✝️ THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY 📅 Monday, 17th August, 2026 🚨 CONTEND FOR THE FAITH! ✝️🔥 📜 TEXT: JUDE 1:1–25 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (KJV)» The Christian faith is precious, powerful, and worth defending. In his short but powerful letter, Jude warned believers about false teachers and ungodly influences that had entered among God's people. Jude's message is simple but urgent: DO NOT GIVE UP THE FAITH! 🔥 We live in a world where truth is often questioned, biblical values are increasingly challenged, and many voices compete for our attention. But the believer is called to remain rooted in God's Word and to earnestly contend for the faith. 🔥 THREE LESSONS FROM JUDE 1️⃣ CONTEND FOR THE FAITH. 🛡️📖 Jude 1:3 says: «“...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”» To contend for the faith does not mean fighting people. It means standing firmly for the truth of God's Word. Don't abandon biblical truth because it is unpopular. Don't compromise your convictions because of pressure. Don't change God's standards simply because society has changed. Stand for Christ. Stand for truth. Stand for the Gospel. ✝️🔥 2️⃣ BEWARE OF UNGODLY INFLUENCES. ⚠️ Jude warned that certain ungodly people had secretly entered among the believers. Their presence was dangerous because they could influence others away from the truth. This teaches us that not every teaching, philosophy, lifestyle, or spiritual message should be accepted without examination. 📖 Test what you hear against Scripture. 🙏🏽 Ask God for discernment. 👀 Watch the influences around you. ❤️‍🔥 Protect your relationship with Christ. Be careful what you allow to shape your thinking. 3️⃣ BUILD YOURSELF UP SPIRITUALLY. 🏗️🔥 Jude 1:20–21 gives believers a powerful instruction: «“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God...”» Notice the progression: 📖 Build yourself on the faith. 🙏🏽 Pray in the Holy Ghost. ❤️ Keep yourself in God's love. 👑 Look for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life. A strong Christian life does not happen accidentally. You must intentionally develop your relationship with God. Pray. Study the Word. Worship. Obey God. Stay connected to Christ. 🛡️ DON'T COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH The pressure to compromise can come from many directions. Friends may pressure you. Society may pressure you. Relationships may pressure you. Entertainment may pressure you. Even people who claim to know God may pressure you. But remember: Your faith is more valuable than acceptance from people. Never exchange eternal truth for temporary popularity. Never exchange holiness for pleasure. Never exchange your relationship with Christ for worldly approval. ❤️‍🔥 HAVE MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING Jude does not only tell believers to defend the faith; he also teaches us how to respond to people who are struggling. Jude 1:22 says: «“And of some have compassion, making a difference.”» There are people who need correction, but they also need compassion. There are people who have wandered, but they can still be restored. There are people who are confused, but God can use you to lead them back to truth. Therefore, stand firmly for truth while showing the love of Christ. ❤️‍🩹✝️ 🔥 KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD Jude 1:21 says: «“Keep yourselves in the love of God...”» This does not mean that God's love is weak or that we must earn His love. It is a call to remain in fellowship and obedience to Him. Don't allow sin to become your lifestyle. Don't allow bitterness to occupy your heart. Don't allow worldly desires to take the place of Christ. Stay close to Jesus. 👑 GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU The letter of Jude ends with one of the most beautiful declarations of God's power: «“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” — Jude 1:24» What a powerful assurance! We are called to contend. We are called to watch. We are called to pray. We are called to remain faithful. But ultimately, God is the One who keeps us. 🙏🏽🔥 When you feel weak, He can strengthen you. When you are tempted, He can help you. When you are discouraged, He can restore you. When you are struggling, He can keep you from falling. ✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A believer who knows the value of the Gospel will stand firmly for the truth, walk faithfully with Christ, and never trade eternal truth for temporary approval. 🔥✝️ 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for the precious gift of salvation and for the faith You have entrusted to us. Give me grace to earnestly contend for the faith. Help me to recognize false teachings and ungodly influences. Give me spiritual discernment to know what is true and courage to stand for Your Word. Build me up in my most holy faith. Teach me to pray consistently and keep me in Your love. Help me to show compassion to those who are struggling and to point them back to Jesus. Lord, keep me from falling. Preserve my faith, strengthen my walk, and help me remain faithful until the end. To You be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forever. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽🔥 📜 THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 73–75 📖 ✝️ THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE Birthright is Evangelism

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 11 God Preserves His Covenant Promise 2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger. Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden. After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king. When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King. The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see. Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan. This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come. For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes. 2 Kings 12 Restoring the House of the Lord 2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship. The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord. As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God. The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides. Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well. Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely. For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King. Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan. The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him. The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation. Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit. The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God. For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan. Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan. The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church. Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself. The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace. Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage. The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service. Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas. The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory. Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone. For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE. Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 «“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”» A Christian woman is not called to fit into the world; she is called to shine in the world without becoming part of its darkness. There will be pressure to compromise your convictions for a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, fashion, popularity, or social media approval. But remember this: What you compromise to gain today may become the very thing that destroys your testimony tomorrow. You can lose money and recover it. You can lose an opportunity and find another. You can lose popularity and still be fulfilled. But when you lose your character, convictions, and fellowship with God, the cost can be far greater. A godly woman must learn to say: “I would rather disappoint people than disappoint God.” 1. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matthew 6:33 «“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”» Before you are a wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur, student, minister, or friend, you are first a woman created by God. Your relationship with God must not become secondary because life becomes busy. Do not abandon prayer because you have entered a relationship. Do not abandon the Word because you have become successful. Do not stop attending fellowship because you have become comfortable. Do not allow a relationship to replace your relationship with Christ. Deep Spiritual Insight Anything that takes God's rightful place in your heart eventually becomes an idol. A Christian woman must be able to say: “God is not part of my life; God is the foundation of my life.” Practical Action - Maintain a consistent prayer life. - Study God's Word. - Fellowship with other believers. - Guard your spiritual environment. - Put God first in your decisions. 2. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURITY AND CHARACTER 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 «“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”» The world may tell you that purity is outdated. It is not. Holiness is not old-fashioned. Holiness is still God's standard. Your body is not merely an instrument for attracting attention. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. Therefore, do not allow desperation for marriage, money, attention, or acceptance to push you into sexual immorality or compromising situations. A woman of God must understand: Your value is not determined by who desires you. Your value is determined by the God who created you. Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph was tempted privately when nobody appeared to be watching. But Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9» Notice what Joseph considered most important. He did not say, “What will people say?” He said, “I cannot sin against God.” That must also be the conviction of every Christian woman. 3. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY AND GOD-GIVEN VALUE Psalm 139:14 «“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”» Social media can make women compare themselves with other women. One woman looks more beautiful. Another appears richer. Another has a successful marriage. Another has thousands of followers. Another seems to have everything together. But remember: Comparison can make you despise what God created. You don't have to become somebody else to become valuable. God created you intentionally. Your identity should not be built on: - Physical appearance - Relationship status - Wealth - Social media validation - People's opinions - Titles - Material possessions Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 You are part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Therefore, don't sell your identity cheaply for acceptance. You are God's workmanship before you are anybody's girlfriend, wife, employee, friend, or follower. 4. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES FOR MONEY OR SUCCESS Proverbs 11:1 «“A false balance is abomination to the LORD…”» There is nothing wrong with wanting success. There is nothing wrong with building a business. There is nothing wrong with becoming financially independent. But success without integrity is failure wearing expensive clothes. Never lie to make money. Never cheat to get ahead. Never sleep with someone to secure an opportunity. Never participate in corruption because “everybody is doing it.” Never allow financial pressure to destroy your principles. Biblical Example: The Virtuous Woman Proverbs 31:25 «“Strength and honour are her clothing…”» The woman described in Proverbs 31 was productive, hardworking, intelligent, business-minded, generous, and responsible. She was not weak. She was a woman of strength and honour. God does not require Christian women to be unsuccessful. He requires them to be faithful while pursuing success. 5. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURPOSE AND GODLY INFLUENCE Esther 4:14 «“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”» Esther was positioned in the palace for a purpose. Her position was not merely for comfort. It was an opportunity to influence history. Every Christian woman has influence somewhere. You may influence: - Your children - Your husband - Your workplace - Your church - Your community - Your generation - Your social media audience - Young people watching your life Never underestimate your influence. Titus 2:3-5 Older Christian women are instructed to teach and guide younger women. This means Christian women are not merely recipients of spiritual knowledge. They are also carriers and transmitters of godly wisdom. Your life is preaching something even when your mouth is closed. The question is: What is your life preaching? BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah experienced deep emotional pain because she had no child. She was mocked and misunderstood. Yet she took her pain to God. She did not allow her disappointment to destroy her faith. She prayed. She waited. She trusted. And eventually, God answered her with Samuel. Lesson for Christian Women Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter. You may be waiting for: - Marriage - Children - Financial breakthrough - Career advancement - Healing - Ministry growth - Restoration But don't compromise while waiting. Never exchange your destiny for temporary relief. Hannah waited before God, and her story changed. 5 QUESTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD ASK HERSELF 1. What am I tempted to compromise because I desperately want something? 2. Has any relationship become more important to me than God? 3. Does my private life agree with my public Christian testimony? 4. Am I allowing society or social media to determine my value? 5. If Jesus examined my decisions today, would I be proud of them? PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish non-negotiable convictions. Decide beforehand what you will and will not compromise. 2. Choose relationships wisely. Anyone who constantly pushes you away from God is not helping your destiny. 3. Protect your private life. Character is revealed by what you do when nobody is watching. 4. Build your identity in Christ. Know God's Word concerning who you are. 5. Find godly women to learn from. Don't walk alone. Learn from mature Christian women who have walked with God through different seasons of life. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to love You above everything else, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, strengthen me to stand for righteousness when I am under pressure to compromise. 3. Father, protect my heart, mind, body, and destiny from ungodly influences. 4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, insecurity, and the need for human approval. 5. Father, give me wisdom to recognize relationships and opportunities that are not from You. 6. Lord, help me to pursue success without sacrificing my integrity. 7. Father, let my life become a godly example to the generation coming after me. 8. Lord, restore every woman who has fallen through compromise and give her the grace to rise again. CALL TO ACTION Dear woman of God, you don't have to compromise to be accepted. You don't have to compromise to get married. You don't have to compromise to become successful. You don't have to compromise to become beautiful. You don't have to compromise to become influential. You don't have to compromise to survive. God is able to bless you without destroying you. The world may tell you: “Everybody is doing it.” But you must say: “I am not everybody. I belong to Christ.” When everybody is bowing, stand. When everybody is compromising, stand. When everybody is pursuing popularity, pursue holiness. When everybody is choosing temporary pleasure, choose eternal purpose. Your beauty will fade. Your possessions will pass away. Your popularity may disappear. But a life that honours God will leave an eternal testimony. Final Declaration I will not compromise my faith. I will not compromise my purity. I will not compromise my identity. I will not compromise my integrity. I will not compromise my purpose. I am a woman of God. I belong to Christ. My life has purpose. My body is God's temple. My character is my treasure. My faith is my foundation. And by the grace of God, I will stand! “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 Stand firm, woman of God. Your generation needs the woman God has called you to become. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

LOST IN THE CHURCH Part Three CIVILIZATION / RESPECTABILITY One of the greatest things religion could achieve at its highest level is to try to make a person extremely good and civilized. However, being civilized is not a fruit of the Spirit, it is not holiness, and it is not Christianity. A civilized person may be someone who believes that he can calm God's anger through good behavior and by keeping religious laws. The origin of this kind of civilization is the attempt to please God by conforming to the spirit of this world—by obeying human expectations more than the will of God. Many people assume that being loved and accepted by the world is the same as being loved by God. But Jesus Himself was not "civilized" according to the standards people often use today. How could He be, when He called Herod, the ruler of His country, "that fox"? (Luke 13:32) Where have you ever seen a "civilized" person make a whip of cords, drive people out of the Temple, overturn the tables and chairs of the merchants, and scatter their money? (John 2:15) Tell me, where have you ever seen a civilized person behave like that? It amazes me that today civilization and politeness are sometimes mistaken for Christianity. THE GRACE OF GOD > "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17 Jesus did not come to establish salvation through the Mosaic Law. And if the Law given through Moses could not accomplish God's ultimate purpose of restoring humanity to Him, then holiness cannot be achieved merely by keeping laws. Rather, it is through the grace of God, freely given to the person who looks to the Lord. However, I am not saying that there is no law under grace. What I mean is that the law operating within grace is the law of love. Love must come first, and obedience follows. To put law before love is slavery. And the Lord clearly said that God's children are free. (Matthew 17:26) Therefore, we do not obey God's commandments in order to create love within ourselves. We obey because we have already begun to love God. Remember what the Word says in John 14:15: > "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Notice the order of the words. The order matters. Love comes first. He loved us first. (1 John 4:19) Therefore, when we obey His commandments, His laws, or His truth, it should be because His love has taken root in our hearts. Otherwise, we risk falling into the very spirit of deception and error that has existed throughout history—the spirit of religion. If you read 1 Corinthians 13, beginning from verse 1 onward, you will see the Apostle Paul explaining how empty it is for a person to perform even something apparently spiritual or divine when there is no love in his heart. SALVATION: GRACE AND WORKS Salvation is by grace, and it is freely given because of the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Therefore, any attempt to offer our own achievements as payment for acceptance before God is essentially an insult to the Cross, because it suggests that Christ's sacrifice was insufficient. And the Lord will not accept anyone who attempts to approach Him on such a basis. GRACE VS. WORKS Today, a large number of believers are lost in the Church because they have failed to properly distinguish between these two concepts: works and grace. The way of life often passes through truths that appear to be in tension. I do not mean grace alone while completely rejecting obedience. Neither do I mean works alone while ignoring grace. It is not everything done by God, nor is it everything done by us. Some have gone too far into the direction of legalistic works. Others, after thinking they have understood grace, have been pushed to the opposite extreme and become lost in a distorted understanding of grace. If you approach Scripture with a distorted "grace-only" mindset, you can become lost in that extreme. Likewise, if you approach Scripture entirely through the lens of works, you can also become lost. The Bible clearly says: > "Faith without works is dead." Yet it is also a great deception to perform works merely so that you can be considered a person of faith. Yes, the Lord carried the Cross for us, and that is grace. But have you ever asked yourself why He also told us to take up our own cross and follow Him? (Luke 9:23) That is where we discover that we also have a part to fulfill. Once you understand that it is not grace without responsibility, do not overreact and jump with both feet into legalism. If you do, you will fall into another dangerous deception: believing that God can be found through human effort. Some people believe that if they pray for extremely long periods, jump up and down, give this or that offering, perform certain religious activities, or do particular things, then God will finally hear them. Sadly, such ideas have become widespread in the house of God today. I have often wondered about the prophets of Baal and how they cut themselves with swords and knives until blood flowed while calling upon their god in the days of the prophet Elijah. Could that not also be a picture of people who would arise in our generation, believing that God's goodness can be obtained through religious effort and works of the law? May God bless you greatly. #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255 616 609 885 #LostInTheChurch #GraceVsWorks #GraceOfGod #Christianity #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth #BibleStudy #JesusChrist #ChristianLife #SpiritualGrowth #GodsGrace #FaithAndWorks #TheWordOfGod #KingdomOfGod #ChurchLife #ChristianTeaching #KnowTheTruth #WalkWithChrist #Holiness #FaithInJesus

LOST IN THE CHURCH Part Three CIVILIZATION / RESPECTABILITY One of the greatest things religion could achieve at its highest level is to try to make a person extremely good and civilized. However, being civilized is not a fruit of the Spirit, it is not holiness, and it is not Christianity. A civilized person may be someone who believes that he can calm God's anger through good behavior and by keeping religious laws. The origin of this kind of civilization is the attempt to please God by conforming to the spirit of this world—by obeying human expectations more than the will of God. Many people assume that being loved and accepted by the world is the same as being loved by God. But Jesus Himself was not "civilized" according to the standards people often use today. How could He be, when He called Herod, the ruler of His country, "that fox"? (Luke 13:32) Where have you ever seen a "civilized" person make a whip of cords, drive people out of the Temple, overturn the tables and chairs of the merchants, and scatter their money? (John 2:15) Tell me, where have you ever seen a civilized person behave like that? It amazes me that today civilization and politeness are sometimes mistaken for Christianity. THE GRACE OF GOD > "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17 Jesus did not come to establish salvation through the Mosaic Law. And if the Law given through Moses could not accomplish God's ultimate purpose of restoring humanity to Him, then holiness cannot be achieved merely by keeping laws. Rather, it is through the grace of God, freely given to the person who looks to the Lord. However, I am not saying that there is no law under grace. What I mean is that the law operating within grace is the law of love. Love must come first, and obedience follows. To put law before love is slavery. And the Lord clearly said that God's children are free. (Matthew 17:26) Therefore, we do not obey God's commandments in order to create love within ourselves. We obey because we have already begun to love God. Remember what the Word says in John 14:15: > "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Notice the order of the words. The order matters. Love comes first. He loved us first. (1 John 4:19) Therefore, when we obey His commandments, His laws, or His truth, it should be because His love has taken root in our hearts. Otherwise, we risk falling into the very spirit of deception and error that has existed throughout history—the spirit of religion. If you read 1 Corinthians 13, beginning from verse 1 onward, you will see the Apostle Paul explaining how empty it is for a person to perform even something apparently spiritual or divine when there is no love in his heart. SALVATION: GRACE AND WORKS Salvation is by grace, and it is freely given because of the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Therefore, any attempt to offer our own achievements as payment for acceptance before God is essentially an insult to the Cross, because it suggests that Christ's sacrifice was insufficient. And the Lord will not accept anyone who attempts to approach Him on such a basis. GRACE VS. WORKS Today, a large number of believers are lost in the Church because they have failed to properly distinguish between these two concepts: works and grace. The way of life often passes through truths that appear to be in tension. I do not mean grace alone while completely rejecting obedience. Neither do I mean works alone while ignoring grace. It is not everything done by God, nor is it everything done by us. Some have gone too far into the direction of legalistic works. Others, after thinking they have understood grace, have been pushed to the opposite extreme and become lost in a distorted understanding of grace. If you approach Scripture with a distorted "grace-only" mindset, you can become lost in that extreme. Likewise, if you approach Scripture entirely through the lens of works, you can also become lost. The Bible clearly says: > "Faith without works is dead." Yet it is also a great deception to perform works merely so that you can be considered a person of faith. Yes, the Lord carried the Cross for us, and that is grace. But have you ever asked yourself why He also told us to take up our own cross and follow Him? (Luke 9:23) That is where we discover that we also have a part to fulfill. Once you understand that it is not grace without responsibility, do not overreact and jump with both feet into legalism. If you do, you will fall into another dangerous deception: believing that God can be found through human effort. Some people believe that if they pray for extremely long periods, jump up and down, give this or that offering, perform certain religious activities, or do particular things, then God will finally hear them. Sadly, such ideas have become widespread in the house of God today. I have often wondered about the prophets of Baal and how they cut themselves with swords and knives until blood flowed while calling upon their god in the days of the prophet Elijah. Could that not also be a picture of people who would arise in our generation, believing that God's goodness can be obtained through religious effort and works of the law? May God bless you greatly. #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255 616 609 885 #LostInTheChurch #GraceVsWorks #GraceOfGod #Christianity #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth #BibleStudy #JesusChrist #ChristianLife #SpiritualGrowth #GodsGrace #FaithAndWorks #TheWordOfGod #KingdomOfGod #ChurchLife #ChristianTeaching #KnowTheTruth #WalkWithChrist #Holiness #FaithInJesus

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-021 Today’s Scripture John 1:51 (ESV) “And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” Opening the Scriptures Jesus had told Nathanael that he would see “greater things.” He now begins to explain just how great those things would be. His words point back to Genesis 28, where Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it. But Jesus now places Himself at the center of that picture. He declares that the angels will ascend and descend “on the Son of Man.” The message is profound: Jesus Christ is the One through whom sinful humanity is reconciled to the holy God. The way to God is not found through human achievement, religious ceremonies, good works, or our own righteousness. The way to God is Jesus Christ. Living God’s Word Today Our world offers countless ways by which people believe they can reach God. Some trust religion. Others trust morality. Some believe that simply being sincere is enough. Others assume that doing more good than evil will make them acceptable before God. Jesus destroys that confidence. Later in John’s Gospel He will state plainly, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Christianity is therefore not primarily about humanity climbing upward toward God. It is about God coming down to rescue sinners through His Son. Jesus Christ took upon Himself our humanity. He lived the righteous life we could never live. He went willingly to the cross, bearing the judgment due to sinners, and He rose victorious from the grave. Our hope is not found in what we can do for God. Our hope is found entirely in what Christ has done for us. John chapter 1 began by declaring that the eternal Word was God. It has shown us the Word becoming flesh, John the Baptist identifying the Lamb of God, and ordinary people beginning to follow Jesus. Now the chapter closes by directing our eyes toward the One at the center of everything: Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the only way to the Father. Do not place your confidence in yourself today. Place your confidence completely in Christ. Question for Today: Where are you placing your confidence for acceptance before God? Respond: “My hope is in Christ alone.”

*THE SNARE OF COMPROMISE* Compromise, in the believer's walk, is the gradual surrender of divine standards for the sake of comfort, acceptance, or personal desire. James calls this the danger of being "double-minded" (Greek: dipsychos, "two-souled") a man "unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8, KJV). Compromise rarely announces itself. It enters as a small concession, a pitched tent, a foreign alliance, a withheld truth and matures into ruin. Lot compromised with the world's system. Genesis 13:12 records that Lot "pitched his tent toward Sodom." He didn't move in overnight — he drifted. By Genesis 19, he's sitting in the city gate, a position of civic leadership, among people Scripture calls "wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13). Compromise appears harmless at the beginning but gradually matures into great decadence. Lot lost his wife, who turned back to look at Sodom and became a pillar of salt. "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:26). He lost his standing, as his own sons-in-law dismissed his warning: "But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law" (Genesis 19:14). @@@[And] his daughters were morally corrupted by the very culture he had embraced, leading to the incestuous conception of Moab and Ben-ammi (Genesis 19:30-36). He was saved but he left with nothing. Click on the link below to follow my WhatsApp channel. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbC31bW5Ui2PKF0YvW0k

Good morning, brethren. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST 11, 2O26. "WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (2)" ‘To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given...’ Matthew 25:29 NLT YOUR VALUE in a job is determined by the value you add to the job. When a Christian goes to work each day, God holds them accountable for adding, enhancing and improving things in their workplace. Jesus told the story of three men who were each given money. One was given five bags of it, another two, and another one. The first two ‘…went and traded with them, and gained…’ (Matthew 25:16 NAS). They showed skill, initiative, and made 100 percent profit. So they were commended by their master. But the third man just punched the clock, called in sick, didn’t train, try, dare, or do. So his job review didn’t go too well. And Jesus said something that ought to make us all sit up and take notice: ‘To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.’ That means if your attitude and work ethic are poor, you’re in trouble with God. So, let’s stop and think about your job. If Jesus were your supervisor, would you do your work any differently? How would you answer the phone, type documents, treat your employees, or teach your pupils if Jesus were checking your work? As a citizen of God’s kingdom you need to periodically review your attitude on the job, solicit feedback on how you can grow, demonstrate love and grace to those you work with, make your company profitable, and enjoy the work you do. Bible In A Year: Josh 2:1-24, Acts 9:20-30. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*💝🌹🌷🎀. MD.ii. [10/08, 9:23 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST, 2026``` *HEALING THROUGH REPENTANCE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🤢😩😭✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:HOSEA 6:1-3```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up" (HOSEA 6:1).*_ *In 1949, a remarkable spiritual revival swept through the Scottish Hebrides Islands, known today as the Hebrides Revival. At that time, churches were nearly empty, and the younger generation had grown indifferent to the faith. Two elderly women, Peggy and Christine Smith, deeply burdened by the spiritual decline, began fervent prayer for God to awaken their community to righteousness. Their prayers were anchored in repentance and a return to the Lord. Soon, other believers joined them in prayer. One night, a young man leading the prayer meeting read from Psalm 24:3, 4: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..." He cried out, "Is my heart clean? Are my hands pure?" That honest moment of repentance sparked a spiritual breakthrough, and soon people across the island began confessing their sins, turning back to God, and experiencing profound spiritual healing.* *In our text, the prophet calls God's people to repentance. The passage begins with a heartfelt plea for repentance and return to the Lord. It reflects Israel's realisation that they had strayed from God and were suffering the consequences of their rebellion. Yet, despite their waywardness, God desired to restore and revive them if they genuinely repented. The promises of being "revived after two days" and "restored on the third day" symbolised God's readiness to bring spiritual renewal to those who returned to Him.* *Christians today have important lessons to learn. True healing, whether it is healing from guilt, broken relationships, spiritual dryness or backsliding, begins with repentance. It is not just about feeling remorse but about acknowledging your sins, seeking God's forgiveness, and making a decisive turn toward Him.* *In our modern world, temptations and sin often pull people away from God. But just as the Hebrides Revival demonstrated, God responds powerfully to repentance. When believers humble themselves and call upon God for themselves or others, He is faithful to heal, restore, and pour out His blessings. For those who need healing today, they should return to the Lord, so He can bind up their wounds and revive their spirit.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Repentance opens the door to restoration.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 9-12*📜📜 [10/08, 9:23 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST, 2026``` *HUMILIATION OF THE HAUGHTY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🤨⚠️‼️🛑❌👎🏽⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 3:14-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts" (ISAIAH 3:17).*_ *A haughty person is one who is proud of himself or herself. Many youths are guilty of pride because they fail to recognise God as the Giver of all things and to Him alone all glories must return. Pride is dangerous to your spiritual wellbeing, as God hates pride.* *Saint Augustine was correct when he affirmed that "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." Pride cost the devil the opportunity of living eternally with God after he revolted against the authority of God in heaven.* *Young people of nowadays demonstrate pride because of their beauty or handsomeness, wears, education, family wealth and position in the society. Pride cost the devil and the fallen angels the kingdom of God, and would cost those who still indulge it.* *God frowns on pride among His children because all are equal before God and no one should look down on others. His judgment awaits every single soul, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, and so on. If you fail to kill pride now, it will kill you later.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Kill pride now!*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Pride is dangerous.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, take haughty attitude away from me.*_ [10/08, 9:23 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS WEPT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️😢😭🙏🏽 📜📜```JOHN 11:33-36```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Jesus wept" (John 11:35).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 *Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. He came into the world to identify with our sufferings and troubles. He came to bear our burdens and carry our sorrows.* Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Prophet Isaiah spoke about what He would do. He said He would be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. This was exactly what Jesus did when He was on earth. He is loving and compassionate. Our Bible passage shows one aspect of the nature of Christ. Getting to the house of His friends whose brother had died, Jesus, moved with compassion wept openly. It was the highest show of love from God to His creature. Jesus is teaching us here that weeping is not a sign of weakness. It is a way to identify with those who are hurting. At the end, Jesus raised Lazarus from death. *Are you sad or lonely? Are you suffering in any way? Remember, Jesus cares for you. He does not want you to suffer. Call upon Him in time of trouble, and you will experience His comforting arms of love.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Compassionate Jesus, give me the grace to lean on You in times of trouble.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Matthew 11:28* [10/08, 9:23 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 11TH AUGUST, 2026. *PATHWAY TO RESTORATION AND REVIVAL* *TEXT:* HOSEA 6:1-3. 1Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. *Timeless Truth:*_"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth"_ (Hosea 6:3). *INTRODUCTION* "Return, "Revival", "Refresh" and "Restoration" are some of the words used in Biblical and Christian circles that show that something good and precious have been lost or missing and appropriate efforts should be made to get those things back. All these show man's deliberate responsibilities in order to keep the blessings of God for a long time . In 1948, a released christian newsletter during the time of revivalist Abraham Branham reads. “All the great outpourings of the past have had their outstanding truths. Luther’s truth was Justification by Faith. Wesley’s was Sanctification. The Baptists taught the premillennial coming of Christ. The Missionary Alliance taught Divine Healing. The Pentecostal outpouring has restored the Baptism of the Holy Ghost to its rightful place. But, the next great outpouring is going to be marked by all these other truths plus such a demonstration of the nine gifts of the Spirit as the world, not even the Apostolic world, has ever witnessed before. This revival will be short and will be the last before the Rapture of the Church.” The consolation and joy is that whatever great and wonderful experiences we have enjoyed in the past can still be restored by God if man does the needful. This is the message of Hosea to Israel and the godly. *1. Call to Return to God* a. Adam, representing the man of all ages, started with God, but departed from God and many woes followed. In order to vacate the woes, the message of God is simple, return to God. All the woes, challenges, calamities, anguish, backslidings and challenges of man have only one divine prescription: Return to God. Returning to God requires turning or change. Man is generally, reluctant to change. This is one of Newton's Laws of Motion. Willingness to turn is generally, where the problem of man lies. The turning to God requires acceptance of wrongs towards God, decisions with appropriate steps and asking God for forgiveness without self justification. It involves deliberate action of repentance. Repentance from what cause the loss of good old blessings, including repentance from sin, unforgiving spirit, bitterness against neighbours and perhaps God, love of the world, selective obedience to the command of God in any area etc., are just what God is looking for before He pours down His blessings afresh. God did not see that turning or repentance in Adam and Eve. Both of them were busy giving excuses and blaming each other. Neither fully admitted his/her obvious wrong and neither fully repented and returned to God. The repercussion was that they never got the blessing they lost back. They were driven from the beautiful, blessed and blissful garden. If they had returned to God with words of soberness and repentance, the story would have been different for them and the whole humanity. All lost blessings from God are only returned after turning and repentance from the root cause. b. The message of God is the same. *"Come, and let us return unto the LORD"*. Stop the blame game. Stop the murmuring and complain. The promise of God for the repentant is valid at all times and in all generations. *"For he hath torn, and he will heal us"*. When your garment of glory is torn, when your shining regalia of blessings is torn, when the source of your joy is torn, the immediate and uncompromisable demand of God and solution is to turn to God. *"He hath smitten, and he will bind us up"*. This is a word of assurance for those who take the courage to turn from their evil ways, carelessness and compromise. *Question* Assess your life where you have departed from God and your old consecration to God and His word. Are you willing to turn? Start today. *2. Comforting Revival Through Grace* a. Has Israel not gone too far to an irredeemable damnable and bitter experience? God, through Hosea says NO. When there is possibility and willingness to turn, the promise to restore and revive is always unbreakable. Jesus said, *"the scripture cannot be broken."* Hosea used the picture of Calvary and the resurrection of Jesus on the third day to show the reality and restoration of revival for dead bones. *"After two days will he revive us"*. After two days is the third day including all other days after the third day. It shows the beginning of revival on the third day and the continuity of revival after the third day. *"In the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight"*. The resurrection of Jesus Christ has assurably made possible the restoration of any dead soul and experiences even when it appears they are already stinking spiritually in the grave. b. The parable of dead bones in Ezekiel 37 shows that revival and restoration is possible when the Word of God is given a prominent and final say in the life of an individual, family, church or nation. All the revivals the Church has experienced in different ages at a time of total darkness were as a result of giving the Word of God the first and unquestionably place. The same applies to any individual that needs revival. Taking the Word of God at face values drives to repentance including burdened and persistent prayers. Once this is done, the rain will definitely fall and there will be repentance and restoration. *Question* Are you desirous of revival and restoration of past glories in your life? From the explanation above, what is your decision? *3. Continuous Refreshment unto Glory* a. Why blessings are lost and revival is gone is because of lack of continuity in the Old faith and consecration that brought the revival in the first place. Jesus said, *"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples in deed"*. Disciples in deeds are different from disciples in the mouth to profession. Continuity is the key. *"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD"*. Continuous following leads to deeper knowledge and deeper knowledge is manifested by continuous following. *"His going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth"*. The former rain is to prepare the ground for planting while the latter rain is to prepare the crop for harvesting. It is the harvesting that is generally seen, but not the planting time of rigour and sacrifice. He that sows, though not seen by many should sow in hope because harvesting is certain. Rain of the Holy Spirit is needed to sow the seed of repentance, intercession and consecration while rain of the Holy Spirit is also needed to enjoy the harvest of refreshment, restoration and revival. Continuity in sowing the seed of the Word of God and wetting it with tears of prayers and acts of consecration will bring the abundant rain and there will be overflowing joy, revival and restoration again. *Question* Are you determined to continue getting deeper into the Word, prayer and consecration without giving up until the rain falls and there are blessings and visitations from heaven again? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, open my eyes to areas that I need to turn to you afresh and make me willing to pay the price of turning 🙏. 2.Give me the rain of the Spirit that will help me to sow with tears and deeper consecration until the abundant rain falls on my soul, nation and church 🙏. 3.I ask for power and determination to continue seeking your face without giving up and backing out 🙏. 4.Father, send the rain and awaken your Church to true restoration and revival 🙏. *HYMN:* Come Holy Spirit. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 9-12. 2. Morning Prayer fir today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. ⏤ Hebrews 4:15 He is never nearer than when we are tempted. ⏤ E.M. Bounds O Jesus, we thank You for living this human life with us, knowing all about our experiences. You became a man. You were tempted in every way, just as we are, and understand what temptation is like. It comforts us to know that You understand our struggles and that we can rely on Your sympathy. Help us today, O Jesus, to overcome every temptation. Stand by us and do not let us fall into darkness in any moment of trial. We are also grateful that You know all about sorrow. You have experienced every depth of human pain. There is no sorrow unknown to You, no grief that You cannot understand. Life brings us sorrows, sometimes very deep ones. No human friend can fully understand them. Our loved ones want to help us but cannot take away our pain or give us true comfort. Earth has no sufficient consolation for us. So we turn to You, O Jesus, and ask for Your help in our sorrows. We want to bear them sweetly, without complaining. We want to receive the blessing that comes with every pain or suffering, a blessing that is often missed. Teach us how to suffer according to Your will. Give us true comfort that enables us to endure whatever pain or trial we must face. Help us to grow stronger and kinder in every affliction. May Your sympathy bless us, lifting us into deeper fellowship with You. We ask all this in Your precious name, Jesus our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/37/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

The Advent Truth. Church membership is a blessing—but it has never been the same thing as salvation. The Bible repeatedly shows that there are people who outwardly belong to God’s visible people while inwardly remaining unchanged. Israel had Korah. The disciples had Judas. The early church had Ananias and Sapphira. Even the ten virgins all looked the same until the crisis revealed who was truly prepared. Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). He also said many will be shocked in the judgment because they assumed that religious activity guaranteed acceptance with God. Being baptized won’t save you if your heart has never been surrendered. Holding church office won’t save you. Having your name on the membership roll won’t save you. Knowing the truth intellectually won’t save you. Even defending sound doctrine isn’t enough if Christ has not transformed the life. The question isn’t merely, “Am I in the church?” The question is, “Am I in Christ?” One day the church books will no longer matter. The only record that will determine our eternal destiny is whether our names remain written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 20:12, 15; 21:27). God isn’t looking for nominal Christians. He’s looking for converted Christians. This isn’t a call to leave the church—it is a call to be the church. The remnant is not merely identified by a name on a record, but by those who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Today is the day to examine our hearts. Have we settled for the appearance of religion, or have we truly surrendered everything to Christ? A profession without conversion is one of Satan’s greatest deceptions. Don’t be satisfied with your name in the church books. Make sure, by God’s grace, it’s written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

10-08-2026 Peace Through Faith Romans 5:1 (AMP) "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Sometimes our hearts are restless because we feel we need to do more, be better, or prove ourselves to God. But Romans 5:1 reminds us that our relationship with God is not built on our performance—it is built on faith in Jesus Christ. To be justified means that, through Christ, God declares us right with Him. We don't have to spend our lives trying to earn His acceptance. Jesus has already made the way. And the result is peace with God. This peace doesn't mean that everything around us will always be peaceful. Life can still bring uncertainty, disappointment, and difficult seasons. But underneath it all, we can have the assurance that we are reconciled to God and held securely in His love. When your mind is overwhelmed today, remind yourself: “I am at peace with God through Jesus. I don't have to earn His love. I can trust Him.” Let that truth quiet your heart and give you confidence to face whatever today brings. 🙏 Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You that I am justified by faith and that I can have peace with God through You. Help me to stop striving for Your acceptance and instead rest in what You have already done for me. When worry and fear arise, remind me that I belong to You. Fill my heart with Your peace and help me trust You completely today. Amen. 🌸 Today’s thought: I don't have to fight for God's acceptance—I can rest in the peace Jesus has already given me.