PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 19) 1. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool 2. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. 3. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. 4. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. 5. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. 6. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. 8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. 10. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. 11. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. 12. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. 14. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. 16. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. 17. He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. 18. Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. 19. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. 20. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. 22. What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. 23. The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 24. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26. He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27. Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28. A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

Matthew 20:17-34 Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed. Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask. He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes. And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her. She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles. James was the first Apostle to die. Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles. After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide. And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him. Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally. Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them. [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

✟ “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16 In some Bible translations, John 19:2 reads "And the soldiers TWISTED together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head..." JESUS is The One King whom the Old Testament book of laws and of prophets all longed for. HE is also the same LORD that the New Testament disciples all looked back on. Today, we see a list of thousands of religious groups that were established even before we were born. Some religions led families to charity, humility, and blessings of heaven, and we should be happy about that. On the other hand, there are still existing congregations that when left unchecked, crush souls, control people, and create even more divisions while protecting and elevating a few, canceling others instead of celebrating shared prosperity together and of keeping alive our hope for eternity through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. This is devastating but not unusual. Sadly, it happens to both the humblest local sects and cathedrals of megachurches. But The Bible ends with "GRACE", not with chronic depression and hopelessness. The consistent pattern throughout the Scriptures is that it redirects all our devotion and attention to GOD. The book of Genesis starts with: "In the beginning, GOD created..." While Revelation ends with: "The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen." The scene where the soldiers thought of twisting together a crown of thorns displays this fallen world and our tendency to join or create yet another religion that may only give us and others headaches instead of leading us to have a vision of our Savior: THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH —JESUS. And just as JESUS bled and was painfully hurt by the soldiers' twisted crown of thorns they designed for His head, we can also expect to experience a similar sense of treatment from others against our mental headspace as we now pursue the glory of GOD through His Son, JESUS CHRIST. Our LORD has done His part. His sacrifice on the cross is finished. THE WORD OF GOD is sufficient. His Holy Spirit is given to our hearts. Reflection questions: Where is He leading you today? What is He directing you to do? When was the last time you had an honest talk with JESUS? Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are The GOD of sound mind. You give clarity where there is confusion and provide us with correction when needed. You feed Your children with daily bread through Your incorruptible WORD that nourishes, strengthens, and teaches us to see yet another day of grace through the cross of CHRIST. Despite the twisted crown of thorns You humbly received from fallen humanity, You still finished Your journey then with us in Your mind. Forgive us LORD GOD, for the many times we dishonored Your precious words by how we responded to Your grace through our actions and imaginations. We ask that you also give a forgiving heart to those we have hurt in this earthly journey and comfort us through the pains we still do carry. We ask You to lead us into a lasting and honest fellowship with Your Holy Spirit and keep us joyfully serving You and the people You surround us with as we await Your return. In JESUS' Name, Amen. Matthew 12:49 “And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” #perception 🤓 #notdeception 🫣 #religion 📜 #LifeWithJESUS ✝️➡️📖⬅️🕊💕👑

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33 It has been said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled. He had great influence and affluence. Yet despite all his accomplishments, there was something missing in his life. He asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (verse 16 NLT). “‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments’” (verse 17 NLT). Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved. Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin. “‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (verse 20 NLT). I think Jesus probably smiled at this. He saw what this man was really all about. So, He took it up a notch and said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21 NLT). Verse 22 says, “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (NLT). Jesus knew the problem with this young man was that possessions had possessed his soul. But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else. What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person. Jesus revealed the hard truth about discipleship in Luke 14:33: “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (NLT). Nothing should be more valuable, more precious, or more important to us than our relationship with Christ. Jesus drives this point home further in Luke 14:26–27. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple” (NLT). Nothing should ever be more important to us than our walk with Christ. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly come before Jesus and ask, “Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” We must be willing to do what the rich young man would not and sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our spiritual growth. God bless you!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION MEMORIZE: "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:5 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 91:1-16 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. MESSAGE: The devil lures many people into evil covenants with the promise of protection; however, complete protection only exists in God. Romans 8:31 says, "... If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:37 further says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. This means that, if you are in a covenant with God, you will not have to fight any battle, because He will always fight for you. Many times, you would have won the battle before you even realise that someone was trying to attack you. I ran away from my village after some people threatened that they were going to 'eat me for breakfast,' and for 13 years, I could not return. However, after I met the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to visit my village, and I even attended a wedding where I saw many of the people who had threatened to kill me through diabolical means. I was much younger in the faith at the time, so I had a lot of zeal but not much wisdom. I was asked to preach at the wedding, and I delivered a powerful sermon that hit them hard with the word of God. Some months later, those people went to the mother of the lady who got married and told her that it was her daughter's wedding that provided a platform for me to insult them. They further said that they had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and the opportunity had presented itself now that her daughter was pregnant. They told her, "We will see if your daughter will give birth, unless we are not the ones in charge here on earth." The lady's mother became frightened and came to me. I told her not to worry and assured her that on the day her daughter would give birth, all those who had threatened her would fall asleep. To the glory of God, things turned out exactly as I said; her daughter gave birth while those who threatened her were sleeping. The baby they swore would not be born is now a medical doctor. Beloved, God said that He will be a wall of fire around you in today's memory verse, and anyone who chooses to confront the Consuming Fire will not live to tell the story. Never be afraid of any force, person, or situation that threatens to harm you. Cry out to God in such cases, and He will show up to defend you and give you victory. KEY POINT: God is a wall of fire around those who are in a covenant with Him. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 5 - BLESSED ASSURANCE 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood. CHORUS: This is my story; this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day. Long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. CHORUS: 3. Perfect submission, perfect all is rest, I in my saviour am happy and blest watching waiting looking above filled with his goodness lost in his love. CHORUS: PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026 *GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION* 1.Father, thank You for being my protection in all situations, for in You is my protection complete. 2.Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror; through the love of Jesus, I have victory without a fight because You are always fighting for me 3.Father, please keep me forever in Your covenant of protection, so I won't have to fight in battle with anyone trying to attack me, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your word, and under the shadow of Your presence, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence; cover me with Your feathers, and hide me under Your wings, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please save me from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; and from the destruction that wasteth at noonday; let no evil come near me and my household, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones, let them keep us in all our ways, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, as many that are into covenant with the devil against my well-being, send them on errands they will never recover from; let their waiting be in vain over my life, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, thank You for Your promise to be a wall of fire round about me, please help me never to go out of Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please show up to defend me from those that are after my soul, and give me victory, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎13.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎14.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:1315:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date!

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 19) 1. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool 2. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. 3. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. 4. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. 5. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. 6. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. 8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. 10. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. 11. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. 12. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. 14. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. 16. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. 17. He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. 18. Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. 19. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. 20. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. 22. What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. 23. The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 24. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26. He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27. Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28. A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 Topic: Protect Your Heart Bible Reference “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) A Short Story Ruth began talking to someone she met online. At first, their conversations were simple. They talked about school, work, family, and their plans for the future. He always seemed to know what to say, especially when she was having a difficult day. After some time, Ruth became emotionally attached to him. She began checking her phone constantly, waiting for his messages. When he did not reply, her mood changed. When he was happy with her, she felt happy too. Her prayer life slowly began to suffer. She spent more time talking to him than talking to God. She started hiding some of their conversations because she knew her parents and trusted spiritual leaders would not be comfortable with what was happening. One evening, after an argument between them, Ruth sat on her bed and cried. She suddenly realized how much control the relationship had gained over her heart. She remembered something her mother had told her months earlier: “Not everyone who gains access to your heart has the right to remain there.” Ruth picked up her Bible and began to pray. She understood that protecting her heart did not mean refusing to love people. It meant being careful about who she allowed to influence her emotions, decisions, values, and relationship with God. It was difficult, but Ruth decided to create boundaries and step away from the relationship. Today's Message Your heart is valuable. What you repeatedly allow into it will eventually influence how you think, what you desire, and the decisions you make. This is why Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts with diligence. You cannot allow everyone to have unrestricted access to your emotions and expect your spiritual life to remain unaffected. This applies to friendships, relationships, social media, entertainment, conversations, and even the thoughts you repeatedly entertain. Someone may make you feel good and still be taking you away from God's purpose for your life. Something may be popular and still be harmful to your spirit. Guarding your heart is not weakness. It is wisdom. Ask yourself regularly, “What is this relationship, habit, conversation, or content producing in me?” If it is consistently drawing you away from God, you need the courage to create boundaries. What To Do Today 1. Examine the people and influences that have the strongest effect on your decisions. 2. Set boundaries where necessary. 3. Stop entertaining anything that repeatedly weakens your relationship with God. 4. Choose friends who encourage you to become better, not those who constantly pull you backward. Prayer Lord, help me to guard my heart wisely. Give me discernment to recognize influences that are not good for me. Help me to establish healthy boundaries and keep my heart focused on You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Examine one relationship or influence in your life today and honestly ask yourself whether it is drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0 https://t.me/anthonyijere

THE SUNDAY BLOG…… Sunday August 16, 2026 HAVING THE RIGHT PRIORITIES WHEN WALKING WITH CHRIST Walking with Christ requires a deliberate reordering of our lives. In a world saturated with distractions, ambition, and endless demands, keeping our focus centered on God is the ultimate challenge of discipleship. True spiritual maturity is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about cultivating an undivided heart that places God above all else. The foundation of proper spiritual priority is explicitly commanded in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus addresses the universal human anxiety regarding sustenance, success, and security. By commanding us to seek His kingdom first, Christ establishes that God’s rule, His values, and His glory must govern every decision. Everything else—career, relationships, and material needs—must occupy a secondary, dependent place. To maintain this divine alignment, we must recognize the radical nature of following Jesus. In Luke 14:26, Christ uses striking language: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." This hyperbole does not negate the commandment to honor our families; rather, it illustrates that our love for Christ must be so supreme that all other earthly attachments look like indifference by comparison. Walking with Him means He holds the absolute highest allegiance of our hearts. Furthermore, setting the right priorities demands that we consciously detach ourselves from the fleeting values of this age. The Apostle Paul underscores this eternal perspective in Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." When our daily ambitions, time management, and emotional investments are anchored in eternity, temporal pressures lose their grip on us. We stop living for the applause of the world and begin living for the audience of One. Ultimately, having the right priorities when walking with Christ transforms our daily existence. It simplifies our choices, eradicates crippling anxiety, and infuses our ordinary routines with extraordinary, eternal purpose. When Jesus is truly our first love, everything else falls perfectly into its proper place. CLOSING PRAYER….. Lord, realign my heart today. Forgive me for the times I let worldly distractions and temporal pursuits take the place that belongs to You alone. Help me to seek Your kingdom first with unwavering devotion. May my love for Christ surpass every earthly attachment, anchoring my mind on things above. Grant me the grace to walk closely with You, trusting that as I put You first, You will faithfully provide for all my needs. Amen. NEXT SUNDAY’S BLOG… Confused Priorities Can Seriously Hinder Our Walk With Christ. Let’s all be Bible readers and not just Bible believers! Amen!!!👏

LOST IN THE CHURCH: [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Six Idolatry in the House of God Many have interpreted the word idol from the perspective of the Old Covenant, an era in which the main emphasis was on the physical. But now, the Lord is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit. Therefore, the most dangerous and difficult idol—not one made of iron, stone, or wood—is the one that can be carved within a person’s heart or spirit. An IDOL can be anything that takes the place of God within a person. The first commandment the Lord gave us is to love Him above everything else. Therefore, whatever you can love more than you love God becomes an idol to you. Furthermore, the Lord has warned us not to fear anything more than Him (Matthew 10:28), and not to place our faith, hope, or dependence on anything except Him. By this reasoning, whatever you give those places in your life becomes an idol that you have carved within your own heart. Scripture is clear that those who worship idols will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). In these last days, many people have become lost in Church by worshipping things that are close to the Lord, or things that have been called by His name, thinking that by doing so they are worshipping the Lord Himself! Some of the things people have come to worship—and many of you may be surprised when I mention them—include worship services, the Church, the mother of Jesus, servants of God, angels, the Word of God, prayer, the name of a church, and so on. But the Lord will never allow anything to take His glory! Nevertheless, many people who worship idols in the house of God do so out of ignorance and lack of knowledge. And this is where our enemy gains his strength. Therefore, this message is given by the great grace of God to those who are willing to love the Lord above everything else. Worshipping the Word of God The Word of God can become an idol if it takes the place of God Himself. And this is astonishing! I know that by making this statement, I have probably disturbed the theology of many people. Let me repeat it, so that you understand that I am not speaking carelessly: “The word of God can become a very dangerous idol, and it can bring death if it is worshipped or allowed to take the place of God.” There is nothing as valuable as the Word of God. Nevertheless, everyone must understand that the “word of God” is not God Himself! It is extremely dangerous for any person, Church, or institution to build upon the word of God instead of building upon God Himself. Today, there are many Churches that have fallen into this kind of deception. You can recognize them by observing their people: they have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The Church develops certain forms of worship that contradict the presence of God! The Word of God vs. “the word of God” I know that when I say “the word of God is not God,” many people become surprised, especially when they remember John 1:1, which says: > “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It is absolutely true that this Scripture says the Word was God. However, it is important to understand that this passage is speaking about “the Word” and not merely “the word of God.” There is a significant difference between these two expressions: “the Word of God” and “the word of God.” When you say “the Word of God,” you are referring, in essence, to a Person—which is why Word begins with a capital letter. However, when you say “the word of God,” you are not necessarily referring to a person, but rather to the ordinary word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Throughout the Bible, there are places where the word “Word” is used with a capital letter. When Scripture uses it in that way, it refers to a Person—Christ! The Bible is filled with the word of God that needs to be made alive. When a person reads it, they should seek the Spirit through whom that word was written. Therefore, the word of God needs the Spirit behind it so that it can be transformed into the living Word of God, who is a Person. And that is what saves, blesses, and heals. Thus: The word of God + the Holy Spirit = The Word of God [Jesus] Without the Holy Spirit, there is no life in anything. Therefore, do not be surprised that even the Bible can be used by witches or traditional healers in their practices. This helps us understand the meaning of the Scripture: > “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 Essentially, without the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes nothing more than a book of history, literature, philosophy, stories, politics, or any other ordinary book. And many people have treated Scripture in exactly that way. They have never encountered the Living Word of God within their hearts. As a result, they have built their lives upon a “word of God” that has never become flesh within them. Because of their lack of understanding, many people consider such individuals to be servants of God. Yet this condition has ultimately turned them into philosophers, motivational speakers, politicians, and extreme businessmen operating within the house of God. This is extremely dangerous! When the Lord made a whip and overturned the tables of the merchants in His Father’s house, was that not also a prophecy of what is going to take place in the house of God today? May God bless you greatly! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255 616 609 885 #LostInTheChurch #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #TrueHoliness #BornAgain #GraceAndTruth #ChristJesus #Christianity #TheCross #SpiritualGrowth #GodsWord

Did you know? Joseph's wife was Egyptian. Almost nobody talks about her, or how controversial that actually was. Genesis chapter forty-one says the Pharaoh himself gave her to Joseph. Her name was Asenath. Her father was the priest of On, the center of Egyptian sun worship, the highest religious position in the country. family that worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, married the daughter of Egypt's top pagan priest. No conversion scene. No moment where she rejects her father's gods. Scripture never mentions any of that. She simply becomes his wife, and later, the mother of his two sons. Those two sons were Manasseh and Ephraim. Genesis chapter forty-eight records something almost nobody talks about either. Jacob personally blessed those two grandsons, placing them equal to Reuben and Simeon, his own original sons. Full inheritance. Full standing. No hesitation. Which means the bloodline of a pagan sun priest's daughter became the direct root of two entire tribes of Israel. Here's where it gets stranger. Joseph died in Egypt, generations before the Exodus ever happened. But before he died, he made his family promise something. Carry my bones out of this country when you finally leave. Genesis chapter fifty records that promise. Exodus chapter thirteen records it kept. Moses himself carried Joseph's bones out of Egypt, centuries later, exactly as promised. So the son of an Egyptian priestess didn't walk out of Egypt. Joseph bones did, carried by the very nation his sons helped build.