Love is not feeling some emotional force its deliberate choice Truth is, love is not a feeling over which we have no control, that is driven without thought by waves of emotion. (I think that might be a definition of infatuation.) Real love is deliberate and thoughtful. The essence of love is the deliberate choose to be love. Our emotions are impacted by stress, whether or not we are sick, under pressure, distracted or just plain tired. Therefore, how we feel emotionally is often a very poor guide for how we should show love. In contrast, consider how God loves us. John declares that God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is the foundation, the essence and the best descriptor of His character, as well as the motivation for everything He does. With great care God so loved the world that He was willing to allow His Son to come to earth and die so that our sins could be forgiven (John 3:16). IT'S A DELIBERATE CHOICE AND SACRIFICE YOU MAKE EVERYDAY...CHRIST LOVE THE BRIDE(CHURCH) THAT HE GAVE HIMSELF TO DIE FOR HER EVERYDAY YOU GIVEN A CHOICE TO LOVE...that CHOICE IS SACRIFICE THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SELF DENIAL FOR OTHERS

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

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 15–16 | Galatians 3 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 15 God’s Faithfulness Through Unstable Times 2 Kings 15 presents a rapid succession of kings in both Judah and Israel, revealing increasing political instability and spiritual decline. Although several rulers come to power, the repeated evaluation of their reigns remains remarkably consistent. Most continue walking in the sinful patterns established by those before them, refusing to lead the people back to wholehearted worship of the Lord. The chapter begins with Azariah (Uzziah) in Judah. He generally follows the Lord, and God grants him a long and prosperous reign. Yet even during his leadership, the high places remain, showing that incomplete reform often leaves room for continued spiritual compromise. Outward stability cannot replace complete devotion to God. The narrative then shifts repeatedly to the northern kingdom, where kings rise and fall through conspiracy, assassination, and violence. Political power changes hands rapidly, demonstrating that kingdoms built on rebellion and self-interest can never experience lasting peace. Human ambition repeatedly promises security but produces only greater instability. As the chapter progresses, the growing influence of Assyria becomes increasingly evident. God begins allowing foreign powers to discipline His people because of their persistent refusal to repent. The decline does not happen suddenly but develops gradually through years of compromise, idolatry, and disobedience. Despite the nation's instability, one truth remains unchanged: God continues preserving the Davidic line in Judah according to His covenant promise. Kings fail, governments collapse, and nations weaken, yet God's redemptive plan continues moving forward exactly as He intended. Theologically, 2 Kings 15 reveals that political stability cannot substitute for spiritual faithfulness. Nations and leaders rise and fall, but God's covenant promises remain secure. The chapter also demonstrates that small compromises, when left unaddressed, eventually produce larger consequences. This chapter points to Christ, whose kingdom stands in complete contrast to the unstable kingdoms of this world. Earthly rulers come and go, but Jesus reigns forever. His throne is established upon righteousness, justice, and truth, never threatened by conspiracy, corruption, or rebellion. For believers today, 2 Kings 15 reminds us not to place our ultimate confidence in human leadership or earthly systems. Our hope rests in Christ alone. While the world around us may experience uncertainty and instability, God's kingdom remains unshakable. We are called to remain faithful to Him, trusting that His purposes continue unfolding even during difficult and uncertain times. 2 Kings 16 The Cost of Compromise 2 Kings 16 focuses on the reign of Ahaz, one of Judah's most ungodly kings. Unlike many of his predecessors who mixed obedience with compromise, Ahaz openly rejects the ways of the Lord and embraces the practices of the surrounding pagan nations. His reign demonstrates how quickly spiritual compromise can deepen into outright rebellion against God. When Judah faces military threats, Ahaz refuses to trust the Lord for deliverance. Instead, he turns to Assyria for protection. Humanly speaking, the alliance appears practical and successful, but spiritually it reveals a heart that places greater confidence in political power than in God's covenant promises. The compromise does not end with foreign alliances. During a visit to Damascus, Ahaz becomes impressed by a pagan altar and orders one like it to be constructed in Jerusalem. He replaces God's ordained pattern of worship with one borrowed from a pagan culture. His actions reveal a dangerous desire to reshape worship according to human preference rather than divine instruction. As Ahaz continues altering the temple and its furnishings, the chapter illustrates that spiritual compromise often begins subtly but eventually affects every area of worship. When God's Word is no longer the standard, human opinion gradually replaces divine authority. Although Ahaz achieves temporary political security, his spiritual decisions leave lasting damage. His reign becomes another step in Judah's gradual decline, demonstrating that worldly success achieved apart from God always carries a high spiritual cost. Yet even amid Judah's unfaithfulness, God's covenant remains secure. The Lord does not abandon His redemptive plan. His promises continue moving toward their fulfillment through the preserved line of David, despite the failures of individual kings. Theologically, 2 Kings 16 teaches that compromise often begins by seeking human solutions instead of trusting God. It also reveals the danger of reshaping worship and truth according to cultural influences rather than God's revealed Word. This chapter points to Christ, who remained perfectly faithful to the Father's will. Jesus never compromised truth for acceptance or convenience. He fulfilled God's purposes completely and now calls His followers to worship the Father in spirit and truth rather than according to the changing standards of the world. For believers today, 2 Kings 16 serves as a warning against allowing culture, fear, or convenience to shape our relationship with God. We are called to trust the Lord rather than worldly solutions and to remain faithful to His Word regardless of the pressures around us. In Christ, we have a perfect King who never compromised and who gives us the grace to stand faithfully in a world that constantly invites us to lower God's standards. Galatians 3 — Justified by Faith and United in the Christ Galatians chapter 3 stands at the heart of Paul's defense of the gospel, explaining that God's redemptive plan has always been based on faith rather than human effort. After confronting the danger of adding works to salvation, Paul now demonstrates from Scripture that the Christ, the Son of God, fulfills God's promises and that righteousness has always been received through faith. This chapter calls believers to rest completely in the finished work of the Christ and to reject every attempt to earn what God freely gives by grace. The chapter begins with Paul's astonishment that the Galatian believers had begun relying on human effort after receiving the gospel by faith. He reminds them that their Christian life began through the work of the Holy Spirit, not through keeping religious requirements. Christian living follows the same pattern. The Son of God not only saves by grace but also sustains believers by grace. The redemptive plan cannot be completed through human strength because it was never begun that way. Paul then points to Abraham as the great example of faith. Long before the Law was given, Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God's promise. This demonstrates that faith has always been the foundation of God's relationship with His people. The redemptive plan did not begin with the Law but with God's promise, which ultimately found its fulfillment in the Christ. Those who place their faith in the Son of God become children of Abraham through faith, sharing in the blessing God promised from the beginning. The chapter explains that relying upon the Law for righteousness places people under its condemnation because no one is able to keep it perfectly. The Law reveals God's holiness and exposes humanity's sinfulness, but it cannot save. This reveals humanity's desperate need for the Christ. The Son of God entered the world to accomplish what the Law could never accomplish—complete redemption from the curse of sin. Paul then presents one of the chapter's most beautiful truths: the Christ willingly took upon Himself the curse that belonged to humanity. Through His sacrificial death, He redeemed those who were under condemnation so that God's promised blessing could come to all who believe. This is the very heart of the redemptive plan. The Son of God bore our judgment so that we might receive His righteousness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The chapter also explains the proper purpose of the Law. It was never intended to replace God's promise but to prepare people for the coming of the Christ. By revealing sin and humanity's inability to save itself, the Law pointed people toward their need for a Savior. Once the Christ came, the purpose of the Law as a guardian was fulfilled because salvation had arrived through Him. Paul emphasizes that through faith in the Christ, believers become sons and daughters of God. Their identity is no longer determined by ethnicity, social standing, gender, or religious background but by their relationship with the Son of God. The redemptive plan creates one family united in the Christ. Every believer shares equally in the promises of God because all stand on the same foundation of grace. The chapter concludes by declaring that those who belong to the Christ are heirs according to God's promise. Everything promised to Abraham ultimately belongs to those who are united with the Son of God through faith. Christian living is therefore lived from a position of acceptance rather than striving. Believers do not work to become heirs; they live because they already are heirs through the grace of the Christ. Throughout this chapter, the focus remains firmly upon the Son of God. He fulfills God's promises, bears humanity's curse, provides true righteousness, and unites all believers into one family. The redemptive plan is entirely centered upon His finished work and received through faith alone. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to rest completely in the grace of the Christ. Christian living is not sustained by religious performance but by continual dependence upon the Son of God. We are called to reject every form of legalism and rejoice in the freedom that comes through faith. As children of God and heirs of His promises, we walk confidently in His grace, knowing that the redemptive plan has been fully accomplished through the Christ and that our hope rests securely in Him alone. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Praise the Lord everyone. I joined this group so that I can connect with fellow believers from around the world, share my experiences, request for prayers and interact but I am disappointed that not one person responded to my prayer request for my son's salvation. I also noticed that people here hardly respond to the posts here. I wonder if I made a mistake joining this group. As fellow believers we are required to encourage one another and uplift each other in prayer but I am sorry that is missing here. I will wait and see for another week and maybe exit this group.

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

So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22 ɴᴋᴊᴠ The Son of God begins His public ministry by teaching the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues. One example is in Nazareth. When He preaches there, the people are at first amazed at His wisdom and the words of grace He speaks to them. But it only takes a few minutes before the mood changes and they start to get angry with Him. Why? Because His words are not only pleasant but also seasoned with salt. That is why they suddenly say, “‘Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?’ So they were offended at Him” (Mk. 6:3). How does He deal with the fact that people think so disdainfully of Him and see in Him nothing more than a common carpenter? Is He upset by their behavior? Not at all. Instead, He calmly presents to them a sad but true principle: it is written that Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house” (Mk. 6:4). He does not threaten them with judgment or rebuke them harshly. Instead, He accepts with meekness from the hand of God the rejection He experiences from these people, before whose eyes He had lived for so long. With this attitude of heart, He simply moves on through the surrounding villages and continues His ministry. Even today, it is not uncommon for a servant of the Lord to be more appreciated in another place and country than at home, where they have been known from an early age and where they may be misjudged or met with envy and jealousy. Philip Svetlik Mighty King, with glory crowned, Rightful Heir and Lord of all:Once rejected, scorned, disowned, E’en by those Thou cam’st to call. Richard Holden https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-19

Can I not do with you as this potter? says the Lᴏʀᴅ. Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand. Jeremiah 18:6 Let’s observe a potter at work: First, he takes a lump of clay and kneads it to make it pliable. Then, he places it on the potter’s wheel and shapes it. As he presses one hand into the interior, giving it the desired volume, he holds it with the other from the outside, smoothing, refining and shaping the clay. It takes much skill and experience to form a useful vessel out of a shapeless mass. God is the potter who has shaped humans (the clay) according to His intention and wisdom. The patriarch Job expresses it to God: “Your hands have made me and fashioned me ... Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay” (Job 10:8–9). But sin has corrupted everything. The vessel has became unusable for God; it is “marred” and no longer serves its purpose (Jeremiah 18:4). The problem doesn’t lie with God – He is a perfect potter! – but with us. What now? The clay is still in the hand of God. When sinners repent by acknowledging God’s judgment of “uselessness” over their lives, He starts anew with us: He will make from the same lump of clay a vessel for His honour. Everyone who has turned to God and has believed in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has eternal life. A treasure has, so to speak, been placed into the vessel, making it valuable to God now. Yet the potter’s work is not finished. When believers feel pressure because of grief, illness or other difficulties weighing them down, it is God’s hand shaping their character: this is in order that we might please Him. Today’s reading: Joshua 19:1-51 · 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2026-08-19

*From Death to Life* Many of us unfortunately know what it feels like to lose a loved one. And we've longed to have just a few more hours with them here on earth. *John 11* tells the story of Lazarus—a man who died but, by the power of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, was brought back to life four days later. It was a miracle! What was dead became alive again! And yet, we only know that Lazarus’ physical body was resurrected. *Romans 6:5 "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. "* In this passage from Romans, Paul writes about a different type of resurrection—the best kind of resurrection. Unlike Lazarus, Jesus' resurrection wasn't merely physical, but also one of the Spirit. It wasn't temporary, but permanent💃. But before Jesus’ resurrection, He willingly faced a painful, slow, emotional death. Jesus died that death for you. He suffered on the Cross for humanity. He bore the weight of all sin and affliction so that we might live with Him forever. The Bible tells us how this story ends, but on the day that Jesus died, the people who loved Him did not know its end. They mourned, they grieved, they wept. Jesus' death felt final, but it wasn't. We might have a friend or family member who’s far from God, who doesn’t know the good news that comes after mourning. Or we might be in that same period of uncertainty—feeling like we don’t know the rest of the story.  When we've been united with Jesus by accepting the truth that He died in our place, as well as His free gift of grace, we can know that we have passed from death to life—forever! Our eternity is secure with Him. We can have joy and hope, and we can share it with others, and should/must share the experience. *Prayer* Everlasting Father, You made it possible for us to go from death to life, and to spend eternity with You! We can't fully comprehend or express how amazing that is. We don't deserve this kind of unconditional love, but we are grateful for it and overwhelmed by it. Thank You that this story isn't over, and You will have the final victory over sin and death. Amen!

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Mark 3:10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. What would you do? If you were in a crowd that was listening to Jesus. You had heard the stories that Jesus healed a leper, a man with a shriveled hand who was made whole, a demonized guy now with a sound mind, the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years who was healed after touching the hem of his garment, story after story. Would you be so rude to push your way towards Jesus to touch him and ask for forgiveness later? Why did the Father send Jesus to the earth? Jesus said I come to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17) Jesus went around teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) This would mean what He did then, He still does today and tomorrow. So, what are you doing today to push your way to get closer to Jesus? Read your Bible, think about the verses you read. Jesus frequently said "Your faith has made you well".