God's Purpose - Psalm 18:28 by Carl H. Stevens There certainly will be times in our lives when we will be surrounded by darkness. Our first reaction is often to get out of it as quickly as possible, but let us consider the purpose God has for troublesome times. In difficulties, we can do one of two things: we can draw near to God (2), or we can run away from the trial set before us. We can expect to have great loneliness while in darkness. Psalm 88:18 says, "Lover and friend thou hast put far from me..." God does this so we will seek Him out and allow Him to become our source of life, rather than people. We must search for the light, knowing that He is Light (3). Light always arises out of darkness (4). Each night has a morning. These times of darkness will be great, and may be painful, but if you do not depart from the Word and continue to feed upon it, then Christ will become your provision. Psalm 112:7-8 tells how the writer´s heart was fixed on trusting the Lord. Do not despair while in darkness. Use it as an opportunity to draw near to Him Who does not change (6). You may discover riches stored in those dark places (7). Psalm 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Psalm 112:7-8 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Isaiah 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.’ I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” We are nothing compared to Christ. It would do us well to remember that we are, after all, God’s creations, and while He made us in a perfect way, we live in an imperfect and sinful world, a world that we often find seductively attractive and even drawn to. God made us perfect, but we, because of our human nature tend to tread a wider road than the one He intends for us. We always want the ‘easy’ way out. This ‘easy’ way often involves atrocious acts, things that we never thought we’d be capable of. This is our weakness, our human nature, but luckily for us, we serve a powerful God. * God is infinitely more powerful than weak man – Daniel 4:35: “He looks on the people of the earth as nothing; angels in heaven and people on earth are under his control. No one can oppose his will or question what he does.” * Man was born weak – Job 14:1-2: “We are all born weak and helpless. Alle lead the same, short, troubled life. We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows.” * God is all powerful – Jeremiah 32:27: “I am the LORD, the God of the whole human race. Nothing is too difficult for me.” * God holds our lives in His hands – Job 12:10: “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.” * God will show mercy to all so that His Name can be glorified – Acts 10:35: “Those who worship him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.” * In our weakness we have received redemption, sowe owe our life to God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God’s glory.” Do you understand that your weakness is proof of God’s glory? Do you know your trials and troubles are proof of His patience and mercy? They are not punishment for a worldly life, they are tests that each Christian must endure to prove his worth. Are you prepared to take up your cross, carry your burden, and show the world that you can thrive in the Name of the Father? More reading: Isaiah 40:15-22; Psalm 103:14; Matthew 19:26 #2Corinthians12 #Ourweakness #GodsPower #Faith

Choose Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18) What are you thankful for today? Sometimes that question is difficult. Not because we have nothing to be grateful for, but because problems can become louder than our blessings. We notice what we don't have. The opportunity we missed. The prayer that hasn't been answered. The relationship that ended. The financial pressure. The disappointment. The plans that didn't work out. And slowly, we can forget everything God has already done. The Bible says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that Scripture doesn't say: “Give thanks only when everything is going well.” It says: “In all circumstances.” That doesn't mean we should pretend that pain isn't painful. It doesn't mean we have to be happy about suffering. It means that even in difficult circumstances, we can still find reasons to trust and thank God. You can be disappointed and grateful. You can be waiting and grateful. You can be hurting and still recognize God's goodness. Gratitude doesn't deny the storm. It reminds you that God is with you in the storm. Think about what you already have. You woke up today. You have another opportunity to live, learn, grow, and serve. You have experienced moments of God's protection that you may not even know about. You have people who care about you. You have lessons from yesterday. You have God's promises for today. And if you belong to Christ, you have something greater than temporary circumstances: You have salvation. Jesus gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God. That gift cannot be measured by money, possessions, success, or circumstances. When everything else changes, the grace of God remains. So don't allow your circumstances to determine whether God is good. God is good even when life is difficult. Sometimes we become so focused on the next blessing that we fail to appreciate the current one. We're waiting for the next job. The next relationship. The next promotion. The next opportunity. The next breakthrough. And we forget to thank God for what is already in our hands. Don't let tomorrow steal today's gratitude. Take a moment today and look around. What has God already given you? What prayers has He already answered? What doors has He already opened? What difficulties has He already brought you through? What lessons has He taught you? What people has He placed in your life? Write them down. You may be surprised by how much you have to thank Him for. And gratitude changes the way we see other people too. Instead of comparing ourselves with someone who has more, we begin appreciating what we have. Instead of becoming jealous of another person's success, we can celebrate with them. Instead of constantly asking, “Why don't I have what they have?” we can say: “Thank You, God, for what You have entrusted to me.” Gratitude doesn't mean we stop pursuing growth. You can be grateful for where you are while still working toward where God is leading you. You can desire improvement without despising your current season. You can have dreams without allowing those dreams to control your happiness. And most importantly, gratitude should lead us back to God. Don't just be thankful for the blessing. Be thankful to the One who blesses. Today, before you ask God for something new, spend some time thanking Him for what He has already done. Thank Him for life. Thank Him for grace. Thank Him for forgiveness. Thank Him for family and friends. Thank Him for opportunities. Thank Him for lessons. Thank Him for protection. Thank Him for Jesus. Even if today is difficult, find one thing to thank God for. Then find another. And another. Gratitude doesn't change everything around you, but it can change what you see within you. Don't wait until everything is perfect before you thank God. Thank Him today. What are three things you can genuinely thank God for right now? #ChooseGratitude #1Thessalonians518 #ThankfulHeart #Gratitude #GodIsGood #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #TrustGod #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

THE 10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST 1. Self-Denial and Surrender: Choosing to put aside personal desires, control, and selfish ambition to follow Jesus daily. 2. Obedience to His Word: Remaining anchored in Christ's teachings and consistently putting His commands into practice. 3. Radical, Sacrificial Love: Loving others unconditionally—even the difficult or unlovely—just as Christ loved us. 4. Bearing Spiritual Fruit: Producing the evidence of the Holy Spirit's transforming work in character, attitude, and actions. 5. Willingness to Count the Cost: Accepting hardships, rejections, or personal sacrifices for the sake of following Christ. 6. A Humble and Teachable Heart: Approaching God and others with humility, recognizing a daily need for His grace and guidance. 7. Ongoing Spiritual Growth: Actively seeking to mature in faith, wisdom, and likeness to Jesus over a lifetime. 8. Making Other Disciples: Passing on the message and teachings of Christ to help others grow in their faith. 9. A Distinct Public Witness: Living in a way that stands out from the world, so others recognize whose we are through our actions and love. 10. Perseverance Through Trials: Enduring life's difficulties with steadfast faith, trusting God's ultimate purpose and presence. "We meet God through entering into a relationship both of dependence on Jesus as our Saviour and Friend and of discipleship to Him as our Lord and Master." — J.I. Packer 20th Century Teacher, Theologian and Author. Best known for his classic book KNOWING GOD. If you haven’t read it I strongly recommend that you do. _____________________

WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Stop Comparing Your Life With Others Bible Reference But let each one examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, without comparing himself with someone else. Galatians 6:4 (NIV) A Short Story Grace was 25 years old and had recently completed her university education. She had always been grateful for her progress, but things changed when she became more active on social media. Every morning, she opened her phone and saw people she knew announcing new jobs, getting married, buying cars, travelling to different countries, starting businesses, and celebrating different achievements. At first, Grace was happy for them. After some time, however, she began to feel unhappy with herself. One of her classmates had secured a good job shortly after graduation, while Grace was still searching for work. Another friend had started a successful fashion business. Someone else had recently bought a car. A former schoolmate had even announced her wedding. Grace began asking herself difficult questions. What am I doing with my life? Why is everybody moving forward except me? Have I wasted my time? Maybe I am not good enough. She started feeling ashamed whenever people asked what she was doing. Instead of seeing the things she had already achieved, she focused only on what other people had that she did not have. One evening, Grace visited her aunt, who noticed that she was unusually quiet. After listening to her, her aunt asked her to put her phone away and write down five things she was grateful for. Grace initially struggled to think of five things. Eventually, she wrote down her education, her family, her health, the skills she had developed, and the opportunity to start again. Her aunt then asked her another question. “If you keep looking at another person's journey, how will you have time to focus on yours?” That question stayed with Grace. She realised that she had been measuring her life with other people's timelines. She had forgotten that people do not all start from the same place, receive the same opportunities, or grow at the same speed. Grace decided to stop using other people's achievements as a measure of her own worth. She began applying for jobs more seriously, improving her skills, and working on a small business idea she had neglected. She still celebrated other people's success, but she no longer allowed their success to make her hate her own journey. Today's Message Comparison is one of the easiest ways to lose your peace. You can be doing well and still feel like a failure when you constantly measure yourself against somebody else. As a young person, you may look at your classmates, friends, colleagues, relatives, or people you follow online and feel that you are behind. Someone may already have a good job while you are still searching. Someone may be married while you are still single. Someone may have children while you are still waiting. Someone may own a business while you are still trying to discover what you can do. Someone may be travelling, building a house, buying a car, or becoming popular while you are still taking small steps. It is easy to forget that you are looking at their results without seeing their entire journey. Social media can make this problem worse because people usually show their best moments. You may see someone's new car but not the years of struggle behind it. You may see a beautiful wedding but not know the difficulties the couple faced before getting there. You may see a successful business but not know how many times the person failed before becoming successful. When you compare your ordinary days with somebody else's best moments, you can easily become discouraged. The Bible says in Galatians 6:4 that each person should examine his own work instead of comparing himself with someone else. God did not create you to become a copy of another person. He gave you your own abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and journey. This does not mean that you should become careless about your progress. You should learn from successful people. You should allow good examples to motivate you. You should celebrate the achievements of others and ask yourself what you can learn from them. There is a difference between learning from someone and becoming jealous of the person. Comparison becomes dangerous when another person's progress makes you despise your own life. You may be wondering why your life is taking longer than you expected. Perhaps you prayed for something and it has not happened yet. Perhaps you have worked hard but have not seen the results you expected. Perhaps people younger than you are already achieving things you hoped to achieve. Do not allow this to make you believe that God has forgotten you. Your life is not a race against your friends. You have your own assignment. You have your own season. You have your own responsibilities. You have your own opportunities. Instead of constantly asking, Why am I not like this person? ask, What should I be doing with what God has placed in my hands? That question will change your focus. If you spend all your time watching somebody else's life, you may neglect your own. While you are watching another person's progress, there may be opportunities around you that you are failing to recognise. David did not become king by trying to become Jonathan. Esther did not fulfil her purpose by trying to become another woman. Peter's journey was different from John's, yet Jesus had a purpose for both of them. Your journey may be different from the person beside you, and that is not necessarily a problem. Do not rush into marriage because your friends are getting married. Do not enter a business because everyone seems to be making money from it. Do not choose a career simply because it is popular. Do not spend money trying to look successful because you are afraid of what people will think. Build your own life wisely. Be grateful for where you are while working faithfully toward where you want to be. You can desire growth without hating your present situation. You can pray for more without being ungrateful for what you already have. Remember that slow progress is still progress. Some seeds take longer to grow than others. What matters is that you keep planting, keep learning, keep praying, keep working, and keep trusting God. Your story is still being written. What To Do Today 1. Take a break from comparing your life with people around you or people you follow online. 2. Write down five things you are grateful for and thank God for them. 3. Identify one area of your life that needs improvement and make a practical plan to grow in that area. 4. Celebrate someone else's achievement today without allowing it to make you feel inferior. Prayer Lord, help me to stop comparing my life with other people. Teach me to appreciate what You have given me and to be faithful with the opportunities in my hands. When I see other people's success, help me to celebrate them without becoming discouraged. Give me patience to trust Your timing and wisdom to work faithfully in my own season. Help me to focus on my purpose and become the person You have created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Today, stop asking why your life is not like someone else's. Instead, ask yourself: What can I do with what God has given me? Focus on your journey, take one meaningful step, and trust God with the rest. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

May Your Grace Unto Me Be Sufficient Indeed ‭2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV‬ But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. #Amen

**Psalm 23:5 (NIV)** > **"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."** This verse reminds believers that God is not only our Shepherd but also our gracious Host. Even in difficult times, He provides, protects, honors, and blesses those who trust in Him. ### 1. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." A prepared table represents God's provision, peace, and care. David did not say God removed his enemies first. Instead, God gave him peace and blessing while they were still present. **Encouragement:** You may be surrounded by problems, criticism, or people who oppose you, but God is able to provide for you right in the middle of your circumstances. Your situation does not limit His faithfulness. **Supporting verses:** * **Romans 8:31 (NIV)** > "If God is for us, who can be against us?" * **Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)** > "No weapon forged against you will prevail..." * **John 16:33 (NIV)** > "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." These verses remind us that God's presence is greater than any opposition we face. --- ### 2. "You anoint my head with oil." In biblical times, oil symbolized blessing, honor, healing, refreshment, and God's favor. Shepherds also used oil to protect their sheep from insects and wounds, illustrating God's loving care. **Encouragement:** God knows your hurts, your fears, and your struggles. He refreshes weary hearts, heals broken spirits, and gives strength to continue. **Supporting verses:** * **Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)** > "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning..." * **James 1:17 (NIV)** > "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." * **2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (NIV)** > "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us..." God's anointing points to His sustaining grace and His work in the lives of His people. --- ### 3. "My cup overflows." An overflowing cup symbolizes abundant blessing. God's care is not merely enough to survive—it is abundant. His grace, mercy, and love exceed our deepest needs. **Encouragement:** Even when life feels empty, God can fill your heart with hope, peace, and joy. His blessings are not always material; they include His presence, forgiveness, strength, and eternal promises. **Supporting verses:** * **Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)** > "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." * **Philippians 4:19 (NIV)** > "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." * **John 10:10 (NIV)** > "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God delights in giving His children what they truly need according to His wisdom. --- ## A Message of Encouragement No matter what you're facing today, remember that God has not forgotten you. He can provide for you in the middle of your trials, strengthen you when you are weak, and fill your life with His peace and grace. Your enemies, difficulties, or fears do not have the final word—God does. Trust the Good Shepherd. Stay faithful, keep praying, and continue walking with Christ. His presence is your greatest blessing, and His promises never fail. > **"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."** — **Psalm 23:1 (NIV)** May your heart rest in the assurance that the Shepherd who prepared David's table is the same God who faithfully cares for His people today. #WordOfGod #encouragement Christian Worship #christianworship

**Psalm 23:5 (NIV)** > **"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."** This verse reminds believers that God is not only our Shepherd but also our gracious Host. Even in difficult times, He provides, protects, honors, and blesses those who trust in Him. ### 1. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." A prepared table represents God's provision, peace, and care. David did not say God removed his enemies first. Instead, God gave him peace and blessing while they were still present. **Encouragement:** You may be surrounded by problems, criticism, or people who oppose you, but God is able to provide for you right in the middle of your circumstances. Your situation does not limit His faithfulness. **Supporting verses:** * **Romans 8:31 (NIV)** > "If God is for us, who can be against us?" * **Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)** > "No weapon forged against you will prevail..." * **John 16:33 (NIV)** > "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." These verses remind us that God's presence is greater than any opposition we face. --- ### 2. "You anoint my head with oil." In biblical times, oil symbolized blessing, honor, healing, refreshment, and God's favor. Shepherds also used oil to protect their sheep from insects and wounds, illustrating God's loving care. **Encouragement:** God knows your hurts, your fears, and your struggles. He refreshes weary hearts, heals broken spirits, and gives strength to continue. **Supporting verses:** * **Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)** > "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning..." * **James 1:17 (NIV)** > "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." * **2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (NIV)** > "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us..." God's anointing points to His sustaining grace and His work in the lives of His people. --- ### 3. "My cup overflows." An overflowing cup symbolizes abundant blessing. God's care is not merely enough to survive—it is abundant. His grace, mercy, and love exceed our deepest needs. **Encouragement:** Even when life feels empty, God can fill your heart with hope, peace, and joy. His blessings are not always material; they include His presence, forgiveness, strength, and eternal promises. **Supporting verses:** * **Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)** > "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." * **Philippians 4:19 (NIV)** > "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." * **John 10:10 (NIV)** > "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God delights in giving His children what they truly need according to His wisdom. --- ## A Message of Encouragement No matter what you're facing today, remember that God has not forgotten you. He can provide for you in the middle of your trials, strengthen you when you are weak, and fill your life with His peace and grace. Your enemies, difficulties, or fears do not have the final word—God does. Trust the Good Shepherd. Stay faithful, keep praying, and continue walking with Christ. His presence is your greatest blessing, and His promises never fail. > **"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."** — **Psalm 23:1 (NIV)** May your heart rest in the assurance that the Shepherd who prepared David's table is the same God who faithfully cares for His people today. #WordOfGod #encouragement Christian Worship #christianworship

Tuesday, 25th August, 2026 TITLE: "FAITH THAT OVERCOMES: BELIEVE GOD BEYOND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) 1 John 5:4 (KJV) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Mark 9:23 (KJV) "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Faith does not deny the problem; it believes that God is greater than the problem." DAY'S REFLECTION Every believer will encounter situations that appear bigger than human ability. There may be closed doors, financial difficulties, family challenges, opposition, disappointment, or circumstances that make the future uncertain. Yet God's Word teaches us that faith gives us victory over what seeks to overwhelm us. John declares in 1 John 5:4, "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." To overcome means to prevail, conquer, or gain victory over an opposing force. The verse does not say that God's children will never face difficulties. Rather, it assures us that the difficulties of this world do not have the final authority over those who belong to God. The Scripture identifies the means of this victory: "even our faith." Faith is confident trust in God and His Word. It means believing God's character and promises even when circumstances have not yet changed. In Mark 9:23, Jesus says, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." This statement was made in the context of a desperate father seeking help for his son. Jesus was teaching that faith places our impossible situations into the hands of an unlimited God. However, biblical faith is not a formula for getting everything we desire. It is not simply believing that something will happen because we want it. True faith trusts God Himself—His power, wisdom, goodness, and perfect will. Faith says, "Lord, I believe You can, and I trust You to do what is right." Life experience teaches us that fear grows when we focus exclusively on the size of our problems. Faith grows when we deliberately focus on the greatness of God. The same situation can look completely different depending on where our attention is directed. Therefore, when challenges arise, do not allow fear to become the loudest voice in your heart. Take your concerns to God. Stand upon His Word. Pray with confidence. Continue obeying Him even when the answer has not yet appeared. Your faith may be tested, but do not abandon it. The God you trust is greater than the circumstance you face. Today, choose to believe God beyond what your eyes can see. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) "For we walk by faith, not by sight." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. Faith gives believers strength to overcome worldly challenges. 2. What we see is not always the final reality of what God can do. 3. Faith requires trust in God's character, not merely confidence in a desired outcome. 4. Difficult circumstances should drive us closer to God rather than away from Him. 5. Prayer, God's Word, and obedience strengthen our faith. 6. Nothing is impossible for God, but we must trust His perfect will and timing. EVERYDAY ACTION When a challenge arises today, replace fear with prayer and deliberately remind yourself of God's power and faithfulness. PRAYER Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith to overcome every challenge. Help me trust You beyond what I see and believe that You are able to do what is impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am born of God, and I overcome the world through faith. I will not be ruled by fear or circumstances. I believe in the power of God, trust His Word, and walk confidently in faith. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Monday Encouragement — Now Let Us Live What We Believe Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Yesterday we had the wonderful privilege of gathering with God’s people on the Lord’s Day. We worshiped our sovereign God, heard His precious Word proclaimed, prayed together, and were reminded once again of the saving grace that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now Monday has arrived. The worship service has ended, but our worship has not. Today we return to our homes, workplaces, ministries, communities, responsibilities, and challenges. And this is where the truth we heard yesterday must become visible in the way we live today. It is easy to proclaim our trust in God while surrounded by fellow believers on Sunday. The greater challenge comes on Monday when difficulties return, unexpected problems arise, and the noise of this world begins competing for our attention. Yet the God we worshiped yesterday is the same God who walks with us today. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 Whatever this week brings, let us resist the temptation to immediately depend upon our own understanding and strength. Before making decisions, pray. When difficulties arise, pray. When opportunities appear, pray. When someone needs encouragement, ask God to give you the words to speak. And wherever the Lord places us this week, let us remember that we carry something this world desperately needs—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not called merely to observe the darkness around us. We have been commanded to carry the Light into it. There may be someone God places before you this week who needs to hear that there is hope. Someone may need to experience Christian compassion. Someone may simply need to see through your life that Jesus Christ truly makes a difference. Let us therefore begin this week asking one simple question: “Lord, how can You use me today for Your glory?” “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23 May the Lord guide our steps, guard our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us courage to faithfully proclaim Christ wherever He sends us. Yesterday we gathered to worship. Today we go forth to serve. Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone. Soli Deo Gloria.