Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. 1. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST 18, 2O26. "DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (3)" ‘…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ Ephesians 6:4 NIV WHEN ASKED, ‘How do you suggest parents handle their children’s activities on web sites like Facebook and Twitter?’ Dr. Dobson gave this advice: ‘Parents have to know what technology their kids are using. Sexting is a terrible thing. (‘Sexting’ is the new term for children exposing themselves to one another online, thinking they are safe because they are in the sanctuary of their own home.) Pornography is pervasive, and parents need to keep up with changes in technology and protect their kids. That’s a tough assignment, because kids are ahead of them. Parents often have extremely demanding careers and when they come home they have nothing left to give, so the culture will often take your kids to hell.’ One night a father and his daughter were out on a lake when their small boat was caught in a storm. As he rowed, Dad kept saying to his daughter, ‘Can you see the shore? Can you see the shore?’ After a terrifying hour the little girl pointed over her dad’s shoulder and said, ‘Yes, I see the light. Mum said if we were out after dark she would hang a light in the window.’ When they finally got home a tearful mother hugged her husband and daughter, and thanked God for their safe return. Looking at her, the little girl said, ‘Mum, you never had to worry. We steered by your light!’ Parent, your children are being caught in life’s storms. They are rowing in the dark with no sense of direction. Live for God, and give them a light they can steer by! Bible In A Year: Gen 6:9 – 8:4, Matt 24:37-51. 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. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026. *THIRSTING AFTER GOD* *TEXT:* PSALM 42:1-5. 1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. *Timeless Truth:*_"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"_ Psalm 63:1). *INTRODUCTION* When a man ceases to experience thirst, he is as good as dead. The same is true in the spiritual. In fact, one of the first experiences of a converted man is thirst for God and spiritual things. Spiritual thirst is a deep longing for God and His presence. Just as the body cannot survive without water, the soul cannot flourish without God. The psalmist expresses an intense desire for the living God despite the pain, tears, discouragement and difficult circumstances surrounding him. His experience teaches us that genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; rather, it means learning to seek God even in the midst of trouble. When everything else fails, God remains the only lasting satisfaction for the thirsty soul. *1. Thirsting After God Like a Hart* a. The psalmist declares, *“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”* A thirsty hart desperately seeks water because its survival depends upon it. Many are thirsty for wealth, pleasure, popularity, power and pride of life among others. The thirst makes them pay a heavy price to get what they are looking for. At times they pay the ultimate price. True thirst will always be demonstrated by desperate seeking for how to satisfy and quench the thirst. In the same vein, many commonly seek God's blessings without seeking for the God of the blessings. The psalmist case was different. *"So panteth my soul after thee"*. Who and what you are passionately and desperately seeking for is a reflection of the state of your heart. In the same manner, the believer should have an earnest and persistent longing for God. The psalmist does not merely desire God's gifts; he desires God Himself. b. His greatest hunger is to *“appear before God.”* He was thirsty to become closer to God. Jesus also echoed this when He said, *"seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness"*. Our ultimate purpose for seeking God was to see His glory, be conformed to His image and be always ready for the kingdom of God. Jesus further assured that *"all other things shall be added unto you"*. The psalmist demonstrated his thirst for God when he decided, *"early will I seek thee...to see thy power and thy glory as I have seen thee in the sanctuary"* (Psalm 63:1,2). Our spiritual lives become weak when our desire for God is replaced by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, possessions, recognition or human approval. Genuine revival begins when the soul cries out for God's presence, His Word, His holiness and fellowship with Him. *Question* Is my desire for God as deep and urgent as the thirst of a hart for water? *2. Tearful Afflictions Giving Loss of Hope* a. Incidentally, the psalmist did not prioritize seeking for heavenly blessings above seeking for God just because everything was going well with him. In fact, the psalmist's circumstances have become so painful that his tears have been his food day and night. He was not finding it rosy in life at that time. One would have expected him, as many worshippers do today, to concentrate on seeking God for release from pains and troubles as priority. Worse still, people around him mockingly asked, directly and indirectly, *“Where is thy God?”.* His memories of former worship and joyful fellowship with God's people intensify his present sorrow. Yet that did not distract his affections towards God. b. At times, affliction can attack not only our circumstances, but also our emotions and confidence. Yet the psalmist's tears reveal that God's children may experience seasons of deep discouragement without being abandoned by God. His pain was real, but it did not have the final word. Even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, faith must continue to look toward Him. Seeking God and His righteousness, above all else, should not be diminished as a result of our pains, problems, persecutions and poverty among others. Whatever be our situations, the promises of God that *"all other blessings shall be added"* still stand as long as we keep seeking the face and the glory of God to be reflected in our lives above all else. We must have grace to be tougher than our tough challenges. It is our attitude and the content of our prayers in the time of distress and difficulties that reflect the genuineness of our love for God. Jesus Christ, while on the cross and under intense pains, was still consecrated to soulwinning and intercessory prayers for the sinners and the lost. The will of God and the glory of God was His priority. He has given us examples to follow. *Question* Am I consecrated to seek God and His glory as priority when affliction and tears surround me? *3. Trust in Abiding Grace with a Life of Holiness* When passing through tough times, we must maintain trust in God's abundant grace and continue to live the life that God approves. There is no challenge we pass through that God has not allowed and if God allowed it, then He will see us through as children. The act of faith is in mocking those challenges and still continues seeking the glory of God and heavenly readiness. We must learn how to feed our frustrations and fruitlessness with the word of hope and promises given by God. The psalmist speaks directly to his troubled soul: *“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God.”* He refuses to surrender permanently to despair. Instead, he deliberately redirects his heart toward God. Trusting God's abiding grace means choosing hope when feelings say there is no hope. It also means continuing to live faithfully, before God while waiting for His intervention. A thirsty soul must not only seek God's presence, but also remain committed to a holy life. God's grace sustains us, restores our joy and enables us to praise Him even before our circumstances change. For a child of God, no bad situation is permanent, but temporary and for a moment. *"weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning"*. *Question* Am I deliberately trusting God's abiding grace and maintaining a holy life even when my circumstances are discouraging? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, create within me an unquenchable thirst for Your presence and Your Word 🙏. 2.Lord, strengthen me when tears, afflictions and discouragement threaten my faith 🙏. 3.Father, make me tougher than my challenges and keep me on being engaged in Your service 🙏. 4.Lord, visit and help those brethren who are carrying heavy loads and sustain them by Your grace 🙏. *HYMN:* More of Jesus would I know *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 35-38. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *DOUSING DESPONDENCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😩😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 42:1-5```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (PSALM 42:5).*_ *As German bombs fell on England during _World War II,_ the situation became desperate. Hearts were filled with discouragement and thoughts of defeat. Then Winston Churchill's voice echoed over the radio. It inspired the nation and boosted morale among a people on the verge of giving up. On a spiritual level, believers find hope in God too, as they hear the voice that resonates through the pages of His Word. In moments of discouragement, Christians serve as a testimony to those who have never met God or heard His voice.* *David exemplifies this in our devotional text as he expresses acute hunger and "thirst for God, the living God". In his hopelessness, he recalled the exhilarating moments he had in God's house and presence. Reminiscences of the voice of joy and praise filled his soul. Awakened by the testimonies of God's faithfulness and the certainty of blessedness that flows from trust in God, he gladly addresses his soul and jerks back from the abyss of despondency.* *Are you troubled about any ugly situation or setback? Cheer up and look up! Here are gems and clues for you as a Christian pilgrim, who could, at times, be discouraged and cast down. Don't stay down. David didn't. He queried and counselled his soul. First is to know that neither discouragement nor despondency is a sign of weakness. Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. In our times of discouragement, suicide is no option; it only leads to a more serious, endless and interminable suffering in hell. The present challenge or problem has not diminished God's love for us. He desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of His power!* *The time to exit the discouragement mode is now! Take the verifiable steps that effectively log you out, which include a deep, interminable longing for God. This is what Isaiah calls "waiting upon the Lord". Second, you will do well to consciously recall and delight in God's past acts of mercy, divine interventions, and faithfulness. Finally, you must deliberately seek the remedy of praise to uplift your downcast, crestfallen, and discouraged heart. Beloved, don't give in to despair! God will certainly lead you in paths of love, light and joy, where you will find new hope.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*God always opens the window of hope for His own in the darkest of times.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 35-38*📜📜 Dousing Despondency https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 3: IMPATIENT HEART, BE STILL; GHS 4: LEAVE IT THERE; GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; AND GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *STAND IN CHRIST'S LIBERTY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 5:1-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (GALATIANS 5:13).*_ *The Christian liberty is the freedom Christ has purchased for the children of God through His death on the Cross of Calvary. The devil fights this liberty in diverse ways. When young Christians fail to understand their liberty in Christ, the devil keeps reminding them about their past sins to create major stumbling blocks to their prayers.* *It is a common strategy of the devil to manipulate them and push them back into their shells. Once you are born again through genuine repentance, you have the liberty to serve God in truth and in Spirit because God does not give us the spirit of fear but He gives us the Spirit of power and of a sound mind.* *When God has forgiven you, you are justified by faith and no longer bound to the yoke of sin. However, this liberty is not a guarantee to continue in sins, believing the erroneous doctrine of eternal security. Apostle Paul warns: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You have the liberty.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't use the Christian liberty to sin.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to understand and enjoy my liberty in Christ.*_ Stand In Christ's Liberty https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS - 3* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```MATTHEW 4:8-11```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jesus has power and authority over Satan, and He always uses them at the appropriate time. In this situation, Jesus did not hesitate to command Satan to get behind Him. Satan knew that Jesus is over and above him, yet he tempted Christ to bow down in worship to him. Can the master bow to worship his servant? No! Jesus cannot, will not, and did not bow to Satan. As a friend of Jesus, you must know who you are in Christ. You are a joint-heir with Christ. What Jesus has is what you have because of the privilege of sonship. Do not throw your costly apparels (Christian experiences) to the dogs. The things of this world as stated in 1 John 2:15-17 will pass away. Let the love of God and the things of eternal value be uppermost in your heart. Do not yield to the enticement and allurement that your friends are using to deceive you. The fashions of the world may look attractive, but they will soon pass away. Do not follow them. Do not seek to please the world. Strive to please only God. *Jesus has set the example of refusing to bow to Satan in order to show us that we can be victorious. You can do likewise. Become His friend if you are not, follow Him faithfully and consistently, and He will give you the grace to overcome Satan.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, please help me to obey You only and not yield to pressure to obey, worship or serve Satan.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 4:1-13* The Temptation Of Jesus - 3 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence. ⏤ St. Augustine Father, days come and go, bringing change and decay, but You remain the same forever. A thousand years in Your sight are like a single day. With You, there is no past or future; all time is present to You. Yet in our small lives, we need daily blessings. The memories of our past sorrows cast shadows on our present, and our fears for the future often cast shadows on our path. We are grateful that You see and know everything—past, present, and future—and that we can safely leave it all in Your hands. Help us to live faithfully in this little day that is ours, leaving the past and future with You, without worrying. So, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, enabling us to be true and faithful in all our duties. We ask You, O Lord, to give us the strength and wisdom we need for today’s responsibilities and experiences. Let nothing surprise or dishearten us. Hold our hand through every situation. Give us wisdom to answer every question and make every decision in a way that pleases You. Strengthen us to resist temptation, no matter how subtly it approaches. Increase Your love within us so that we may be patient with everyone we meet, compassionate toward those who are sorrowful, cheerful with those who are discouraged, and helpful to those who are weak. Send us out to do Your work so that everything we do today is for You. Breathe upon us as we wait here in Your presence and give us Your blessing as our Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

🌿 Mystical Gardens Tale 🌿 The Cooling Waters Jill had decided that summer had officially become personal. The heat had been unbearable for days. Not the pleasant kind of summer warmth that made people want to sit outside with a cold drink. This was the kind of heat that seemed to crawl beneath your skin and stay there. Jill woke up irritated. She stepped outside and immediately began sweating. “Wonderful,” she muttered. “It's going to be another one of those days.” Her car wouldn't start. “Of course it won't.” The air conditioner at work wasn't working properly. “Of course it isn't.” Someone had left a door open, letting hot air into the building. “Who does that?” Then someone accidentally bumped into her in the hallway. “Watch where you're going!” The woman stopped and stared at Jill. “I'm sorry.” Jill walked away without answering. She didn't notice the hurt look on the woman's face. By lunchtime, Jill was ready to scream. The restaurant was crowded. Someone's child was crying. A man at the next table was talking too loudly. The waitress brought Jill the wrong drink. “This isn't what I ordered.” “I apologize. I'll get you another one.” “And could you please get it right this time?” The waitress's smile disappeared. Jill didn't notice. Or perhaps she did, but she was too irritated to care. Everything seemed to bother her. A phone ringing. A dog barking. Someone chewing too loudly. A car driving too slowly. A person looking at her for what Jill was certain was too long. “What are you looking at?” she snapped. The man quickly looked away. By late afternoon, Jill was exhausted. And angry. Mostly angry. She couldn't even explain why anymore. All she knew was that everything was getting on her nerves. Then, on her way home, Jill saw something she hadn't seen before. A narrow path between two old trees. It hadn't been there yesterday. Jill stopped. She stared at it. Beyond the trees was a faint green glow. Normally, she would have walked away. But today she was hot, tired, frustrated, and completely out of patience and whatever was there had to be better than here, so she stepped onto the path. Within moments, the world changed. The heat disappeared. Jill stopped walking. A cool breeze brushed across her face. She closed her eyes. “Oh…” She hadn't realized how badly she needed that. The garden stretched out before her. Tall trees formed a canopy overhead. Little streams wound between moss-covered stones. Flowers opened beneath the shade, and somewhere nearby, water trickled over smooth rocks. There were no car horns. No ringing phones. No barking dogs. No crying children. No voices demanding anything from her. Just quiet. Beautiful, peaceful quiet. Jill sat beside the stream and dipped her hands into the cool water. For the first time all day, her shoulders relaxed. She took a deep breath. Then another. And suddenly, something uncomfortable happened... She began remembering. The woman in the hallway. “Watch where you're going!” The waitress. “Could you please get it right this time?” The man at the restaurant. “What are you looking at?” Her coworker. “Who does that?” One memory after another came rushing back. Jill lowered her head. “Oh no.” She hadn't simply been having a bad day. She had been handing that bad day to everyone around her. She had taken her frustration, her discomfort, and her exhaustion and thrown them at people who hadn't caused any of it. The garden remained silent. But Jill had the strange feeling that the giant tree at the center of the garden was watching her. “I was miserable,” she whispered. A leaf drifted down beside her. Jill picked it up. “I was hot. I was tired. Everything was going wrong.” She sighed. “But that doesn't mean I had to make everybody else miserable too.” The breeze moved gently through the branches. Jill smiled sadly. “You know what's worse?” She looked toward the path. “I don't even know if any of them deserved an apology from me.” She paused. “Of course they do.” For the first time that day, Jill laughed at herself. She had spent hours thinking everyone else was the problem. But the garden had given her something the heat never could. Perspective. Jill stood. “I can't undo what I said.” She looked toward the great tree. “But I can go back and do better.” The garden seemed to grow a little brighter. Jill stepped onto the path. The heat returned when she reached the other side. But something inside her had changed. The temperature hadn't changed. Her circumstances hadn't changed. Her car was still broken. The air conditioner still wasn't working. Tomorrow might be just as hot. But Jill wasn't going to let the heat decide who she was. The next morning, she found the woman from the hallway. “I'm sorry,” Jill said. The woman looked surprised. “For yesterday. You didn't deserve the way I spoke to you.” Then Jill found the waitress. She apologized there too. And when someone accidentally bumped into her later that afternoon, Jill felt irritation rising inside her. She opened her mouth. Then stopped. She took a breath. “It's okay,” she said. The person smiled. And Jill smiled back. That evening, Jill returned to the garden. She sat beneath the great tree with her feet beside the cool stream. “Thank you,” she whispered. She finally understood something the garden had been trying to teach her. Sometimes we are uncomfortable. Sometimes we are tired. Sometimes the world seems to be working against us. And sometimes we have every reason to be frustrated. But our circumstances may explain why we're hurting without giving us permission to hurt someone else. The garden could cool Jill's skin. But only she could choose to cool the anger in her heart. And that choice was worth far more than a cool breeze. Seed from the Garden “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 You may not be able to control the heat, the noise, the traffic, the broken air conditioner, or the things other people do. But you can choose what you do with the frustration those things create inside you. Before you hand your bad day to someone else, stop. Breathe. Cool down. And remember: They may not be the reason you're hurting. Don't make them pay for it. #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #stacyfrantz #MysticalGardens

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 5 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. God is under no obligation to fulfill the promise in James 1:5 to give us wisdom unless we are willing to meet the conditions for obtaining it. Moreover, God declares that He only answers prayer when the motive is right, and that mere asking is not sufficient (Jam. 4:3). Frequently the Christian prays for guidance, or a revelation of God's will about some matter, but already has his mind made up as to what he wants to do, or how he would like for God to answer. Some people have been known to lie awake all night pleading with God to answer their prayer with no higher motive than the desire to persuade Him to come over to their side and give them their own way. Therefore, it is just as great a fallacy to emphasize the notion which is so popular today that prayer is the solution to all our problems, as it is to neglect prayer, using it only in an emergency. That is to say, we find the unscriptural idea being promoted on every hand that mere prayer is supposed to be the panacea for all our needs. In every time of crisis, when problems or troubles arise, when a difficult or seemingly impossible situation confronts us, the first thing most people advise is prayer. "Have you tried prayer?" they will ask. Or we are told, quite sincerely, "Did you know, prayer changes things?" They do not tell us, of course, just how prayer will change things, nor do they teach us how to pray about the problem confronting us. We are not advised, furthermore, as to whether or not God requires anything from us in the matter. "Just pray" we are told, "for prayer usually helps." However, as we have seen, God clearly states that He does not answer every prayer, in fact, He emphatically declares that He does not even hear our prayers unless they meet the conditions He has set forth in His Word. One of the most important conditions we must meet when asking for divine wisdom and guidance is that we must ask in faith, believing, without any reservations, that God will answer our request. This is clearly stated in James 1:5-7: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But how? Let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubts is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." The prayer of faith is simply a prayer of expectation. What God tells us here in James 1:5-7 is that when we ask for divine wisdom and guidance we should pray expecting Him to grant our desire. Moreover, the prayer of faith is to be offered but once, for Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24, 'What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Faith asks but once for God to fulfill a promise. To continue to pray, pleading with God to answer, is our confession that I do not really believe that He has answered when we pray as He tells us to do (Mark 11:24). In view of this fact, if we pray ten times for the same promise, we have prayed nine times in unbelief, for faith knows when to stop praying about the promise and start praising God for the answer. There is a time to stop praying or you will pray yourself out of faith. When is this? You should always stop praying for a promise when you believe you have received the answer. Since Jesus tells us to believe we have received when we pray, quite obviously we should do our believing and receiving when we pray. Then we should cease praying for the answer and begin praising God that the manifestation of the answer is on the way. Jesus does not say in Mark 11:24 that the symptoms will improve immediately when we pray, or that the circumstances will show immediate change, but that we are to believe that He has both heard and granted our petition when we pray and that we shall have it. Faith keeps a distinction between accepting the answer and receiving it to our sight. We are to accept the answer when we pray (believe that God has granted our petition), and we shall have it (manifested to our sight). Merely because we do not see it immediately does not mean that God has not heard our petition and granted the answer, but only that He has not manifested the answer as yet. The question often arises concerning the widow and the judge in Luke 18, as to whether or not Jesus here approves of repetition in prayer for the same thing. This is not, however, an instance of repetition prayer, for Jesus would not contradict Himself elsewhere, but here He is stressing the need of persistence and perseverance in prayer; that is, holding onto a promise by faith, reaffirming daily, by praise and thanksgiving, that we believe that He has heard and granted our petition. In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus condemns repetition prayer as typical of the prayers of the heathen, saying, "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking," but "when you pray believe that you receive" (Mk. 11:24). Our first concern, therefore, when guidance from heaven is needed is not merely to resort to the shallow suggestion we so often hear today that one should "try prayer" as it may help, but it should be a time of searching the Word, and then our hearts, to see if we are fulfilling the conditions for God hearing our prayers and granting our petitions. As A. W. Tower once remarked, the popular notion that God always answers prayer (with "yes" or "no") is a device of Satan to deceive the carnal or indifferent Christian whose request was not answered because of his failure to meet God's conditions. To think that God always answers prayer, even if He says "no," is to take God's refusal to answer a disobedient Christian as the answer itself, contending, "Well, after all, God did answer me - He said 'no'." Such a view of prayer is contrary to Scripture, for God clearly states that He does not even hear those prayers which are not in harmony with His will (1 Jn 5:14-15; Ps. 66:18). Moreover, if an individual erroneously believes the popular notion that God always answers any prayer, and that "no" can also be an answer, then this person is never challenged to face the fact that his failure to receive an answer was due to his disobedience, lack of faith, or his failure to meet some other condition. I can personally testify to the fact that when we are careful to meet the scriptural requirements, then God delights in directing our steps, giving divine guidance and wisdom concerning those matters we place before Him. Thank God it is true, if any man lacks wisdom he may ask of God and it shall be given to him. Do you need wisdom or guidance in some important matter? Have you tried asking God, and in faith expecting Him to answer you? You are invited to do so in James 1:5. By Direct Revelation; As stated at the beginning of Chapter 2, there are eight scriptural methods by which God's will is revealed - three are active, in which we take the initiative, and five are passive, whereby we become the recipients of divine revelation concerning God's will for us. Passive revelation always comes to us unsought. Direct revelation may be either by vision, as in the case of Paul's vision in Acts 16 which was revelation of God's will for him to carry the Gospel into Europe; by direct voice, as seen in the case of God's call of Samuel (1 Sam. 3); by angelic visitation, as, for example, in the angel's visit to Mary and his revelation to her of the birth of Christ; or by dream, as we find, for instance in God's revelation to Daniel of the establishment of His Kingdom (Dan. 7). Jesus promised to continue revelation to the Church after His ascension, saying, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come (Jn. 16:13). When the Church lost the experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, she closed the channel and source of revelation. As a consequence, the Church changed her theology to conform with her experience, and there arose the erroneous concept that God purposed that all revelation was to cease with the apostles in the first century. It is interesting that there is not a word in the Scriptures to support this theory, but, on the contrary, God clearly states in 2 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4:11 that He has set in the church the gifts and ministries of revelation. In Romans 12:3-6 and 1 Corinthians 14 He admonishes us to ask for and use the gift of prophecy. In Joel 2 He clearly promises that in the last days "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (2:17); While He promised in John 16:13, quoted above, to continue revelation to the Church through the Holy Spirit whom He would send. The various methods by which He would give His people direct revelation are stated to be by means of prophecy, vision and dream (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17-18; 1Cor. 12; 14), by direct voice and vision (Jn. 16:13), "speak"' and "show" and on occasion, by angelic visitation (e.g. Luke 1; Acts 10:12; 27:23-24; cf. Heb. 13:2). It is important that we understand that although God occasionally uses each of the passive methods of revelation to unveil His will to us when He so chooses, we should not seek guidance by these means. Why does God choose the direct means of revelation, as, for example, through visions and dreams as a method of communication of His will and purpose? Why does He not merely illumine our minds as to His will as we pray or read His Word seeking guidance? Among other reasons, occasionally He must speak directly to us because of the urgency of the matter about which we are seeking guidance which must be dealt with immediately, or in a certain way, often contrary to what our wisdom and logic might tell us to do. At other times He speaks directly, imparting instruction or guidance, not concerning some matter about which we are praying, but about some important purpose which He wants to accomplish in or through us, which could only be made known to us by direct revelation. Again He speaks to us in visions for the obvious reason that one picture is worth a thousand words. God sometimes communicates His will to us through dreams, inasmuch as the state of sleep has certain definite advantages. At this time the conscious mind is at rest and is free from distractions. The spirit, of course, remains awake and can accept without analyzing and questioning what God desires to impart to us. Moreover, through the medium of vision and dream God can impress upon us revelation which transcends the sense realm and the ability of the intellect alone to comprehend. In some instances, God speaks directly in an audible voice in order to instruct us or reveal His will in some matter. By Indirect Revelation: God speaks to us occasionally by direct means, but generally He communicates His will to us indirectly. It may in the form of an inward knowing or witness in our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness to our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness from the Holy Spirit. At other times the Holy Spirit may give the guidance we need by the illumination of our minds to understand and interpret some portions of scripture which He will direct us to, or by giving the necessary wisdom and insight we require to make the correct decision concerning some matter about which we have prayed for direction. It is in the realm of indirect revelation that the importance of being completely yielded to the Holy Spirit is so evident, as was pointed out in the first chapter. To the extent one is yielded to the Spirit will he be sensitive to His voice when He speaks, and to the extent one is sensitive to His voice will he be able to respond. Moreover, there are many voices seeking to influence the believer, some of which are from God and some are not. Unless one is fully yielded he may be insensitive to the voice of the Spirit, or be deceived and ensnared by that which is false. A small puppy will respond to anyone who calls or offers it a crust of bread, but a well trained mature dog will not do so. It is sensitive only to the voice of its owner. It did not get this way by spending all its time running and playing with the other dogs, but it is the result of devoting long hours in discipline and training, learning to obey and respond to the voice of its master. We become sensitive to the influence and leading of the Spirit in the same manner. God is preparing His children for spiritual warfare ahead which will consist of men and women who will be so sensitive to the voice of the Spirit they will respond immediately and obey without question. Like a computer, they will be able to filter out that which is false and sense any error immediately. They will not have to call the pastor and ask if this or that doctrine is scriptural, or whether the prophecy which they heard is true or false, or whether or not some task they feel led to undertake is from God, the flesh, or the devil. However, the only way the believer will become sensitive will be through total consecration to Jesus and fully yielding to the Spirit. At present we find Christians so untrained in the Scriptures and so insensitive to the voice of the Spirit that many frequently will reject what God is saying and allow themselves to be deceived by that which is false and unscriptural, just as Jesus predicted would occur in these last days (Matt 24; 2 Tim 4:1-4). Again and again we are hearing of those who are falling victim to various errors, such as ultimate reconciliation where God will save everyone regardless if they repent or not including the devil and his demons, false hyper-grace gospel where a Christian does not need to confess sin after he is saved or does not need repentance to stay in fellowship with God, errors on the Godhead where they deny that the Father, Son, Holy Spirit are co-eternal and co-equal, once saved always saved that it does not matter how a person lives his life after salvation, we are all sinners even after salvation and no need to live a consecrated life, the give to get carnal prosperity gospel where you give me money and 100 fold comes back so you will be rich. Or the heresy taught by some that Jesus had to become a sinner on the cross to redeem us and suffered three days in hell tormented by demons. We find others, in a time where we are witnessing the revival of all forms of the occult, being deluded by believing everything supernatural is from heaven, and everyone who prophesies, has a vision, or predicts the future is from God. We find men and women calling themselves Apostles and Prophets commonly now who were never appointed or anointed from heaven but self-appointed deceiving many. As Jesus said, take heed lest YOU be deceived. (Matt 24:4) DISCERNING THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND RECOGNIZING THE WITNESS WITHIN; In order to mature in faith and become effective instruments in God's hands so that we will be in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, it is necessary for us to learn how to recognize the inner witness of the Spirit, as well as discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. These are the two basic ways by which God leads and directs His people, whether in answer to some prayer for guidance, or in order to fulfill His will and purpose in their lives. We find that God frequently endeavors to speak to His people by means of the voice of His Spirit in order to direct guide, teach, or influence them along some line, but since they have not been taught how to discern His voice He often goes unheeded. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me" Jn. 10:27). How can they follow Him if they do not know how to discern His voice? He certainly did not mean that He intended to shout down out of heaven in order to direct them, but He did promise that He would speak to them by His Spirit which would be within them: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you in all truth" (John 16:13), and "he shall teach you in all things" (14:26). Some Christians are waiting for God to give them a revelation through a vision or prophecy concerning His will for them, or regarding some important matter about which they are praying, when, if they only realized it, God is already trying to communicate His will to them by His Spirit within them. If they would spend a little more time in His Word and in prayer, and be willing to get still before Him for a while, then they would begin to discern His voice and hear Him speaking inwardly to their spirits. The inner voice of the Holy Spirit is the voice of God speaking directly to your spirit in order to guide, admonish, teach, warn, or influence you concerning some matter (about which you may or may not be praying). God also enables us to know His will regarding some matter about which we are praying, or about some question which concerns us, by means of a witness within. This is an inward knowing in your spirit that a certain contemplated action on your part, or some doctrine, or revelation, for example, is right or wrong. Not only is the Christian the temple of the Holy Spirit, Who abides within to speak the direct revelation of God's will to him (Jn 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-13), but he also has, by virtue of the new birth, a new heart to discern spiritual things himself, and know the will of God intuitively by his own spirit (1 Cor. 2:14-16). He has received an anointing which abides in him and teaches him all things (1 Jn. 2:27). Thus, we find that it is also through his own enlightened spirit that the Christian is able by an inward knowing or witness to discern whether or not something is right or wrong. Let us say, for example, that you are praying about some matter about which you must make a decision, such as whether or not to buy a certain piece of property, marry a particular individual, or accept an invitation to speak to some religious group. If after thinking and praying about the question you find that inwardly there is a positive confirmation in your spirit to go ahead in the matter, or, you find that you experience a sense of uncertainty, reluctance, or heaviness of spirit, then this is an inner witness in your spirit informing you of God's will in the matter. In the former instance, your spirit was witnessing to you to go ahead, and in the latter, it was a warning not to take the proposed action. The witness within is an inward knowing intuitively, through the enlightened spirit of a Christian, that a certain contemplated action, a doctrine, some individual, or a ministry, for instance, is right or wrong, whereas the inner voice of the Holy Spirit is God speaking directly by His Spirit within you concerning some matter. It must be stressed, however, that the inward witness and the inner voice of the Spirit are not merely some "feeling" we may have about a matter. They have nothing to do with what one feels either with the physical senses or the emotions. It is either an inward knowing (inner witness) that something is right or wrong, or it is an inner awareness that the Spirit of God is speaking directly to our spirit about some matter (inner voice of the Spirit). Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

The Mice in the Piano Pastor Joseph Clark August 12, 2026 “He who denies the existence of God, has some reason for wishing that God did not exist.” —Saint Augustine “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before others, I will disown before My Father in heaven.” —Matthew 10:32–33 The Mice in the Piano Once upon a time, there were two little mice. They were brothers, and they had lived their entire lives inside a piano. It was the only world they had ever known. Their parents and siblings had died of old age, leaving the two brothers as the last members of their family. They spent their days exploring their strange little world and listening in wonder to the beautiful music that constantly filled the piano. They could not see where the music came from. Their parents had taught them that the music was produced by a great and mysterious being who lived beyond their understanding—the one who played the piano. The two mice loved to think about this great player. They talked about him, wondered about him, and delighted in the beautiful music he produced. Then, one day, one of the mice went exploring. When he returned, he was thoughtful and unusually serious. “There is no great player,” he told his brother. “It is all a myth. I have seen the inside of this piano. The music is produced by wires, hammers, strings, and mechanisms. I have seen them with my own eyes!” The brothers abandoned their belief in the great player. They were convinced that they had finally discovered the truth. They understood the mechanisms of the piano, and therefore they believed they had explained away the musician. They examined the wires, hammers, strings, and mechanical workings repeatedly. The more they learned about how the piano worked, the more confident they became that there was no need to believe in a player. But they had overlooked something very important. Knowing how the piano works does not explain who is playing it. And so, while the two mice congratulated themselves on their newfound wisdom, the great player continued to play. The mice simply could not see him. The Limits of Human Understanding There is an important lesson in this little story. Human beings are intelligent. We have learned extraordinary things about the universe. We have explored the depths of the oceans, walked on the moon, examined the microscopic world, mapped the human genome, and discovered astonishing laws governing the physical universe. But our ability to understand something does not mean that we understand everything. The Bible repeatedly reminds us that humility is essential when approaching God. Jesus said: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3 He also said: “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 19:14 And again: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” —Luke 18:17 Jesus is not telling us to abandon reason or become intellectually childish. Rather, He is calling us to humility, trust, and dependence upon God. Scripture says: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:4 The Christian life begins with recognizing that God is God—and we are not. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” —Ephesians 2:8 And: “The righteous shall live by faith.” —Romans 1:17 Faith is not a rejection of reason. Faith recognizes that human reason has limits. Living in a Skeptical Age In 1897, Francis Pharcellus Church wrote his famous response to eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon concerning her question about Santa Claus. Church observed that people can become skeptical of anything they cannot see or fully comprehend. Although Church was writing about Santa Claus—not God—the broader observation is worth considering. We live in an age that often treats what can be measured as though it were the only thing that can be real. But there are many things we accept as real without seeing them directly. We cannot see gravity. We cannot see thoughts. We cannot see love. We cannot see electricity itself. Yet we observe their effects. Likewise, Christians believe that although God cannot be placed under a microscope or reduced to a laboratory experiment, His existence can be considered through the evidence of creation, reason, morality, human consciousness, history, and ultimately the revelation of Jesus Christ. The fact that we cannot see God with our physical eyes does not prove that God does not exist. The mice could not see the piano player either. That did not mean he wasn't there. When People Mock Our Faith A close friend of mine, an Archbishop, once told me a humorous story from his childhood. He had been at a park with his mother when he ran over excitedly and told her that the sun was actually a star and that the stars in the sky were also suns. His mother, apparently overwhelmed by the complexity of the information, responded with a blunt declaration that, in essence, the sun was the sun and the stars were the stars—and that was the end of the discussion! Sometimes we can become uncomfortable when someone challenges what we believe. That is particularly true when people we respect dismiss Christianity as foolishness. Richard Dawkins, Woody Allen, Isaac Asimov, Mark Twain, Carl Sagan, and many others have expressed skepticism toward Christianity or belief in God. But Christians should not respond with anger or hatred. We should respond with grace. Forgive them. Pray for them. Love them. And share the Gospel with them. The Apostle Peter instructed Christians: “Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” —1 Peter 3:15 That is an important distinction. We are called to defend the faith, but we are not called to be quarrelsome. Jesus said: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” —Matthew 10:14 And He warned: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls before swine.” —Matthew 7:6 There comes a time when we must recognize that arguing louder will not make someone believe. Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim Christ. The Holy Spirit is responsible for changing hearts. What About Suffering? One of the most common objections to belief in God is the existence of suffering. People ask: “How can I believe in a loving God when there is so much suffering in the world?” This is a serious question, and Christians should never dismiss it with a shallow answer. The Bible itself contains people crying out to God in the midst of suffering. Job asked difficult questions. David cried out in the Psalms. Even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Christianity does not pretend that suffering is imaginary. Instead, Christianity tells us that suffering exists in a fallen world and that God entered that suffering Himself through Jesus Christ. The cross is Christianity's answer to the claim that God is indifferent to human suffering. God did not remain distant from our pain. He entered our world. He suffered. He died. And He rose again. The Apostle Paul writes: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” —Romans 8:18 C.S. Lewis famously described pain as God's “megaphone” to a deaf world. Suffering does not prove that God does not exist. For many people, suffering instead becomes the very circumstance that drives them to ask the deepest questions about meaning, morality, mortality, and God. What About Hell? Another question frequently asked is: “How can a loving God send people to Hell?” The Christian answer begins with the extraordinary love of God. Jesus said: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 God offers salvation freely through Christ. The Gospel is not a message that God delights in condemning people. It is a message that God has provided a way of salvation. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The seriousness of judgment is precisely what makes the offer of salvation so important. God does not force anyone to love Him. The Gospel calls us to repent, believe, and receive the grace of God. Faith and the Evidence of Creation The universe raises enormous questions. Why is there something rather than nothing? Why does the universe possess order? Why are the laws of nature intelligible? Why does human consciousness exist? Why do human beings possess an awareness of moral obligation? Science can investigate how many things work. But questions concerning ultimate meaning and purpose extend beyond the laboratory. The Christian does not believe that science is the enemy of faith. Quite the opposite. The universe is intelligible because Christians believe it was created by an intelligent God. The laws of nature can be investigated because Christians believe those laws reflect an ordered creation. The human capacity to reason can be used to explore the universe because Christians believe human beings were created by God. Science can tell us much about the mechanisms of the piano. But science alone cannot answer the question: Who is playing the music? Believers in the Scientific Community Christianity has never belonged exclusively to the uneducated or uninformed. Throughout history, many highly accomplished scientists have believed in God. Among them are figures such as: Isaac Newton, whose work transformed physics and mathematics. James Clerk Maxwell, one of the great figures in electromagnetic theory. Gregor Mendel, whose experiments established foundational principles of genetics and who was also an Augustinian friar. Georges Lemaître, a Catholic priest and physicist whose work on an expanding universe helped establish the foundation of what became known as Big Bang cosmology. Francis Collins, physician-geneticist and former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, who has publicly identified as a Christian. Charles Townes, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and inventor of the maser and co-inventor of the laser, who was an openly religious Christian. These examples do not prove Christianity simply because these scientists believed. But they do demonstrate something important: Faith in God is not incompatible with intellectual achievement. A person does not have to abandon intelligence in order to believe in God. Nor does becoming a Christian require someone to stop asking questions. Christians should welcome honest questions. The Problem With the Piano Mice The two mice made a fundamental mistake. They confused an explanation of the mechanism with an explanation of the ultimate cause. They discovered the wires. They discovered the hammers. They discovered the strings. They discovered the machinery. And then they concluded: “Therefore, there is no piano player.” But that conclusion did not logically follow from their discovery. In fact, their discovery of the piano's complexity could have led them to ask an entirely different question: Who designed this? And that is the question we must ultimately ask about our universe. Where did everything come from? Why is there something rather than nothing? Why does the universe operate according to discoverable laws? Why does consciousness exist? Why do we have an innate sense that some things are genuinely right and others genuinely wrong? And perhaps the greatest question of all: Who are we, and why are we here? The Christian answer is that we are creatures made by our Creator. We are not accidents without purpose. We were created by God, for God, and ultimately for relationship with Him. We Are the Mice There is another lesson in the story that we must not miss. Perhaps the greatest danger is not being ignorant. Perhaps it is believing that we know everything. We are the mice in the piano. We live inside a universe vastly larger and more complicated than our minds can fully comprehend. We see only a fraction of reality. We understand only a fraction of what exists. And yet we sometimes look at the small portion we understand and confidently declare that nothing exists beyond it. The Bible reminds us: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.” —Isaiah 55:8 And: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” —Romans 11:33 The proper response to a God who is greater than our understanding is not arrogance. It is humility. It is worship. It is faith. The Music Continues The two mice eventually stopped believing in the piano player. They became convinced that they had explained everything. But outside their tiny world, the musician continued to play. The music never stopped. The fact that they could not see him did not mean he was absent. And perhaps that is where many people find themselves today. They have examined the mechanisms of the universe. They have learned about physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and astronomy. They have become fascinated by the machinery. But they have never stopped to ask whether there is a Creator behind it all. The Christian message is that there is. His name is Jesus Christ. He is not merely an idea, a philosophy, or a comforting story. He is the Son of God who entered human history, died for our sins, and rose from the grave. And He calls every one of us to respond. Jesus said: “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.” —Matthew 10:32 The question is not merely whether we believe that God exists. The deeper question is: What will we do with Jesus Christ? The piano is playing. The music is all around us. The question is whether we will remain convinced that there is nothing beyond the wires and hammers—or whether we will humble ourselves, listen carefully, and seek the One who is playing the music. Do not be so certain that you have explained the piano that you never look for the Player. —Pastor Joseph Clark

Amazing Facts. Daily Devotionals Rotten Eggs, Garlic, and Burnt Rubber. August 10th, 2026 What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “skunk”? It is probably the strong, foul odor used by these cute little striped black and white polecats to protect them from danger. Most animals and people are smart enough to stay clear of the scent glands used by skunks as a defensive weapon. Someone once described the odor as a mixture of rotten eggs, garlic, and burnt rubber. Because of muscles around these glands, skunks are pretty accurate in their aim at up to 10 feet away. People can easily smell this odor up to a mile away. Actually, the skunk is reluctant to fire this weapon. It has enough to shoot five or six times, but then needs about 10 days to make another supply. Seeing the black and white stripes (or spots) is enough for most animals and people to stay clear. But if pressed, the skunk will still give warnings by hissing, stamping its feet, and raising its tail high before spraying. The stink is so strong it will even drive a bear away. But there is one predator of the skunk, the great horned owl, which, as you might guess, has a poor sense of smell! Some states in the U.S. permit people to make pets out of skunks and have their scent glands removed. Most people come across skunks that are searching for food near garbage cans or trying to find cat or dog food in a garage. Because of their poor eyesight, skunks are often hit by cars on the road. Skunks also carry rabies, though it is more common in raccoons. (Almost all rabies cases in people come from dogs and bats.) Perhaps it is because their spray is enough to keep people away. The Bible talks about the judgment of God against Judah when it turned away from the Lord. Especially condemning the luxury of these self-sufficient people, God lists jewels, clothing, and perfumes used by a haughty and proud people. Isaiah writes that the Lord will take away the perfume boxes. “Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench” (Isaiah 3:23). A selfish life stinks. When we give our hearts to Jesus and live to bless others, it is a sweet smell to all around us. Key Bible Texts Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1 KJV)

Amazing Facts Daily Devotionals Safety in the Rock. August 2nd, 2026 The rock hyrax is a terrestrial mammal that resembles a guinea pig and is found in Israel. As its name reveals, it lives among rocks in which it can quickly escape from predators. The animals are especially known for using sentries that send out alarm calls from high points if a predator comes close. Hyraxes (called “conies” or “rock badgers” in the Bible) typically live in groups of 10 to 80. Their ability to regulate body temperature is limited, so their activity is related to seasons and times of day. They are short and squatty with a weight of about nine pounds and a length of almost 20 inches. Their thick fur ranges from a dark brown color to a lighter gray, depending on the climate. Hyrax herds are often subdivided into smaller groups of 5 to 15, with a dominant male who defends and watches over the group. In Africa they are preyed upon by leopards, cobras, adders, wild dogs, and eagles. Yet in Israel the rock hyrax is rarely preyed upon by terrestrial predators because of their excellent system of sentries. This combined with living among the rocks and crags gives them considerable protection. The Bible says, “There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise” (Proverbs 30:24). Besides the ant, locust, and spider, the hyrax is listed: “The rock badgers (hyrax) are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags” (v. 26). If you have ever felt small, take heart! Wisdom has nothing to do with our size or strength. We can learn a few lessons from the rock hyrax. The first is to live for others. Be willing to be a “sentry” and share warnings to those you love. And second, learn to live in the shelter of the Rock. Jesus will protect you from the predator (Satan) who is seeking to take you down. Key Bible Texts And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; (2 Samuel 22:2 KJV)

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 2O26. "TAKE THE PLUNGE (1)" ‘…The prudent [wise] considers well his steps.’ Proverbs 14:15 NKJV AFTER YOU’VE prayed, planned, and prepared, there comes a point where you’ve got to take the plunge. Is it scary? Absolutely! There are two kinds of people: Those who leap before they look; they are driven by impulse. Then there are those who look, look, and look but never leap; they are controlled by fear. Which are you? To get to the Promised Land, Israel had to cross the River Jordan at flood tide. It must have made the strongest heart skip a beat. God had promised that when the feet of the priests carrying the ark stepped into the water, it would roll back. Can you imagine their thoughts? ‘Couldn’t we wait till the tide goes down? Why do I have to go first? What if the waters don’t roll back and I drown?’ The step between prudence and paranoia is short and steep. Prudence wears a seatbelt; paranoia avoids cars altogether. Prudence washes with soap; paranoia avoids human contact altogether. Prudence saves for old age; paranoia clings to every penny. Prudence prepares and plans; paranoia panics. Prudence calculates the risk and takes the plunge; paranoia never enters the water. To reach your God-ordained destiny, you must stop holding back, obey God, and step into the water. The moment you do, doors will begin to open, and resources will be released, where there now seems to be only a shortage. God will provide the means, the method, and the manpower. So stand on His promise: ‘…I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you…’ (Isaiah 43:4-5 NKJV). Bible In A Year : Num 19-21, Mark 3:20-35, Ps 37:16-24, Pro 11:4. 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.*🌷🎀💝🌹 HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!. MD.ii. [31/07, 9:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST, 2026``` *ESCAPING LOOMING CATASTROPHE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚠️‼️🛑⚖️🧣🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JEREMIAH 21:1-14```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you... And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath" (JEREMIAH 21:4, 5).*_ *What would make a loving father to give up on his biological son?* *Zedekiah was the reigning king when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. He had tried to overrun the invading army of Babylon but his attempt was not approved by God. When the people sought divine help, Jeremiah made it clear to Zedekiah the king, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon." In other words, God's answer was an emphatic 'no'. Consequently, the two sons of Zedekiah were slaughtered before his eyes by the Babylonians. His own eyes were blinded and in painful humiliation, he was led away in chains to Babylon where he died later in exile.* *The underlying spiritual cause of the fall of Judah and Jerusalem was not so much due to the superior military might of Babylon as to the effect of God's decree against the people because of Manasseh's sin and Judah's apostasy. God never excuses unconfessed sin. He judges and punishes it. There are those with the misguided mind-set that God winks at sin and that grace covers all acts of impropriety. How catastrophically wrong such warped souls are. You can't ride rough shod over His Son's painful death on the cross and expect a soft-glove treatment.* *Those who repeatedly reject God's clear reproof and warning, who despise His chastening and correction, run the inevitable risk of excluding themselves from His grace. There is no more plea for mercy when once God's grace is abused and rejected. God's love must not be taken for granted. This dispensation of grace does not give license for carelessness and recalcitrant behaviour.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Kings and rulers are not to take God's grace for granted.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOHN 1-3*📜📜 Escaping Looming Catastrophe https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 205: HAVE YOU COUNTED THE COST?; GHS 204: YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN; AND GHS 208: THE GREAT JUDGMENT MORNING* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna1stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [31/07, 9:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PECULIAR PEOPLE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 PETER 2:9-11```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 PETER 2:9).*_ *According to Ellen G. White, "God's people are peculiar. Their spirit cannot mingle with the spirit and influence of the world. You do not wish to bear the Christian name and yet be unworthy of it". Christians are peculiar people because they are saved by God for them to show forth His glory.* *Those who are born again, like Joseph in Egypt who faced the challenge of defiling himself with his master's wife, would not yield to the temptation of sinning against God. "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" said Joseph when his master's wife wanted to dedile him.* *You should endeavour to abstain from all forms of lust to retain your peculiarity as a child in the kingdom of God. Remember, the devil is still enticing people with the aim of trapping their souls in eternal doom. Like the peculiar Joseph, flee objects of temptation. Do not allow sinful emotions to rule and ruin you. Remember that you are a royal priest, a chosen and a peculiar person!* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Retain your peculiarity.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Flee and overcome lust in this lustful generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to be peculiar.*_ Peculiar People https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday1stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [31/07, 9:41 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST, 2026``` *COVENANT PROMISE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🌈✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 1:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" (Psalm 1:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 *Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.* *But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.* *And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Great God in heaven, please bless and preserve my soul.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 15:21* Covenant Promise https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk1stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [31/07, 9:41 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 1ST AUGUST, 2026. *WHEN GOD TURNS TO AN ENEMY OF HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE* *TEXT:* JEREMIAH 21:1-14. 1The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying, 2 Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us. 3 Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah: 4 Thus saith the Lord GOD of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city. 5 And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath. 6 And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence. 7 And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy. 8 And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. 9 He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey. 10 For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. 11 And touching the house of the king of Judah, say, Hear ye the word of the LORD; 12 O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 13 Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? 14 But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it. *Timeless Truth:*_"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart_(Jeremiah 29:13). *INTRODUCTION* What would life have looked like if at your tender age your parents decided to turn to be your adversary? God is loving, merciful and longsuffering, yet He is also holy and just. When His chosen people persist in rebellion, reject His warnings and refuse to repent, His protective hand can be withdrawn and He may fight against them instead of for them. Jeremiah 21 records King Zedekiah's desperate appeal for divine intervention when Jerusalem was under siege by Babylon. Rather than promising deliverance, God declared that He Himself would oppose Judah because of their persistent sins. This passage warns believers against insincere repentance and highlights God's justice as well as His mercy toward those who genuinely turn to Him. *1. Insincere Seekers Due to Fear of Sufferings* a. Years back, Samaria had been captured and sent into captivity by Assyria. The same fate was looming for Judah for the same reasons. King Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord when the Babylonian army threatened Jerusalem. He knew the reason why God wanted to destroy them, but was not willing to bow to God's demands of repentance from all evils that beset them. His request and seeking for God was motivated by fear rather than true repentance. He hoped God would perform another miracle as He had done in previous generations unconditionally. b. Many people remember God only when trouble comes. They seek the face of God passionately not because they want to know and serve God, but because they want relief and deliverance from the pains, poverty and all kinds of problems. *"Yet they seek me daily"* (Isaiah 58:2). Their zeal and prayers are only motivated by what they would get from God and not what they would give to God as a mark of love for Him. They want to use God and are not willing for God to use them to His glory. Such are not sincere seekers, but God looks beyond desperate prayers to the condition of the heart. Genuine repentance involves confession, humility and a willingness to obey God, not merely seeking escape from suffering. *Question* Am I seeking God because I truly love Him or only because I want Him to remove my problems? *2. Inhuman Sufferings Due to Fight by the Saviour* a. A protracted and unyielding stubbornness will be rewarded with a severe and inhuman punishment that is expected to bring the stubborn to God for his own good. God declared that *"I myself will fight against you (Jerusalem) with my own outstretched hand"*. The weapons of Judah would fail, the city would be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar and pestilence, famine and the sword would consume the people. The One who had always defended Israel would now become their Judge because of their persistent rebellion. No fortress, human wisdom or military strength can stand when God opposes a people. *"For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good"*. It is a fearful thing when the Saviour becomes the One executing judgment against those who reject His commands. b. Unfortunately, the king, like all hypocritical seekers, after hearing those terrible pronouncements from God, was not interested in how to reconcile with God in His own terms, but was only interested in the reversal of divine judgments unconditionally. God does not work like that. God seeks a good relationship with man that is based on holiness, righteousness and godly character. *"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."*. Seek for a genuine relationship and closer walk with God and all the challenges will be taken care of by God. *Question* Is there any area of persistent disobedience that could bring me into conflict with God's will? *3. Incomprehensible Sympathy and Favour for the Sinners* a. Even while announcing judgment, God displayed remarkable mercy. *"Behold I set before you the way of life and the way of death"*. God in His incomprehensible love and mercy will always give a window of hope for those who are willing to retrace their steps. Those who surrendered according to His instruction would preserve their lives. b. God also called the royal house to execute justice and righteousness before it was too late. The rulers have the greater blame because they were expected to know better. *"O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings"*. His judgments are never without opportunities for repentance. God's compassion shines brightly because He still offers hope, even to those who deserve punishment, if they will humble themselves and obey His voice. Repent now before it is too late. *Question* Will I respond immediately to God's call to repentance or delay until judgment overtakes me? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me a sincere and obedient heart of worship that is not based on selfish considerations 🙏. 2.Father, convict and purge me from every disobedience that may still be affecting my relationship with You 🙏. 3.Lord, help me to walk in righteousness, justice and complete obedience to Your Word every day 🙏. 4.Lord, visit Your Church and enable all Your people to focus on seeking You and the kingdom of God above all else 🙏. *HYMN:* O Why Not Tonight? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOHN 1-3. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ⏤ Colossians 3:17 To be little with God is to be little for God. ⏤ E.M. Bounds We come to Your feet, our Father, to receive Your blessing as we go out into the world. We want to make this a beautiful day. Help us to be diligent and cover us with Your wings of love. Let us not rely on our own understanding or follow the devices and desires of our own deceitful hearts. May we live today in You and for You—honoring You in all that we do and say. We humbly seek Your favor upon the work of our hands. Help us to do it well. Save us from all negligence and laziness. We want to honor You even in the most ordinary tasks of this day. May we do everything as if under Your eye and for Your approval. Save us from being satisfied with low standards and help us to do our best, even in the smallest things. Sanctify our influence so that we may be a blessing to everyone whose life we touch. Let us not be a hindrance to the good or the joy of anyone. Let us not discourage those who are struggling with hardship, trials, or temptations—but may we instead be encouragers of all whom we meet. May we carry cheer in our faces and inspire cheer in others. Guard our words so that we may speak no unkind words. May our conversation be such that it helps others. We pray for our friends, some of whom are carrying heavy burdens. Some are sick. We pray that You will heal and comfort the sick and strengthen those whose loads are too heavy for them to bear. We ask You to care for the poor and all who are in any trouble. Send to us anyone in need whom You would have us befriend or help, or send us to them with a blessing. Hear us in our prayers and bless us, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/27/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion. Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2026. *SUB-THEME:* CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. *TEXT:* REVELATION 22:12–15. 12 “See! I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to repay everyone according to his behavior. Psa 62:12 Jer 17:10 Jer 32:19 Mat 16:27 Rom 2:6 Rom 14:12 1Co 3:8 2Co 5:10 Gal 6:5 Rev 2:23 [Job 34:11] [Pro 24:12] 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Isa 41:4 Isa 44:6 Isa 48:12 Rev 1:8 Rev 1:8 Rev 21:6 Rev 21:6 14 “How blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city! 15 Outside are dogs, sorcerers, immoral people, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 1Co 6:10 Eph 5:5 Col 3:5-6 [Zec 14:21] [Gal 5:21] [Col 3:6] [Rev 21:8] *TOPIC:* ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. *THE MESSAGE:* Eternal punishment is the fate of those who reject God's grace. Today's text emphasizes the certainty and urgency of Christ's return. He is coming to reward everyone according to their deeds. What an impartial Judge! Those who accepted God's grace of salvation through Christ and live righteously will have access to the Tree of Life and the gates of the city. They will enjoy God's presence eternally. Alas, those who reject God and indulge in sinful behaviours such as magic arts, sexual immorality, killing of people, idolatry, witchcraft, falsehood, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and the like, as a lifestyle, will be thrown in hell fire forever. Have you accepted God's grace? If not, repent! Do not be deceived by the notion that a gracious God cannot punish. *REFLECTION:* Evil doers shall be punished. *PRAYER:* Father, thank You for the access to eternal life. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* HEBREWS 10:29. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* ISAIAH 63–66. ED.ii. HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE "The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." - Psalm 118:24 Being able to wake up and breathe again this morning is grace from God. God has given us another day to live and God wants us to be happy on this new day. You do not have to wait until you achieve all you want, until you reach your goal; joy is a choice you make. When you get up in the morning, you make a choice to enjoy the day. You decide whether you make your heart a happy heart or whether you allow yourself to be influenced by the difficulties in life. If you make the mistake to only look at circumstances, you will miss the blessing God has in store for you. A sad face because you are irritated or angry does not change your situation. If this does not make a difference, then you might as well be happy. Start to sing: 'this is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it.' Or sing: 'I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I will enter His courts with praise.' The choice to be happy is yours. You will feel better and it also gives a positive attitude towards faith, which in turn inspires others. Stop worrying If you want to be happy and joyful, you must stop worrying about how things will go tomorrow or next year or later on. Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-33: 'Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?... Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' Learn to live day by day. Of course, it is good to make plans, but do not only live in the future, live today and enjoy life. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. ⏤ Psalm 55:22 We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ⏤ Oswald Chambers The shadows have deepened around us, O God, and we draw near to You. As birds fly to their nests when night comes, as little children run home—so we come to You. Receive us and shelter us in Your divine love. We thank You that we have access to You; that although we have sinned, Jesus Christ died for sinners, and the way to You is open. We have no right to come to You except through the mediation of Your Son. In His name, we come, pleading for forgiveness and access. May Your blessing be upon all the work of our hands today. It has been imperfect. But may You take it and build it into Your kingdom. You are using the weak things, the base things, and things that are nothing—and You can use even the poor broken fragments of today’s efforts. We ask for a special blessing on our home tonight. Bless our home life. May each one of us know our part in making the home beautiful and blessed—and may we all do what we know we should do to bring the fullness of Jesus' peace into our home. May our fellowship as a family become more tender and affectionate. Save us from all bitterness and impatience, from irritability, and from being easily provoked. May our home love be strengthened, and may we learn to live together sweetly. We remember our neighbors. You have commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We desire to obey You, and we ask You to teach us this divine love. If we have failed today, forgive us. Grant us more and more of Your love, and then we will be able to love rightly. Hear us, O God, in our prayer, and grant us Your holy peace. We ask all this in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/26/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

It is easy to start in Ministry, but can you remain faithful till the end (Testimony Part 10) VIDEO LENGTH 46:44 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 05:08 I've decided to spend more time at the feet of Jesus by meditating and studying God's Word 08:33 It is easy to start in Ministry but to endure and continue is another. Who will build a tower and only lay the foundation. Who will go to war with half the men and give up before the war. Count the cost 15:01 One of the biggest challenges in Ministry for me was to continue on with Ministry work, even if my bank account is low and the fuel gauge of the vehicle is almost on empty. 16:05 I departed from New Castle and on my way passing through to Richard's Bay. I used to sleep off underneath a tree in the vehicle, waiting of on the Lord (Psalms 27:14) 29:58 I was led to Pelican Island to meet uncle Niel and his wifey aunty Kim with their two dogs staying on their boat 36:14 Uncle Niel tried to convince me of the Flat Earth conspiracy agenda🤫 See full video uploaded on YouTube under 7 Step Ministry OF Jesus Christ https://youtu.be/-5Z6D_E5nOA?si=HPxdalGLyCmlY1LF

Matthew 15:21-31 Was Jesus being mean? When one first sees this passage, one seems to conclude that in this passage Jesus is being mean. He's going through a very spiritually dark area. Tyre and Sidon was an area where human sacrifice was part of their religion which was entirely pagan worship. So when this woman comes demanding help for her demon possessed daughter, Jesus doesn't immediately respond in a positive way. It seems a little rude. The disciples knew this woman was more than likely a worshipper of Baphomet. And they were imploring Jesus to send her away, which He did not do. He doesn't even address their concern, He tells the woman that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. She understands His reluctance to help, knows Jesus is a holy man who won't excuse her people's sin. But she cries out again and Jesus says something unique. It is not good to take the children's bread to give to dogs. I didn't understand that for quite some time. So I've spent time on it. The gift the woman asked for, of a healing for her daughter, was one meant only for Israel. Now we've just spent the better part of 4 months learning about the Gospel message being for the world, not just Israel. So why did Jesus act aloof? Again, we have to return to the point that this woman was from a race of people for whom demonic service is second nature. And someone under the spell of Baphomet will not surrender to God. Was she a former pagan? Regretful of serving Baphomet? Possibly. What is known is that she had faith Jesus could do this and she was willing to take whatever blessing God would give. So when her reply came back, Jesus praised her faith. This plea to save her daughter came and because of her nationality she would be considered a traitor to demons this plea for her daughter could easily earn this woman a swift sacrificial death. She would gladly accept the role of dog eating scraps if it meant her daughter being healed. Her daughter was healed and she went on her way. The chapter concludes with multitudes being healed in the open view of Jews and the people of Tyre and Sidon. I often think of these unnamed heroes of scripture and what it will be like to finally meet some of them. What happened after this? We will all find out. No Jesus was not mean, not bigoted, He was giving her an opportunity to demonstrate the reality of her faith. And she did. [21] Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.” [23] But He did not answer her with even a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” [24] But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” [25] But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” [26] Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” [27] And she said, “Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” [28] Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once. [29] Departing from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee, and after going up on the mountain, He was sitting there. [30] And large crowds came to Him bringing with them those who were limping, had impaired limbs, were blind, or were unable to speak, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. [31] So the crowd was astonished as they saw those who were unable to speak talking, those with impaired limbs restored, those who were limping walking around, and those who were blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

SATAN'S STRATEGIES AGAINST CHRISTIANS UNVEILED IN THE SECOND HEAVEN by Moses Lushiku 6 Let me give a brief statement about my call and vocation from the Lord. It happened one day as I was laying down on the courtyard of my house when suddenly a force took over me. As a result, my spirit went out of my body and I was taken to the sky. When I got there in the atmosphere I saw the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, when you meet the Lord Jesus Christ you will know that you are standing before God Himself. It is automatic when the Lord Jesus Christ set His eyes on you. His anointing will be transferred to you and your understanding will be renewed and enlightened instantaneously and you will be connected to the supernatural. The Lord said to me, "Look at the earth." When I looked at planet Earth the Lord said, "When you divide the earth into three portions that are the proportion of humanity that will be saved through your message and your ministry." The Lord said, "You are an end time servant. I will use your ministry and others to bring about the rapture of the church. Your ministry will be prophetic in order to prepare My people for the rapture." A few weeks later I was convinced by the Spirit of the Lord to spend some time in the church for prayer. As a result, I began to spend most of my time in the church in prayer. In fact, I left my house in order to sleep in the church for prayer. I spent eight consecutive months in the presence of the Lord. This was not a result of an audible voice recommendation but a simple conviction of the Holy Spirit. I was sleeping in the church. Later I was joined by members of my church. They were touched by the fact that I have left behind my house in order to pray and sleep in the church for many months. Then one day in the morning after prayer something happened. I was talking to a member of my church when suddenly I saw three beings of extreme beauty dressed in white garments of luminous glow. These tall and robust angels were not touching the ground. These were supernatural entities. The first angel introduced himself to me and said, "I'm the Archangel Michael. I work in the field of spiritual warfare. It is written that the angel of the Lord encamps around them that fear Him (Ps 34:7). I am the one who encamped around the children of God. I will reveal to you the secrets about the kingdom of Lucifer in spiritual warfare. I will tell you the secrets about the devil because I know him. I was the leader of the regiment that cast him out of heaven." Rev 12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The second angel introduced himself to me as Gabriel. He said to me, "I am the one who appeared to your sister Mary in order to announce her the good news about the birth of the Savior. The Bible says, "God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The Virgin's name was Mary. When the angel entered her home he greeted her and said, 'You are favored by the Lord. The Lord is with you.' She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant. The angel told her, "Don't be afraid Mary you have found favor with God. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and name Him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David. Your Son will be king of Jacob's people forever and His kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:26-33) Beloved, when I heard the Archangel Gabriel calling Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ "My sister" I felt a special feeling, a feeling of pride and prestige. Then Gabriel said to me, "I am the one who gives believers messages in dreams and visions. When they are in deep sleep I will reveal a lot of things to them." Actually, the Archangel Gabriel revealed to me 100 secrets contained in Jesus' parables. Then the Archangel Gabriel said, "We come to your churches and to your houses and we walk by your side yet you people are so busy with everyday preoccupation which has reduced your spiritual sensibility. Therefore you cannot sense our presence around you and you cannot see us although we are everyday around you. But the fact that many of the children of God are seeing us these days it is an indication that the event of the return of the Son of God is at hand. I will reveal to you secrets about life beyond the grave and the end of time." The third angel seems different from Michael and Gabriel. He introduced himself as Marvelous. He said, "I am the angel that appeared to the mother of Samson. The Bible says, "A man of Zorah named Manoah from the clan of the Danites had a wife who was childless unable to give birth. The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, 'You are barren and childless but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazarite dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines." (Judges 13:2-5) The angel Marvelous said, "I work in the field of salvation." And at the end times, this angel with the name of Marvelous was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. After this first encounter, the next four days were days of angelic visitation as the whole church was able to hear the voice of the angels of the Lord. On the fifth day of angelic visitations, something happened. It was on the 10th of February 2007 at 5:00 p.m. The Archangel Michael who promised to reveal to me secrets about the devil and spiritual warfare came and he held my right hand. Immediately my spirit left my body. Michael held my right hand. We took a speedy flight. We began to ascend in the speed of light and we found ourselves in the atmosphere and over there in space the Archangel asked me, "Do you know where we are going?" I was about to respond when he said, "Lucifer has summoned a meeting in the 2nd heaven which will start in a few minutes. The kingdom of heaven has chosen you as their representative to take part in that meeting and reveal the contents of this gathering to the world." A few minutes later we arrived in the second heaven. Then we entered the auditorium which was a huge oval hall. This place was between heaven and the earth. The chief angel Michael said to me, "Fear not and don't panic. You just stand by my side. You must observe and listen to everything. You have been commissioned to tell the world everything you will see and hear." Actually, as I was attending this gathering in the 2nd heaven the Lord Jesus Christ had entered my body that was left on the earth and He took complete control of my senses. He was addressing the people of God in the church while my spirit was attending this summit in the atmosphere. Back in the auditorium in the second heaven, I noticed that the hall was full to capacity. Demons of all kinds and people from all nations were waiting for the prince of this world, the devil. Once we got in the meeting hall the chief angel Michael said to me, "Very soon you will see our enemy which is your enemy." We were hovering over this auditorium when suddenly I heard a thunderous explosion. This detonation was the arrival of Lucifer. The devil did not arrive like everybody else but in a thunderous explosion. SATAN WITH DOG HEAD I saw Satan for the first time on the 10 of February 2007. Immediately after landing in the oval auditorium the devil transformed himself. I mean his head turned to that of a dog. Then he said to the participants, "Do not be surprised by my emblem of a dog head. I took the appearance of the dog because I want to demonstrate to you that I am God. The reason that I summoned you today is that I heard the other One claiming that He is God and that He wants to save humanity." The devil and demons of Hell don't quote the name of Jesus Christ for fear of adverse effects. The devil refers to Jesus Christ as "The Other One." Then with a hand sign, the devil removed the sealing of the oval Hall and he caused the assistants to rise beyond the ceiling of the auditorium. I saw the assistants suspended in space and observing planet Earth. I have to admit that I managed to recognize some faces of the assistants. Then I saw the devil pointing a particular section of the earth. He actually zoomed to a section of the earth. As a result, we saw people getting on with their lives in that section of the earth but strangely all the people on that section of the earth had dog heads just like Lucifer himself. Afterward, the devil zoomed to another geographic section of the earth and we saw the human population of that part of the earth with dog heads. Then the devil zoomed to still another section of planet Earth and we saw people in different churches. We saw pastors, we saw evangelists, church singers, deacons in the church with dog heads. Churches were full of believers, preachers, and singers with dog heads. Afterward, the devil got the assistants back in the auditorium. Then he said to the participants, "You saw with your own eyes 80% of the world population with dog heads which is my emblem. You saw with your own eyes many believers preachers singers with my emblem of a dog head. They have my image and my likeness. They look like me yet the other One who claimed to be God the savior of humanity has only 20% of the world population. The question every one of you is to ask and to answer is this, 'Who is God - Him or me?' He has only 20% of the world population. Who is powerful - Him or me? It is written in their law that the dog has returned to what he has vomited. When the devil said this I remember the passage in 2 Peter 2:21-22, For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog has turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Then I saw the devil still with his dog head. He vomited on his pulpit and then he consumed his vomit. Then he said to the assistants, "It is thanks to my power that 80% of the world population are sinners and the majority of the believers have backslidden. Any Christian that has backslidden has adopted my emblem of the dog head. He has my image." At that moment I saw the assistants that were made up of demons and humans falling down on their knees worshipping the devil and declaring him God. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:4, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. The assistants were worshipping the devil and saying, "You are God because 80 percent of the world population resembled you. They have your image and your emblem. You are more powerful than the other One who has only twenty percent of the world population." Dear believers every time we are living in sin we are adopting the emblem of the devil which is a dog head. The Bible says whosoever practices sin is of the devil. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. (1 Jn 3:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments (“Blessed are they that wash their robes.” - other translations), that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Rev 22:13-15) As the worship of Lucifer was going on, the Archangel Michael and I stood in a diagonal position to the pulpit of the devil and then the devil started the meeting which was to last four months. In the firmament, he began to unveil his 80 strategies against humanity in the church. His words were automatically printed on a book called "Techniques and Tactics." That book is also called a "Traps Trigger" which means how to set a trap for the foolish man and the imprudent. The gathering in the firmament lasted four months. Basically every time the devil was unveiling a strategy he was adjourning the meeting in order to deploy demons to execute the new strategy in various regions of the earth and sometimes demons were traveling in a dimension beyond our physical world. In the meantime, the meeting would be suspended and the participants would be waiting for their return and their report. These demons were traveling to many parts of the earth that were in night or day times. They were traveling long distances in a split second or very few minutes and they were traveling to several countries, continents, and cities. They were also traveling to the marine kingdom, the subterranean kingdom and even to the firmament. And every time these demons were traveling to the cosmos I had to follow them in order to see what is happening and how they were executing their missions. I was ordered continuously by the Archangel Michael to follow them. As a result, I have been to many invisible kingdoms of Lucifer and I have accumulated knowledge of the tactics and strategies of the enemy. In this message, I will bring you words of Lucifer exactly as he said them so that everybody would understand the kingdom of darkness. As it is written, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Then the devil started to address the assistants with arrogance. He said to the participants, "I have gathered you today because we have an opponent. I heard Him saying that He wants to save humanity. That is why I have gathered you today so that we can prevent that from happening. Today I will deliver a few strategies in order to cause His followers to become weak and vulnerable so that our kingdom will grow on the earth." THE LAW OF REPETITION AND RESISTANCE Then Lucifer started to enumerate and elaborate on his strategies which were a total of 80 points. The devil disclosed the first strategy that he called vaccine or the law of repetition and resistance. He said, "Through this strategy, we will impose law in the lives of born-again Christians. Basically, the followers of Jesus Christ have a luminous ring of fire above their head and this orbit of fire above their head is potentially destructive. It can neutralize us, therefore, I want to underline that you should not come close to Christians as long as their ring of fire is shining and burning. We must initially put out the fire of that ring of light before engaging them for fear of defeat." "Let it be clear if you come to report to me after being wrecked because of the ring of fire I will be left with no choice but to destroy you. Do not come close to Christians as long as their fire is burning and glowing. You must observe and monitor them before taking any action against them. On the other hand, it will be apparent that when these people commit sin, the fiery ring of light will go off. Their light would be put out as a result of sin. It is only that way that they will become vulnerable. In fact, your mission is to get born-again Christians to commit sin in order to turn off the ring of fire and light above their heads." Dear believers, there is a ring of fire above the head of each born-again Christian which is self generating electric energy of God. The Bible says you are the light of the world (Matt 5:14). A Christian is full of divine and electric energy and the electricity charges from God are running all over his system. That is why a demon would not come close to a Christian. Then the devil said to the assistants, "You must use the method of surveillance and monitoring. I order you to watch them and their families in order to mount a surveillance system around born again Christians. Do not do anything against them before mounting a system of surveillance and monitoring and when they sin you will notice that their light and fire emanating from the luminous ring and orbit of fire will go off. The moment a born-again Christian commits sin, you will report to me because this is the best time to attack them. On this basis, you have to understand that sin is our gospel and sin will be our gospel. Sin is the mechanism by which the luminous flame of the believer goes off." And I saw the devil instructed his demon to report to him every time a Christian sinned because that is of a critical moment to strike him. I come today to beseech you Christians to keep your flame luminous. Every born-again Christian has the responsibility of keeping his luminous ring of fire turned on. The Bible says that John was a burning and shining lamp and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light (John 5:35). The Satanic world is desperate to get Christian fire and light to go off. They can do nothing against believers as long as the ring of fire is burning and shining. It is sin that turns off the light of the believer inducing in him a time of vulnerability and fragility. After explaining this strategy, I saw the devil summoning eight demons to step forward and he gave them syringes. The devil said to them, "Every time a born-again Christian is caught in the act of sinning you will inject this vaccine called the law of resistance and repetition in him. When a Christian is caught in sin, you will surround him and you will pray. You will summon me in the following prayer, "O supreme master Lucifer this is your victim who has listened to your voice and he has obeyed your order and instruction. Come and enter his body which is your temple." When you say this prayer I will come in a speed of lightning and I will enter the body of this believer and I will vaccinate him with the law of resistance and repetition. As a consequence, he will fall repeatedly in that sin despite his fasting despite his decision to abandon his sin. The victim will always fall in that sin because he is vaccinated with the law of repetition. Even if the believer confessed his sin but as he is injected with the law of repetition he will become a slave of that sin. He will repeat that sin again and again despite his remorse despite his will his fasting and his determination. Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (John 8:34) Then the devil said to eight demons standing before him, "After you vaccinated the victim seven of you will leave him but you will stay and be stationed around the victim. You will monitor and surveil this Christian in case this believer feel the guilt and he is manifesting the will to repent and abandon his repetitive sin. I order the demon stationed around him for monitoring him to call the other seven demons. Once they joined you the head, you will call me again in this following prayer, "O supreme master, this is your victim who wants to rebel from you and escape your bondage." At that moment I will come down at the speed of lightning. I will enter his body in order to shake the vaccine in him. As a result, the victim will weaken and will have the tendency to return to that sin despite his will to escape." Then I saw on a pulpit of the devil a mirror. The devil did an incantation prayer. As a result, this mirror was multiplied. It was distributed to the assistants. The devil said, "Before attacking a Christian you must make sure that he is visible in the mirror." Beloved when a demon is coming to fight you, he is coming with information and precision. He is well informed about your condition. The devil said to the assistants, "That Fellow (Jesus) has branded me the prince of this world. If only one of them affectionate himself with the things of this world his profile will be visible in the mirror. Some of their attitudes are my nature like anger, animosity, envy, and hate. Those who are in these things belong to our kingdom automatically. But remember to check in the mirror before doing anything against them. If they appear in the mirror it means that they are in a state of weakness and their weakness and sin are my nature." ATTACK THE AREAS OF THEIR NEEDS The next strategy is called: NEED. Lucifer said, "We must watch and analyse the emotions and the feelings of Christians by observing their 3 needs: Marriage, Finance, and Ambition." He continued, "If you have been fighting one of them, and failing because of their holiness, and righteousness, just give up but focus on their marriage. Wait until when they will think about getting married. You will work to inject suggestion in their head to get them to make a false choice. It is from here that upright people will fall when they make a wrong choice, and we get them to marry our representative, by investigating their criteria, and preference." Lucifer said, "As we have many enterprises and corporations on earth, you will be arranged so that they end up working in our companies and businesses, and they will be surrounded by our agents. They will be paid salary with our bewitched money and they will sign contract with us without knowing. I asked my demons to give them initiative so that they can expand their business, as a result, they will always be focused on the material world." The devil always fights the marriage because this is a covenant that makes people one in marriage. There is a law called the law of fusion which make 2 people 1. And the devil likes it so that he can unite wheat and tares together to create fusion and confusion. CONDEMNATION DUE TO WORDS COMING OUT OF OUR MOUTHS My dear believers, I am here to bring words from the enemy exactly as I heard it in his meeting in the firmament. I heard the devil unveiling one strategy after another. Then he unveiled a strategy against the church called condemnation. He said, "My agent demons followers and demons observers, you have a very important role to play. Your purpose is to observe and listen to what comes out of the mouths of believers. You're gonna have to be patient. You must follow them and listen carefully to words coming out of their mouths. Actually, these humans claimed to have been created in the image and the likeness of God but this is what we will do to them. We have five strategies in order to condemn them on the basis of what comes from their mouth." The first strategy is during the TIME OF ANGER. The devil said to demons observers and followers, "In the time of anger humans don't control their words and they don't control their decisions nor their actions. Therefore, this is a critical time in order to capture their words and condemn them." Beloved, you must understand that when you are angry there are demons assigned by the devil to observe you and to capture words from your mouth and decision you make. Therefore when you are angry you must learn to hold your tongue. You must not sleep with anger and you must forgive. The Bible says death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) The devil will use your words to condemn you. The second critical moment is the TIME OF CHOICE as the devil said to his demons, "Condemn people pronouncing a word of love. When you hear a human saying to his partner, "You are my angel," his guardian angel must leave on the basis of his own word. As a result, his partner will take the angel place. He is condemned by his own word. When someone says I will only marry this or that type of man this is verbal government binding him. He is inviting the spirit of singleness." Beloved, people are binding themselves in covenants through words spoken from their mouth. It is necessary to cancel negative words. There are words you say that will destroy your life as they are captured and brought to pass by demons. The third tactic is in TIMES OF HUMAN SUFFERING. The devil said to his demons observers and followers, "In a time of suffering and hardship I always hear humans saying, 'Oh I am miserable. I am unlucky in my life. Everything I do is not working.'" The devil orders these demons to bring to pass those words and sentences spoken by humans during their hard times as many cursed and condemned themselves through their own mouths. CAUSING BELIEVERS TO BE LAZY AND HEAVY Then the devil unveiled an additional strategy that will cause believers to be heavy so that they won't be able to pray or read the Bible or attend the church. As a result, they will become an ordinary human being. The devil insisted to the participants by saying, "Do not let them pray. Do not let them read the scripture. Do not let them go to church. Do not let them tithe." Then I saw the devil summoning a demon that looked like Superman. This demon was dressed in red and blue just like Superman but the devil called him superhuman. He said to him, "I have chosen you to visit Christians at home in the days of their church service. You must be informed about their church program five hours before it starts. You're gonna blow on them the bluish smoke. As a result, they will become heavy and they will feel like not going to church. They will feel uncomfortable." The devil said to him, "Blow your bluish smoke even on their cars. As a result, the unexplained breakdown will happen. They will seek justification not to attend church and they will have them." Lucifer said to the superhuman, "You shall move from one Christian house to another and you shall blow your bluish smoke. As a result, there shall be procrastination. As a consequence, they shall be incapable of praying even if they set the clock. The same thing with Bible reading. They will have the feeling of doing something relaxing instead of going to church." PERSON NAMES AS A TOOL TO DESTROY THEM Then the devil unveiled another strategy called name. The devil said, "We will use people's names as a tool of manipulation in order to destroy them." It is clear that the devil is always seeking ways to destroy humanity and he said to the demons, "You will make sure that their lives have become their names." Beloved, in the Bible, when God called people He changed their names. If you do not have a positive name you better change it now. The Bible says in Gen 32:28, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. I heard the devil saying the spirit of homonym (words with the same sound but have different meanings) will follow the hominin (all humankind). Examples of homonym are Bat - an implement used to hit a ball / a nocturnal flying mammal Bright - very smart or intelligent / filled with light Circular - taking the form of a circle / a store advertisement The second issue about a name is that when you name yourself or your child after a family member or a friend the nature of that person can be transferred to you or your child through the channel of the name and there are these demons, followers, and observers. Their job is that every time your name is called they have to transform you into your name. Every time your name is called they will get meaning of that name to come to pass and fulfill in your life so that you become your name. BEWITCHMENT THRU BEAUTY AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS The devil announced another strategy called beauty and hygiene products. I saw the devil order 30 demons to travel back under the ocean and while these 30 demons were leaving the oval auditorium heading underwater, the Archangel Michael order me to follow them. This was our secondary journey beneath the ocean and this time around the devil sent these demons to meet underwater sirens so that they can design beauty and makeup products. When we were leaving the oval hall the devil interrupted the meeting in order to wait for the contingent of 30 demons to bring back beauty products. When we arrived underwater it's like the water siren and goddess Lamaze who knew already what Lucifer wanted. She could also read the mind of these demons. In fact, every time the devil think about something he can transfer his thought quickly to his collaborators. The devil possesses a network that allows him to inject thought to his followers. When Jesus said to Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan," He was dealing with a thought from the devil that he transferred to Peter's mind. That's how the devil work. I saw demons of all kinds under the ocean. I saw sirens under the ocean who were very beautiful women. They were extremely beautiful as though they were changing faces. I remember their names such as Alice and Jacqueline Sol Ange Lily Liliane Juliet. Then I saw their great lady, the Queen of the Coast manipulating the sand beneath the water and turning them to beauty products. I saw powder, lipstick, lotions, soap and many more. There were tons of these beauty products. I saw a siren in the name of Juliet printing her face and her name on the wrapping and embossed on the soap. This soap called Juliet is still used in our region and our country. When you use that soap the power of seduction of Juliet will be at work on your appearance which is artificial beauty. Therefore you must pray for these beauty products as the Bible says to pray ceaselessly even in little things. And then the devil said, "We will dressed women with a mask of ugliness and old age in order to undermine their marriage and cause their husbands to be tired of them." The 30 demons transported these beauty products from the underwater to the oval meeting hall in the second heaven. As the hall was oval they placed them in the middle of the hall. There were lipsticks, soaps, lotions, deodorants, fragrance, and others. Then the devil resumed the meeting and I watched as the devil began to curse these beauty products. The devil said, "We will spread demonic smells on women or men that are using our deodorants and fragrances. The moment their sweat mixed with our deodorants they will smell like some of our demons." Actually, demons have their smells and I know these smells. Some demons smell a mixture of deodorants and sweat. Other smells like acid. Then Lucifer said, "Women using our products will have artificial beauty. They will have the beauty of my servants the sirens and mermaid printed on their face. It is this way that we will spread fornication on the earth. When women use these beauty products they will become irresistible." The devil said, "Every time a human will envy these women because of the beauty of my servants the sirens and mermaids they will be admiring and worshipping images of the things under the sea which are sirens and mermaids." As far as the devil is concerned, the pictures of sirens and mermaids on makeup products are equal to building an image of things from under the sea. These beautiful faces of sirens and mermaids that are printed on the makeup and beauty products are a representation of sirens and mermaids as it is written you shall not make for yourself an idol or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. (Ex 20:4) Now the question is, "Should women use beauty products?" Yes, women can but they should also have discernment and pray. We should learn to pray for everything. I mean everything we buy in the market we need a life of ceaseless prayer (1 Thess 5:17). When I was in the marine Kingdom I saw sirens designing beauty products and they were printing their faces on these different lotions and beauty products. I heard Lucifer saying repeatedly, "Let fight. Let not slow down. Let continue to work in order to separate believers from their Master." FORGETFULNESS TO DAILY SACRED DUTIES Then the devil unveiled a new strategy called forgetfulness. He said to the participants, "We must work to get believers to forget their daily sacred duty and obligation. As a result, they will be in discord with their Master. Their Master is supposed to be the central and a cornerstone of their lives but we must work so that their Lord will no longer be the central focus of their existence. Firstly let get them to forget praying, as a result, they will lack spiritual strength." Beloved when I heard this from the mouth of Lucifer, I understood that prayer gives believers spiritual strength and even the Bible says to pray ceaselessly (1 Thess 5:17). Then Lucifer said, "We must give them to forget about going to church by confusing church schedules. As a result, they will be without anointing." By these words, I understood that attending the church gives believers more anointing as it is written in the psalm of David, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." (Psalms 133:1-3) The devil continued and he said, "Let them forget reading the Bible." Then the devil drew the attention of the participants by saying, "Be careful of that book. It is magical and powerful. They must not read it otherwise they will have the knowledge and they will uncover our actions." The devil continued and said, "Let them forget paying tithes so that we can ransack and plunder their houses and finances. We will send them hardships and sicknesses and cause them to spend beyond their means." These words made me understand the importance of tithing. Tithe protects our business and our finances and the scriptures says in Malachi 3:10-11, Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, said the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, said the LORD of hosts. Then the devil said again, "Let them forget their law so that they can sin. It is only after they sin that we can remind them of their law so that they can be in guilt." He continued to let them forget to take care of the leaders financially. HEREDITARY Then the devil announced another strategy that he called hereditary. Then Lucifer said, "For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). This is humanity's favorite passage that I am reversing. For Satan so hate the world that he gave his own son Beelzebub so that whoever fell in his trap shall not be saved but perish forever." Then the devil exclaims and said, "I love Beelzebub because of his mission. He is gonna assist me to bring forth a great posterity. My great family is in the making. Behold I have so many people resembling me." Beloved, the Bible said that Jesus branded the high priests as the children of the devil because of their behavior. Jesus said, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:44) The devil said, "I am branded as the father of lies, therefore, I need more children who are liars and who resemble me. That is why I order you Beelzebub to trap anybody practicing lies and incorporate them into my family. When any man would be deliberately lying in that very moment you get a hold of him to bring him inside my family. Indeed I am called the father of lies and liars are my children. Whatever their confession and profession whether they are pastors evangelists priests deacons, bring them to me for they are my children." Then the devil said to Beelzebub, "Incite people to pride because I am the father of pride. As a result, I will have many children. You're going to incite men to sin because it is written that I sinned right from the beginning and the more they are sinning the more children I have." "Beelzebub, I have always been treated as the opponent and the adversary so you gonna make sure that the whole world is in sin so that they would be opponents and adversaries of God and the more they are sinning the more children I have." "Beelzebub, they must despise the church and prayer. They must despise men of God. They must despise the holy things. They must oppose Bible traditions and values. They must denigrate Christianity." The devil said, "You Beelzebub my prime minister I charged you to combat the Word preached in churches all over the world." Actually, Lucifer has a global government and Beelzebub is the prime minister of his global government. The devil said to Beelzebub, "Let the Word preached in churches all over the world be without Revelation. Let their preaching be without edification. Let these preachers lose their fire and anointing. Let them be limited. Let them be focused on miracles. Let them be focused on prosperity. Let them be focused on the spectacular things." Beloved the devil wants the church to focus on earthly things and temporary things. Then Lucifer said, "It is written in their Scripture and their law that your Word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and the moment the revelational Word which is the light is replaced by accessories and the materials items then there will be no more be light left in these churches but there will be darkness and as consequence the church will be my synagogue. If they continued and said the word of their Master and Lord has branded me as the Prince of Darkness it will be like a curse in these churches as I will be the Prince of these churches that are in darkness as a result of the corrupt word preached there." The devil said to Beelzebub, "You must stifle their leaders and preachers financially so that they lack the basic necessities. As a consequence, they will be overloaded with problems and setbacks. They will focus their attention on how to get by instead of spending their time on the Word and prayer. Beloved churches must organize in order to support the ministry so that the pastor can deal with the Word in order to spare him from working and taking care of himself. Then the devil said, "Let's target the pastors' wives so that there will not be harmony in their homes. As a result, the pastor will be demoralized with stress and sickness." The devil said. "Let's work so that we will send women to these pastors to get them to fornicate. As a result, they will become ordinary humans and carnal and it will be a defeat for the church." Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Cor 6:18) OCCULTISM The devil unveiled a strategy called occultism. He said, "The purpose of this strategy is information gathering about believers. We will operate through two sectors. Firstly we will use animals as an instrument then we will use art objects. Concerning animals we are gonna use domestic animals closer to humans like dogs and cats. We will use dogs and cats as a camera in order to get information about these believers. These animals will be initiated into spiritism and they will be our instruments." We must underline that animals do not have a spirit but their bodies can be used as instruments or vehicles by the human spirits and demonic spirits. Lucifer said, "We are going to use sculpture and statues as instruments." Actually many statues and sculptural representation of occultic masters and the spirits of these masters dwell inside these statues and people who buy these objects and take them home will be under the influence of spirits dwelling in these art objects. Occultists want to enter your house through the object of art, a statue or sculpture. These spiritual masters double themselves and send a part of their spirit into the statues and when people buy these statues they are bringing a foreign presence in their homes. These strangers are represented through statues and they are observing and gathering information about you. PUTTING OUT THE CHURCH Then Lucifer announced a strategy called putting out the church. Lucifer then addressed the auditorium and he said, "This is the commission I am giving you witches and wizards. You must join churches and be stationed there permanently and you must combat the spiritual growth of local churches at all cost. But in case these churches are still growing then forget about spiritual methods. Resort to physical methods and subject these churches to criticism and foster divisions among them." Beloved, every time a local church is characterized by division, slandering, backstabbing, these are symptoms of witchcraft activities. I just want to underline that the church will grow only when a vision given to the man of God is fulfilled. The church will grow through the support of the members who must adapt and align to the vision of the man of God and they must bring their assistance and financial contribution. Then Lucifer said, "Let's make sure that in every single Church on earth there is at least one witch so that he can gather information and report to us." Then the devil said, "Let my servant witches and wizards that I assigned to churches be of good standard. You must have a good attitude and be closer to pastors in these churches. You must gather information about every local church on the surface of the earth and every Saturday at midnight I want you to report containing information about what is happening in these local churches." Then the devil says to them, "If you fail in your assignment then I will have to send female spirits of the sea. They will migrate to the surface of the earth and they will take human shape and they will join these churches. They will do your job." The devil insisted, "You must be permanent in these churches facilities. Your mission is to bring distraction through dialogue laughs and jokes socializing and fornication. You must wake up early before their prayer and bewitch the place of prayer so that intercessors will be heavy and will fail to pray effectively. The devil said, "For witches, it is enough to bewitch the church facilities. You just need to metamorphose to insects and blow the bluish smoke in order to change the atmosphere in the church facilities and prayer room. As a consequence, everybody will be heavy during the prayer." And then the devil said to the participants, "You must oppose revelational preaching and teaching." The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.