When there is a diagnosis of a physical dysfunction of the heart, we get perturbed and will do all we can to set it right.

However, the spiritual condition of our heart is known to God alone. As the Lord searches the deep desires of our heart and perceives the thoughts of our mind, He finds it deceitful and desperately wicked.

The good news is that Jesus can give us a new heart if we are willing to believe on Him, repent and confess our sins. When we do so, the Holy Spirit takes control of our lives so that there is a genuine transformation from deep within our hearts.

Have a wonderful day, and may the Lord change our hearts so they will beat as one with His.
Esther Collins
Based on Jeremiah 17:9-10

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
The Lord is Near

By Vera Malova

August 17th, 2026

I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again.

In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went.

I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized.

On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up.

“Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead!

Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me.

Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?”

“Yes, I think I will,” I answered.

“Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted.

When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!”

His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!”

Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you!

Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.

As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.”

Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word!

Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.”

He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down.

One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.”

Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness.

It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again.

Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood!

Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Seek the Lord, for He is near.

Need to know.
CAN A CHRISTIAN LISTEN TO WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC? THE SHOCKING TRUTH MANY BELIEVERS ARE AFRAID TO DISCUSS

Child of God, this is one of the most debated questions in Christianity today.

Some believers say, "Music is just entertainment." Others believe anything outside worship is dangerous.

But the real question is this:

What is your music feeding? Your flesh or your spirit?

Music is never just background noise. It shapes emotions, influences thoughts, creates atmospheres, and affects your spiritual sensitivity. Many people judge music by the beat while ignoring the message it carries.

The Bible shows that music has spiritual influence. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's harp brought relief to Saul as the evil spirit departed. If godly music can usher in peace, worship, and God's presence, shouldn't we also consider what ungodly music may be inviting into our hearts?

This is why discernment matters.

Not every secular song is evil, but neither is every song spiritually safe. The issue isn't simply the rhythm—it's the message, the values it celebrates, and the fruit it produces in your life.

Much of today's music glorifies lust, immorality, pride, violence, greed, drunkenness, revenge, and rebellion against God's ways.

Ask yourself honestly:

• If I spend hours every day feeding on messages that oppose God's Word, how will that shape my heart?

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."

Music enters through emotion and repetition. What you repeatedly listen to eventually shapes your desires, attitudes, and spiritual appetite. It is no surprise that many believers know every lyric of a worldly song but struggle to remember Scripture or spend time in prayer.

At the same time, avoid legalism.

Not every secular song promotes sin. Some simply tell stories about life, family, or human experiences. That's why believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not blanket condemnation.

Instead, ask these questions:

• Does this music glorify sin?

• Does it stir ungodly desires?

• Does it weaken or strengthen my relationship with Christ?

Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on whatever is true, pure, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

The truth is simple:

• Not everything lawful is beneficial.

• Not everything popular is healthy.

• Not everything entertaining is harmless.

Guard your heart. Protect your spiritual atmosphere. Let the Holy Spirit shape what fills your mind, because what fills your heart will eventually shape your life.

What do you think? Can Christians listen to secular music? Have you seen music affect your walk with God?

Let's talk about it.
MAN IS A LIVING SOUL — HE DOES NOT HAVE A SOUL

The Bible tells us exactly how Adam became a living soul:
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” — Genesis 2:7

The order is clear:
Dust of the ground + Breath of life = Living soul

God did not place a separate conscious, immortal soul inside Adam. Adam himself became a living soul when God gave his body the breath of life.

That breath is the life-giving breath we physically breathe in and out — the ability to breathe, take in oxygen, and sustain life. It is not a conscious ghost or personality living inside the body.

At death, the process is reversed:

Living soul − Breath of life = Death

“His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” — Psalm 146:4

The body returns to the earth and the life God gave returns to Him.

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7

The Bible does not teach that a conscious ghost leaves the body and continues thinking after death.

It says plainly:
“The dead know not any thing.” — Ecclesiastes 9:5

When the breath of life is gone, the person is dead and unconscious...in the grave awaiting the resurrection.

Daily Devotional.
Speak the truth to my neighbor.

These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. Zechariah 8:16

To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people by the fireside, improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse.

Take along the publications and ask them to read. When they see that you are sincere they will not despise any of your efforts. There is a way to reach the hardest hearts. Approach in the simplicity and sincerity and humility that will help us to reach the souls of them for whom Christ died.

Allow no opportunity to pass unimproved. Visit those who live near you, and by sympathy and kindness try to reach their hearts. Visit the sick and suffering and show a kindly interest in them. If possible, do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means you can reach their hearts and speak a word for Christ. Eternity alone will reveal how far reaching such a line of labor can be.

Those who do not take up this work, those who act with the indifference that some have manifested, will soon lose their first love and will begin to censure, criticize, and condemn their own brethren.

Those who go forth in the spirit of the Master, seeking to reach souls with the truth, will ... become more and more vitalized as they give themselves to the service of God. It is a joyous work to open the Scriptures to others. [234]

17-08-2026

One Spirit With Him

Scripture — 1 Corinthians 6:17 (AMP)
“But the one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

What an incredible truth: when you belong to Christ, you are not walking through life alone. You are united with Him.

The world often tells us to find our identity in what we accomplish, what people think of us, our past, or our circumstances. But God invites us into something far deeper. Through faith in Jesus, we are joined to Him. His presence is not simply something we visit during prayer or church—it is a reality we carry with us every day.

Being “one spirit with Him” means your relationship with Jesus affects the way you think, speak, choose, love, and live. When you are tempted, He is with you. When you are discouraged, He is with you. When you don't know which way to go, you can turn to Him.

You don't have to live as though you are separated from God, trying to figure everything out by your own strength. His Spirit is with you, guiding you and drawing you closer to Him.

Today, remember that your life belongs to Christ. Your body, your mind, your choices, your dreams, and your future can all be surrendered to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live from your union with Jesus rather than from fear, pressure, or insecurity.

Prayer
Father, thank You that through Jesus I am united with You. Help me to remember that I am never alone. Let Your Spirit guide my thoughts, my words, and my decisions today. Teach me to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love. When I feel weak, remind me that Your presence is with me. I surrender every part of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Reminder
I am not alone. I belong to Christ, and I am one spirit with Him. His presence goes with me wherever I go.

1 Corinthians 4:1 NASB
"This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

Many people who have been deceived into believing false Gospels, those that add any human effort to salvation, which is a gift from God to all those who place their faith in Jesus alone, think that they are servants of Christ because they go about spreading their false gospels. BUT they believe in a different gospel and follow a different christ.

Ministers of the true gospel are "stewards of the mysteries of God." The word "steward" was translated from the Greek word οἰκονόμος, pronounced oy-kon-om'-os, and it means, according to Strong's Exhaustive Dictionary, "a house distributor (that is manager) or overseer that is an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 (𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗹): - chamberlain governor steward."

Preachers of the true gospel preach about the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 2:7-13 NASB
"but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; [8] the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; [9] but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” [10] For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. [11] For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. [13] We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words."

The great mystery is this: that God would so love us that he withheld nothing from us, even offering up the body and blood of his own son for us, so that if we'd only believe in Jesus and his finished work at Calvary as being sufficient for our salvation, that we would be given the righteousness of God in Christ, salvation, redemption, justification, sanctification and inherit eternal life through no effort of our own or any of our own works through obedience to the commandments.

Anything else is a false Gospel. Anyone offering you a Jesus who wasn't enough is offering you a false Jesus and a different Jesus.

#jesuschrist #faith #cults #gospel #grace

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

Today looks to be a potentially soggy day again. I checked the weather on my phone and it was a muddy puddle. This brings me to my funny story for you today.

Yesterday, my husband and I had a meeting with our VA lawyer in a new town. Because of all the storms and flooding issues, the crowd was much smaller. We actually got to ask a couple of questions when we sat down with him. We did not feel rushed. As good as that was, it was not the highlight of the trip. While waiting for our turn, we met some new friends. Two of which just happened to be authors. One of which just happens to run a podcast. Hmmm. Any thoughts on why we went to ‘this’ meeting with the lawyer and not the meeting place? I wonder if Someone knew who we were going to meet.

One of these two individuals’ spouses has memory issues. The other is applying for their survivor’s benefits with the lawyer’s help. I wonder Who designed this meeting?

Since I have been retired, I have been hyper-focused on making sure that I take care of my husband and keep his medical stuff straight and on track. I have been hyper-focused on keeping our lives as smooth as possible. So hyper-focused that when my littles from across the pond arrived, I was not the fun American grandma. I was grumpy grandma. That changed yesterday.

On our way home from the lawyer, I was thinking about all this rain, the flooding, and then I thought about the muddy puddles in my yard. I decided on the way home that we were going to play in the muddy puddles. God gave them to us, why not play in them? So, when I got home, I changed into shorts, kicked off my shoes, and challenged the grandkids to a splash fest. I do not know how long we played, but we all needed showers when it was over with … and that is after washing off with the garden hose. I even got the other grandma to play in the muddy puddle. We all were muddy puddle winners.

Too often, the enemy gets grown-ups to think they have to be adults all the time. When in fact, Jesus tells us that we are to come to Him as children. In all these storms, there have been ugly skies, so dancing in the rain has not been possible … however … splashing in the muddy puddles … well now, that is an awesome stress reliever.

Today is His day. Today we are going to his house to worship him, whether in a church or a prayer closet. Today we are going to thank Him for his blessings and for the trials. Today, we give God the glory and enter His presence as children. Will you join me on the heavenly playground of muddy puddles?

Be blessed.

**And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3-4

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 16)

1. The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.

3. Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established.

4. The LORD has made all for Himself,
Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

5. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
Though they join forces,fn none will go unpunished.

6. In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

7. When a man’s ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8. Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.

9. A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

10. Divination is on the lips of the king;
His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11. Honest weights and scales are the LORD’s;
All the weights in the bag are His work.

12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness.

13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And they love him who speaks what is right.

14. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath,
But a wise man will appease it.

15. In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

16. How much better to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18. Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20. He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

21. The wise in heart will be called prudent,
And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.
But the correction of fools is folly.

23. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,
And adds learning to his lips.

24. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

25. There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

26. The person who labors, labors for himself,
For his hungry mouth drives him on.

27. An ungodly man digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning fire.

28. A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

29. A violent man entices his neighbor,
And leads him in a way that is not good.

30. He winks his eye to devise perverse things;
He purses his lips and brings about evil.

31. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.

32. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33. The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.

Daily devotion: 1 Thessalonians 3:12

“The life of a Christian is a life of total selflessness. When we give we are not to give with a stingy heart, expecting to receive something in return. This is the same attitude Christ had for us. Christ didn’t come for us so that we could give Him something for his benefit. What can one give the King of Kings that He doesn’t have already? Nothing. This is why we are to only love God back, through our words, our thoughts, and our actions towards His children.”

Source: idailybread.com – KJB app

#1Thessalonians3 #Dailydevotion #Giving #Compassion #Love