Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *TEXT:* TITUS 2:12–13 12 It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age Eph 1:4 Col 1:22 2Ti 1:9 1Jn 2:16 13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 1Co 1:7 Phi 3:20 *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *THE MESSAGE:* Upright living refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commandments. God created us to live extraordinary lives without struggle - a life above the power of sin, a product of grace. Man failed by disobeying and could not live an upright life. The salvation Jesus wrought restored man to the life he was expected to live. As recipients of God’s grace, we are empowered to live in a new way. Have you received the power to live this new life, or are you still entangled by sexual immorality, lying, and deception? The grace of God is potent to train you to renounce impiety and worldly passions. You must lean on Jesus to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age. *REFLECTION:* You are empowered to live an upright life. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to display this enabling grace daily. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 7-11. ED.ii. LOT'S FATAL DECISIONS "Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land." - Genesis 19:24-25 Abraham was blessed by God and because his nephew Lot was with him, Lot was also blessed. Both had large flocks. At one point the shepherds of both flocks started to fight because there was not enough space. Abraham then let Lot choose to go either to the left or to the right. Lot saw that the Jordan area was good and made his first fatal choice. Lot chose the best for himself. It was his first step towards Sodom. It did not occur to him to consult the Lord first. So many Christians today do the same and make their own choices based on what they see, instead of asking for the Lord's guidance. Many follow the money. The evil one mainly whispers to young people: 'If you go for the money, you can achieve everything.' However, God's way is always the best way. Lot's second fatal decision is to pitch his tents nearby Sodom. 'Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord' (Genesis 13:13). Once you take one step in the wrong direction, it will not be long before you are completely on the wrong track. Lot's third fatal step is in Genesis 14:12, it says that 'he was living in Sodom.' So, it did not take long before Lot lived in the city of Sodom. God had to destroy Sodom because of the wickedness. It was because of Abraham's prayer for Lot and his family that God gave them an opportunity to flee the city. Dear reader, one day God will destroy this world as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not make fatal choices. Do not join the sinful practices of this world. Always choose to go the way of Jesus. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ⏤ Psalm 103:17 There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom We come with grateful hearts to You, O God, our Father. We will praise You as long as we live. We call on our souls and all that is within us to bless Your holy name and never forget Your blessings. You forgive all our sins. You heal all our diseases. You redeem our lives from destruction. You crown us with love and compassion. You satisfy our needs with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. You, Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and full of mercy. You won’t stay angry forever, nor will You hold our sins against us forever. You have not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your mercy toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You. For You know how we are formed; You remember that we are dust. Our days are like grass; we flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But Your mercy, O Lord, is from everlasting to everlasting. We rejoice in Your eternity. We rest in it, knowing that our trust in You will never be shaken. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but Your kindness will never depart from us, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed. Grant us Your peace now, our Father, and keep us safe in the secret place of Your presence throughout the night. Bless us with Your tender love, we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

wait on God Waiting on the Lord is not wasted time; it is preparation time. When you feel stuck in a season of waiting, it can be easy to lose heart. However, biblical waiting is an active, hopeful pause that builds your spiritual endurance.. Why Waiting on the Lord Matters :It shifts your focus: It moves your eyes from your problems to God's power. It renews your strength: Like an eagle resting before flight, waiting restores your energy. It aligns your timing: God sees the whole map; He moves when the time is exactly right.. It protects you: Sometimes a "wait" is actually God shielding you from an unseen danger .A Prayer for the Waiting Season Dear God,Some days, this waiting feels heavy and long. My heart feels anxious, and I want to rush ahead. Please help me to rest in Your perfect timing today.Give me the strength to stay patient. Fill my mind with peace when doubt creeps in. I choose to believe that Your plans for me are good, even when I cannot see the next step. Strengthen my heart right now. Remind me that You are working behind the scenes.In Jesus' name, Amen.

TODAY'S WORD Text: Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” MESSAGE: RENEWED FOR THE RACE The last days are tiring. Many are weary. But God has not called you to run dry. 1. STRENGTHENING: Waiting on God is not wasting time. It’s refueling. When you pray, worship, and sit in His Word, He puts new strength in you. Like an eagle, you’ll rise above the storms. 2. ENCOURAGING: You will NOT faint. You will NOT quit. The same God who sustained you at St. Joseph P.3-P.7 will sustain you at Parents Joy P.1-P.4. He does not grow tired Isaiah 40:28. 3. SANCTIFICATION: To "wait on the Lord" means to set yourself apart from distractions and fix your eyes on Him Hebrews 12:1-2. Sanctification is choosing His presence over panic, His peace over pressure. PRAYER: Father, I wait on You today. Renew my strength. Lift me on eagles’ wings. Help me to run this race and not grow weary, and to walk in holiness until Jesus comes. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Encourage one another and build each other up.”

Psalm 103:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV) BLESS THE LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! BLESS THE LORD, O my soul, And FORGET NOT all His BENEFITS: Who FORGIVES all your iniquities, Who HEALS all your diseases, Who REDEEMS your life from destruction, Who CROWNS you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who SATISFIES your mouth with good things, So that your youth is RENEWED like the eagle’s. The LORD executes RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE for ALL who are oppressed. He made known His WAYS to Moses, His ACTS to the children of Israel. The LORD is MERCIFUL and GRACIOUS, SLOW to anger, and ABOUNDING IN MERCY. He will NOT always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has NOT dealt with us according to our sins, NOR punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So GREAT is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As FAR as the east is from the west, So FAR has He REMOVED our transgressions from US. [ EMPHASIS ADDED ]

Your conscience is the voice of your spirit. When you drink cold water, is it a sin? Your conscience can only lead you to the level of your knowledge. Do you believe drinking cold water is a sin? Every time you take cold water, your conscience will condemn you. Your conscience is the voice of your spirit, your heart. As long as you believe drinking cold water is wrong, every time you drink it, your heart will condemn you. It is not the Holy Spirit that is condeming you; it is your heart, based on its indoctrination, as it has been taught. Because your heart has the nature of God, whenever the truth of God comes in humility, your heart will embrace it because it knows the voice of God. “My sheep know My voice, and the stranger’s voice they will not follow.” But because you are young in the things of God and you have been taught wrongly, whatever you are taught, you will walk in until the truth dawns on your spirit. 1 John 3:18–20. We are born of the Word of God; we are of the truth. But you may have been taught wrongly. You may have been educated with some kind of religion. 1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” You know, sometimes your heart will condemn you. Now, it is telling you that if your heart condemns you, it does not mean something is wrong. God is greater than your heart and knows all things. It is not the Holy Ghost that is condeming you; that was your heart. 1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God". See, when there is no condemnation in your heart, you are confident. It says, “Nevertheless, if your heart condemns you, God is greater than your heart.” It did not say, “If your heart condemns you, that means God is condemning you or if your heart condemns you, that means you are hearing from God. Hallelujah! Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us". He is not telling you that it is Christ who condemns you. He is telling you that the One who died for you is Christ. He says God does not condemn you. Romans 8:1: "There is therefore..." What does it you mean “those who walk after the flesh and not after the Spirit”? It is saying that you should not go after the flesh; don’t mind the things of the flesh. But walk in the Spirit not according to your senses, that’s the life He wants you to live. Blessed be God! I don’t live by the senses; I live by the Spirit. Don’t struggle. It says, “Let go.” Let the Holy Spirit bear you on eagle’s wings. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Lesley Sumrall : Smith Wigglesworth knew these pioneers who were British intimately. He knew the pioneers of Pentecostalism. He often ministered with the Jeffreys, Donald Gee, Howard Carter, T.B. Barratt of Norway, Stanley Frodsham, and most of the others I have mentioned. Of a truth, he was born in very favorable times, surrounded by unusual men who blessed and inspired one another. And, like many other great men, he came from a humble beginning. Much of this has been told in detail in Frodsham's books and in books by others about Wigglesworth .He was hardly known beyond his hometown of Bradford until he was forty-eight years old when he received the Pentecostal experience at Sunderland under the ministry of Episcopal Vicar Alexander Boddy and his wife. Until this time, Wigglesworth was a plumber and assisted his wife, Polly, in a mission. She did the preaching, and he greeted people at the door, passed out books, and counseled at the altar. From the time Wigglesworth was six years old, he helped support his family, first by pulling turnips then by working in a factory with his brother and his father. Because he was deprived of an education, he never learned to read until he was an adult. In fact, his wife taught him to read. In later years, he said that he never read anything but the Bible. Wigglesworth was converted at eight years of age at a Wesleyan Methodist Church. At ten, he changed to the Church of England and was confirmed. He was sixteen when he went to the Salvation Army. At twenty he moved to Liverpool to work. He won hundreds to Christ, particularly the poor children who lived near the docks. He fed them from his salary and preached Jesus to them. At twenty-three, Wigglesworth returned to Bradford, where he made his home for the remaining days of his life. There, he opened his own plumbing business and met the young lady who was to become his wife. Wigglesworth received healing from a ruptured appendix. As a result, he said that God gave him great faith to pray for people suffering with appendicitis. He began his healing ministry before he was baptized in the Spirit. He usually concluded his sermons by praying for the sick. Polly Wigglesworth died before her husband began to be well-known and to preach extensively in other countries. In his later years, he became one of the best-known evangelists in the Pentecostal movement. He was accused of being "rough" with people, but he was never accused of being weak in faith. Of course, I heard about him long before I ever met him. In Sidney, Australia, a pastor asked me, "Have you ever met Smith Wigglesworth?" I said, "Not yet. I'm on my way. I'm going to find him somewhere. I have heard of some of the miraculous things that happen in his unique ministry." The pastor said, "He was here in my city recently, and did we ever have a time! I took him to one of the fanciest restaurants to have lunch on Sunday. When we came into the restaurant, someone took his coat and hung it up for him. He looked around like an eagle. Only wealthy people ate in this restaurant. Instead of sitting down, he took a fork and began to hit the side of his glass with it. Bing! Bing! Bing! Bing! Everybody stopped eating. "Here was Wigglesworth, a handsome-looking man, beating his water glass. Then he raised his hand and said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, I have noticed since arriving here that none of you prayed over your food. You resemble a bunch of hogs to me. You just jump in and eat without giving thanks to the One Who provided it for you. Bow your heads, and I'll pray for you.'" The pastor told me, "I could have crawled under the table very easily and gotten out of the way so people wouldn't see me. Wigglesworth raised his hands and prayed for those people. Before we left the restaurant however, two families came over and got saved. Then I was ashamed of myself for not being as strong as Wigglesworth." Wigglesworth's ministry centered on salvation, healing, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He was strong in character and created his own atmosphere wherever he went. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Lord spoke to Wigglesworth to prepare a banquet for the poor, the lame, and the blind. He secured tickets and hired two people to go throughout the city and find the afflicted, the tormented, and the crippled and bring them to a supper he would provide at the mission. He often said the sight of those suppers was beyond description, and that this was the happiest time of his life. The mighty healings that took place during those times increased Wigglesworth's faith. During the 1920s, he came to America on severalevangelistic tours. The first time I heard any specific details of his ministry was in San Francisco before starting around the world with Howard Carter. I was preaching at the Glad Tidings Tabernacle, which seated more than three thousand people. People said to me, "Have you met Smith Wigglesworth?" I said, "No, not yet," and they told me he had been there in the same tabernacle where I was preaching. They told me of a cancer patient brought to the healing service. Wigglesworth went down the line, saying, "What'sup?" British-ese for "What is wrong with you?" When he got to this man lying on a bed wearing only a little hospital gown that tied in the back, Wigglesworth asked the doctor with the man, "What's up?" The doctor explained that his patient was dying of cancer. Wigglesworth asked, "Where is it?" and the doctor replied, "In his stomach." The evangelist promptly balled up his fist and hit the man in the stomach so hard the man appeared to die. His hands fell off the bed, and the doctor began to scream, "He's dead! He's dead!" He looked up at Wigglesworth and said, "You've killed him! The family will sue you!" Wigglesworth calmly looked at the doctor and said, "E's 'ealed." He talked with a Yorkshire accent, not pronouncing his "h's." He did not stop but kept on walking down the line praying. About ten minutes later, the man came down the line behind Wigglesworth on the platform. He had stood up, moved the doctor to one side, and was walking around in that funny little hospital gown with his backside hanging out before more than three thousand people! He did not have one thought for his appearance, however. He had his up hands over his head and was screaming, "I'm healed! I'm healed!" Even the doctor had developed faith. He was right behind the sick bed yelling, "He's healed! He's healed!" The man caught up with Wigglesworth and said, "I have no pain. I feel wonderful inside. I have energy I have not had for I don't know how long," but Wigglesworth never even turned around to look at him. He just said, "Well, thank God for it," and went on praying for people. It was no big surprise to Wigglesworth. He already knew the man was healed. That was the first time I had heard a detailed story of Wigglesworth's ministry, although I had heard about him since I was a small boy. After hearing this story, I thought, "Say! Someday I want to meet him." Then I went to New Zealand and Australia and heard more stories, including the incident in the restaurant, which only increased my desire to meet this man. When I met him I was not disappointed. He was just what I expected him to be from all that I had heard about him from the people of the nations I had visited, where he had conducted meetings. Some ministers found Wigglesworth too strong in faith, and that frightened them. Also, he was strong in rebuking them for not having any faith. I loved him and his attitude against sin and sickness. In fact, the stories had not been enough to really tell me what the man was like, nor can any book written about him do Smith Wigglesworth justice. - Dr Lester Sumrall (Pioneers Of Faith)

God's Creation, 100 / evolution, 0 God designed the eagle to build its nest high in towering trees and on the sheer sides of mountains, keeping both parents and young safe from predators. He equipped these birds with astonishing eyesight, roughly four times sharper than ours. From a thousand feet in the air, an eagle can pick out a rabbit roaming anywhere within a three-square-mile area. That kind of precision is no accident. It is design. Here are a few more remarkable facts about eagles: Bald eagles are not bald. Their snowy white head feathers contrast with their dark brown bodies, creating the appearance of a bare head. The longest recorded lifespan for an eagle is 38 years. Eagles build some of the largest nests in the bird world. Most are 2 to 4 feet deep and 4 to 5 feet wide, but the biggest ever found measured 20 feet deep and 9.5 feet wide and weighed more than two tons. Female eagles are larger than males. Bald eagles live only in North America. Scripture captures their majesty perfectly: “Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold. From there he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it from far away.” Job 39:27 through 29 KJV

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 4 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. This is, in the final analysis, merely an attempt to sanctify doubt and unbelief about healing, as well as an attempt to place the responsibility back on God for the healing. However, if those who attempt to do this knew the Word as they should they would know that God has already placed the responsibility for receiving anything from Him on them, saying, "all things whatsoever YOU shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Mt. 21:22). God has promised that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick." He did not qualify this by adding "sometimes"; nor did He say that "the prayer of faith shall heal only some types of diseases." If those who are confused would examine the Scriptures carefully on the subject of healing, they would discover that, although there are conditions one must meet, nevertheless, there are no exceptions to God's promises (Num. 23:19, 2 Cor. 1:20). Occasionally someone will relate an alleged exception, citing some instance which they have heard of where some individual had asked God for healing, or was anointed with oil and prayed for, but who, nevertheless, failed to receive healing, or actually died. Invariably, however, when it has been possible to ascertain all the facts in the case, we find that the so-called "exception" to divine healing was not an exception at all, but the failure on someone's part to meet the necessary "conditions." Without reservation God promises in James 5:15 that "the prayer of faith will heal the sick." He gives no exceptions to this promise; but He does, within the same context in which He gives us this promise, set forth several conditions for receiving it. For instance, He states that (1) it is the responsibility of the sick person to call for the elders of the church for prayer for healing (often you will find in the case of an individual who did not receive healing after anointing and prayer that the elders were called to come and pray by some sympathetic friend or member of the family, not by the sick individual himself, who in reality did not know what the Scriptures had to say about the matter, and as a consequence he did not have the faith to appropriate his healing. The reason God requires this condition to be met is simply because that it implies faith on the part of the sick individual for him to take the initiative and call for the elders to come and pray for his healing, (2) the sick are to be anointed with oil; (3) this is to be done in the name of the Lord (Jesus), (4) the sick should confess his faults so that he may be healed; and (5) the prayer of faith is to be offered (Jam. 5:15-16). The neglect of any one of these conditions, when healing is applied for on the basis of James 5, is sufficient reason to nullify the promise. Again in Exodus 15:26 God promises that sickness shall not come upon His people, saying, "I am the Lord that heals you." There are no exceptions to this promise, since the meaning of His Name, Yahweh Ropheka, signifies "I am the Lord that heals you," but there is a condition set forth in this same verse for receiving its application - obedience to His Word. There is prevalent today the popular but unscriptural notion that it is God's will to allow sickness, which He often places upon His children for His glory, or as a blessing in disguise, in order to teach them patience and humility, or to develop a deeper trust in Him. Thus, for most Christians there is only the unhappy prospect of an endless round of going to the doctors and the hospital, being subjected to surgery, and taking medicines and drugs while the medical insurance companies are growing rich in consequence of the mental and physical afflictions which result from their fears and unscriptural ideas concerning sickness. Therefore, Christians must be liberated from their erroneous ideas concerning sickness and healing if they are ever to be able to exercise sufficient faith for healing and health. There is but one way this can be done: through the Word of God, which is a revelation of His will concerning the believer's spiritual, physical, mental, and temporal welfare. It is in God's Word that they will discover that sickness is from Satan (Job 2:6-7; Lu. 13:10-16; 1Cor. 5:5; Acts 10:38), and that healing has been provided and promised by God (Isa. 53:4 with Mt. 8:16-17. Isaiah 53:4 reads Literally in the Hebrew: "Surely he hath carried away our diseases, and borne our pain." Ex. 15:26, Ps. 103:3; Mk. 16:17-18; l Cor.12:28; Jam. 5:14-16, I Pet. 2:24; 3 John 2). Did you know that every believer is invited to walk through life on a pathway literally paved with the promises of God? Did you know that you are promised health and your needs met, as well as spiritual blessings? Did you know that God has promised to give you wisdom, help, and guidance, as well as direct your steps day to day? A promise of God is to be looked upon as you do a check, it is to be endorsed by faith and taken to the bank and cashed. God invites you to open His Word and see just what is on deposit to your account as a joint-heir with Christ. When you do, you will find thousands of promises such as - "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of thine heart" Ps 37:4) . "All things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Matt. 21:22). "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 John 2). "There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling" (Ps. 91:10). "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mk. 16:17-18). "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed ... nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20). "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you" (Isa. 26:3). "The prayer of faith shall heal the sick" (Jam. 5:15). "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Ps. 91:15-16). "I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring" (Isa. 44:3; Acts 16:31). "Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (temporal blessings) shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). "Behold, I give unto you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt You"( Lu. 10:19). "If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it" (Jn. 14:14). "If two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:19). "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them" (Mk. 11:24). "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). "All things are yours; whether the world, or life, or death, all things present, all things to come, all are yours" (1 Cor. 3:21-22). "Bless the Lord, O my soul…who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeemed your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfied your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Ps. 103:1-5). "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us, and if we know that if he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 Jn. 5:14-15). "We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:6). For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks It shall be opened" (Matt. 7:7-8). These are just some of the countless promises God has made to us, each of which may be appropriated by an act of faith on our part. In Psalm 37 alone there are over forty promises made to the believers! Most Christians, however, because of erroneous teaching concerning their rights, privileges, position, and inheritance, are going through life like beggars and paupers while walking on a pathway paved with the promises of God. What is the reason for this? The answer is to be found in Jesus' words in John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." Because His Word is not abiding in them in any meaningful way the vast majority of Christians today find it difficult to believe that God is also interested in their physical and temporal needs, just as He is in their spiritual welfare. In spite of the fact that He clearly states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 Jn. 2). As a result of erroneous teaching, most seem obsessed with the unscriptural notion that a Christian cannot really be spiritual, healthy, and prosperous at the same time. They seem to think that God objects to them being out of debt or a success in life. But you can search the Scriptures from cover to cover and you will not find any place where God encourages His people to be failures in life, sick and diseased, bound to a bed of affliction, or so financially burdened and distressed that they have no time for serving him, or for growth in the spirit. On the contrary, He admonishes us five times in Matthew 8:19f. to "take no thought" for our temporal needs but to put the needs of the kingdom first and that He will supply all that we need. The scriptures declare that our inheritance belongs to us now, whereas the unbelieving contemporary church has insisted that we are not to benefit from these blessings in the present life, but only in the world to come. However, God says that all things are yours now - the world, life, death, things present, as well as things to come (1 Cor. 3:21-22). These blessings and promises do not have to be begged for. God does not have to be persuaded to fulfill His Word to us. Why? Simply because He has already said "yes" to all that He has promised us, even before we ask, "For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yes, and in him Amen" (2 Cor. 1:20). Do you believe what God offers you in the Scriptures? Do you really accept God's promise that "all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive?" Do you believe God's declaration that you are a joint-heir with Christ? A joint-heir with whom? He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the angels, or with the cherubim or seraphim; He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the apostles or the prophets, but that you are a joint-heir with Christ– He who said that "the gold and silver and the cattle on a thousand hills are mine, and you are a joint-heir with Me". He who said, "All power is given me in heaven and in earth," and I in turn give it unto you, for "in my name you shall cast out devils and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover"; He who said, "My God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory;" yes, it is He who said, "Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you." If you really believe that you are a joint-heir with Christ, and that all things are yours now, then why do you content yourself any longer with a stone when He offers you bread Lu. 11:9-13)? Why be satisfied with only a drink of water (Jn. 4), when He also promises that a river of water will flow out of you (Jn.7:37-39)? Why lament any longer as the elder brother did because of his lack? Rise up and take your inheritance as his father invited him to do, saying to him, "All things are yours and you have merely to lift up your voice and ask for whatsoever you desire and you shall receive it" (Lu 15:11-31). It is tragic that the churches today are filled with sick and diseased Christians, many of whom are dying prematurely, simply because they have not been taught that God has provided healing for them in Christ's atonement (Isa. 53) and promised it to them in His Word, and that they could appropriate it for themselves if they too would but ask! God said long ago that "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6). When God's Word abides in your heart as it should, then you will come to see that it is God's will that you begin to possess your possessions now by faith as a testimony that His Word is true, and in order that you might be free of sickness, fear, worry, and anxiety, and also liberated from financial bondage in order to serve Him effectively. But until you search the Word and believe your inheritance, then life will consist for you, as for most Christians, of 365 days of just getting by somehow, days filled with cares, problems and worries, hoping that you can stay well for a few weeks at a time, praying that the old car will hold out through the winter, begging God to help you keep your head above water financially and pay of the mortgage eventually before you die, hoping and praying that God, some day and some how, will save your children, and so on. Such a mediocre form of existence is not God's will for His children, because He has revealed in the Scriptures the key to victorious living 385 days a year, for it is in the Word that we find that God has given an extensive revelation of His will and purpose for us. The Scriptures are filled with divine assurances and promises of our rights, privileges, position, and authority. God assures us that we are joint-heirs with Christ, seated in the heavens with Him, far above all principalities and powers, and that He has made adequate provision for our every temporal and spiritual need, as well as for the accomplishment of His will. He has promised us that all these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith and appropriate them. To be ignorant of this abundance of revelation concerning His will, either because of our neglect of study, or due to a lack of biblical teaching, is to be ignorant of the main source of knowledge concerning His will for us. Therefore, it is useless to pray for God to reveal His will for you, or give you special guidance regarding such matters as, for example, healing, deliverance, divine protection, salvation of loved ones, walking by faith, provision for temporal needs, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, marriage and divorce, the crucified life, our rights and inheritance, or how to obtain His blessings and promises. He has already furnished a written revelation of His will for us concerning such matters, saying, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Thus, the Scriptures themselves are one of the main sources of knowledge concerning God's will and how we are to apply it to our needs; it is only to the extent we know His Word that we will know His will, for the Psalmist tells us, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps. 119:105). Through Prayer: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him (Jam. 1:5). We have clearly offered here, a gracious encouragement to ask for divine guidance, with the definite promise that the necessary impartation of wisdom will be given. This method of ascertaining the will of God is so obvious it is often overlooked by many Christians. Do you need wisdom in making some important decisions? Is there a problem confronting you that seems to defy solution? Do you desire to know God's will about some matter before taking action? Have you tried asking God? "Ask God?" is often the puzzled reply. "No, I have asked the pastor. Our family physician was consulted once or twice, as was our analyst. And the opinion of some close friends has been occasionally sought, but ask God? Frankly I was not aware that we were supposed to ask Him concerning daily personal decisions which we must make. Such as regarding a solution to things such as domestic problems, changing places of employment, selling a home or business, moving to another state to live, which church to attend, whom to marry, or planning a career. Are we really to pray about such things? Will God actually give us the solution to such problems and needs? Can we receive divine guidance merely by asking for it?" many bewildered Christians inquire. Yes. You may learn God's will about some particular matter by asking Him to show you, "for everyone that asks receives" (Mt 7:8), and "you have not because you ask not" (Jam. 4:2). If you lack an understanding concerning God's will about some matter, if you are confused or uncertain about some decision you must make, and you have met the the conditions just discussed concerning consecration and abiding in His Word, then it can only mean that you have not asked in faith for the solution, for He clearly states in James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom, we need but to ask and it shall be given. Assuming you have met the other conditions, then your knowledge of God's will in your life will come in direct proportion to your asking. God does not make such a promise carelessly. If we lack understanding, it is because we do not ask of Him. Too many Christians find it easier to ask for advice from the pastor, marriage counselor, psychiatrist, or some acquaintance, instead of devoting this time to meeting the necessary conditions, then asking of God and waiting upon Him to reveal His will in the matter. Yes, it is necessary to wait upon the Lord to answer in His own time and way, for although He promises in Psalm 91:15, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him," God has also told us to "wait on the Lord: be at good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14). Because they feel that a more direct approach to the matter will not only bring an easier but also a more prompt solution to the problem, most Christians seem to favor seeking local assistance from others, reserving their communications with heaven to those instances when all other avenues seem to be closed. As a result, they have come to look upon prayer much as they do a fire escape–to be used only in case of an emergency. Although God promises to reveal His will to those who will ask, it must be emphasized, however, that prayer is only as effective as our obedience to the conditions God has set forth. This illustrates the importance of being grounded in the Word of God, for only in this way can we remove any hindrance to the revelation of His will. He invites us to ask for wisdom and guidance, but He conditions this, for instance, by saying that if we regard iniquity in our hearts He will not hear our prayers (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:1-2). He tells us in 1 John 5:14-15 that we must conform our prayers to His Word, for we are promised that if we ask anything according to His will, then He hears us and grants to us the petition which we desire. Again, we are told that "He that turns away his ear from hearing the Word, even his prayer shall be an abomination" (Prov. 28:9). Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

Wednesday, 5th August, 2026 TITLE: "RENEWED STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." 2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV) "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Those who depend on God daily will always find strength for life's journey." DAY'S REFLECTION Life's journey often brings seasons of pressure, waiting, and weariness. Yet God never intended His children to rely solely on their own strength. In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet declares that those who wait upon the LORD will experience renewed strength. Waiting on God is not passive inactivity; it is an active posture of faith, trust, prayer, and expectation. It means confidently relying on God's timing and power rather than rushing ahead with our own plans. The promise to renew their strength reminds us that God continually refreshes those who seek Him. Like the eagle that soars above storms by catching the wind, believers are enabled by God's Spirit to rise above life's challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them. The promise that they shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint teaches that God provides endurance for both extraordinary moments and ordinary daily responsibilities. Paul echoes this truth in 2 Corinthians 4:16, acknowledging that while the outward man grows weaker with age, hardship, and life's demands, the inward man can be renewed day by day. Spiritual renewal comes through communion with God, meditation on His Word, prayer, worship, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Though our physical strength has limits, God's grace continually restores our inner life. Every believer will face moments of exhaustion, disappointment, or delay. However, these moments do not define us. As we remain close to Christ, He replaces weakness with strength, discouragement with hope, and fear with confidence. God's renewal is not occasional but available every day for those who depend on Him. Whatever you face today, choose to wait upon the Lord. His strength is sufficient, His grace is abundant, and His presence will sustain you until every assignment He has given you is fulfilled. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God's strength is available to those who patiently trust and depend on Him. 2. Spiritual renewal is a daily experience for believers who remain close to Christ. 3. God's grace enables us to endure both life's challenges and daily responsibilities. 4. Lasting strength comes from God's presence, not from human ability. EVERYDAY ACTION Spend time waiting on God through prayer and His Word, trust His timing, and rely on His strength rather than your own. PRAYER Heavenly Father, renew my strength today. Help me to trust Your timing, depend on Your grace, and remain spiritually refreshed through Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I wait upon the Lord, and He renews my strength. I will rise above every challenge, walk without fainting, and be strengthened daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. My strength is in the Lord. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5, 2O26. "YOU CAN CARRY GOD’S PRESENCE WITH YOU (1)" ‘The poles…are not to be removed.’ Exodus 25:15 NIV THE ARK of the Covenant represented the presence of God in the midst of His people. When the Philistines captured it, they were smitten with tumours. When they placed it in their temple, their god Dagon fell to the ground (1 Samuel 5). The moral of this story is—don’t mess around with the things of God! Even if you are not prepared to serve God; at least be wise and revere Him. When Israel conquered the Philistines, David decided to bring the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence, back home to Jerusalem. Now, when God designed the Ark, He put rings on the side of it, and poles through those rings, saying it must only be carried on the shoulders of special priests. But somebody thought of ‘a better way,’ so they put it on a new cart pulled by an ox. And that’s when everything went wrong. When the Ark started to slip off the cart, a well-meaning bystander decided to steady it. And he died for it! You say, ‘That’s pretty extreme.’ There’s a lesson here for those who want to package God’s presence, market it, and ‘take it on the road.’ Who is qualified to carry God’s presence? Only believer-priests who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, are washed by the Word at the laver, who fellowship with God at His table, who worship Him at the altar of incense, and who walk in the light of truth represented by the seven-branched lampstand. Away with newfangled carts! ‘…the Lord added to the church…’ (Acts 2:47 NKJV). If we are going to carry God’s presence and build His church, we’ve got to do it His way. Bible In A Year: Deut 32:29-34:12; Matt 14:13-21; Ps 119:17-24; Pro 27:7-10. 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. [04/08, 9:31 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST, 2026``` *DEFILEMENT DETESTED* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤❌🩸🤍🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:LEVITICUS 11:13-28```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you" (LEVITICUS 11:28).*_ *Leonard Syme, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California at Berkeley, indicates the importance of social ties and social support systems in relationship to mortality and disease rates. He simply underscores the saying that attack is the best defence. Defiant posture to defilements regardless the form or the size is the panacea for living holy.* *This is the gem in the seemingly extensive and meticulous dietary regulation outlined in our passage, which serves a crucial purpose beyond maintaining physical health. To the Israelites, it was a constant reminder to their distinct identity and calling on one hand and a perpetual prompt to seek holiness and live in constant obedience to God in all aspects of life on the other hand. In the same way, believers today are called to maintain a distinct identity in the world. Our lives must be marked by holiness, obedience, and respect for God's commandments.* *Our text, on the surface, sets forth the dietary restrictions on fowls or birds (Leviticus 11:13b-19) and flying insects (Leviticus 11:19-23), but at a deeper level they are part of a larger tapestry of holiness and obedience to God's laws.* *The hallmark of this dietary law is the indelible imprint of God's work in them and the call to live lives directed by God. The regulation constantly reminds the Israelites that they are a different and separate people who should by no means live the same way or share common values with the surrounding nations. As the distinction exists between clean and unclean animals, birds or creeping creatures so is there an uncompromisable difference between the Israel of God and other nations. Their food choices reflect this consecrated, holy identity.* *How this speaks to you, the "ecclesia", called out one today. If you are saved, your only option is to be separated to live holily before the Lord Who saved you: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15, 16). These detailed and seemingly complicated instructions underscore the place of God's amazing grace and the unmerited favour He shows to us by His covenant loving-kindness.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Passion for heaven necessitates strict separation and unqualified obedience to the word.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOHN 10-12*📜📜 Defilement Detested https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 190: "CALLED UNTO HOLINESS"; GHS 219: MORE HOLINESS GIVE ME, MORE STRIVING WITHIN; AND GHS 188: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna5thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [04/08, 9:31 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST, 2026``` *LIFT UP JESUS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🆙🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️📢📣🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 12:30-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (JOHN 12:32).*_ *Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Life here and in eternity will be worthless without Him. Thus, everything concerning the redemption and restoration of man after his unfortunate fall in the Garden of Eden revolves around His ultimate price for the propitiation of our sins.* *Since Christ is the cornerstone of our existence, we must lift Him up for the world to see and be saved because without salvation through His blood, a soul will be damned in hell forever.* *Modern technology has made it easy to lift up Jesus for the world to see. The social media platforms have made it very easy to preach to thousands of people without stress. Serve the Lord in the days of your youth; lift up the flag of Jesus with all your strength and vigour to draw all men to Him for their salvation.* *God has rewards for those who faithfully carry out the work of evangelism. However, for you to lift up Christ for those to see, you must allow Christ to lift you out of your sinful lifestyle first.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Lift up Christ for others to see.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Serve the Lord.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to lift up Christ every day.*_ Lift Up Jesus https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday5thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [04/08, 9:31 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST, 2026``` *A HELPER TO OTHERS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥🤝🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GALATIANS 6:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Helping others is an important aspect of Christian fellowship. Jesus set the perfect example by healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted and providing for those who were in need. Christ's life was dedicated to serving others, showing us that true love is found in selfless acts of kindness and compassion. When we help others, we are following Christ's command to love our neighbours as ourselves. Serving others does not always require big gestures. Sometimes, it is the small things that matter most; like a kind word, a listening ear, or sharing what we have. These simple acts can make a big difference in someone's life and show Christ's love in powerful ways. *By helping others, we not only fulfill God's command, but we also make the world a better place. Our service becomes a living example of God's love, drawing others closer to Jesus. Through these actions, we share the hope and grace that He offers, and in doing so, we become vessels of His love in the world.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, guide me to help others, showing Your love through my actions and words.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Matthew 25:35-40* A Helper To Others https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk5thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [04/08, 9:32 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 5TH AUGUST, 2026. *BEYOND GOOD AND BALANCED DIET* *TEXT:* LEVITICUS 11:13-28. 13 And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, 14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; 15 Every raven after his kind; 16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, 17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, 18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, 19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. 20 All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you. 21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; 22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. 23 But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you. 24 And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even. 25 And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. 26 The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean. 27 And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even. 28 And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you. *Timeless Truth:*_"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ"_ (Colossians 2:16,17). *INTRODUCTION* It is doubtful if there is any generation different from ours who is better exposed to the principle of healthy living through a good and appropriate diet. This is possible through newest and advanced, though progressive, scientific discoveries especially, from nutritional scientists. Ignoring their advise and instructions is suicidal against healthy living and longevity. A healthy spirit in an unhealthy and weak body cannot be at its best spiritually. Does God care about what we eat? God is the greatest nutritional scientist since He created those animals and knows them more than anybody else. The dietary laws in the text were primarily directed to Israel as part of the Mosaic law which are not binding for those in the new covenant. However, beyond dietary rules, these rules are meant to pass across deeper truths as they are shadows of things to come in the New Testament (Colossians 2:16,17). *1. Dietary Laws* a. In order to get honey from the rock, there must be willingness and determination to pay the price of diligently digging hard. The same with the old covenant which is a shadow of the new. Due diligence must be given so as to eat and digest the meat of the Word which is beyond the milk of the Word. b. The chapter can be categorized for better understanding. i.Land-living mammals that can be eaten and those that cannot be eaten are given in Leviticus 11:1-8. God gave these laws to the children of Israel. Did God create any animal to be unclean? The New Testament says NO. *"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean."* God just decided to make that temporary classification to teach some lessons as divine revelations were evolving. When God created animals, *"God saw that it was good"* (Genesis 1:25). Would something unclean be good to God? The classification was revealed in the days of Noah when there was a distinction between clean and unclean animals (Genesis 7:2, 8:20) for the purpose of sacrifice. The first law God gave to humanity had to do with what could and could not be eaten. Was the fruit that was not to be eaten unclean. NO. It was a good fruit from a good tree, but God classified it as forbidden to test their obedience. So these laws were given to Israel as a test of their obedience and separation to God. ii.Water creatures that cannot be eaten and those that cannot be eaten are listed in Leviticus 11:9-12. Under these dietary laws given to Israel, the unclean water creatures were to be regarded as an abomination and could not be eaten. iii.Birds and other flying things that can and cannot be eaten are listed in Leviticus 11:13-19. There was no rule given to determine if a bird was clean or unclean. Instead, specific birds (twenty in all) are mentioned as being unclean and therefore forbidden for eating.The common thread through most of these birds is that they are either predators or scavengers which, apart from killing fellow creatures, have the tendency to drink their blood. iii. Insects that can and cannot be eaten are listed in Leviticus 11:20-23. Good examples of clean insects include the locust, the cricket and the grasshopper. All these unclean creatures can be touched when they are alive except that they must not be eaten. We can relate with sinners without getting polluted with their sins. If the carcass of any of the unclean is touched either deliberately or accidentally, the person and their clothes become unclean and must perform some ceremonially purifying rituals. *"And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even"*. The evening was referring to the time of their evening sacrifice. *"And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even"*. *Question* Check the list for those animals and birds that were unclean then, but are freely eaten now by believers and man in general. *2. Definite Lessons* a.It has been established that no creature of God is created unclean. The classification was temporary to pass across some eternal messages. Eternal divine messages are difficult to comprehend by the natural man. The concept of the innocent coming to die for the wicked is not natural. It is the other way around. A kind of mercy that will declare the guilty not just forgiven and stands before God as though he had never sinned and a saint is beyond human comprehension. This is called justification. How do you reconcile justice and mercy? What about the concept of grace that will make God forget committed sins to the point that He would not be able to remember again? God in His wisdom decided to use natural and visible things in the Old Testament to shadow reality in the New Testament so that those concepts will be readily understood by mankind. And it worked. b. The emphasis in the text is more of moral uncleanness rather than medical uncleanness. It teaches that there is moral cleanness and moral uncleanness and they cannot mix. Moral uncleanness is not just divine hatred, it is an abomination to God of which the judgment is capital or eternal damnation. The fact that unclean animals cannot be sacrificed is indicative of the fact that God only accepts the sacrifices and the services of those that are holy and clean. *"Be ye holy for I am holy"*. This is reasonable. If you have a delicious meal, but notice a small and an "insignificant" quantity of human excreta in the food, will you eat it? If you are very hungry and you see an exposed loaf of bread in a dustbin of all kinds of rotten things, will you pick the bread and eat? If you are interviewing a person for a good job and you notice the person tells "small, small lies", will you employ the person? At times man pushes to God what he himself cannot accept or tolerate. Will you blame God if He is angry at your unholy sacrifice, service and actions? There is also the law of "don't touch" a dead animal or you become unclean. This is the law of total separation from uncleanness and peddlers of uncleanness. *"Come out from among them and be ye separate"*. Jesus Christ, in mind, motive and every area, was separate from sinners. Even when He physically interacted, it was to shine the light to them and minister the truth to them. *"Abstain from all appearance of evil"*. The defiled shall be unclean till the even or evening sacrifice.It was time an innocent animal was slain for the sin of the whole nation on a daily basis. It shows that forgiveness comes through atonement by the blood. The fact that he must also wash himself with water is an indication that there must be personal responsibility in addition to the atonement. The sinner must apply the washing of water by the Word of God to wash his mindset, heart, attitude and actions and be presentable to God as a holy vessel. The fact that some food is forbidden is a test of our obedience and self control. It is not everybody we befriend or relate with. There must be self discipline. *Question* What other lessons can you learn? Do you depart from uncleanness and all unclean people? In addition to the atonement, do you do your part by opening up your heart and mind for the Word of God to clean on a daily basis? *Prayer Points* 1.Praise God for His wisdom in making spiritual truths to be comprehensive to all seekers 🙏. 2.Ask God for more understanding of deep mysteries of the Word of God and the gospel 🙏. 3.Offer your heart and life to God afresh and ask for total cleansing from all defilements 🙏. 4.Pray that the messages of holiness will go beyond our heads, but permeate through our hearts to true holiness 🙏. *HYMN:* Wash Me O Lamb of God. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOHN 10-12. 2. Morning prayer for today. MD.ii. Morning Prayer To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ⏤ Psalm 46:1 God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it. ⏤ John Wesley Gracious Father, we come to You at the start of this new day, seeking Your blessing. We thank You for the rest we’ve had through the night. We laid down, slept, and woke up again because You sustained us. We will not fear any opposition because You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Now, our Father, send us out into the new day on new missions. We want to take our directions from You. Help us to keep Your commandments. Cleanse us from hidden faults and sins; keep us from falling into willful sin. You are able to keep us from falling—we commit our souls to Your holy care. Deliver us from the Evil One. We have no power to stand against his cunning attacks, so we trust our souls to You, our faithful Creator and Friend. Save us from the Tempter. We ask that You make us strong for our duties today. We have many things to do that will require wisdom and perseverance. Give us the strength that comes from victory in struggle. Equip us to do good at home—showing love and care for one another. May our home be filled with Your rich blessings. Let nothing disrupt our love for each other or harm our fellowship. Help us to grow in love that is sincere, patient, thoughtful, and kind. May we continue to learn the lessons of love better and better. May the light from our home shine out, showing others how to live more sweetly. May Your grace be upon us in proportion to our need, filling our hearts and lives, and preparing us for every experience we may face today. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/31/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.