Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. 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. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

🎙️ The Sanctity of Life - Bruce Oliver Ministries #TalksForChrist #Podcast #BruceOliverMinistries #ChristianPodcast

Let's talk about it. HOW SUNDAY BECAME THE COMMON DAY OF WORSHIP: Many sincere Christians assume that Sunday worship was directly commanded by Jesus Christ or established by the apostles. However, when the historical record is examined, a different picture emerges. The transition from the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday occurred gradually over several centuries through custom, church tradition, civil legislation, and ecclesiastical authority—not through an explicit biblical command. 1. The Sabbath in the Bible The seventh-day Sabbath was established by God at Creation (Genesis 2:1–3), written by God's own finger in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8–11), observed by Jesus (Luke 4:16), and kept by the apostles after Christ's resurrection (Acts 13:14, 42–44; Acts 16:13; Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4). Nowhere does Scripture record Jesus changing the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week. 2. The Earliest Shift Toward Sunday After the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and especially after the Bar Kokhba revolt (A.D. 132–135), many Christians in the Roman Empire sought to distinguish themselves from the Jews, who were increasingly persecuted by Rome. At the same time, the first day of the week gained importance in some Christian communities because it commemorated Christ's resurrection. Initially, Sunday was observed as a day of worship by many believers, but this did not automatically replace the biblical Sabbath everywhere. For several centuries, many Christians observed both days. 3. Constantine's Sunday Law (A.D. 321) A major turning point came under Emperor Constantine. On March 7, A.D. 321, Constantine issued the first empire-wide Sunday law: «"On the venerable Day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed."» This law did not mention the Sabbath. It referred to the "venerable Day of the Sun," reflecting the Roman terminology already associated with Sunday. Constantine's decree was a civil law, not a command found in Scripture. 4. The Council of Laodicea (Around A.D. 363–364) Several decades later, the Council of Laodicea addressed Sabbath observance. Canon 29 states: «"Christians shall not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but shall work on that day; rather honoring the Lord's Day; and, if possible, resting then as Christians."» This is one of the earliest church canons specifically discouraging Sabbath observance while encouraging Sunday. Notice that this was a decision of a church council—not a command recorded in the Bible. 5. The Roman Catholic Church's Claim The Roman Catholic Church has openly acknowledged that the Bible does not explicitly command Sunday observance and has argued that the change rests upon the Church's authority. Among the best-known statements are: The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine (Rev. Peter Geiermann, 1910): «Question: Which is the Sabbath day? Answer: Saturday is the Sabbath day. Question: Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? Answer: Because the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.» Another well-known statement appears in The Catholic Mirror (September 23, 1893): «"The Catholic Church... by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to Sunday."» Likewise, Cardinal James Gibbons, in The Faith of Our Fathers, argued that Sunday observance is based on the authority and tradition of the Church rather than an explicit biblical command. 6. What Does History Show? The historical evidence indicates that: Jesus never recorded a command changing the Sabbath to Sunday. The apostles left no written command replacing the seventh-day Sabbath. Sunday observance developed gradually in parts of the Christian world. Constantine's law in A.D. 321 gave Sunday legal recognition. The Council of Laodicea later discouraged Sabbath observance and promoted Sunday. Roman Catholic writers have repeatedly acknowledged that the Church played a central role in transferring the public solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. 7. Sunday and the Protestant–Catholic Debate After the Protestant Reformation, the Reformers rejected many Roman Catholic doctrines and appealed to "Scripture alone" (Sola Scriptura) as the final authority for Christian faith and practice. However, although they rejected many church traditions, most Protestant churches continued to observe Sunday rather than the biblical seventh-day Sabbath. Roman Catholic writers pointed to this as evidence that Protestants still accepted the Church's authority in at least one important matter. Archbishop Francis A. Gasquet wrote: «"We have transferred the rest of the Sabbath to the Lord's Day... by the authority of the Catholic Church."» Likewise, The Catholic Mirror (1893) argued that Protestants who observe Sunday while professing Sola Scriptura acknowledge, in practice, the authority of the Catholic Church because the Bible contains no explicit command changing the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first. During Catholic-Protestant controversies, Catholic apologists repeatedly argued that Sunday observance was one of the strongest examples of the authority claimed by the Roman Catholic Church. Their argument was straightforward: if Christians reject the Church's authority, they should also explain the biblical basis for observing Sunday instead of the seventh-day Sabbath. Whether one agrees with that conclusion or not, history records that Roman Catholic theologians openly used Sunday observance as an argument in defense of the Church's teaching authority during debates with Protestants. This historical fact invites every Christian to carefully examine both Scripture and history, asking not what tradition teaches, but what God has revealed in His Word. 8. A Balanced Conclusion History and theology are not identical. Historically, there is broad scholarly agreement that Sunday became the principal Christian day of worship through a gradual process during the early centuries of the Church. Christians differ, however, on how that development should be understood. Many Protestant churches view Sunday worship as a legitimate celebration of Christ's resurrection and apostolic practice, while the Roman Catholic Church grounds it in the Church's teaching authority. Seventh-day Adventists and several other Christian groups maintain that the biblical seventh-day Sabbath remains unchanged because Scripture contains no explicit command transferring its sanctity to Sunday. Each believer is encouraged to examine both Scripture and history carefully, testing every teaching in the light of God's Word (Acts 17:11). Amazing Love

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY JULY 25, 2O26. "DON'T LOOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (3)" '…We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities…’   Hebrews 4:15 KJV DR JOSEPH Parker told his theology students, ‘Preach to the suffering and you will never lack a congregation. There is a broken heart in every pew.’ Don’t lose your compassionate edge because you can’t heal a broken heart unless you can first empathise with it. The Bible says, ‘We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.’ When you lose touch with people, you lose your touch when it comes to ministering to them. Jesus went looking for the leper, the loser, the lonely, the lost, and the lowest in society. And He was comfortable around them. Are you? Serving others is actually good for your health. A survey conducted at 44 major universities reveals that giving protects your overall health twice as much as an aspirin protects your heart against disease. Dr Stephen Post, who conducted the survey, says, ‘Giving is the most potent force on the planet and will protect your whole life.’ The benefits of compassion to your physical health are so strong that if compassion wasn’t free, pharmaceutical companies would herald the discovery of a stupendous new drug called ‘give back’ instead of ‘Prozac’.’ We give for different reasons: to get an income tax deduction; to make a good impression and have people think well of us; or because we’re put under pressure. You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. Your time, talent, and treasure are to be shared with others. When you refuse, you’re neither happy, holy, nor healthy. Bible In A Year: Deut 5-7; Matt 12:13-21; Ps 78:1-8; Pro 16:23-24. 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. [24/07, 8:18 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 25TH JULY, 2026``` *GOD'S UNCHANGEABLE STANDARD* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 19:1-12```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (MATTHEW 19:9).*_ *More and more people seem to forget Henry Ford's wise advice when asked on his 50th wedding anniversary for his rule for marital bliss and longevity. He replied: "Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model."* *From our text, Christ's teaching about divorce and remarriage is explicit. Moses gave permission for divorce, not because it was so from the beginning but due to the people's hardness of heart. Jesus insisted that in the sight of God, marriage is a lifetime relationship that should never be severed by human action. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). His perfect will is the preservation of future generations and society through lasting marriages. God will give anyone great help in sustaining a marriage relationship or reconcilling estranged marriage partners. Christ's exception for 'fornication' in our text covers unfaithfulness before the actual marriage is contracted.* *The experiences of couples who went through divorce are not encouraging. A study of divorced couples with preschool children shows that after a year of divorce, 60% of men and 73% of women feel they made a mistake and should have tried harder to make their marriage work. People have no idea how much anguish and stress is caused by divorce. This is a lesson to our godly fathers and mothers. They must ensure their children marry in the Lord. Friendship with ungodly families is like sowing the seeds of corruption in your own family. This unholy union of our sons and daughters with unbelieving spouses has introduced corruption in our families and churches.* *Our role models are not the pop singers, film stars and fashion models who seem to change marriage partners like they change their robes. People may hold whatever views they want on divorce, but God, who is the Judge of the whole world has already spoken His mind in Scriptures. God's standard on marriage remains unchangeable even in this changeable world. Allow love and forgiveness to reign in your home.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*In the divine charter, there is no provision for divorce.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 30-32*📜📜 God's Unchangeable Standard https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 46: A CHRISTIAN HOME; GHS 83: THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART; AND GHS 185: THE THING MY GOD DOTH HATE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna25thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/07, 8:18 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 25TH JULY, 2026``` *DIVINE PRESENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 91:1-9```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence" (PSALM 91:3).*_ *Using the acronym P.R.E.S.E.N.C.E., somebody said God's presence depicts His Power over all creation, His Reign as King of kings, His Essence as the Truine God, His Sovereignty having all authority, His Eminence as the only potentate, His Nature as the thrice holy God, the Creator of creation and His Eternal being - the everlasting God.* *In our text, the Psalmist rightly posited that those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, in His presence, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. God remains the shield and defender of His faithful sons and daughters.* *Living in God's presence guarantees security and victory over all enemies, visible and invisible. He promises angelic guidance and protection from terrible sicknesses, diseases and demonic manipulation. While sinners and backsliders may fall into calamities and evils orchestrated by the devil, the child of God enjoys uninterrupted peace, joy and protection.* *To enjoy the divine presence, you must be born again and live a consistent and holy life. Because God is holy, only the holy in thought, conduct, and lifestyle will dwell with Him here and in eternity.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God's presence guarantees security.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Key into God's presence.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to dwell in Your presence evermore.*_ Divine Presence https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday25thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/07, 8:18 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 25TH JULY, 2026``` *"LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME"* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GALATIANS 2:18-21```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20c).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 There was a very touching story in the media sometime ago, of very rich parents who had a child that suffered from a kidney sickness. One of the two kidneys could not work well again. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter harmful materials from the human blood in the form of urine. The child needed a kidney transplant. That is, a medical procedure of replacing a defective kidney through surgery. The two parents had four kidneys, but none of them was willing to give one to their beloved child. Can you see how limited human love is? Yet, Jesus gave His life, not just a kidney for us; He did it joyfully. We were sentenced to eternal death in hell because of our sins. God needed a substitute - one who is willing to die in our place. Paul the Apostle, was overwhelmed by the depth of Christ's love. It was love that caused him to decide to live his remaining days on earth in thankfulness to his Saviour. Jesus offered Himself in our place. This is love indeed! *He bore your pains and shame. He gave Himself for you. What can you give Him in return? You must be thankful for the love of Jesus. Make a vow, a promise to live the whole of your life to please Him. Choose to serve Him in truth and in righteousness till you die.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, for Your love and mercy to me, I will serve You all the days of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Acts 21:12-14* "Loved Me And Gave Himself For Me" https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk25thJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/07, 8:18 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 25TH JULY, 2026. *DO NOT PLAY WITH FIRE* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 19:1-12. 1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; 2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. 10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. 11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. *Timeless Truth:*_"Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent"_ (Proverbs 6:27-29). *INTRODUCTION* Fire can be one of humanity's greatest blessings or one of its greatest dangers. When it is kept in its proper place, it provides warmth, light and strength. But when handled carelessly, it destroys lives, homes and destinies. In the same way, there are spiritual "fires" that God has warned His people not to toy with. Sin may appear attractive, temptation may seem harmless and compromise may look insignificant, but the consequences are often devastating. Scripture repeatedly warns that no one can handle fire carelessly and remains unharmed: *"Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?"* (Proverbs 6:27). *1. Admiration: The Sanctity of Marriage*  a. Marriage is an admirable thing in the life of a man or woman. Nobody, all things being equal, goes into a wedding with sadness, but with joy and celebration. However, whenever man attempts to handle marriage in his own way, the destructive effect cannot be estimated. Marriage is not a matter of "hire and fire" in which you can handle it carelessly and scatter it at the least provocation. Your attitude towards Marriage will determine your eternal destiny. This is the fearful truth. *"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge"* (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage institution should be preserved in honour and purity. Anyone who gambles with these two virtues in a marriage relationship will end up being destroyed, eternally. b. *"Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?"*. The Pharisees were said to be tempting Jesus because they knew the answer in the Pentateuch. The main valid exception was when a woman that was betrothed to a man was found to have committed sexual immorality before the actual marriage like the case of Mary and Joseph. This, in the Law, was technically called "fornication". c The answer of Jesus had several implications. *"Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female"*. Godly marriage is between male and female. Same sex marriage is against the will of God. Second, marriage is between two people. Except if you want to add to the Bible to suit your evil action, you cannot see polygamy in this passage just like Jesus, the Bridegroom is not having more than one bride, the Church and just like Adam was not created with another woman apart from Eve. The divine will is clear on this. *"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"*. Every Word of Jesus points to the original design of one man, one wife. Any other thing is an addition to the Word of God (Matthew 5:18,19). It is only those that have another god that will be satisfied and comfortable at rejecting the Word of God. Inability or unwillingness to obey Jesus Christ does not invalidate His words; it only shows that you need to run to Christ for grace and power to do His will. *Question* Do you align with all the Words of Jesus on marriage? *2. Adultery: The Sins of the Married* a. Polygamy and divorce were permitted in the Old Covenant, but never in the New Covenant. Jesus gave the reason. *"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so"*. The teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ is a reset to the perfect will of God at creation. *"And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery"*. The fact that *"Except for fornication"* is known and peculiar to the Jewish Old Testament culture is clear as that clause is not in all the other parallel synoptic gospel like Mark 10:1-12, Luke 16:18. A man does not commit adultery by putting away his wife, but if he marries another person, then adultery has taken place. What if he does not marry after putting away? There is still danger for the divorcing man. Can he claim to be a practicing Christian, that has the grace of Christ to forgive without sincerely, having any bitterness that will lead to eternal damnation? Matthew 5:32 says that the man cannot escape if the "putting away" causes the woman to go and marry someone else or commit immorality. In that case *"he causes her to commit adultery"* though he might have committed adultery. It is also true for the other side too. What is the lot of someone who makes others sin? See Matthew 18:6. No heaven for such a person except there is repentance and restitution.The divorced woman is not free for marriage except if she was not a real wife originally. The real wife is the living first wife of the living man. *"Whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery"*. It is all about moral chastity. No married man is allowed by God to see the nakedness of more than one woman or wife as long as the first wife is alive. This puts polygamy out of the equation of divine will. b. Romans 7:2,3 reinforces this commandment. Romans 7:10-11 speaks on separation, without necessarily divorce, which was not fully addressed by Christ. What if they decide to separate without being divorced? It says that must not be among children of God. However, it is possible one of them is an unbeliever who does not take the Word of God binding and serious. Remarriage is ruled out, but reconciliation is the perfect will of God. If one of them is an unbeliever and is not ready to reconcile according to the will of God, but insist on separation? The believing partner is no more answerable to God as to whatever happens to the rebellious partner even if he or she falls into adultery. *"If the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace"* (1 Corinthians 7:15). This is not a license to remarry as this will contradict the Words of Christ. Rather it is a license to live separately without being held responsible for the fall or adultery of the unbeliever. So remarriage after separation is still forbidden, but the believer is not counted responsible to God for the irreconcilable attitude of the other partner. *Question* Can a believer obey this Word of Christ without grace? *3. Acceptability: The Separation from Mess* a. It should not be surprising that *"His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry"*. This raises two issues. First, there must be prayer and due diligence in choosing the right partner. The right scriptural foundation is germane to any godly heaven bound marriage. Second, the grace of Christ is needed and always available to do the will of God. The grace needed for marital bliss and resolve issues in marriage will also be needed in making heaven. It is a relational grace needed to endure all things, suffer all things, follow peace with all men, forgive our offenders and love others unconditionally. *Question* Do you have this grace? It can be received by asking. *Prayer Points* 1.Father, we thank You for the institution of marriage and the available grace to do Your will 🙏. 2.Pray against getting into unscriptural marriage. 🙏. 3.Ask for the abundance of grace and fruit of the Spirit to live happily with your partner 🙏. 4.Pray for couples in the church that God will visit their marriages and make it happy and fulfilling. Pray for the unmarried that they will not fall into the snare of wrong partnyers🙏. *HYMN:* Gracious Spirit dwell with me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 30-32. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer He hath showed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ⏤ Micah 6:8 The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears. ⏤ Corrie Ten Boom O God, just as Enoch walked with You, we desire to walk with You today. The world is full of dangers, and we can't navigate it safely without Your protection. The paths are tangled, and we could never find our way alone. We need Your companionship to make this day a blessing. So we ask that we may walk with You. We will try to be faithful—not running ahead of You or falling behind—but staying with You all day. May You walk with us and help us to walk with You. We thank You for the rest of the past night. You have kept us safe. We lay down and slept, and You sustained us. You are our protector. All our blessings come from You. Give us grateful hearts as we begin this new day. We want to please You in all things, not straying from Your commandments. Help us, for while our spirit is willing, our flesh is weak, and we can't be faithful without Your strength. Bless everyone in our home this morning, and give each of us a personal blessing. As we go out to our different duties, it may be that we shall never all meet together again; may we, therefore, part in love so that if we never come together again in this world, there will be no regrets in our hearts because of unkindness at parting. Bless our morning meal and give us wisdom for all the duties, tasks, responsibilities, and challenges of the day. May our influence be for good, leaving a blessing on everyone we encounter. Make us strong for our work. Protect us from the dangers of the day, and keep us near Your heart, giving us the grace, mercy, and peace we need. For Jesus' sake. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/20/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY JULY 21, 2026. "LIVE TILL YOU DIE!" ‘…When he died…his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.’ Deuteronomy 34:7 NIV DON'T LISTEN to those who tell you you’re ‘too old’. God’s promise is, ‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh…’’ (Psalms 92:14 NIV). For 20 to 30 years the century plant stands six feet tall and produces no flowers. Then in one year, without warning, a new bud sprouts. The bud, which resembles a tree-trunk-sized asparagus spear, shoots into the sky at the fantastic rate of seven inches per day, and reaches an eventual height of 20 to 40 feet. Then it crowns itself with several clumps of yellowish blossoms that last almost a month. Some of God’s oldest are among His finest! The older, mellower Abraham was wiser than the brash, younger one. Caleb was still defeating giants and climbing mountains at 85. Anna, an elderly widow, didn’t just pray for the Messiah; her vision kept her alive until He came. In his nineties, imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, John wrote the Book of Revelation. Jesus said, ‘If you…cling to life on your terms, you’ll lose it’ (Luke 17:33 TM). You can approach life in two ways: protect it or pursue it. When the voice of safety says, ‘Build a fire in the hearth and stay in where it’s warm,’ the voice of faith says, ‘Build a fire in your soul, then go out and pursue your vision with a passion.’ Asked why he was still studying Greek at 94, Oliver Wendell Holmes replied, ‘My good sir, it’s now or never!’ What matters is not the years in your life, but the life in your years. So, live till you die! Bible In A Year: 1Sam 1:1-6:16; Rev 11:15-19. 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.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MdD.ii. [20/07, 9:17 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 21ST JULY, 2026``` *FAIRNESS TO ALL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥🫂🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:EXODUS 22:18-31```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him...Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child" (EXODUS 22:21-22).*_ *It was Horace Jackson Brown Jr., an American author, who counselled, "Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." Unfortunately, not many people heed the advice. That is why there is so much injustice and inequity in this life. Those at the receiving end are mostly the poor and helpless ones. Most people care about nothing in this situation. But God is concerned about it. Godliness should make a difference here, for it implies fairness.* *In today's text, the Lord outlines some precepts to guide His people from defilement and injustice. These defiling practices were common in Egypt, from where they had just been redeemed. First on the list is witchcraft, which from a divine perspective was viewed with utmost severity, so severe that it attracted capital punishment. Witchcraft, in this context, implied involvement in curious arts, a sin that amounted to gross blasphemy and had the potential of leading people away from dependence on God. Bestiality (a defilement common among the Egyptians) and idolatry also attracted capital punishment.* *The laws regarding strangers, widows and fatherless children were humane. God wants fair treatment for all. These sets of people were particularly vulnerable. The Lord would not want anyone to take advantage of their weakness. He reminded Israel that they too were strangers in Egypt and, as such, should treat their strangers as they would have wanted to be treated by the Egyptians. He undertook to punish those who in any way oppress a widow or the fatherless. Similarly, the clothing of the poor used as a pledge must be returned to him before nightfall, as it served as a means of support for his life. Israel was also reminded to respect God-appointed leaders and their expected consecration of giving to God.* *The essence of the foregoing injunctions is that the people of God would maintain a holy and undefiled life. God requires no less from us today. Godliness demands undivided devotion to God and due consideration for the feelings and needs of fellow human beings. Does your professed piety have accommodation for holiness towards God and fairness to others, especially the less privileged? The quiz is left for you to seriously ponder over.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A profession of godliness without a human face is the height of ugliness.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 17-19*📜📜 Fairness To All https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; GHS 114: BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE; GHS 119: DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS; AND GHS 122: SOMEBODY NEEDS YOUR LOVE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/07, 9:17 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 21ST JULY, 2026``` *POVERTY AND SLEEP* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🫩🥱😴🛌🏽💤⚠️‼️🛑❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PROVERBS 20:13-15```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (PROVERBS 20:13).*_ *Sleep is essential for good health, but too much of it can indicate laziness and lead to poverty and failure. The Bible warns, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 6:10-11). Experts recommend 8 - 10 hours of sleep per night for a healthy life.* *However, excessive sleep under the guise of rest leads to negligence of responsibilities and hinders progress. Success requires self-discipline, consistent effort, and the willingness to wake up and work hard daily. Whether studying for a major exam, developing a skill, or completing a task, it is discipline, determination, and diligence that can see you through.* *While rest is important, excessive sleep should not replace hard work and commitment. Youths must strive for a balance, getting enough rest to stay healthy while dedicating time to productive activities daily. By staying disciplined and focused, you can work to achieve your goals and secure a brighter future. Create time also for fellowship with God and the brethren.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Wake up and work hard.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Too much sleep is a pathway to poverty.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Oh God, deliver me from laziness, in Jesus' name.*_ Poverty And Sleep https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/07, 9:17 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 21ST JULY, 2026``` *LASTING PEACE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🕊️🏳️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```2 THESSALONIANS 3:16-18```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all" (2 Thessalonians 3:16).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The English dictionary defines *Peace* as *"a state free of oppressive, and unpleasant thoughts and emotions".* There are different levels of peace. We have ordinary peace, perfect peace and lasting peace. Some levels of peace give temporary relief from fear and an unpleasant situation. However, the peace that the word of God gives is the perfect and lasting peace. It gives us faith to stand in all weathers and overcome all storms and trials. The storm might be much, but sometimes, God uses storms to train us so as to be able to develop inner peace. However, we must learn to maintain peace even in the midst of the storm. Jesus slept during the storm, and His disciples had to wake Him up (Mark 4:37-38). This is because He had inner peace. *Remember, God is our sufficiency, He is enough to give you lasting peace and calm every storm. You can obtain that peace as you spend your quiet time in His presence today. As a sinner, you can enjoy this lasting peace by repenting of your sins and surrendering your life totally unto Christ the Prince of peace.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, give me lasting peace.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *John 14:27* Lasting Peace https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stJuly2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/07, 9:17 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY DAY, 21ST JULY, 2026. *HANDLING CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY* *TEXT:* EXODUS 22:18-31. 18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. 19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. 20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed. 21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. 22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; 24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. 26 If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down: 27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious. 28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. 29 Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. 30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me. 31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs. *Timeless Truth:*_"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."_ (Matthew 22:39). *INTRODUCTION* God is a God of justice, righteousness and mercy. In Exodus 22:18–31, He gave Israel laws that protected the sanctity of worship, human dignity and social responsibility. These divine commands condemned wickedness, defended the vulnerable and required His people to live as a holy nation. In a world where oppression, injustice, exploitation and corruption abound, believers are called to uphold God's standards by confronting evil, showing compassion and living in obedience to Him. Crimes against humanity are not only offences against fellow humans, but also sins against the holy God who created mankind in His image. Sins are broadly classified into two as those that violate perfect love for the Creator and those that violate perfect love for our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). Crimes against humanity can similarly be classified. *1.Jeopardy and Condemnation by the Government* a. There are sins that the theocratic nation Israel was expected to condemn with capital punishment. In such cases, nobody was expected to take the law into his hands except the government or the appointed Judges of the day. God commanded severe judgment against practices that corrupted society and dishonoured Him. Witchcraft, bestiality and idolatry were treated as capital offences because they undermined moral order and led people away from the true God. Civil authorities were expected to preserve justice by punishing evil and protecting the nation from spiritual and moral decay. Although believers today live under different civil systems, God still expects governments to promote justice and restrain evil, while Christians reject every form of idolatry and ungodliness. b. *"The soul that sinneth, it shall die"* is a call for repentance. These people should be treated as sinners and should not be allowed into the work force of the church, but should be in the camp of those that need constant warnings and the need for repentance. Believers should not fold their arms and be fellowshipping with such people as if their sins are not serious. They should be confronted and warned and should not be tolerated in the church of God in order to avoid the wrath of God. Godly officials in the society should also strive to use their influence to get some of these laws into the constitutions of their nations. *Question* Do I fellowship with and tolerate evil workers in the church? *2. Justice and Care with Goodness* a. God's concern extended to strangers, widows, orphans and the poor. Israel was forbidden to oppress foreigners because they had once been strangers in Egypt. When immigrants with genuine clear and clean records are oppressed and cheated, it will counterfire because God is the Judge. God warns that He hears the cry of the afflicted and will judge those who exploit the helpless. Even when lending to the poor, compassion was to prevail over greed. Justice in God's kingdom is inseparable from kindness. True godliness is demonstrated by defending the weak, showing mercy and treating every person with dignity and fairness. b. The way you treat the vulnerable is a reflection of the heart you have. True believers are expected to be Christlike and practically demonstrate love for their neighbours as they do to themselves. *"Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself"* is a commandment and not just mere divine advice. *Question* How do my actions reflect God's compassion toward the vulnerable and disadvantaged? *3.Jehovah's Command for the Godly* a. God instructed His people to honour Him and respect those He had placed in authority. Those in authority are not above rebuke or corrections. However, abusing or insulting them for whatever reason is ungodly. Israel was also commanded to give God the firstfruits of their increase without delay, dedicate their firstborn to Him and maintain lives of holiness. God's people were not to imitate the corrupt practices of surrounding nations, but to remain distinct in conduct and devotion. Holiness is the proper response to God's grace. Those who belong to Him must honour Him in worship, speech, obedience and daily living. b. Giving the first fruits to God first, which is akin to paying tithes of all our increase or profits first, is a demonstration of obedience to the command of God that *"thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all your might, mind and soul"*. Our service, gifts, time, sacrifice etc. must put God as priority above all else. God will always reward bountifully those who put Him first in everything above all else. *Question* Does my lifestyle consistently reflect the holiness and obedience that God requires of His people? Is God the first in all that I do? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, help me to hate every form of evil and stand firmly for righteousness in my generation 🙏. 2.Father, give me a compassionate heart that defends the oppressed and cares for the needy with genuine love 🙏. 3.Lord, make my life a testimony of holiness, obedience and unwavering devotion to You 🙏. 4.Heavenly Father, establish justice in our nation, empower righteous leaders, expose and condemn every work of wickedness for Your glory 🙏. *HYMN:* Let there be love among us. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 17-19. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 True peace comes from knowing that God is in control. ⏤ Dwight L. Moody O God, our Father, bless us as we go out for the day. Without Your blessing, life has nothing truly beautiful or good. Like children waiting for a father’s blessing, we wait to receive Yours. Grant us Your peace. Give us health and make us strong for the tasks ahead. As we go our separate ways for our different duties, we place ourselves in Your care. Help us to avoid sin as we walk in the light of Your commandments. We have Your word—help us to follow it faithfully. We want to do our work well. We don’t want to end this day with only the stained fragments of our efforts to show. We want to bring back a good report at the end of the day. Bless us as we turn to our tasks and duties now. We want to do Your will, not our own; to please You, not ourselves. Fill us with Your grace and love so that we will be gentle, humble, and submissive, and in all things aligned with You. Strengthen us with all spiritual strength and enrich us with all grace so that we won’t fail in our obedience. We’ll have duties to others as we go through the day. Help us to do them well. Keep us from any feelings that would spoil the beauty of our character. Keep us from having a negative influence on those we meet. Keep us from envy, jealousy, bad temper, and irritability. Keep us from acting in ways that dishonor You or harm Your cause. Help us to bring sunshine and good cheer wherever we go so that everyone who sees us will get a little brightness from our faces and our words. Help us to be a blessing all day long, making our path like the shining light. Bring us all home together in peace at the end of the day. We ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/16/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

All 10 commandments have to do with worship: 1st commandment pertains to who we worship—the one true living God. 2nd commandment pertains to how we worship—regulated by God’s Word. 3rd commandment pertains to worshipping God honorably with respect to His name. 4th commandment pertains to the worship of God with respect to the Sabbath rest 5th commandment pertains to worshipping God by honoring those God has placed in authority over us. 6th commandment pertains to worshipping God by respecting the life of fellow image bearers of God. 7th commandment pertains to worshipping God by honoring the sanctity of God’s marriage covenant and maintaining sexual purity. 8th commandment pertains to worshipping God by respecting the property of others and dealing honestly with what belongs to our neighbor. 9th commandment pertains to worshipping God by speaking truthfully in the presence of God [who never lies], and guarding our neighbor’s good name. 10th commandment pertains to worshipping God with a heart contented with God’s providential care, free from coveting what belongs to our neighbor.

St. Benedict He was born around the year 480 A.D. in a distinguished family of a Roman noble, in Umbria, Italy. He was a twin with his sister St. Scholastica. He studied in Rome and wanted to live a secluded life away from the busy city life, to avoid watching marching armies, sufferings of people. He left Rome with his aged nurse and settled down at Enfide, near the church of St. Peter. Later he met a monk Romanus of Subiaco, whose monastery was in the mountains. Romanus gave St. Benedict the habit of a monk. Benedict lived a life of a hermit for three years in a cave in the mountain. He became a very respectable monk and people used to gather around him for spiritual guidance. When the abbot of a nearby monastery died, the monks came to St. Benedict and requested him to take over the abbot of the monastery and Benedict gave consent reluctantly and became the abbot knowing well that the manners of the monks are different from his views. Benedict made many reforms in the monastery and introduced many reforms for the monks. The monks did not agree with the reforms of St. Benedict and tried to kill him by poisoning. Once the monks added poison in the drink given for St. Benedict but when St. Benedict prayed before drinking, the cup shattered. In another occasion the monks gave poisoned bread to him but when St. Benedict prayed before eating the bread, a bird called raven suddenly came in and took away the poisoned bread and miraculously saved the life of St. Benedict. Disgusted about the behavior of the monks, St. Benedict returned to his cave for hermit life and attracted by his sanctity many people came to him again for solace. He founded 12 monasteries in the vicinity of Subiaco and later founded the famous Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino, on the hill top between Rome and Naples. He died at the Monte Cassino Monastery due to high fever, on March 21, 547. He wrote the \'Rule of Benedict\' with 73 chapters about how to live a Christ-centric spiritual life and about how to run a monastery efficiently. He contributed more to the rise of monasticism and his rules are the fundamental document for many religious communities even today. #Benedict #Benedictine #monastery #spiritual #monk #Christian #cathol8c #rules #Constitution #cave

The Present Truth # 12 The Sign of the Living God. In India, many of the people have unusual markings on their foreheads and sometimes on their faces. These are in a number of shapes and sizes. Each of these marks represents a different deity of India to which the bearers are devoted. The true God also has a sign which identifies Him and His people. His sign is very clear and distinctive, and all who are marked by it are clearly identified. This sign is not a visible marking on any part of the body or clothing, nor is it a particular symbol displayed on a banner. It is much more enduring than any material mark. It is, in fact, eternal and indestructible. What is this mark? The Sign of Our God “And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. The Sabbath of God is the sign between Him and His people. It is the mark of distinction by which men and women show allegiance to the Creator and indicate to the world that He is their God. When the work of Creation was finished, the Creator pronounced it “very good.” Creation was an act that no other being in the universe could accomplish. It was a demonstration of the almighty power of God. It instituted a weekly cycle, commemorated in the weekly Sabbath, as a perpetual symbol of His great power to create. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3. “Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:12-15. The Sabbath is also the symbol of God’s power to sanctify: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:12, 13. The Sign of Jesus' Power It was Jesus who created the heavens and the earth. This fact is clearly set forth by the apostle Paul: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:13-17. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1, 2. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-3, 14. Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of man, was the Creator. And since the Sabbath was given as a sign of the Creator, the Sabbath is Christ’s sign. He gave it to man as a constant reminder that He who is our Creator, is also our Saviour (with power to save). He said: “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” Mark 2:28. When Was the Sabbath Given? The Sabbath is often claimed to be only for the Jews, because the written commandment to keep it was first given to Israel on Mount Sinai. But the Sabbath existed long before then. If that were not so, the commandment to observe it would not have commenced with the word; “Remember . . . ” (Exodus 20:8). To remember is commemorative. The Israelites were reminded to remember creation, not their deliverance from Egypt. The Sabbath was given to humanity on the seventh day of the creation week. In Genesis 2:2, 3 we read of the special blessing which was placed on the Sabbath. We read that the Lord: a) Rested on the Seventh day; b) Blessed the Seventh day; and a) Sanctified the Seventh day. To sanctify means to set apart for a holy use. The Sabbath is a very special day, not just one-seventh part of time, but “the seventh day.” The Sabbath is an institution that cannot he shifted from one day to another. It is fixed as the seventh day of the week. It was not an institution that the Lord blessed, but a day. Therefore, if the seventh day is separated from the Sabbath, the Sabbath is destroyed. The Sign of Salvation and Sanctification The same power of Christ as was manifested in the original creation is also manifested in His power to save people from sin. Salvation is re-creation. The old, sinful, carnal nature dies and a new heart is created: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26, 27. Again, no other power in the universe is able to do this. We cannot change ourselves, no one can, except Christ. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. The Lord Himself declared through the prophet Ezekiel; “Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. . . . And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:12, 20. Here the Sabbath is declared to be the symbol of His power to sanctify. Wherever there is a manifestation of the power of God, whether in the work of creation, deliverance or sanctification, there we find the Sabbath as its symbol. As long as the power of God exists, the Sabbath will remain as His symbol. Which Is the Lord’s Day? Because Christ instituted the Sabbath and commanded His people to keep it as a sign between Him and them, it is not surprising that Christ Himself, as a man on earth, kept the Sabbath holy: “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.” Luke 4:16. As a Sabbathkeeper it was His custom to go to the synagogue on the day. Later, as Jesus foretold the overflow of Jerusalem by the Roman Armies and warned His people to flee from the doomed city, he added; “But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day.” Matthew 24:20. It was not until the year A.D. 70 that this prophecy was fulfilled. Jesus thereby indicated that he recognized the continuing sanctity of the Sabbath and expected that this sanctity would not be lessened after His death, resurrection, or ascension, When speaking to the Pharisees one day, Jesus declared: “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” Mark 2:27, 28. If, therefore, the son of man is the Lord of the Sabbath, the Sabbath must be the “Lord’s day.” Isaiah agrees with this: “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah 58:13, 14. How Should the Sabbath Be Kept? From the Bible record the day begins and finishes at sunset. It is clearly seen in the creation record in the first chapter of Genesis. After each day of creation it is declared that the “evening and the morning” formed that day. In other words: the dark part preceded the light part of the day. This is a logical and natural division of time. With regard to the Sabbath it is the same: “. . . from even unto even, shalt ye celebrate your sabbath.” Leviticus 23:32 (last part). We too are therefore enjoined to commence the Sabbath at sunset on the sixth day of the week, and to end it at sunset on the seventh day. The Lord instructed His people Israel to offer a morning and evening sacrifice. Thus each family gathered to worship God each morning and evening. In like manner, Christian Sabbath-keepers gather together every day for morning and evening worship, especially at the beginning and closing of the holy Sabbath at the sunset hour. We are commanded to carry out all our work in the six working days, while the Sabbath is to be wholly set aside for the study of God’s Word and the wonderful works of creation and for worship. “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant; nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.” Exodus 20:9, 10. It is interesting to note that preparation of food was also not to be done on Sabbath. This was to be carried out on the previous day, known as “the day of preparation” (Mark 15:42). This lesson was taught to the children of Israel by a special miracle. After leading them out of Egypt, the Lord provided food for them for 40 years while they were in the wilderness. On the first five days of the week, manna lay on the ground every morning. If they collected extra for the next day, it went bad. But on the morning of the sixth day a double portion fell and it kept fresh until the Sabbath was over. “And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to he kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.” Exodus 16:22-27. True Christians should also prepare their food for the Sabbath on Friday. Jesus taught that there is one kind of work which can be done on the Sabbath. He demonstrated it in works of mercy, caring for the sick, and saving the life of man and beast. On the Sabbath we should not speak about our daily work, nor allow our thoughts to dwell on our personal interests. It is not a day to be spent in pleasure seeking, for the whole day is to he devoted to the Lord, This is the delight of all who love the Lord, “. . . not doing thine own ways.” Isaiah 58:13. As the Lord is eternal, so is His Sabbath. In heaven and on the earth made new, the redeemed together with angels and the unfallen beings of other worlds, will come together on the Sabbath to worship their Creator. “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 66:23. Dear friend, Will you not accept the Lord’s command and keep His Sabbath day holy? Join with God’s people as they worship each Sabbath day.

WHY PRO-LIFE EDUCATION STARTS WITH FAMILIES SYNOPSIS: This article explains how parents are the primary educators of their children and bear the responsibility of instilling faith and moral values at home. Drawing on insights from Vice President Vance, the author emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from faith, family, and virtue rather than professional accolades or secular pursuits. The author warns that public institutions and schools often fail to teach the sanctity of life, leaving children vulnerable to the negative influences of a secular society. The article states that parents are the primary educators of their children and bear the responsibility of instilling faith and moral values at home. Drawing on insights from VP Vance, the author emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from faith, family, and virtue rather than professional accolades or secular pursuits. The author warns that public institutions and secular schools often fail to teach the sanctity of life, leaving children vulnerable to the negative influences of a secular society. Thank God for this author explaning the centrality of a Christ-centered family life for instilling a pro-life worldview in their children. SOURCE: https://all.org/culture-of-life-studies/why-pro-life-education-starts-with-families

❤️DEMONISM IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE. Part 1 of 2. Having established the widespread influence and effects of the occult in the world today, we now want to show the Scriptural evidence concerning the evil power behind the occult. After establishing this on Scriptural grounds, our next study will deal with the basic strategy of Satan, the arch deceiver. We will show how the first step in his scheme to gain control of the minds and lives of men and women everywhere is to ensnare them somewhere in his demonic web of occultism. The Bible clearly reveals the existence of an unseen kingdom of darkness. It consists of a complex hierarchy of evil forces, together with an invisible host of malevolent spirits, all actively engaged in an insidious plot to deceive, control, oppress, and eventually destroy the human race. The reality of the existence of these demonic powers is clearly affirmed by the Old Testament itself, as seen in the stringent legislation against any traffic in the occult by the Israelites. Such involvement was punishable by death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). The satanic confederacy and its warfare against the whole creation, beginning with the manifestation of Satan himself at the very inception of the human race (Genesis 3), can be traced throughout the Old and New Testaments. With the Advent of Christ and the establishment of the church, the conflict between the forces of righteousness and the powers of darkness for control of the created order breaks forth on a scale hitherto unknown. It is exceeded only by the present demonic flood of wickedness being unleashed against the world now at the consummation of the ages. This is precisely what the Scriptures predict (II Thessalonians 2:1-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:11; cf. Ephesians 6:10-13; I John 4:1-3; II John 7-11; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelation 13). Apart from the testimony of the Scriptures, there is no satisfactory explanation for the present-day revival of witchcraft, spiritism, and occultism in all forms, nor the alarming increase in war, crimes, suicide, racial strife, social unrest, mental illness, disease, divorce, juvenile delinquency, sexual perversion, adultery, and revolt against law and order. The contemporary church, to a great extent, lives in a world of make-believe with regard to recognition of the extensive influence of deceiving and malevolent spirits working against the human race. It is deluded by the unscriptural idea that Satan presents no serious threat to the Christian today. The popular notion is that Satan was defeated by Christ at Calvary; therefore, his present work is largely limited to blinding the eyes of the lost to the truth of the Gospel and harassing Christians by tempting them with worldly allurements or sinful pleasures. Such a naive attitude has no basis whatever in Scripture. It is significant that the apostle Paul still calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air" and "the god of this world" after Calvary (Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4)! The Scriptures warn believers that they should "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith"(I Peter 5:8-9; cf. Ephesians 6:10-13). Satan's invisible hosts are engaged in a ceaseless warfare against believers in an effort to hinder, deceive, discourage, defeat, oppress, maim, and destroy. Moreover, much of the church today denies any need for the charismatic gifts (I Corinthians 12). They contend that these supernatural manifestations were merely a temporary foundation in the erection of the first century church. But in abandoning the charismatic gifts, they have surrendered the very weapons God placed in the church to cope effectively with the forces of darkness. The church was called and invested with sufficient power and authority to conduct an effective warfare against the powers of darkness. Casting out demons, binding the forces of evil, and loosing victims from the oppression and bondage of Satan are still as much the duty of the church as the proclamation of salvation in Christ. In fact, these are a vital and inseparable part of the Gospel itself which Christ commissioned His church to preach (Mark 16:15-20). Another result of this surrender of the charismatic power to heal and deliver from satanic oppression is that the pastoral ministry today is largely limited to "soul-care." Consequently, persons suffering mental, physical, or psychic disorders are referred to other professionals for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. The typical pastor may try to cope with the effects of these insidious powers in the lives of men and women through counseling and prayer; but he often fails to deal with their cause-Satan. When the church dissected the Great Commission, separating the Word from the signs given to confirm it, it lost the power to convince the unbelieving world. Thus, after three centuries of turning the world upside down, the church began to waver and then steadily to lose ground to the powers of darkness. But in these closing days of history we are seeing a fresh enduement of power from on high, a restoration of charismatic ministry, in which the church is once again arising victorious to meet and overcome the flood of demonic wickedness sweeping across the earth. A. Existence and Reality of the Kingdom of Darkness. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. -Ephesians 6:12. The Scriptures inform us that God created not only a material or physical world but also an invisible, spiritual realm consisting of angels and other spiritual intelligences, such as cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 28:14-15), seraphim (Isaiah 6:1,6), living creatures (Revelation 4-5), and other unnamed hosts and ministers of God (Psalms 84:1; 103:20-21; 148:2-5). The creation and existence of an invisible, spiritual realm, as well as the visible, is shown by the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him" (cf. Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2-5). The Invisible hosts, dwelling either in the presence of God or in heavenly regions in close proximity to the earth, are of two orders: the good and the evil. The Scriptures further divide these two orders into a hierarchy consisting of thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities, powers, world rulers, spirit-forces in the heavenlies, angels, archangels, princes, cherubim, seraphim, and other spiritual hosts. Some of the designations refer to holy angelic authority, others denote evil supernatural forces, while some may refer to either, depending on the context. Certainly, the powers of darkness and the satanic confederacy are under consideration in such passages as Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 12:24-26, Ephesians 1:20-21, and perhaps also in Colossians 1:16; 2:10. In Isaiah 14:13, Satan refers to the reality of his kingdom, saying, "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." Christ Himself acknowledges its existence in Matthew 12:26 saying, "If Satan cast out Satan ... how shall then his kingdom stand?" The apostle Paul speaks of him as "the prince of the power of the air" (literally, "the ruler of the authority of the air," or the regions in proximity to the earth) and as "the god of this age." When Satan offered Christ the kingdoms of this world in return for His acknowledgment of Satan as god, Jesus did not challenge his right to offer them. In fact, Christ Himself referred to Satan three times as "the ruler of this world." John designates him as the head of the present world-system (I John 5:19). He rules in world affairs and directs them from his throne in the heavenlies. Men and governments, as well as educational, social, economic, financial, political, and in some cases, religious institutions, are under Satan's power to whatever extent they yield to his influence. B. Origin of Evil: Satan and the Demonic Powers. There is no simple answer to the perplexing question of the origin of Satan and his host of demonic spirits. God is not the Author of evil, for the Scriptures show that He created all things good in the beginning (Genesis 1:31). But how could sin originate in a perfect universe, or holy angels and spirits fall in the first place into the sin of rebellion against God? In order to shed light on this mystery, we must first examine what God has revealed in His Word concerning Satan, whom the Scriptures designate as the father and source of all that is evil. 1. Satan. First of all, the Scriptures clearly show that Satan is not merely an impersonal evil "power" or "influence," the "negation of good"; but he is an intelligent, spiritual personality, ruler of a vast kingdom, and god of this world. The Scriptures contain many references showing that Satan is a personality. 1. Personal pronouns are used in reference to him (Job 1:8; 2:1-2; Matthew 12:26). 2. He possesses intelligence and cunning (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11); memory (Matthew 4:6); knowledge and emotions (Revelation 12:12); will (Isaiah 14:12-15); speech faculties (Job 1-2; Matthew 4). 3. He will be punished as a moral, responsible being (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). What do the Scriptures reveal as to the origin of Satan, the source of evil? From the fact that the Bible shows that God is the Creator of all things, both visible and, whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities or powers (Colossians 1:16; John 1:1-3), and that He created all things good (Genesis 1:31), we may conclude that the spiritual being designated Satan in the Scriptures was not originally a fallen creature. Do the Scriptures shed any light on this? We believe that they do. It is highly improbable that this archenemy of God and man, the source and cause of all the evil and misfortune in the universe, would be unceremoniously introduced into Scripture (Genesis 3) without some revelation in the Word of God as to his origin and subsequent apostasy, as well as some insight into the nature of his kingdom. There are several passages of Scripture which refer to Satan's creation, apostasy, and fall from his original exalted position in heaven. Two of these deserve special consideration, namely, Isaiah 14:1-20 and Ezekiel 28:1-19. What is the true identity of the person described in these passages? A careful study will reveal that the description in these passages cannot be limited to the historic kings of Babylon and Tyre. The language, although addressed to them, clearly goes beyond these kings and characterizes Satan himself. In the first place, the scope of Isaiah's prophecy is future, looking even beyond Israel's return from the Babylonian exile. Chapter 14:1-3 introduces the time of Israel's millennial blessings when she is restored to the land of Israel (14:1), ruling over her oppressors (14:2), and has been granted rest in her own land (14:3). The language in verse 12, which is addressed to the king of Babylon, is also used of Satan (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-10), who, as the prince of this world, was the directing spiritual influence and power behind the king. Moreover, the language in verses 13-14 is inappropriate if limited to that earthly monarch. There are five "I wills" of Satan in this passage which cannot be applied to the king of Babylon. Satan boasted: "I will ascend into heaven." "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." "I will sit upon the mount of the congregation." "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds." "I will make myself like the Most High." The language, like that in Ezekiel 28:11-19, clearly goes beyond application to the historical king, and is directed to Satan. Ezekiel 28 describes the original, unfallen state of Satan and his apostasy, whereas Isaiah 14 records his fall and ultimate destruction. Why then are these two prophecies addressed to the historical kings of Babylon and Tyre, if they describe Satan and his career? It is a characteristic of divine prophecy, and not uncommon in Scripture, for a message clearly to refer to or be directed to someone other than the individual named. Other passages where Satan is addressed indirectly through another are Genesis 3:14-15, Matthew 16:23, and John 13:27. In the Messianic psalms, while David apparently speaks of himself, he is actually describing Christ (cf. Psalms 16:10; 22, etc.). Thus, we find that the kings of Babylon and Tyre are addressed in language which, by its very nature, describes someone other than themselves, because: (1) in the characters and careers of these earthly monarchs, the wicked character and career of Satan is seen; (2) Satan fulfills himself and his evil administration in and through these earthly kings who rule over his earthly dominions (Luke 4:5-6); and (3) these rulers, like Satan, arrogated to themselves divine honor and prerogatives (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:2). Next, observe the extraordinary nature of the description in Ezekiel 28:11-19, and the inappropriateness of limiting it to the historic king of Tyre: "Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty" (28:12). He was complete and perfect before God. "Thou wast in Eden, the garden of God" (v. 13). This is not the Eden of Genesis 3, but the paradise of God (v. 14, "the holy mountain of God") where he was arrayed with all imaginable splendor: "every precious stone was thy covering." "In the day that thou wast created" (v. 13). Twice his "creation" is mentioned (cf. v. 15), which is inappropriate if applied to the king of Tyre. Of the human race, only Adam is said to have been "created"; his descendants are always said to be "born." "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth" (v. 14). No satisfactory explanation of the designation "cherub" has ever been offered when applied to the king of Tyre. The cherubim in Scripture are spiritual beings who always appear in the closest relationship to God (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:20; I Chronicles 28:18; Psalm 18:11; Ezekiel 1:9-11). "I set thee, so that thou wast upon the holy mountain of God" (v. 14). He was appointed by God Himself to an exalted position. "Thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire" (v. 14). Doubtless this signifies the divine presence of God and His glory (cf. Ezekiel 1:13. Exodus 24:10,17). "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till unrighteousness was found in thee" (v. 15). Certainly this is unsuitable and inappropriate when applied to the king of Tyre, who was not "created," never "perfect," so did not later fall into a state of unrighteousness. This is, however, an accurate description of the career of Satan. Compare Colossians 1:16 with Ephesians 6:12, and John 1:3 with John 8:44, which suggest the fall of Satan from an original state of righteousness. Satan, we are told, "abode not in the truth." "Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness" (v. 17). The Scriptures always designate pride as the cause for Satan's fall and condemnation (I Timothy 3:6; Isaiah 14:13-14). "Therefore have I cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God; and I have destroyed thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire ... I have cast thee to the ground ... I have turned thee to ashes ... and thou shalt nevermore have any being" (verses 16-19). This is the exact fate predicted for Satan in Scripture (Revelation 12:7-9; 20:10; Isaiah 14:12, 15-20). Satan was not alone in his apostasy and fall, for the Scriptures indicate that he was able to persuade numerous angels, and perhaps other spirit beings, to join in his rebellion and attempt to usurp the throne of God. Apparently the angels, possessing moral freedom, underwent a period of probation and testing just as Adam, for we read that some "sinned," and "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The angels of the devil are referred to in Revelation 12:7. Others who kept their integrity are designated as "holy angels" (Mark 8:38) and "elect angels" (I Timothy 5:21). As a result of Satan's rebellion and fall, sin entered and polluted the universe which God had created good, and Satan became the source of all evil and misfortune (John 8:44). His character and purpose are now given over entirely unto evil. He is called a "murderer," "the father of lies" (John 8:44), and an incorrigible sinner (1 John 3:8). He became the adversary of man, deceiving, oppressing, accusing, and seeking to destroy all that God has created (Genesis 3; Job 1-2; Acts 10:38; Revelation 12:9-10). The present realm and sphere of this evil one and his hierarchy of wicked powers is not in "hell" (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7-9); but the seat of his kingdom is in the heavenly regions, doubtless in close proximity to the earth (Revelation 12:7-12; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12. "High places" in 6:12 literally means "heavens" or "heavenly regions"). He walks up and down in the earth at will (Job 1:7; I Peter 5:8), and has access to heaven's throne as the "accuser" of believers (Job 1-2; Zechariah 3; Revelation 12:10). His present position is one of royal dignity and authority, so much so that even the archangel Michael "durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke thee"" (Jude 8-9). His present dominion is that of king and ruler over a vast kingdom and hierarchy of dark powers (Matthew 12:26,29; 25:41; Ephesians 6:12), being designated as "ruler of this world," "ruler of the power of the air," and having the whole world under his power and influence (John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; I John 5:19). As prince of this world, he rules over the godless political systems, in world affairs, in the realm of agnostic science and philosophy, and in the social and economic orders. His designation as "the god of this world" (II Corinthians 4:4) signifies his present spiritual and religious power and influence. His influence and control in religion are to be found in various forms, ranging from subtle perversions of doctrine, including Liberalism, Modernism, Neo-orthodoxy, and New Age, to the revival of witchcraft, false cults, and devil worship. The worship of Satan and demons is not unknown in Scripture (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:16-17; Psalm 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20; I Timothy 4:1-3). Satanic churches exist today; and covenants with the devil, as well as prayers to him for assistance, have occasionally been disclosed by the oppressed in counseling with them. Thus, Scripture actually sheds much light on the origin of evil in the universe and the present extent and work of the kingdom of Satan. However, a perplexing question yet remains: "How could sin originate in a perfect universe, or holy angels and spirits fall into the sin of apostasy and rebellion against God apart from outside influence?" Adam transgressed and fell from his state of innocence through the temptations of an outside influence, Satan. But in the transgression of Satan, the "anointed cherub" himself (as well as the holy angels who sinned), there was no one to influence nor tempt him. Sin actually had its origin in him: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:15). While Scripture does not give a direct solution, it does offer some help in solving this mystery. We offer two suggestions. 1. Free moral agency. Satan, angels, and other spirit beings, like man, were created as free moral agents. That is, they were created intelligent, rational, and spiritual, with the power of free moral choice. By God's divine intention, they were given the power of self-determination with respect to their obedience to God. Obviously, before sin entered the universe, Satan was still the anointed cherub. He and the angels who later sinned did not have a choice between good and evil as realities, inasmuch as evil did not yet exist. But the potential for evil existed, in that God had created other free moral beings and had given them the power to say "no" to Him and to rebel against His will. Before sin entered the universe, only one form of transgression was possible: disobedience to God's revealed will and commands. Satan's only choice initially was to obey or to disobey, as it was later in the case of Adam, whose transgression introduced sin into the world (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6). Irrational beasts do not have this power of choice, nor the right of self-determination; but neither can they, for that matter, worship God and by their own volition serve, honor, and obey Him. Free response based on love, not forced obedience, would alone satisfy and glorify God, the Father of all creatures, in exactly the same way a parent is honored and pleased by the loving, willful response and obedience of a child. The initial choice was God's. Irrational beasts or sub-human robots without the ability of moral choice would present no threat to sanctity of the universe; but God wished to bring into existence beings who could freely worship, honor, and glorify Him. As God certainly knew of beforehand, this would require giving them the right of self-determination and the potential power of disobeying Him and His will. A creature who could not willfully say "no" to God, likewise could not willfully say "yes" to Him. So evil did not exist from the beginning as a reality but as a potentiality. God created a free, moral universe and it is for this reason that Satan could choose not to abide "in the truth" (John 8:44). We may certainly infer from this that at one time he walked before God in truth and perfection, as Ezekiel 28:15 also indicates But, by an act of his own will, he chose not to abide any longer therein. So also, many of the angels, having the power of self-determination, "sinned" and "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6). 2. Finiteness. Satan, angels, and other spirit beings were, like man, created finite. To be "finite" means to be subject to limitations. It is a state of not being perfected (in the absolute sense); it is to be incomplete. Finiteness stems from the fact of creation. It is impossible to create an infinite creature-this would be a contradiction. Only God, as uncreated Spirit, without beginning or end, is infinite: that is, He is without limitation; He is perfect in righteousness, power, wisdom, holiness, and love. Finiteness is inherent in creation. Satan's finiteness was the door to his fall, as it was with Adam. If one is finite in his essential nature, then his character, actions, motives, conformity to God's will, power to obey and not to sin-in a word, all that he is and does-will also be subject to this limitation or finiteness. Finiteness itself does not imply imperfection or defectiveness, but it implies limitation and susceptibility to failure or defeat under certain conditions. Satan, as the anointed cherub, was preeminent in beauty and wisdom, possessing many other glorious attributes (Ezekiel 28:14). But being finite, he allowed pride to enter his heart because of his beauty ("Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty," Ezekiel 28:17; I Timothy 3:6), and sinful ambition, because of his great position ("I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will be like the Most High," Isaiah 14:13-14). Due to his incomparable beauty and wisdom, and because of his exalted position, his finiteness caused him to look away from the truth unto himself. The result was catastrophic: "he abode not in the truth" (John 8:44). 2. Demons. We turn next to the hosts who comprise Satan's kingdom: demons and fallen angels. Satan, as god of this world, rules over a vast host of demonic spirits and directs an extensive kingdom and hierarchy, consisting of principalities, powers, world rulers of darkness, and spirits of wickedness in the heavenly regions (Ephesians 6:12). Demons and fallen angels are never equated nor used interchangeably in Scripture. No angel is said to be "in" a person as in the case of the demon possessed. We do not read of a person who was possessed by an "unclean angel" (cf. Luke 4:33-36). Angels and other spirits are distinguished in Acts 23:9. The Scriptures speak of many kinds of spiritual creatures. In our modern age of science and technology, with advancements in medical knowledge and psychiatry, and as a result of the rise of critical Biblical scholarship, it has become popular to deny the reality and existence of such personal entities as Satan, demons, and evil spirits, dismissing such beliefs as unenlightened superstition. Several theories have been proposed by the skeptics in an unsuccessful attempt to explain rationally the manifestation of demonic powers. One such theory contends that the Bible, when it speaks of the presence and activity of demons, merely reflects prescientific superstition. From ancient times, we are told, every culture has held to the superstitious belief that the world is inhabited by unseen forces or spirits, some having good intentions toward man and some evil. In this way they were able to explain the mysteries of life and death, accident and disease, prosperity or famine, plagues, floods, storms, and so on. With our present day knowledge of science and the operation of physical laws, it is no longer necessary to resort to unrealistic explanations based upon unseen spirit forces. Within Christendom some rationalistic theologians propose the theory of accommodation in an attempt to explain Jesus' references to demons and His exorcism of the spirits which in some instances possessed those to whom He ministered. Jesus, we are told, was actually aware that such personal intelligences as demonic spirits did not really exist, but inasmuch as the people to whom He ministered held to these superstitions, He merely accommodated Himself to their unenlightened views concerning the cause of physical and mental illness. His purpose, we are told, was not to teach science, but religion. Hence, He did not attempt to correct their unscientific beliefs. To say the least, such preposterous theory is ethically out of harmony with the moral life and teaching of Jesus Himself as set forth in the New Testament. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.