BEHIND JESUS TEXT: Acts 18:28 SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3 OBJECTIVES At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to: 1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. 2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh. 3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man. 4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture. INTRODUCTION Acts 18:28 (KJV): “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is. The Bible teaches that God is Spirit: John 4:24 (KJV): “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is also love: 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real. QUESTION Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit? Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (KJV): “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him. John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16: “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love. 2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God. Isaiah 2:22: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” James 4:14: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal. 3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God. John 1:4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…” 1 John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ. 4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour. Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself. 5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD God is holy, righteous, loving and good. Psalm 100:5: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 145:9: “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity. Acts 10:38: “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” 6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man. Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves. THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH 1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM God became visible through Jesus Christ. John 14:9: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” 2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM John testified that Jesus was physically real. 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…” The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ. 3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people. 1 John 1:3: “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples. Matthew 26:30: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them. 4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority. John 2:11: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…” Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…” His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God. 5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…” Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…” He understands what humanity experiences. 6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption. Matthew 26:28: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” 1 Peter 1:18–19: “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…” Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined. In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is. Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Behind the soil, there may be gold. Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God. Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” John 20:28: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed. ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation. 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…” Jesus truly came in the flesh. He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine. WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT Acts 18:28: “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come. Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal. John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world…” Luke 1:32–33: “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…” Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel. Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character. But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus. We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings. Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him. They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace. But the Gospel points us back to Jesus. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD Jesus made this clear: John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter also declared: Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other…” Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way. His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity. Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS? Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…” And then: John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God…” The fullness of God dwells in Him. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He existed before Abraham. John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is one with the Father. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Thomas called Him God. John 20:28: “My Lord and my God.” And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son: Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father. And in Him is eternal life. FINAL CHALLENGE Do not stop at what you see on the surface. Look behind Jesus. Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures. John 20:31: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.

Stop trying to prove your worth to people who don't hold the pen to your story. Let’s be honest: we are obsessed with building our own resumes. We spend half our lives carefully curating our wins, updating our bios, and quietly making sure everyone in the room knows exactly what we bring to the table. But chasing human applause is a rigged game. It’s an exhausting treadmill where the finish line keeps moving. The moment you finally get the validation you were hustling for, the anxiety kicks in: What if I lose it? What if they stop clapping? When you are the one commending yourself, you have to work 24/7 to maintain the illusion. There is a better way to live, and Paul nailed it in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." You don't achieve true freedom when everyone in the room finally claps for you. Freedom is walking into the room and no longer needing the applause—because you already have the only approval that actually matters. Drop the PR campaign. Stop the self-promotion. Let your only boast be in what He has already done for you. Save this post for the next time you feel the pressure to prove yourself. Share this to the story of someone who needs to be freed from the approval trap today.

Bible Verse of the Day. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. NKJV.

INSTRUCTIONS! Instructions are a guide on how to live, behave, carry out a duty or task, or a well prescribed training communicated through formal, approved channels in the scripture, instructions are set of guiding principles given to mankind as a guide for proper relationship with God. When God instructed Moses to build Him a tabernacle, He gave a complete description of the pattern He wanted, and emphasized that the pattern shown to Moses is what must be built. To further emphasize how important the pattern is, He empowered Bazaliel and Aholiab with the requisite wisdom to do what He wanted. In the new Testament, Jesus uses the sentence "if you continue in My word"(John8:31). The apostle Paul uses the word Training or chastening to describe instructions (Hebrews 12:11). In Acts 15:-24-29, the Jerusalem church wrote a set of instructions to the gentile churches which if they obey, they would do well. Apistle Peter, in 2Pet 1:5-8, points out the instructions for the church of God that would make them fruitful in the work of the kingdom of God. James the apostle gave vivid instructions in his book, notably James 1:1-end, and the attendant profits. ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS When instructions are thoroughly followed, they produce results that can be summed up as follows, amo: 1. It produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in them that have been trained by it ( Hebrew 12:11) 2. They help us to partake in the nature of God (Hebrews 12:10) 3. Following instructions grants us access to the blessings of God (Deut. 28:2-15) 4. Following instructions keeps us in safety regardless of the chaotic situation prevalent in the time. 5. Following instructions turns us from natural man to carriers of God's power. 6. Ultimately, gaining. entrance into the eternal life beyond here, is aas a function of thorough obedience to all the instructions summarized in two, namely: A. Love the LORD thy God with All your strength..... B. Love your neighbour as yourself. Disaster of the highest magnitude is what follows when Simple Instructions are Neglected (SIN).. SIN IS SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS NEGLECTED.

INSTRUCTIONS! Instructions are a guide on how to live, behave, carry out a duty or task, or a well prescribed training communicated through formal, approved channels in the scripture, instructions are set of guiding principles given to mankind as a guide for proper relationship with God. When God instructed Moses to build Him a tabernacle, He gave a complete description of the pattern He wanted, and emphasized that the pattern shown to Moses is what must be built. To further emphasize how important the pattern is, He empowered Bazaliel and Aholiab with the requisite wisdom to do what He wanted. In the new Testament, Jesus uses the sentence "if you continue in My word"(John8:31). The apostle Paul uses the word Training or chastening to describe instructions (Hebrews 12:11). In Acts 15:-24-29, the Jerusalem church wrote a set of instructions to the gentile churches which if they obey, they would do well. Apistle Peter, in 2Pet 1:5-8, points out the instructions for the church of God that would make them fruitful in the work of the kingdom of God. James the apostle gave vivid instructions in his book, notably James 1:1-end, and the attendant profits. ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS When instructions are thoroughly followed, they produce results that can be summed up as follows, amo: 1. It produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in them that have been trained by it ( Hebrew 12:11) 2. They help us to partake in the nature of God (Hebrews 12:10) 3. Following instructions grants us access to the blessings of God (Deut. 28:2-15) 4. Following instructions keeps us in safety regardless of the chaotic situation prevalent in the time. 5. Following instructions turns us from natural man to carriers of God's power. 6. Ultimately, gaining. entrance into the eternal life beyond here, is aas a function of thorough obedience to all the instructions summarized in two, namely: A. Love the LORD thy God with All your strength..... B. Love your neighbour as yourself. Disaster of the highest magnitude is what follows when Simple Instructions are Neglected (SIN).. SIN IS SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS NEGLECTED.

INSTRUCTIONS! Instructions are a guide on how to live, behave, carry out a duty or task, or a well prescribed training communicated through formal, approved channels in the scripture, instructions are set of guiding principles given to mankind as a guide for proper relationship with God. When God instructed Moses to build Him a tabernacle, He gave a complete description of the pattern He wanted, and emphasized that the pattern shown to Moses is what must be built. To further emphasize how important the pattern is, He empowered Bazaliel and Aholiab with the requisite wisdom to do what He wanted. In the new Testament, Jesus uses the sentence "if you continue in My word"(John8:31). The apostle Paul uses the word Training or chastening to describe instructions (Hebrews 12:11). In Acts 15:-24-29, the Jerusalem church wrote a set of instructions to the gentile churches which if they obey, they would do well. Apistle Peter, in 2Pet 1:5-8, points out the instructions for the church of God that would make them fruitful in the work of the kingdom of God. James the apostle gave vivid instructions in his book, notably James 1:1-end, and the attendant profits. ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS When instructions are thoroughly followed, they produce results that can be summed up as follows, amo: 1. It produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in them that have been trained by it ( Hebrew 12:11) 2. They help us to partake in the nature of God (Hebrews 12:10) 3. Following instructions grants us access to the blessings of God (Deut. 28:2-15) 4. Following instructions keeps us in safety regardless of the chaotic situation prevalent in the time. 5. Following instructions turns us from natural man to carriers of God's power. 6. Ultimately, gaining. entrance into the eternal life beyond here, is aas a function of thorough obedience to all the instructions summarized in two, namely: A. Love the LORD thy God with All your strength..... B. Love your neighbour as yourself. Disaster of the highest magnitude is what follows when Simple Instructions are Neglected (SIN).. SIN IS SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS NEGLECTED.

James 1:12 NKJV *Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.* All athletes compete for the final prize,but it is the one that competes according to the rules, endure the though training and finishes first will receive the prize.🏆 Sometimes you will be tested,but if you endure it as an athlete, you shall definitely get the prize. Endure today for a better tomorrow. Have a God filled day. Able minister

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 221 DATE: 9TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GIVE VALUE _2 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:2 TIMOTHY 2:15 (KJV) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Devotional message: Yesterday, we established that God desires us to become people who bring value wherever we are. However, you cannot consistently give what you have not received. To become a vessel through whom God brings solutions to people, families, communities, organizations, and nations, we must first cultivate a deep relationship with Him. The greater our fellowship with God, the greater our capacity to carry what He desires to release through us. We must therefore give ourselves to the study of God's Word, prayer, meditation, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Word equips us with divine wisdom, while intimacy with God enables us to know His heart and understand what He desires to accomplish through our lives. We see this pattern clearly in the life of Jesus Christ. Even as a young man, Jesus was found in the temple among the teachers, listening to them, asking questions, and growing in understanding. When He began His earthly ministry, He consistently withdrew to solitary places to pray. Early in the morning, He sought the Father, and at other times He spent extended hours in prayer. We also see Him attending the synagogue on the Sabbath according to His custom. Jesus was not merely a man who performed miracles; He was a man who lived in continual fellowship with the Father. His value to His generation flowed from His relationship with God. He knew what the Father was doing, spoke what the Father gave Him, and accomplished the assignment entrusted to Him. This gives us a pattern to follow. If we desire to remain relevant and give lasting value to our generation, we must pursue both knowledge of God's Word and intimacy with God. Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to study so that he might be approved before God. Joshua was instructed to meditate on the Word day and night so that he would prosper and succeed in his assignment. Therefore, do not only desire to be useful to your generation; prepare yourself to become useful. Study the Scriptures. Meditate upon them. Pray consistently. Spend time in God's presence. Fellowship with mature believers and learn from those whom God has placed around you. Ask questions. Seek wisdom. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach and transform you. The world is full of problems, but God has placed within His people gifts, wisdom, creativity, knowledge, and spiritual resources that can become solutions. There are families that need wisdom, businesses that need integrity and innovation, communities that need leadership, churches that need faithful servants, and people who need to encounter Jesus. Child of God, become a vessel of value. Let your presence bring solutions. Let your words bring wisdom. Let your character bring integrity. Let your hands bring help. Let your life point people to Christ. You cannot consistently pour out what you have never allowed God to pour into you. Go deeper in God, and you will have more to give to your generation. The depth of what you receive from God determines the value you can consistently give to others. Therefore, pursue God's Word, prayer, intimacy, and fellowship so that you may become a vessel of divine wisdom and solutions to your generation. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting gifts, wisdom, and opportunities to me. Help me to grow deeper in my relationship with You. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a consistent prayer life. Fill me with Your wisdom and empower me by Your Spirit so that I may become a vessel of value to my generation. In Jesus' name, Amen. Further Reading: Luke 2:41–52,Mark 1:35–39,Joshua 1:8,John 5:19–20 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

READ TO UNDERSTAND Now that you have come to the understanding of this faith, Jude felt compelled to write to us about contending for the faith. Our faith is dependent on the level of knowledge we have about the Word. This is why we need to be intentional in studying to be approved for such works. We can defend our faith by holding onto the knowledge of truth, by having an intentional personal relationship with Jesus Christ and also we can defend it because it has been entrusted to usa as God's Holy People. Us contending is a showcase of deep love for that which has been entrusted unto us. What to do Pray Continually, Build each other Know the Word , Believe in God. And always follow the Holy Spirit instructions. Prayers Dear Lord, we are thankful we are partakers of this gospel..And as co-workers with Christ, Helps us to contend for this faith, Help us to own it in every season of our life, Help us to acknowledge it without fear. Grant us grace and help us to be intentional as we pursue this.. all for your Glory and Honor in Jesus Christ name.. #Amen

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: HE WHO THINKS HE STANDS, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 7:21-23 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. MESSAGE: It is one thing to stand for Jesus, and it is another to keep standing for Him until the end. To stand in Christ until the end requires God's help (Jude 1:24), and you must consistently enquire from Him to know how you are standing. (2 Corinthians 10:18) says: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Many people commend themselves based on their own standards, when, in truth, they have already fallen. God knows those who are still standing in Him; His foundation is sure and He will not allow anyone build falsehood upon it (2 Timothy 2:19). Today's Bible reading tells us that on the last day, many people will approach God with confidence, thinking that they ought to be in heaven, but He will send them back and call them workers of iniquity. They will try to defend themselves using their own standards of judgment, which may include the wonderful works they did in God's name, but they will still be rejected. Prophet Isaiah thought he was standing for God until he visited God's throne room and realised that he was a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). Beloved, never assume that you are standing in Christ; consistently examine yourself by His standards to ensure that you are still in the faith. You can do this by constantly weighing your actions and attitudes against God's word. For example, how do you react when you are addressed in a manner you consider disrespectful? When people praise you, do you enjoy their praises and bask in pride, or are you quick to redirect them to God, the giver of the gifts you are being praised for? When there is an opportunity to serve, do you avoid it and demand to be served because of your position and achievements, or do you quickly humble yourself, as Jesus did, to serve others? Would you rather have things your way all the time or allow the Holy Spirit to have His way? God's word is the mirror with which you can always check whether you are standing in Him or not. James 1:23-25 urges us not to be hearers of God's word alone, but also doers. Don't be like a man who sees his blemishes in the mirror and fails to correct them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas you are not walking as uprightly as He desires, so that you can make necessary adjustments immediately. PRAYER POINT: Father, please help me to stand in You until the very end. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 4 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. CHORUS: I need thee, oh, I need thee; every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, stay thou near by; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. CHORUS: 3. I need thee every hour in joy or pain; come quickly and abide or life is vain. CHORUS: 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. CHORUS: 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! CHORUS:OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: HE WHO THINKS HE STANDS, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 7:21-23 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. MESSAGE: It is one thing to stand for Jesus, and it is another to keep standing for Him until the end. To stand in Christ until the end requires God's help (Jude 1:24), and you must consistently enquire from Him to know how you are standing. (2 Corinthians 10:18) says: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Many people commend themselves based on their own standards, when, in truth, they have already fallen. God knows those who are still standing in Him; His foundation is sure and He will not allow anyone build falsehood upon it (2 Timothy 2:19). Today's Bible reading tells us that on the last day, many people will approach God with confidence, thinking that they ought to be in heaven, but He will send them back and call them workers of iniquity. They will try to defend themselves using their own standards of judgment, which may include the wonderful works they did in God's name, but they will still be rejected. Prophet Isaiah thought he was standing for God until he visited God's throne room and realised that he was a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). Beloved, never assume that you are standing in Christ; consistently examine yourself by His standards to ensure that you are still in the faith. You can do this by constantly weighing your actions and attitudes against God's word. For example, how do you react when you are addressed in a manner you consider disrespectful? When people praise you, do you enjoy their praises and bask in pride, or are you quick to redirect them to God, the giver of the gifts you are being praised for? When there is an opportunity to serve, do you avoid it and demand to be served because of your position and achievements, or do you quickly humble yourself, as Jesus did, to serve others? Would you rather have things your way all the time or allow the Holy Spirit to have His way? God's word is the mirror with which you can always check whether you are standing in Him or not. James 1:23-25 urges us not to be hearers of God's word alone, but also doers. Don't be like a man who sees his blemishes in the mirror and fails to correct them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas you are not walking as uprightly as He desires, so that you can make necessary adjustments immediately. PRAYER POINT: Father, please help me to stand in You until the very end. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 4 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. CHORUS: I need thee, oh, I need thee; every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, stay thou near by; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. CHORUS: 3. I need thee every hour in joy or pain; come quickly and abide or life is vain. CHORUS: 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. CHORUS: 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! CHORUS: