Daily devotion for August 17th The Way Of Health They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. Nehemiah 8:14 The way of health is dramatically demonstrated for us in the closing verses of this chapter. God had anticipated the needs of these people. Centuries before, He had provided a most remarkable visual aid to remind them of the truth that would keep them from further destruction. This is the Feast of Tabernacles, a reminder that they were called as a people out of Egypt. Their departure was sudden and precipitous. They were not even to sit down when they ate the Passover meal. They had to eat it standing, with their staffs in their hands, dressed in traveling clothes, ready to leave. They went out at a word of command and left Egypt in one night. When they got into the desert, one day's journey out, and night fell, where were they to find shelter? Moses had been told by God that they were to collect boughs and tree limbs and build booths for shelter. Then God ordained that they were to do this once every year. Even though later they had homes to dwell in, they were to build these booths and live in them for seven days. This was to teach them that they were always pilgrims and strangers on the earth. This world was not their home. All the great blessings of life would not necessarily be found in this present time but were waiting for them in glory. Therefore, they did not need to be distressed if they did not have everything that those around them were trying to get in this life. That is the truth that will deliver us from the pressures of the times. We must hold things lightly. We must not think that houses, cars, money, and material gain are all that important. Even if we lack these things, the great treasures of our life remain untouched. To strive constantly to gain what everyone else has is a mistake. God teaches us to hold these things lightly. We must never forget that we are in the world but not of it. We are never to settle down here for good. I love the way C. S. Lewis has put it: Our kind heavenly Father has provided many wonderful inns for us along our journey, but he takes special care to see that we never mistake any of them for home. We are pilgrims and strangers, passing through this world. We are involved in it, deeply sometimes, but we are never to see ourselves as a part of it. What will enable us to remember that? Verse 18 gives us the answer. Every day they read the Scripture. Every day they saturated themselves in the thinking of God. That is what makes for realism: When you think like God thinks, you are thinking realistically. You are beginning to see yourself the way you really are. You are seeing your children, your home, and your nation the way they really are. For the first time you are able to divest yourself of the illusions and delusions of a mistaken, confused world. You are beginning to work toward wholeness, healing, and strengthening of the things that abide. What a wonderful picture this is, Lord, of the fact that I am a stranger on this earth. Far too often I have lived as if this were my home. Renew my mind with Your truth that there is so much more to live for than what this world offers.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. I do not recall the last year when we had so many storms pound us one right after the other. I am thinking it was the early 2000’s or so. Mind you, my memory is not the best and I was working a lot after 2003, so my time frame could be off. In the last week alone, it feels like we have been handed a new and severe storm each day. Mowing is all but out of the question, though the grass is green and full … and high. I told you about my drive to the airport and how much ‘fun’ it was. Last night we had another very loud and very powerful storm come through our area, during which my dog decided to have a panic attack in the midst of it, which of course woke me up. In her defense, the storm and my overactive imagination had already stirred me, so it was not like I was sound asleep. However, I called her over to my side of the bed and we had an ‘its okay’ pet and conversation as the storm made its way through the noisy and scary part. This morning, she is in my office with me as another part of this storm party is making its way through. Her reaction to the storms reminded me of myself. As powerful and influential storms pass through my life, sometimes they are intimidating enough to send me into an internal panic attack. (Rarely are they visible to anyone other than those closest to me because of my pride…just being honest.) Last night, as I calmed my dog, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me that what I was doing to settle her down, He did/does for me. A simple, yet effective, visual aid to remind me that I am not alone in my storms. All I need to do is put my eyes and my faith in the One who has everything under control. Last night, when my dog came to my side of the bed for comfort, she knew that I would not let anything happen to her. She felt soothing and calm begin almost instantly. After a few minutes of reassurance and light, loving pets, she returned to her bed on the floor and slept the rest of the night. This is the peace that the Holy Spirit brings to us in our storms … if we truly believe and trust that He is the one who will not allow anything to hurt/happen to us. Just before the first big thunder cracker hit, my overactive imagination had already begun; the Holy Spirit sent my dog to me for comfort, to release my mind from the internal chaos I was building and to place my focus on Him. It worked. My focus changed to soothing the dog and my anxiety went down tremendously, so then I could get back to sleep. The Trinity is a powerful tool in our arsenal against our daily battles. God created us. Jesus died for us. The Holy Spirit holds us close in times of struggle to remind us of our value to the first two. Leaning on Them, is the only way to truly release the demons of our mind and regain our peace. Peter had faith to step out of the boat, but allowed his eyes to see the storm, so he sank … but … he called out for the One who was on the water with him and reached for His hand. When we start focusing on the storms, we lose sight of the One who saved us in the first place, but when we call out … He is there. Today, as the storms of life push through, keep your eyes focused on the One who will hold you close and protect you. Invite Him to come sit and cuddle with you as your storm passes. The comfort you receive is unimaginable and beautifully felt. Be blessed. ** “Come.” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. – Matthew 14:29-31a

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. Today is it. Today we pick up the littles (and the grown-ups) from the airport. Today I will become a 57-year-old toddler. More so than normal. Today my positive is the start of a month-long play date. I will need a vacation after this vacation…haha. My mom said it best yesterday: my heart says that I am a kid, my mind says we will worry about it later, and my body tells me that I am a fool. All are correct. Just to be upfront here. The enemy has a way of making all things that are good and wonderful seem as if there is a catch, a hook, a deception, or a possibility for failure and dismay. He is very good at using logic to show the pitfalls, create chaos, and change the visual of what is before us. He is subtle in his ways. He is persuasive and convincing. His points and thoughts appear valid. It is extremely easy to see his point of view. We are so conditioned to look for the other shoe to drop that when it does, we fall into this muddle mess of ‘I knew it’. Yesterday he did that with me. I got a feeling that our rental reservation was lost, and I could not find an email with the confirmation. As we ate dinner, my mind focused on what we were going to do if they did not have the vehicle we needed … it happened the last time we rented from them and serious changes had to be made. Fast forward … the van was there. We drove it home. I lost peace for no reason. For a short period of time, the enemy won a battle with me. I allowed my fear to control my faith. Many who know me know that this is a rarity. I know my God. I know His power. I know His promises. And even when this company failed the last time, God provided a way. To those who struggle with finding your positive … that is the enemy. A positive does not have to be a massive anything; a positive can simply be that your day was rough, yet you made it through and did not get fired. Your positive can be that the rain was soft and refreshing, dulling the humidity. Your positive can be that though your area was ravaged by the storm, your property got minimal damage. Your positive can be that your coffee pot produced another round of wonderful morning nectar. Your positive can be that you prayed before you got up or before you went to bed. Your positive can be that there is food in the fridge and cupboards. Your positive can be that your son/daughter wanted to cuddle. Your positive can be that you woke up rested. Your positive can be that the laundry is finished. Your positive can be that you found the money you needed for gas in a pair of pants that you just washed. The positive can be that your pet gave you kisses. Your positive can be that the morning air feels calming. Your positive can be … your positive can be anything. It does not have to be massive or explosive in design. Your positive is just that … any positive. Just as a positive can be what you receive … your positive could also be what you give. Your positive could be that you stopped and helped someone on the side of the road. Your positive could be that you were able to help someone pay for their groceries. Your positive could be that you gave someone a hug. Your positive could be that your smile calmed someone down. Your positive … your positive … Your positive is a gift, both received and given. Your positive shows His love for you and IN you. As you go through your day today, I challenge you to see only the positive. Even in the middle of the chaos and dark … there are positives. You just need to be willing to open your eyes and see them. Last night, a gentleman who really wants to help me promote the books but respects my current thought process gave me some ideas to think about. Another positive. A new vision. A new potential direction. A positive for the Kingdom. Be blessed today my friends. **Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. –Matthew 22:37

*The Three Figs: Prayer, Belief, and Forgiveness* Have you ever heard of an object lesson? If you’ve ever taught children — in school or in ministry — the chances are high that you have, or that you’ve at least done one without knowing. If you haven’t, an object lesson is a teaching method that uses physical items or some other visual aid as the centerpiece of a lesson. Think of using a seed to teach about faith that grows or a piece of armor to explain the armor of God. Or a fig tree to teach about prayer, belief, and forgiveness. That’s exactly what Jesus does in *Mark 11.* But the disciples don’t get it at first. It takes a question from Peter (always the talker) for Jesus to explain the meaning of the withered fig tree. Here are three takeaways from what he says. First: Nothing is too big for God. In *Mark 11:23,* Jesus says, *“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”* How often do we settle for praying small prayers? Prayers that hide behind insecurity at best, or doubt at worst. Here, Jesus is raising the bar. He tells us to pray mountain (difficult situation to man) -moving prayers. We have a big God that can do big things. Second: We should pray with total belief in God. *“... believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”* Our belief in God’s power should be so strong, so absolute, that we should consider our prayer answered as we pray for it. Wow! How can Jesus say that? Because our confidence rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the God that we believe in. And our prayers should align with God’s will. A good key for interpreting this verse is *1 John 5:14: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”* Asking for a mansion and a million dollars? Perhaps we need to reconsider what Jesus was actually teaching through the fig tree and the temple cleansing that follows. Asking for forgiveness or reconciliation? Even as we ask, Jesus says it’s already ours. And last: Forgiveness is pivotal to prayer. In *Mark 11:25* , Jesus ends His object lesson by commanding forgiveness. *“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”* Isn’t it interesting how two of Jesus’ most extensive teachings on prayer — here and in the Lord’s Prayer — blend forgiveness in as such an important piece? Here, He even ties it to the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. If prayer is a recipe, forgiveness is one of the most integral ingredients. And if we’re going to bear the kind of fruit that is pleasing in the Lord's eyes, forgiveness can’t be missing from our branch. *Prayer For Confidence* Father in heaven, thank You for inviting us into Your power. For the simplicity of prayer. And for Your mercy. Lord, when we pray, help our unbelief. When we pray, push us further. When we pray, help us to forgive the way You forgive — completely, totally, selflessly. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen. *Blessed Shabbat!*

*The Three Figs: Prayer, Belief, and Forgiveness* Have you ever heard of an object lesson? If you’ve ever taught children — in school or in ministry — the chances are high that you have, or that you’ve at least done one without knowing. If you haven’t, an object lesson is a teaching method that uses physical items or some other visual aid as the centerpiece of a lesson. Think of using a seed to teach about faith that grows or a piece of armor to explain the armor of God. Or a fig tree to teach about prayer, belief, and forgiveness. That’s exactly what Jesus does in *Mark 11.* But the disciples don’t get it at first. It takes a question from Peter (always the talker) for Jesus to explain the meaning of the withered fig tree. Here are three takeaways from what he says. First: Nothing is too big for God. In *Mark 11:23,* Jesus says, *“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”* How often do we settle for praying small prayers? Prayers that hide behind insecurity at best, or doubt at worst. Here, Jesus is raising the bar. He tells us to pray mountain (difficult situation to man) -moving prayers. We have a big God that can do big things. Second: We should pray with total belief in God. *“... believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”* Our belief in God’s power should be so strong, so absolute, that we should consider our prayer answered as we pray for it. Wow! How can Jesus say that? Because our confidence rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the God that we believe in. And our prayers should align with God’s will. A good key for interpreting this verse is *1 John 5:14: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”* Asking for a mansion and a million dollars? Perhaps we need to reconsider what Jesus was actually teaching through the fig tree and the temple cleansing that follows. Asking for forgiveness or reconciliation? Even as we ask, Jesus says it’s already ours. And last: Forgiveness is pivotal to prayer. In *Mark 11:25* , Jesus ends His object lesson by commanding forgiveness. *“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”* Isn’t it interesting how two of Jesus’ most extensive teachings on prayer — here and in the Lord’s Prayer — blend forgiveness in as such an important piece? Here, He even ties it to the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. If prayer is a recipe, forgiveness is one of the most integral ingredients. And if we’re going to bear the kind of fruit that is pleasing in the Lord's eyes, forgiveness can’t be missing from our branch. *Prayer For Confidence* Father in heaven, thank You for inviting us into Your power. For the simplicity of prayer. And for Your mercy. Lord, when we pray, help our unbelief. When we pray, push us further. When we pray, help us to forgive the way You forgive — completely, totally, selflessly. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen. *Blessed Shabbat!*

*ABOUT THE AUTHOR* Martha Quacoe is a Christian author, teacher, graphic designer, and cinematographer with a passion for communicating God's truth through both the written word and visual storytelling. She is dedicated to inspiring believers to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through biblical teaching, practical encouragement, and creative expression. Her debut book, The Crucified Life: Awakening to the Power of Surrender, invites readers to embrace a life of surrender, holiness, and faithful discipleship. Beyond writing, Martha uses her skills in graphic design and cinematography to create impactful visual content that glorifies God and communicates the gospel with excellence. When she is not writing or creating, Martha enjoys studying the Bible, encouraging others in their faith, and developing resources that strengthen the Church and inspire lives transformed by Christ. https://amazon.com/author/marthaquacoe

⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️ LESSON ON MODEST APPAREL IN A SHAMELESS WORLD THANKS TO SISTER JANICE NEVELS ⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️ . ⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️ 1 TIMOTHY/TIMOTIYOS 2 {9} In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness ) with good works. This issue stays on my mind continually. I'm posting this knowing that most who read it will get offended. But so be it. It's the Word and we can't tip toe around it as if it's not there. In the above passages, the Apostle Paul is dealing with Gentile converts to the faith. He is instructing them in the manners in which they should conduct themselves. In verses 9 & 10, he is dealing with women. He tells them to adorn themselves in MODEST apparel. So what exactly is modest apparel? I am so grieved over the state of the church. Modesty seems to be a thing of the past. Modest apparel covers and conceals the form of the woman. Tight form-fitting clothing that is cut low or rides to high up the woman or girls legs is NOT modest. It is the responsibility of the woman to conceal her form that she not tempt man to lust after her. Women who profess to be born again should not continue to adorn themselves like the women in the world do. I honestly can not tell the difference between worldly women and church going women. Why you might ask? Because their outward adornment is no different. Paul goes on to say, "with shamefacedness and sobriety". Shamefacedness literally means with down cast eyes. Not walking around prideful with their outward apperance and having wondering eyes. He says, Be sober minded and have self-control over yourself; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh women professing godliness with good works. These passages simply do not fit the modern christian woman. But if you think about it, it did not fit the women of that day either. If it had, Paul would not be having to deal with the issue. Let me jump back to modest apparel. Years back when Abba started dealing with me on this issue, he opened my eyes and allowed me to see women through the eyes of a man. I know that sounds strange, but it's simply how it happened. Everywhere I went all I could see was women's behinds. I got very frustrated and questions him as to why this was the case. That's when he opened up the above passages to me. YAHWAH allowed me to see just how immodest I was dressing. I felt so ashamed. I went home and cleaned out my closet. The only up side to it at the time was I got to go shopping and pick out all new cloths. I had no idea that the way I was dressing grieved the Holy Spirit. Women, every time you wear something that is formfitting that shows your shape and curves, you are dressed immodest. Shorts=Immodest Pant=Immodest Tight clothing=Immodest Low cut tops= Immodest I suppose you are getting the picture. Give heed to the doctrine of the Apostle Paul. Cover yourselves in modest apparel. Stop placing your focus on the outward woman and focus on the inward woman. I assure you that Miriam, the mother of the Messiah was not prancing around in a pair of shorts or tight pants with colored hair and a ring on every finger with her face all painted up like the canvas of an artist. Prayerfully consider this doctrine that Paul was teaching. When you look in the mirror and you think to yourself, "I look Hot", please, go take a cold shower and then go dress yourself in something that represents women professing godliness. You WILL give an account to Yahwah for every man that you temp with your immodest apparel. Remember, it is you're place to conceal and hid your form. It makes it more difficult for a man to lust if he does not have a visual image set before his eyes. To sleepy to go back and edit. It is what it is. Good-Night All ⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️ FACEBOOK YAHWAH APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES ⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️💧⬛️ .

concept visual of future Farm

Good afternoon to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. Yes, I am getting a little later of a start today. Early morning appointment, then mowed the rest of my yard and one of the other yards I am responsible for, plus … I dressed in costume to go give my town clerks a giggle. (and a few passerbys as well). Now I am in the house, resting and catching up. I wore a sleeveless shirt to mow since it was muggy out, but now that I am in the house, my arms are crying for sleeves. I accommodated with a short-sleeve button-up shirt… then a hot flash hit … I am not going to win this battle today … I can see that already. So, a small pop quiz, well … just a visual … imagine a globe. You are standing dead center on the equator. You decide to go north all the way around the globe. You only want to go north. However, once you get to the North Pole, you will then have to go south to continue your journey. Now, put yourself back on the equator and go east. Go east all the way around the globe. Notice that at no point are you going west … only east, as long as you stay straight on your journey. If you decide to go around the globe to the west, it is the same concept…as long as you continue to go straight…you will always be going west. I wanted you to have this image in your mind, for how much our Father loves us. Casting Crowns has a song named just that: “East to West.” Now, imagine Jesus on the cross, hands stretched outward and nailed down. Never to meet. How much does He love us … as far as the east is from the west. When we ask little ones how much they love us, or they ask us, we stretch our arms out as far as we can and say ‘this much’. Until this morning when I was listening to the song, I had not thought too much about it, but what we tell our littles, Jesus told us on the cross. He loves us THIS MUCH. As you are going through your day today, know that you have a Father in heaven who loves you infinitely … as far as the east is from the west. What a powerful support and reinforcement that is as things try to fall apart. To know that we have a God who loved us enough to send his only Son to love on us and save us from the sin that is consuming this world, by dying on the cross and all we have to do is follow Him. How much easier can it be than that? Be blessed. **Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. –2 Corinthians 5:17-18

July 12, 2026 Sunday Proverbs 12:17 "He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." At a quick glance, this verse feels like a truism—an obvious statement that honest people tell the truth and liars lie. However, looking at the original Hebrew context and the structure of Proverbs reveals a much deeper insight into character, justice, and how our habits shape us. 1. The Hebrew Root: "Breathing" Truth In the original Hebrew, the phrase translated as "he that speaketh truth" literally means "he who breathes out truth" (pūach emūnah). This visual changes how we read the verse. It implies that for a righteous person, honesty isn't a calculated decision or a tactical strategy; it is as natural, involuntary, and continuous as breathing. Truthfulness is simply the overflow of their inner character. Conversely, a false witness doesn't just tell an isolated lie; deceit is what naturally exhales from them because their heart is compromised. 2. The Legal Context (The Witness Stand) The terms used here—particularly "false witness"—point directly to a courtroom or a community dispute setting. Righteous Witness; In ancient Israel, a community relied entirely on verbal testimony to establish justice. A righteous person steps forward to declare what is right and just (tsedeq), ensuring the innocent are protected and the truth is preserved. The Deceitful Witness; A false witness deliberately injects fraud into the system. They aren't just lying; they are weaponizing words to twist justice, manipulate outcomes, and destroy lives. 3. Truth and Righteousness are Inseparable Solomon links speaking the truth with "shewing forth righteousness." This tells us that righteousness is not an abstract concept; it is practical and visible. You cannot claim to be a person of integrity or faith if your daily speech is laced with misdirection, exaggeration, or slander. Your mouth is the ultimate test of your character. The Broader Contrast To get the full picture, look at how this verse pairs with the immediate context of the surrounding verses in Proverbs 12:17 Verse 17 Breathes out truth, declaring what is right.Acts as a false witness, breathing out deceit. Verse 18 Uses the tongue to bring healing and health. | Speaks rashly, like the piercing cuts of a sword. Verse 19 Truthful lips stand firm and are established forever. A lying tongue lasts only for a brief moment before exposure. Takeaway; Proverbs 12:17 challenges us to look at our speech patterns. It asks: When you are under pressure, or when a lie could easily get you out of trouble, what do you "breathe out"? True integrity means aligning your heart so thoroughly with reality and goodness that honesty becomes your default, involuntary reflex.