THANKFUL THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER! “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we come before You this Thursday morning with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we simply want to say THANK YOU! Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for another day of life. Thank You for breath in our bodies, strength to rise, and another opportunity to experience Your grace and mercy. Your Word declares: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Lord, everything may not be the way we want it to be, but You are still good. Some of us woke up carrying burdens nobody knows about. Some are worried about their families. Some are concerned about their health. Some are struggling financially. Some are grieving the loss of someone they love. Some are dealing with problems in their marriages and relationships. Some are concerned about their children. Some are waiting on employment or a better opportunity. Some are fighting battles in their minds. And some are simply tired from everything life has brought their way. But this morning, we choose gratitude over complaining, faith over fear, and worship over worry. Your Word tells us: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) Father, thank You for the prayers You have answered, and thank You for the prayers where the answer is still on the way. Thank You for the doors You opened, and thank You for the doors You closed because You knew what was on the other side. Thank You for what You allowed, and thank You for what You prevented. Thank You for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the times we didn't know how we were going to make it—but somehow You made a way! Lord, somebody needs healing this morning. Touch bodies from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their feet. Strengthen those who are weak. Comfort those experiencing pain. Bring peace to troubled minds and encouragement to discouraged hearts. For Your Word declares: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) Father, remember those who are grieving. When the house feels different, when memories bring tears, and when loneliness becomes overwhelming, wrap Your loving arms around them. Remind them: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 (KJV) Lord, bless our families. Restore broken relationships. Bring parents and children together. Strengthen marriages. Heal misunderstandings between siblings. Remove bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, division, and confusion. Teach us to love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, and appreciate one another while we still have the opportunity. Father, somebody is worried about finances. Bills are due. Prices are high. Resources may be limited. Someone needs employment, a promotion, increased income, or simply enough to make it through. But we stand upon Your Word: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) Provide, Lord. Open doors. Give wisdom concerning finances. Create opportunities that no person can shut. Father, we pray for those struggling silently with anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, disappointment, and discouragement. Your Word says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) So this morning, we give You what we cannot carry. We give You our children. We give You our marriages. We give You our health. We give You our finances. We give You our careers. We give You our unanswered questions. We give You our fears about tomorrow. Lord, we put it all in Your hands! Father, draw those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with You. Let hearts be softened, lives transformed, and souls saved. Restore those who have walked away and remind them that there is still room at Your table. And Lord, as we go through this Thursday, order our steps. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV) Go before us into every workplace, classroom, hospital room, doctor's office, courtroom, meeting, highway, and home. Protect those traveling. Give wisdom to those making difficult decisions. Give strength to caregivers. Give peace to families facing uncertainty. Give hope to those waiting for an answer. Give courage to those beginning again. And give endurance to those who are simply trying to make it through another day. Most of all, Lord, keep us thankful. When we are tempted to focus on what we don't have, remind us of what You have already provided. When we become discouraged by how far we still have to go, remind us how far You have already brought us. When life becomes difficult, remind us that we are never walking alone. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) So today we declare: THANK YOU, LORD, FOR LIFE! THANK YOU FOR GRACE! THANK YOU FOR MERCY! THANK YOU FOR PROTECTION! THANK YOU FOR PROVISION! THANK YOU FOR OUR FAMILIES! THANK YOU FOR EVERY BLESSING—SEEN AND UNSEEN! And even for the things we don't understand, we will still trust You. Let this Thankful Thursday be filled with peace in our minds, joy in our hearts, strength in our bodies, love in our homes, provision for our needs, and the presence of God everywhere we go. We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN AND AMEN! THURSDAY DECLARATION... Today, I choose gratitude over worry. I will thank God in every circumstance. I believe He is working even when I cannot see it. My family is covered, my steps are ordered, my needs will be supplied, and God will give me strength for whatever this day brings. This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Seek God First (Matthew 6:33) What are you chasing? Success? Money? A better job? A relationship? Recognition? A bigger house? More followers? A better future? There is nothing wrong with having goals and dreams. God has given us abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities that we should use wisely. But there is a danger when the things we want become more important than the God who gave us the ability to pursue them. Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Notice the order: Seek God first. Not after your career. Not after your relationships. Not after you've achieved your goals. Not only when you are in trouble. First. The world tells us: “Build your career first.” “Make money first.” “Become successful first.” “Get everything you want first.” Then we can easily begin treating God as something we fit into the remaining space in our lives. But God doesn't want to be an afterthought. He wants to be at the centre. Think about your daily schedule. What receives your best attention? What occupies your thoughts? What determines your decisions? What do you spend most of your time pursuing? Your priorities reveal what matters most to you. You can say that God is first, but your life will eventually show whether that is true. Seeking God first means making Him central to your decisions. Before accepting an opportunity, ask: “Does this honour God?” Before entering a relationship, ask: “Will this relationship help me grow closer to Christ?” Before making a major financial decision, ask: “Am I handling what God has given me responsibly?” Before choosing how to use your time, ask: “What does God want me to do with this day?” Seeking God first doesn't mean abandoning your ambitions. It means surrendering your ambitions to Him. You can pursue a career and still honour God. You can build a business and still honour God. You can become successful and still remain humble. You can have financial goals and still put God first. The question isn't whether you have goals. The question is: Who is at the centre of those goals? Are you pursuing success so people will admire you? Or are you pursuing excellence so you can use your gifts to serve God and others? Are you chasing money because you believe it will finally make you happy? Or are you learning to manage resources faithfully and generously? Are you seeking recognition? Or are you content knowing that God sees your work even when people don't? Jesus also warned us about constantly worrying about material things. We worry about food. Clothing. Money. Tomorrow. Our future. And sometimes our pursuit of these things becomes so intense that we forget the God who sustains us. You don't have to ignore your responsibilities. Work hard. Plan wisely. Save. Learn. Build. Prepare. But don't let anxiety become your master. Trust God while you do your part. There will always be something else to chase. Another achievement. Another purchase. Another milestone. Another level. If your heart is always saying, “I'll be happy when I get that next thing,” you may spend your entire life waiting for happiness. But contentment begins when you recognize that God is enough. Paul learned this kind of contentment. He experienced abundance and hardship, yet his confidence wasn't ultimately based on his circumstances. His strength was found in Christ. And that's the kind of foundation we need. Because everything we own can disappear. Positions can change. Money can come and go. People can leave. Opportunities can close. But God remains. And if you have Jesus, you possess something far more valuable than anything this world can offer. Salvation. Forgiveness. Grace. A relationship with God. A hope that extends beyond this temporary life. So today, examine your priorities. Maybe you've been so busy building your future that you've neglected your relationship with God. Maybe your career has become your identity. Maybe money has become your security. Maybe your relationship has become your source of happiness. Maybe social media has become your source of validation. It's time to put things back in their proper place. Seek God first. Pray first. Read His Word. Listen to His voice. Obey Him. Serve Him. Love people. Work faithfully. And trust Him with the results. Don't build a successful life and discover later that you left God out of it. Build your life with God at the centre. When God is first, everything else can find its proper place. Today, ask yourself: “What has been competing with God for first place in my heart?” Then surrender it to Him. Not tomorrow. Today. #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #GodFirst #FaithOverMaterialism #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #KingdomOfGod #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 27) 1. Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. 3. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. 4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy? 5. Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. 6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place. 9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me. 12A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;. The simple pass on and are punished. 13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. 14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him. 15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; 16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. 17. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored. 19. As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. 20. Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. 22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24. For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26. The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; 27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Don't Spend Money Just to Look Rich Bible Reference One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbour. Proverbs 17:18 (NIV) A Short Story Michael had recently started working, and for the first time in his life, he had a regular income. He was excited because he could finally afford some things he had wanted for a long time. However, he soon became more interested in looking successful than in becoming financially stable. Whenever he saw his friends buying expensive phones, clothes, shoes, and watches, he felt uncomfortable using the things he already had. He wanted people to see that he was also doing well. One weekend, he spent almost half of his salary on a new phone because he wanted to take better pictures and appear more successful on social media. A few weeks later, his friends invited him to an expensive outing. Michael did not have enough money, but he did not want to admit it. He borrowed money from someone and joined them. After that, he borrowed again to buy clothes for another event. Before long, a large part of his monthly income was going into things he did not really need. One evening, Michael needed money for an important personal expense, but his account was almost empty. He looked around his room and realised that he had many expensive things but very little savings. His phone was new, his clothes were impressive, and his pictures looked good online, but financially, he was struggling. That experience made him realise something important. He had been spending money to convince other people that he was doing well instead of actually building a stable life. Michael decided to change. He began budgeting his income, reducing unnecessary spending, saving regularly, and buying things because he needed them rather than because he wanted people to notice him. It took time, but he eventually became more financially responsible. Today's Message Money is an important part of life. Whether you are a student, employee, business owner, apprentice, minister, or young professional, you will have to make decisions about money. How you handle money today can affect your future. One of the biggest financial mistakes young people make is spending money to impress other people. You buy clothes you cannot afford because you want people to notice you. You buy an expensive phone because you do not want anyone to think you are struggling. You spend heavily at parties because you want your friends to see you as generous. You take loans for things you do not need simply because you want to maintain a certain lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with looking good or enjoying the good things you can genuinely afford. The problem begins when appearance becomes more important than wisdom. You do not have to look rich to be successful. Some people have expensive phones but no savings. Some drive good cars but are deeply in debt. Some wear expensive clothes but cannot handle an unexpected financial problem. Social media can make people feel pressured to look successful even when they are struggling privately. Do not build your life around people's opinions. Proverbs 21:20 says, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Wisdom includes knowing how to keep some of what you earn instead of spending everything immediately. If you earn money, learn to budget. Know what comes in and what goes out. Separate your needs from your wants. Save something, even if it is small. Learn a skill that can increase your income. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be careful about borrowing money simply to maintain an appearance. You also need to understand that your value does not come from what you own. Your phone does not determine your worth. Your clothes do not determine your importance. The car you drive does not determine your future. The number of people who like your pictures does not determine your success. You are valuable because God created you and gave your life purpose. There is nothing shameful about starting small. If you cannot afford something, you do not need to pretend that you can. If you are still building your career, be honest about your season. If your business is still growing, do not spend all your profit trying to look successful. Build quietly. Learn. Save. Invest in yourself. Grow your income. Support your family wisely. Give to God faithfully. Prepare for the future. One day, you may be able to afford the things you desire without destroying your financial stability to get them. Remember that financial maturity is not simply about earning more money. It is also about knowing what to do with the money you already have. Do not let pressure from friends, social media, relationships, or society push you into financial decisions you will regret later. It is better to live within your means today and build a stronger future than to impress people today and struggle tomorrow. What To Do Today 1. Look at your spending from the past week and identify one unnecessary expense you can reduce. 2. Create a simple budget for the money you currently receive. 3. Start saving something regularly, even if the amount is small. 4. Before buying something expensive, ask yourself whether you need it, can afford it, and whether it will help your future. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to handle money responsibly. Deliver me from the desire to impress people with things I cannot afford. Teach me discipline, contentment, patience, and good financial habits. Help me to use the resources You give me wisely, to prepare for the future, to help others, and to honour You with my finances. Give me the wisdom to build a stable life instead of living for appearances. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Before spending money today, ask yourself three questions: Do I need it? Can I afford it? Will this decision help or hurt my future? Do not spend to impress people. Build a life that is genuinely strong, not merely one that looks successful. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters. I am thanking God for having acquired this ADV 160 scooter. I know that everything I have is a blessing from God, and tomorrow I will pick up another scooter. Brothers and sisters, I ask for your prayers that everything goes well according to God's will, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 🙏

THE REALITY OF DEATH WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR VERY LAST BREATH? “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 Death is one of the realities that every human being eventually faces. We can avoid talking about it. We can stay busy. We can accumulate possessions. We can build businesses. We can pursue careers. We can become famous. We can become wealthy. We can travel the world. We can take care of our bodies. But eventually, every earthly journey comes to an end. One day, every heartbeat will stop. One day, every breath will cease. One day, the opportunities of this present life will come to an end. And when that final breath comes, there is one question that matters more than almost anything else: WHERE WILL YOU GO? Not: “How much money did I have?” Not: “How successful was I?” Not: “How many people knew my name?” Not: “How beautiful was my house?” Not: “How many possessions did I leave behind?” The question is: “AM I READY TO MEET GOD?” --- 1. DEATH IS NOT RESPECTFUL OF AGE Death doesn't ask whether you're young or old. It doesn't ask whether you're rich or poor. It doesn't ask whether you're famous or unknown. It doesn't ask whether you're prepared. Death comes to kings and ordinary people. The Bible reminds us that our earthly lives are temporary. Psalm 90:12 says: > “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Our time on earth is precious because it is limited. You don't know how many mornings you have left. You don't know how many sunsets you have left. You don't know how many birthdays you have left. You don't know how many times you will hear the voice of someone you love. Therefore: Don't waste the life God has given you. --- 2. YOUR LAST BREATH WILL NOT BE THE END OF EVERYTHING For the Christian, death is not the end. Jesus said in John 11:25: > “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Jesus Christ conquered the grave. The resurrection of Jesus means death does not have the final word. For those who belong to Christ, there is the hope of resurrection and eternal life with God. That is why Paul could write in Philippians 1:21: > “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” This doesn't mean we should seek death. It means that the believer can face death knowing that Jesus has already conquered the grave. --- 3. BUT THE BIBLE ALSO WARNS US ABOUT JUDGMENT We cannot preach only the comforting parts of Scripture. The Bible tells us: Hebrews 9:27: > “Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” There is accountability before God. Our lives matter. Our decisions matter. Our relationship with God matters. The Bible speaks about a final judgment. Revelation 20:12 describes the dead standing before God and being judged. This should awaken us. Not merely frighten us. Awaken us. Because God's warning is an expression of His mercy. God doesn't warn us because He wants humanity to perish. He warns us because He calls people to repentance and salvation. --- 4. YOU CANNOT TAKE YOUR POSSESSIONS WITH YOU You may spend your entire life collecting things. But when your final breath comes, everything you accumulated remains behind. You cannot put your bank account inside your coffin. You cannot take your house into eternity. You cannot take your automobile. You cannot take your career. You cannot take your social-media followers. You cannot take your earthly reputation. The question is not: “What did I own?” The question is: “Whom did I belong to?” --- 5. JESUS ASKED A QUESTION THAT SHOULD SHAKE EVERY HEART Jesus said in Mark 8:36: > “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Think about that. You could theoretically gain everything this world has to offer— and still lose the most important thing you possess. Your soul. You can be successful and spiritually lost. You can be admired and spiritually empty. You can have possessions and have no peace with God. You can fool people. You can even fool yourself. But you cannot fool God. God sees the heart. --- 6. THE MOST IMPORTANT PREPARATION FOR DEATH The most important preparation isn't buying a cemetery plot. It isn't writing a will. It isn't organizing your possessions. Those things have their place. But the most important preparation is: BE READY TO MEET JESUS. Jesus said in John 14:6: > “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Not in our accomplishments. Not in our morality. Not in religious performance. Not in trying to make ourselves worthy. We need the grace of God. We need forgiveness. We need Christ. --- 7. SALVATION IS NOT SOMETHING WE EARN Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith—not because of our own works. This is incredibly important. You cannot make yourself worthy of salvation. You cannot become good enough to force God to accept you. The Gospel is that Jesus Christ came for sinners. He died for our sins. He rose from the dead. And He calls us to repentance and faith. Salvation is God's gift. But we must receive that gift. --- 8. REPENTANCE MEANS TURNING TOWARD GOD Repentance isn't simply saying: “I'm sorry.” Biblical repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. It means surrender. It means: “Lord, I don't want to live my way anymore. I want Your way.” It doesn't mean you will never stumble. It means you stop making peace with sin. You stop treating rebellion against God as something you don't care about. You bring your failures to Christ. You confess them. You receive His forgiveness. And you keep walking with Him. --- 9. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR LAST BREATH One of the most dangerous lies is: “I'll get right with God later.” Later may never come. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Next year is not guaranteed. Another decade is not guaranteed. Your next breath isn't something you can demand. Therefore: DON'T WAIT. If God is calling your heart today, respond today. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive someone, forgive today. If you need to return to Christ, return today. If you've been running from God, come home today. --- 10. THE CROSS IS GOD'S ANSWER TO OUR SIN At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment deserved by sinners. He suffered. He bled. He died. And then He rose again. The cross tells us two things simultaneously: Sin is serious. And: God's love is astonishing. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love for us through Christ dying for us while we were still sinners. Think about that. Jesus didn't wait until we became perfect. He came to save sinners. --- 11. THERE IS HOPE FOR THE PERSON WHO FEELS TOO FAR GONE Perhaps someone reading this thinks: “I've failed God too many times.” “I've sinned too much.” “God could never forgive me.” Listen carefully: The Gospel is not: “Fix yourself and then come to Jesus.” The Gospel is: “Come to Jesus.” Bring Him your brokenness. Bring Him your shame. Bring Him your failures. Bring Him your regrets. Bring Him your fears. Bring Him your past. Bring Him your sins. And surrender them to Him. Jesus is the Savior. You don't have to save yourself. --- 12. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOUR LAST BREATH COMES? One day, every one of us will face that moment. The room may become quiet. The sounds of this world may fade. The things that seemed so important may suddenly seem insignificant. And the question will no longer be theoretical. It will become personal: “WHERE AM I GOING?” For the person who belongs to Christ, there is hope. Jesus promised eternal life. Jesus promised resurrection. Jesus promised that He would never abandon His people. And ultimately, Scripture points us toward a future where death itself is defeated. Revelation 21:4 gives this glorious promise: > “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” That is the Christian hope. Death does not get the final word. Jesus does. --- 13. THE FINAL CHOICE Every person must ultimately answer the question of what they will do with Jesus. Will you reject Him? Ignore Him? Postpone Him? Or surrender your life to Him? Jesus calls: Come home. Come to the cross. Come to forgiveness. Come to grace. Come to salvation. Come to eternal life. --- FINAL APPEAL My friend, don't wait for your final breath to think about eternity. Think about eternity now. You still have an opportunity to seek God. You still have an opportunity to repent. You still have an opportunity to pray. You still have an opportunity to forgive. You still have an opportunity to love. You still have an opportunity to serve. You still have an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. And most importantly: You still have an opportunity to surrender completely to Jesus Christ. The question isn't merely: “WHEN WILL I DIE?” The deeper question is: “AM I READY WHEN I DO?” And an even more important question: “DO I BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST?” Because when your final breath comes, your earthly story will be finished. But your eternal destiny will not be. So make sure your heart is right with God. Make sure your hope is in Christ. Make sure your faith is genuine. Make sure you are walking with Jesus. And when that final moment comes, may you be able to say: “JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD AND SAVIOR.” “MY HOPE IS IN HIM.” “I AM READY TO MEET MY KING.” --- DEEP PRAYER FOR SALVATION, REPENTANCE, AND ETERNAL LIFE Heavenly Father, I come before You with humility, reverence, and a sincere heart. Thank You for giving me the gift of life. Thank You for every breath. Thank You for every day You have allowed me to see. Father, forgive me for the times I have taken life for granted. Forgive me for the times I have focused more on this temporary world than on eternal things. Forgive me for my sins. Forgive my rebellion. Forgive my pride. Forgive my selfishness. Forgive the things I have said, thought, and done that have dishonored You. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that I cannot save myself. I cannot earn eternal life. I cannot make myself righteous. I need You. I need Your mercy. I need Your grace. I need Your forgiveness. I need Your blood to cleanse me. I need Your resurrection power to give me new life. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take control of my heart. Take control of my thoughts. Take control of my desires. Take control of my words. Take control of my decisions. Take control of my future. Teach me to hate what You hate and love what You love. Give me a genuine desire for holiness. Give me a genuine desire for Your Word. Give me a genuine desire for prayer. Give me a genuine desire for Your presence. Help me not merely to talk about Christianity. Help me truly follow Jesus. Holy Spirit, examine my heart. Reveal anything in me that needs to change. Expose the things I have tried to hide. Give me courage to repent. Give me strength to turn away from sin. When I stumble, keep me from running away from God. Teach me to run toward God. When I am tempted, give me strength. When I am discouraged, give me hope. When I am afraid, give me peace. When I feel condemned, lead me back to the cross. When I fail, teach me to confess and repent rather than surrender to despair. Father, prepare me for eternity. Don't let me become so comfortable with this temporary world that I forget the eternal world. Teach me to number my days. Teach me to live wisely. Teach me to love people while I still have time. Help me forgive those who have hurt me. Help me ask forgiveness where I have hurt others. Help me make peace where peace is possible. Help me use the remaining days of my life for Your glory. And when my final breath eventually comes, may I not be trusting in my possessions, my accomplishments, my religious performance, or my own goodness. Let my confidence be in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus, You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my hope. You are my resurrection. You are my life. And when I stand before You, let me be found trusting in You. Father, prepare my heart for that day. Until then, help me live every day with eternity in view. Let my life be a testimony. Let my words point people toward Jesus. Let my actions demonstrate Your love. Let my testimony give hope to the broken. And let me never forget: THIS LIFE IS TEMPORARY. ETERNITY IS FOREVER. JESUS IS THE WAY. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. JESUS IS THE LIFE. Father, I place my life and eternity into Your hands. May I live for Christ. May I die in Christ. And may I spend eternity with Christ. In the mighty, precious, holy, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️❤️🕊️

“Don’t let yesterday’s burden become today’s barrier to tomorrow’s miracle.” Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” This verse tells us not only to lay aside sin, but also to lay aside “every weight.” Because burdens can become a definite hindrance to reaching the purpose and destiny God has set before us. If we continue carrying the wounds, disappointments, rejection, failures, guilt, bitterness, worries, and the inability to forgive others from our past, we cannot run with complete faith on the new path God has placed before us. God brought Lot and his family out of destruction. As they left Sodom, God clearly commanded them not to look back. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) Her feet were moving forward, but her heart was being pulled backward. This is also a warning for us. God may have brought you out of an old situation. But if you continue carrying old wounds and memories, your body may move forward while your heart remains stuck in the past. Run away from sin. Lay your burdens before God. Stop constantly dwelling on the past, and run toward the future God has prepared for you. Your past does not have to become the verdict of your future. God still has a path for you; there is still a race to run, a goal to reach, and a miracle ahead of you. Don’t carry yesterday’s burden while running toward tomorrow’s miracle. Lay it at the feet of God and run! When the burden becomes lighter, the race becomes faster. When the heart is set free, faith becomes stronger. The moment you surrender your burden to God can become the beginning of your new race! Hepsi Sam ✍️

EVENING DEVOTION | REST IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS. Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” As this day comes to an end, pause and thank God. Thank Him for the victories, the lessons, the protection, and even the challenges He helped you overcome. Tonight, release your worries, fears and disappointments into God’s hands. You may not understand everything happening in your life, but remember: ✨ God is still in control. ✨ God is still faithful. ✨ God is still working. EVENING PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for carrying me through this day. Forgive my mistakes, strengthen my faith, and give me peace in my heart. Watch over me, my family, my work and everyone connected to me. Protect us through the night and prepare us for a new day filled with Your grace, wisdom and favour. Tonight, I choose to rest—not because everything is perfect, but because I trust the One who holds tomorrow. May God give you peaceful sleep, renewed strength and a blessed tomorrow. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. GOOD NIGHT. REST IN GOD’S PEACE. May His presence watch over you and your family.

RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS! Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line! Scripture : “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2 Thought Of The Day... There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question: What am I carrying that God never told me to carry? Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus. The writer says: “Let us lay aside every weight…” Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin. Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively. Some weights are fear. Some weights are disappointment. Some weights are unforgiveness. Some weights are people’s opinions. Some weights are past failures. Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit. Some weights are worry about things you cannot control. And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying: “I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!” First Peter 5:7 says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time. Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus. LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says: “…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…” There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away. David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…” We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender. We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward. Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say: “Lord, show me ME.” Not my neighbor. Not my spouse. Not my family. Not the people at church. ME! Show me what needs to change. Show me what needs to go. Show me what I need to surrender. Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me. RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU The Scripture says: “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Notice it says “the race that is set before us.” You don't have to run somebody else's race. You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling. You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty. Galatians 6:4 says: “But let every man prove his own work…” God has given you a race. Your assignment may be different. Your journey may be different. Your timing may be different. Your obstacles may be different. And your testimony may be different. Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life. YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY! RUN WITH PATIENCE This may be one of the hardest parts. “…run with patience…” We want God to do it now. We want the prayer answered now. We want the door opened now. We want the healing now. We want the breakthrough now. We want the situation changed now. But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us. Isaiah 40:31 declares: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Patience does not mean you have stopped believing. Patience means: “God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.” When you're tired—keep running. When you're disappointed—keep running. When people misunderstand you—keep running. When prayers seem unanswered—keep running. When you cannot see the finish line—keep running. Why? Because God never promised that the race would always be easy. But He promised that He would be with you. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret: “Looking unto Jesus…” Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem. Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people. Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances. LOOK TO JESUS! Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water. Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink. The storm was already there when Peter stepped out. The difference was where Peter was looking. As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him. But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over. And somebody needs to hear this today: DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU! JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER Hebrews calls Jesus: “…the author and finisher of our faith.” If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story. If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends. Philippians 1:6 says: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race. There are still chapters God is writing. There are still prayers God is answering. There are still doors God can open. There are still people God wants you to impact. There is still purpose in you. So don't quit because you're tired. Don't quit because it became difficult. Don't quit because somebody walked away. Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable. LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT. TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN. STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE. RUN WITH PATIENCE. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. And when your strength gets low, remember: THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT! PRAYER... Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone. Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry. Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience. When we become tired, strengthen us. When we become discouraged, encourage us. When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus. When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway. Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us. We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit. Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith! Give us grace to run. Give us patience to endure. Give us strength to continue. And give us faith to finish. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen and Amen! DECLARATION... TODAY I DECLARE: I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God. I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will. I will not compare my race with anyone else's race. I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult. I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing. I will keep moving when I feel tired. I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough. MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS! He is the Author of my faith. He is the Finisher of my faith. What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete! I WILL NOT QUIT! I WILL NOT GIVE UP! I WILL RUN MY RACE! I WILL KEEP THE FAITH! AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG! In Jesus’ name—Amen!

MID-MORNING REFLECTION HOW DO WE TREAT OUR STAFF? A company is not built by buildings, equipment or money alone. It is built by people. Let us ask ourselves: • Do we speak to our staff with respect? • Do we appreciate their efforts? • Do we listen to their concerns? • Do we correct them with dignity? • Do we treat them the way we would want to be treated? Good leadership is not about being above people; it is about bringing out the best in people. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31 Today’s thought: The way we treat our staff today may determine how they treat our customers tomorrow. Let us lead with respect. Let us work with dignity. Let us build together.