #JWarnerWallace #ChristianWorldview

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
Satan’s Game of Perfection

By Deborah Shaffer

September 7th, 2026

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Watch out—it's a trap! I should know, I was caught in one for years. There are times when I still have to stop and remind myself what it was like to be a captive.

What is it? The drive to be perfect. Perfect weight, perfect looks, perfect scores, perfect leader, perfect marriage... perfect in everything. The only problem is that it’s impossible. Not only that, it is a sin—idolatry.

For years I lived that life, and I was miserable (although no one knew, or I wouldn’t have been “perfect”). Yet breaking free from the torture of Satan’s grip is possible... and yes, you can be a Christian and still be a pawn in Satan’s Game of Perfection.

You don’t have to play his game, though. How did I break free? Bible scriptures and prayer—lots of it! I had to commit my problem to God and get His Word into my heart—truth instead of lies. When I felt the need to compare myself to someone, I told myself over and over the truth that God made me just the way I am. He loves me, no matter what! I had to get it into my heart that I was made for Him... all of me... my mind, soul, and body. He has a purpose for me being on this earth, and I cannot fulfill that purpose if I’m full of myself, instead of His Holy Spirit.

Eventually, there was a transformation. I don’t know when it happened, but finally it “clicked.” Truth won, and the trapdoor was open. Freedom!

Are you tired of the constant rat race? No matter what perfection trap you’re caught in, God can set you free! He loves you just as you are. You may be trapped, but there is hope. Call out to Jesus. Surrender your life to Him. Christians truly do have what it takes to break free.

Remember, Jesus died for you. He took your sins on the Cross. He conquered death and rose from the grave, giving you power through the Holy Spirit to live free.

It is your choice... how bad do you want life—a really joyful life?

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

John 8:36

Guidelines for living.
September 7th, 2026

5 Things You Can Learn from Failure

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Nobody likes to fail; yet some of the greatest lessons in life are learned through failure. The reality, as Rick Warren has pointed out, is that "no one's life is an unbroken chain of victories. We all experience setbacks ... defeats ... losses ... failures." That's the way life is.

In every athletic contest, there are both winners and losers. The greatest sluggers in baseball are usually among those racking up the greatest number of strikeouts. It's all part of the challenge in sports, in business, in marriage, and in life. But there is a silver lining to the dark cloud of failure, a second-fruit, so as to speak, which is much sweeter than that of initial success. What can you gain from failure?

First, you gain self-understanding. You learn more about yourself in failure situations than in successful endeavors. We recognize a dark side to our inner selves, it shows our arrogance and our pride. People who eventually succeed after one or more failures are usually better adjusted, less arrogant, more gracious and appreciative. They've learned that success is complex - a combination of factors, some of which they could not manufacture or produce, contributions of others and the goodness of God.

The second benefit of failure is that you learn what will not work. Opportunity often comes through the back door disguised as failure - probably one of the reasons so few people really learn from failure. The classic illustration is that of Thomas Alva Edison, the wizard of Menlo Park, and the inventor of the motion picture and the achievement that made him famous: the electric light bulb. After 2,000 experiments trying to produce an incandescent globe, he was asked why he didn't quit. He replied, "I've found out 2000 ways it can't be done. Now I will find out how it can be done."

Many people never rise from the ashes of their failures because they just can't forget. The major reason for their continued failure is that their memory is too good. Fearful of failing again, they hesitate to risk trying. Henry Ford, the industrialist who put the world on wheels, said, "Failure is only the opportunity more intelligently to begin again" (Thoughts on Wisdom, American Heritage, New York, 1995, p. 48).

The third benefit of failure is that it allows you to move in a different direction. A friend of mine faced failure when his company went broke, so he borrowed money and took a two-weeks vacation. Sitting on the beach in Hawaii, he thought through his failure. He came up with a new business plan, one that eventually succeeded.

The fourth benefit of failure is that it brings an added dimension to your life - a positive one that also embraces the reality that God has much to do with what happens in your life. Yes, godless men succeed in their endeavors, but thousands of individuals have failed, then realized that God was left out of the equation for success, and understanding the importance of knowing and serving God, then included Him in their plans for the future.

A final thought: Never forget a child falls many times before he walks. R. H. Macy failed seven times before he established the New York store that made him famous. Walt Disney declared bankruptcy several times before he succeeded. Frankly, failure has more to teach you than success. Once you've climbed the hill, there's no place to go but down; but having stumbled on the climb provides lots of opportunities to succeed. Think about it.

Resource Reading: Joshua 1

Daily Bible Lesson.
WHAT IS THE CROSS JESUS COMMANDS US TO CARRY DAILY?—IT IS HEAVIER THAN A SYMBOL, DEEPER THAN SUFFERING

“If any man will come after Me, let him DENY HIMSELF, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23

What is your cross?

Is it sickness?
Poverty?
A difficult marriage?
Financial trouble?
Persecution?

These may be painful trials—but Jesus placed the meaning of cross-bearing beside three unmistakable words:

DENY HIMSELF.
TAKE UP HIS CROSS.
FOLLOW ME.

The daily cross is the surrender of SELF-RULE so that Christ may rule.

THE CROSS APPEARS WHERE MY WILL COLLIDES WITH GOD'S WILL—AND I CHOOSE CHRIST.
---

① THE CROSS IS DEATH TO SELF-RULE

Jesus revealed its deepest principle in Gethsemane:

“Not My will, but Thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42

This does not mean destroying personality, neglecting legitimate needs, or seeking suffering.

It means surrendering the sinful independence that says:

“MY WAY.
MY RIGHTS.
MY PLEASURE.
MY TERMS.”

“Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 523

The great question of discipleship is therefore not merely:

“Do I believe in Jesus?”

But:

“WHO HAS THE FINAL WORD IN MY LIFE?”
---

② THE CROSS IS MOST VISIBLE WHEN OBEDIENCE COSTS

“Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.” — Luke 14:27

The cross becomes painfully practical when Christ's Word touches what we cherish.

My pride must bow.
My temper must surrender.
My appetite must be governed.
My entertainment must be tested.
My money must belong to God.
My relationships must honor Christ.
My traditions must bow to Scripture.
My secret sins must be confessed and forsaken.
My plans must yield to Providence.

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

THE CROSS IS NOT MERELY WHAT HURTS ME—IT IS WHAT I WILLINGLY SURRENDER BECAUSE JESUS HAS CALLED ME TO FOLLOW HIM.
---

③ THE CROSS MEANS CHRIST ABOVE EVERY RIVAL

Jesus went straight to the throne of the heart:

“He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:37

Christ is not commanding lovelessness toward family.
He is demanding supreme allegiance.

Not Christ and my idol.
Not Christ unless obedience becomes costly.
Not Christ after my ambitions are satisfied.

CHRIST FIRST.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” — Matthew 6:33

Whatever repeatedly receives the obedience that belongs to Christ is competing for His throne.
---

④ THE CROSS IS DAILY BECAUSE SELF DOES NOT SURRENDER ONCE

Jesus deliberately said:

“DAILY.” — Luke 9:23

Yesterday's surrender cannot live today's Christian life.

Every day self whispers again:

Protect your pride.
Choose comfort.
Feed the appetite.
Follow the crowd.
Keep the cherished thing.

But surrendered faith answers:

“I die daily.” — 1 Corinthians 15:31

And Paul describes the deeper reality:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” — Galatians 2:20

DAILY CROSS-BEARING IS DAILY TRANSFER OF THE THRONE FROM SELF TO CHRIST.
---

⑤ THE CROSS IS NOT SELF-PUNISHMENT

This distinction matters.

Jesus does not call us to manufacture misery, abuse ourselves, or believe suffering earns God's favor.

“Come unto Me… and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Christian self-denial is not:
“How much can I hurt myself?”

It is:
“How completely can I belong to Christ?”

True cross-bearing may bring sacrifice—
but its purpose is discipleship, not self-destruction.
---

⑥ THE CROSS DOES NOT PURCHASE SALVATION—CHRIST'S CROSS DID

Here is the gospel at the center.

Your cross cannot atone for one sin.

Only Christ's blood can.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” — Ephesians 1:7

“By grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

We do not surrender to make Christ love us.

WE SURRENDER BECAUSE AT CALVARY WE DISCOVER HOW MUCH HE ALREADY LOVED US.

“The Son of God… loved me, and gave Himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20

Before Jesus asked you to carry a cross—
HE CARRIED HIS FOR YOU.
---

⑦ AND THE CHRIST WHO CALLS US TO SURRENDER GIVES POWER TO SURRENDER

This is where Christianity becomes more than human determination.

Jesus did not say:

“Change yourself, then come.”

He says:

“Abide in Me… for without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5

“All true obedience comes from the heart.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 668

We cannot crucify selfishness by selfish power.

We come helplessly to Christ.

He forgives.
He cleanses.
He changes the desires.
He writes His law upon the heart.

“It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13

GRACE DOES NOT MERELY PARDON THE REBEL—IT CHANGES WHO SITS ON THE THRONE.
---

SO WHAT IS YOUR DAILY CROSS?

It is that moment when:

SELF SAYS: “Keep it.”
CHRIST SAYS: “Surrender it.”

SELF SAYS: “My will.”
CHRIST SAYS: “Follow Me.”

And by faith you answer:

“NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE.”

That may happen in your home.

At the dinner table.

On your phone.

In your spending.
In your relationships.
In worship.
In private temptation—

where nobody sees but God.

THAT IS WHERE CROSS-BEARING BECOMES REAL.
---

BUT NEVER LOOK AT YOUR CROSS WITHOUT FIRST LOOKING AT HIS.

The Christian life begins not with:
“What must I give up?”

But with:
“WHAT HAS CHRIST GIVEN FOR ME?”

He gave Himself.
So repent.

Confess what you have withheld.
Trust His blood.
Receive His grace.
Surrender the throne.
And when Jesus says again tomorrow—

“Follow Me.”

answer:

“LORD, I AM THINE.”

THE DAILY CROSS IS WHERE SELF SURRENDERS THE THRONE—SO CHRIST MAY LIVE, RULE, AND BE SEEN IN US.

LORD JESUS, THOU DIDST GIVE THYSELF FOR ME. FORGIVE MY RESISTANCE. BREAK THE RULE OF SELF, TAKE MY HEART, AND BY THY GRACE TEACH ME DAILY TO SAY: “NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE.”

Lord, prepare us for COVENANT, not merely a wedding.

Teach us to remain faithful when life is beautiful and when life is difficult.

Give us wisdom with our home , finances , family , decisions, and purpose.

Guard our commitment to one another.

May our marriage point people toward YOU.

Whatever comes, teach us to PRAY TOGETHER , FIGHT FOR ONE ANOTHER—not against one another , and always keep CHRIST AT THE CENTER.

In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Day 6 - Evening

Theme: GROWING IN COMMUNICATION: Learning To Speak In Ways That Build, Not Break

Reflection
Think back over today's conversations.

Good evening,
Did your tone invite your spouse closer—or push them away?
We often remember what was said, but our spouse may remember how we made them feel.
Gentleness is not weakness.
It is strength under control.

God's Word
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." — Proverbs 16:24

Heart Check
Did my tone today communicate love, respect and patience?

Marriage Nugget
"Your spouse hears your tone before they process your words."

Prayer
Father, forgive us for the times our tone has wounded those we love. Teach us to speak gently, especially when we are tired or frustrated. Amen.

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.Evening Devotion

WHEN GOD COMES LOOKING FOR YOUR HEART

Key Scripture
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope…” — Hosea 2:14–15 (KJV)

Thought for the Day...
There are times when we wander from God without ever physically going anywhere.
We can still attend church.
Still sing.
Still pray.
Still preach.
Still teach.
Still serve.
Still carry the title.
Still know when to say, “Amen!”
Yet somewhere along the way, our heart has drifted.
That is what makes the story of Hosea and Gomer so powerful. God used Hosea’s troubled marriage as a living picture of His covenant relationship with Israel.
Israel had experienced the goodness of God, yet their hearts repeatedly wandered toward other gods.
And before we point our fingers at Israel or Gomer, we should examine ourselves.
How many times has God blessed us, yet we became distracted by the blessing?
How many times has God delivered us, yet we became attracted again to what He brought us out of?
How many times has God opened doors for us, yet after walking through them we forgot the One who held the key?
Yet here is the amazing thing about God:
WHEN OUR HEART WANDERS, GOD STILL COMES LOOKING FOR IT.
God says in Hosea 2:14:
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her…”
God does not say, “I am finished with her.”
He says, “I will allure her.”
In other words:
I'M GOING AFTER HER HEART AGAIN.
That does not mean God overlooks sin. Grace never turns wrong into right. God loves us too much to leave us comfortable in what is destroying us.
But our failures do not stop God from calling us to repentance.
You may have wandered—
BUT HE CALLED.
You may have fallen—
BUT HE CALLED.
You may have stopped praying—
BUT HE CALLED.
You may have ignored His voice—
BUT HE CALLED.
You may have made promises to God and broken them—
BUT HE CALLED.
And sometimes God allows us to enter a wilderness where all the competing voices become quiet enough for us to hear Him again.
God says:
“…and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.” — Hosea 2:14
Not every wilderness is punishment.
But sometimes the wilderness becomes the place where God gets our attention.
When people cannot fix it.
When money cannot solve it.
When connections cannot change it.
When our own strength is insufficient.
When everything around us becomes quiet—
GOD SPEAKS TO THE HEART.
You may have entered your wilderness asking:
“God, why am I here?”
But perhaps the better question is:
“God, what are You trying to say to me here?”
Because your wilderness does not mean God has abandoned you.
Sometimes the wilderness becomes the meeting place where God restores what distractions caused you to neglect.
And then God makes an extraordinary promise:
“…the valley of Achor for a door of hope…” — Hosea 2:15
Achor was associated with trouble.
But God says:
I'M PUTTING A DOOR OF HOPE IN THE PLACE CALLED TROUBLE!
What kind of God can put a door in a valley?
OUR GOD CAN!
He can take the place where you cried and make it the place where you testify.
He can take what embarrassed you and use your testimony to encourage somebody else.
He can take your mistake and produce wisdom.
He can take your scar and turn it into ministry.
He can take your pain and produce purpose.
He can take the valley that looked like the end of your story and place a door in the middle of it.
So don't build a permanent house in a temporary valley.
THERE IS A DOOR OF HOPE!
But God's ultimate goal is not merely getting us out of trouble.
HE WANTS OUR HEART BACK.
Hosea 2:16 says:
“…thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.”
Ishi carries the meaning of “my husband.”
God was calling His people away from corrupted worship and back into covenant intimacy with Him.
God was saying:
“I DON'T JUST WANT YOUR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY. I WANT RELATIONSHIP.”
God doesn't only want your Sunday morning.
HE WANTS YOUR HEART.
He doesn't only want your offering.
HE WANTS YOUR HEART.
He doesn't only want your ministry.
HE WANTS YOUR HEART.
He doesn't only want your praise when everything is going well.
HE WANTS YOUR HEART.
And ultimately, the story points us toward the incredible reality of redemption.
Hosea was commanded:
“Go yet, love…” — Hosea 3:1
Hosea went after Gomer and paid a price to reclaim her.
And although Hosea's story is not a one-to-one allegory of Christ, it gives us a beautiful glimpse of the greater redemption revealed through Jesus.
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” — Ephesians 5:25
Hosea went looking for Gomer.
JESUS CAME LOOKING FOR US.
Hosea paid a price.
JESUS PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE.
We could not redeem ourselves.
We could not erase our own sins.
We could not clean our own record.
We could not purchase our own salvation.
But Scripture declares:
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… But with the precious blood of Christ…” — 1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV)
That's the Gospel!
When we couldn't pay—
JESUS PAID!
When we couldn't save ourselves—
JESUS SAVED!
When sin left us guilty—
THE BLOOD PROVIDED FORGIVENESS!
When shame told us to stay away—
GRACE CALLED US HOME!
So perhaps today God isn't asking you for another religious promise.
Perhaps He's asking:
“CAN I HAVE YOUR HEART BACK?”
Maybe your prayer life has grown cold.
Maybe disappointment has created distance between you and God.
Maybe success distracted you.
Maybe you're wrestling with something God once delivered you from.
Maybe outwardly everything looks right, but inwardly you know you've drifted.
Don't hide.
COME HOME.
Jesus said:
“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” — John 6:37 (KJV)
Your valley doesn't have to become your permanent address.
Your failure doesn't have to write the final chapter.
Your wilderness doesn't have to become your grave.
Your past doesn't have to determine your future.
Because somewhere in your Achor—
GOD STILL HAS A DOOR OF HOPE!

Declaration...
Today I declare:
My heart belongs to God.
I will not allow blessings to replace the Blesser.
I will not allow success to replace the Savior.
I will not allow ministry to replace intimacy.
I will not allow my wilderness to convince me that God has abandoned me.
I will not allow my valley to convince me that my story is over.
THERE IS STILL A DOOR OF HOPE!
I have been pursued by grace.
I have been purchased by the blood.
I have been called back into relationship.
I am forgiven.
I am redeemed.
I am restored.
And when I look back over every mistake, every failure, every wilderness, and every valley, my testimony will be:
“I WANDERED—BUT GOD CAME LOOKING FOR MY HEART!”

Prayer...
Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for being faithful even when we have been unfaithful.
Forgive us for every time our hearts have wandered. Forgive us for wanting Your blessings while neglecting Your presence. Forgive us for giving other things the devotion, attention, trust, and affection that belong to You.
Lord, we give You our hearts again.
Speak to us in the wilderness.
Meet us in the valley.
Break every idol.
Restore our prayer lives.
Reignite our worship.
Renew our hunger for Your Word.
Bring every wandering son and daughter home.
And Father, for everyone walking through their own Valley of Achor today, remind them that trouble does not have the final word.
Put a door of hope in their valley.
Where there has been failure, release restoration.
Where there has been shame, release grace.
Where there has been bondage, bring deliverance.
Where there has been brokenness, bring healing.
Where there has been distance, restore intimacy.
And above everything else, thank You for Jesus Christ.
Thank You that we were not redeemed with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus.
Thank You for the Cross.
Thank You for mercy.
Thank You for grace.
Thank You for redemption.
And when our hearts begin to wander, remind us that nothing this world offers can compare to being close to You.
Our hearts belong to You.
Our worship belongs to You.
Our lives belong to You.
And from this day forward, we choose relationship over religion, covenant over compromise, faithfulness over wandering, and Jesus above everything.
In the mighty, saving, restoring, and redeeming name of Jesus Christ,
AMEN AND AMEN!

Final Word...
You may have wandered, but God is still calling.
You may be in the wilderness, but God is still speaking.
You may be walking through Achor, but God still has a door of hope.
You may have failed, but the blood of Jesus still speaks redemption.
So when grace calls your name—
DON'T KEEP RUNNING.
TURN AROUND.
COME HOME.
Because sometimes the greatest evidence of God's love isn't that He gave you everything you wanted.
It's that when your heart wandered, He loved you enough to come looking for it.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

DAY 6- Morning
Theme: LOVE THAT GROWS:
Growing Together in Love, Wisdom and Grace

Sub-Theme: GROWING IN COMMUNICATION
Learning to Speak in Ways That Build, Not Break

Reflection
YOUR TONE ALSO SPEAKS

Good Morning!
Sometimes it is not what we say that creates the wound.
It is how we say it.
The words may be correct, but the tone says:
"You are foolish."
"I don't respect you."
"You are a problem."
In marriage, tone can turn an ordinary conversation into a battlefield.
Imagine a wife asking her husband, "Are you coming home early today?"
The question itself is harmless.
But if it comes with a harsh tone, he may hear criticism instead of curiosity.
Likewise, a husband may ask his wife a simple question, but his tone may communicate suspicion.
Learning to communicate well means learning to listen not only to our words but also to our tone, facial expression and attitude.

God's Word
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1

Today's Love Action
Before speaking about something sensitive today, pause and ask yourself:
"Is my tone communicating the love I claim to have?"

Let's Talk
How does tone affect the way your spouse receives your message?

Prayer
Lord, help us control not only our words but also our tone. Let our communication reflect gentleness, respect and love. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
The same sentence can communicate love or contempt depending on how it is delivered.

Marriage Nugget
"Your spouse hears your tone before they process your words."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

We should be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, as we shall be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, and be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, all those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’
‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; to receive us to Himself and to take us to the place that He has prepared for us.
Make sure that you keep your lamp filled with oil and do not slumber, but stay alert and pray always.
Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18
Luke 21 : 36
2 Thessalonians 2:3-11
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Revelation 19:9
John 14:2-6.