WHEN FAITH STANDS STILL! Trusting God When You Cannot See the Way Key Scripture: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” — Exodus 14:13 (KJV) Thought Of The Day... There are moments in life when faith means moving forward, but there are also moments when faith means standing still and trusting God to move. Israel experienced one of those moments at the Red Sea. They had finally been delivered from Egypt, but suddenly they found themselves trapped. The Red Sea was in front of them. Pharaoh's army was behind them. Mountains and wilderness surrounded them. From a human perspective, there was nowhere to go. But what looked like a dead end to Israel was actually the place where God was preparing to demonstrate His power. Moses declared: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” — Exodus 14:13 Sometimes God allows us to reach places where our resources, connections, intelligence, money, strength, and plans cannot rescue us. Not because God has abandoned us, but because He is teaching us: “This battle will not be won by your strength. You are going to have to trust Me.” FAITH DOES NOT DENY THE PROBLEM! The Red Sea was real. Pharaoh's army was real. The danger was real. But God was greater than everything Israel was facing. Faith doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. Faith means looking directly at the situation and declaring: “I know what I see, but I also know WHO I trust!” Your situation may involve your family, finances, health, marriage, children, employment, ministry, or an uncertain future. You may not know how God is going to work it out. You may not know when He is going to work it out. But faith says: “Even when I cannot trace God's hand, I will continue trusting His heart.” Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” DON'T LET FEAR MAKE YOU FORGET WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY DONE! When Pharaoh approached, Israel became afraid. Their fear became so powerful that they temporarily forgot the miracles God had already performed in Egypt. Isn't that sometimes like us? God has brought us through things before. God has opened doors before. God has healed broken situations before. God has provided before. God has protected us before. But when the next Red Sea appears, fear whispers: “What are you going to do now?” Faith responds: “The same God who brought me through THEN is still God RIGHT NOW!” David understood this principle. Before facing Goliath, he remembered how God had already delivered him from the lion and the bear. Yesterday's testimony can become today's ammunition for faith. YOUR RED SEA MAY BECOME YOUR TESTIMONY! God told Moses: “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it.” — Exodus 14:16 Then the impossible happened. God made a highway through something that had previously been an obstacle. The Israelites walked across on dry ground. Think about that. God didn't simply remove the problem. He made a pathway through it. Sometimes we pray: “Lord, take this away.” But God may answer: “I'm going to take you THROUGH it, because when you come out, you will know that nobody brought you through but Me.” Isaiah 43:2 declares: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” Notice God said “when,” not “if.” There will be waters. There will be fires. There will be difficult seasons. But there will also be God's presence. WHAT IS BEHIND YOU CANNOT STOP WHAT GOD HAS AHEAD OF YOU! The enemy thought Israel was trapped. Pharaoh probably believed he had them exactly where he wanted them. But Pharaoh didn't realize: God had positioned Israel exactly where HE wanted them. The place that looked like Israel's destruction became the place of their deliverance. That's a word for somebody today: Don't judge your future by what your situation looks like right now. God can turn your Red Sea into a roadway. God can turn your battle into a testimony. God can turn your delay into preparation. God can turn your pain into purpose. God can turn what looked like your ending into your new beginning. KEEP WALKING BY FAITH! Once the sea opened, Israel still had to walk through it. Faith isn't simply believing that God can open the door. Faith is having enough confidence in God to walk through when He opens it. There comes a moment when prayer must be accompanied by obedience. Exodus 14:15 records God saying: “Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” In other words: You've prayed. You've cried. You've trusted. Now MOVE! There are seasons to stand still and see God's salvation, and there are seasons when God says: “GO FORWARD!” Don't allow fear to keep you standing in a place God has already given you permission to leave. TODAY'S FAITH DECLARATION I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken. I believe that the God who opened the Red Sea is still able to make a way where there appears to be no way. I will not surrender to fear. I will not allow yesterday to imprison tomorrow. I will trust God when I understand Him, and I will trust Him when I don't. My Red Sea will not drown me—it will become part of my testimony! The Lord is with me. The Lord is fighting for me. The Lord is making a way for me. And when God says move— I'M GOING FORWARD BY FAITH! PRAYER... Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for being the God who makes ways where there seem to be no ways. Lord, some of us are standing before situations that look impossible. We see the Red Sea in front of us and trouble behind us, and we don't know which direction to turn. But today, we choose faith over fear. Remind us of every mountain You have already brought us over, every valley You carried us through, every door You opened, and every battle You fought on our behalf. When fear tells us that it's over, remind us that You have the final word. When we cannot see the road ahead, teach us to trust the One who already knows the destination. Give us faith to stand still when You say wait and courage to go forward when You say move. Father, part every Red Sea standing between us and Your purpose. Strengthen every discouraged heart. Restore hope to everyone who feels surrounded. Give peace to those waiting for answers. And when You bring us through, we will not take the credit. We will testify: “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3 We believe You are still working. We believe You are still making ways. We believe the same God who delivered Israel is still our God today. In Jesus' mighty name, AMEN! Final Thought... When you cannot see a way forward, don't assume there isn't one. The God who created the sea can also create a road through it. STAND IN FAITH. TRUST GOD. AND WHEN HE SAYS GO—GO FORWARD! Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Heavenly Father, we come before You this Saturday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for carrying us through another week. Through every early morning, long day, difficult assignment, unexpected problem, stressful moment, and responsibility we had to handle—You kept us. Lord, some of us made it through this week tired. Some faced pressure on the job, difficult conversations, deadlines, uncertainty, and situations that tested our patience. Yet here we are. We made it—not because everything was easy, but because Your grace was sufficient. Your Word declares, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) Father, thank You for employment and every provision You have placed in our hands. Thank You for giving us strength to work, wisdom to make decisions, patience to deal with people, and endurance when we wanted to quit. Thank You for every door You opened, every danger You prevented, and even the things You protected us from that we never saw. Now, Lord, as we enter this weekend, help us to release the weight of the week. Quiet our minds. Restore our bodies. Refresh our spirits. Give rest to those who are physically exhausted and peace to those whose minds are still carrying yesterday's responsibilities. Your Word says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (KJV) So today, Father, we give You the stress. We give You the frustration. We give You the unanswered questions. We give You the disappointments. We give You the things we could not fix. We refuse to carry into Saturday what You never intended us to carry alone. Bless our families and homes today. Protect our loved ones wherever they may go. Bring peace into every household, healing where there is sickness, restoration where relationships are strained, provision where finances are tight, and encouragement where someone has become weary. Lord, remember those who must still work today. Cover them on the highways and in the workplace. Give them strength, favor, wisdom, and protection. Let Your presence go before them and bring them safely home. And as we prepare for a new week, remind us that the same God who brought us through this week is already standing in our next one. We don't know everything Monday will bring, but we know Who holds Monday. Today we choose gratitude over complaining, peace over anxiety, faith over fear, and worship over worry. Thank You, Lord, for another Saturday morning. Thank You for keeping us. Thank You for providing for us. Thank You for protecting us. Thank You for bringing us through another week! In the mighty, wonderful, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN! DECLARATION... I DECLARE: I made it through another week by the grace of God! I will release yesterday's stress and receive today's peace. My mind will be refreshed, my strength will be renewed, my family will be covered, and my home will be blessed. I will rest knowing that God has already gone before me into the week ahead. THIS SATURDAY, I WILL REST, REJOICE, AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY—BECAUSE GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME! 🙌🏾 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TOPIC: WHEN FAITH MEETS FINANCIAL PRESSURE. Key Scripture: «“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19» There are moments when faith is easy to confess—but difficult to practice. It is easy to say, “God will provide,” when there is food in the kitchen, money in the account, and every bill is under control. But what happens when the rent is due, school fees are waiting, your business is struggling, your salary is not enough, and you have more needs than resources? That is when faith meets financial pressure. Financial pressure can test your patience, your decisions, your relationships, and even your confidence in God. But hear this clearly: Financial pressure is real, but it does not mean that God has abandoned you. The presence of financial difficulty does not mean the absence of God's presence. Sometimes God changes our circumstances immediately. At other times, He gives us wisdom, strength, discipline, opportunities, and endurance to walk through the season. The question is not only, “How will I get money?” The deeper question is: “How will I remain faithful to God while I am under financial pressure?” 1. FINANCIAL PRESSURE MUST NOT DESTROY YOUR FAITH Matthew 6:31–33 Jesus said: «“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”» Jesus understood that human beings have genuine needs. He did not say that food, clothing, shelter, or financial needs are unimportant. Rather, He warned us not to allow our needs to become greater than our trust in God. The danger of financial pressure Financial pressure can produce: - Fear - Anxiety - Depression - Desperation - Wrong decisions - Dishonesty - Unnecessary debt - Comparison with others - Loss of spiritual focus But faith says: “I may not know how the provision will come, but I know the God who is my provider.” Faith does not deny the problem. Faith refuses to make the problem bigger than God. 2. FAITH DOES NOT MEAN REFUSING TO PLAN One dangerous misunderstanding among Christians is that faith means doing nothing. No. Faith and wisdom must work together. Proverbs 21:5 says: «“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”» Joseph is an excellent biblical example. When God revealed that seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of famine, Joseph did not simply say, “God will take care of us.” He developed a strategy. He stored grain during the years of plenty. When the famine came, Egypt was prepared. Spiritual lesson: Pray like a believer, but plan like a wise steward. Ask God for provision—but also ask Him for wisdom. If you are financially pressured: - Review your spending. - Reduce unnecessary expenses. - Avoid unnecessary debt. - Learn a skill. - Improve your business. - Look for legitimate opportunities. - Save when possible. - Seek wise counsel. - Keep accurate financial records. God can answer prayer through wisdom, work, relationships, opportunities, creativity, and disciplined stewardship. 3. NEVER ALLOW DESPERATION TO PUSH YOU INTO SIN Financial pressure can create dangerous temptations. Someone may say: “I have no choice.” But as a child of God, you always have a choice about your character. You may be under pressure, but you don't have to become dishonest. You may be struggling, but you don't have to steal. You may need money, but you don't have to deceive people. You may be desperate, but you don't have to abandon biblical principles. Proverbs 10:9 «“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”» Your financial situation may change tomorrow. But the consequences of a wrong decision can remain for years. Never sacrifice your destiny to solve a temporary financial problem. Do not gain money and lose your peace. Do not gain wealth and lose your testimony. Do not solve a financial problem by creating a spiritual problem. 4. LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEEDS, WANTS, AND PRESSURE Sometimes financial pressure is caused by genuine poverty. But sometimes it is intensified by comparison. Social media has created a dangerous environment where people constantly see what others are buying, wearing, driving, building, and achieving. You begin to think: “I must have this.” But not everything you desire is something you need. 1 Timothy 6:6 «“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”» Contentment does not mean laziness. Contentment means: “I will thank God for what I have while faithfully working toward what I need.” Don't allow somebody else's lifestyle to become your financial prison. You don't have to compete with everyone. You don't have to impress people. You don't have to buy what you cannot afford simply because others have it. Learn to live within your means while trusting God for increase. 5. REMEMBER THAT GOD CAN USE A DIFFICULT SEASON TO TEACH YOU Some lessons are difficult to learn when everything is comfortable. Financial pressure can teach: - Discipline - Contentment - Creativity - Patience - Responsibility - Compassion - Humility - Better stewardship - Dependence upon God Romans 5:3–4 «“Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”» This does not mean we should celebrate poverty or refuse legitimate prosperity. It means that God can produce something valuable in us even during difficult seasons. You may be praying for God to change your financial situation. And while you are waiting, God may also be changing you. He may be teaching you how to manage the blessing you are asking Him to give you. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH Read 1 Kings 17:8–16. The widow was facing severe economic hardship. She had only a small amount of flour and oil. She was preparing what she believed would be her final meal. Then Elijah appeared. God instructed her to act in faith. She obeyed. And God sustained her household throughout the famine. What can we learn? The widow had little—but she was obedient. She did not have abundance before she obeyed. Sometimes faith begins with what is already in your hand. You may say: “I don't have much.” Ask: “What do I have?” Perhaps you have: - A skill - A business idea - A talent - Education - Experience - A phone - Creativity - Relationships - Time - A small business - An opportunity you have overlooked Do not despise small beginnings. What looks small in your hand can become significant when surrendered to God and managed wisely. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Your bank balance is not your identity. You are more than your financial situation. Having little money does not make you worthless. Having much money does not make you superior. Your ultimate identity is found in Christ. 2. Provision is not always instant. Sometimes God provides a miracle. Sometimes He provides an opportunity. Sometimes He provides wisdom. Sometimes He provides people. Sometimes He provides strength to endure until the door opens. 3. Faith must produce responsible action. James 2:17 teaches that faith without works is dead. Therefore: Pray—but work. Trust—but plan. Believe—but learn. Wait on God—but don't waste your opportunities. 4. Financial pressure is a test, not necessarily a verdict. A difficult season does not mean your story is over. Your current condition is not necessarily your final destination. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Pray specifically. Don't only say, “Lord, bless me.” Ask: “Lord, give me wisdom to manage what I have and show me legitimate opportunities for increase.” 2. Create a simple budget. Know: - What comes in. - What goes out. - What is necessary. - What can be reduced. - What debts must be addressed. 3. Stop financial comparison. Don't destroy your finances trying to maintain an appearance. 4. Develop yourself. Learn something that can increase your value and earning capacity. 5. Avoid dishonest shortcuts. Your integrity is worth more than temporary money. 6. Give according to biblical wisdom and your actual capacity. Giving should be an expression of love and obedience—not reckless financial irresponsibility or manipulation. 7. Seek wise counsel. Don't make major financial decisions simply because you are emotionally pressured. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I trusting God or allowing fear to control my financial decisions? 2. Am I managing what God has already placed in my hands? 3. Do I have unnecessary expenses that I need to eliminate? 4. Am I comparing my life with others? 5. Have I allowed financial pressure to weaken my prayer life? 6. What skill or opportunity am I currently overlooking? 7. Am I maintaining integrity even when money is scarce? 8. What financial lesson might God be teaching me in this season? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, strengthen my faith when I face financial pressure. 2. Lord, give me wisdom to manage every resource You have placed in my hands. 3 Father, open legitimate doors of opportunity, employment, business, and increase for me. 4. Lord, deliver me from fear, desperation, greed, and financial decisions that can destroy my future. 5. Give me the discipline to distinguish between my needs and my unnecessary desires. 6. Father, give me creative ideas and the courage to act upon them. 7. Lord, provide for every genuine need in my household according to Your will. 8. Give me grace to remain generous, honest, content, and faithful even in difficult seasons. 9. Father, let this financial season produce wisdom, maturity, discipline, and testimony in my life. 10. Lord, let my financial testimony become a testimony of Your faithfulness and not a reason for me to compromise my faith. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, financial pressure can be heavy. But don't let pressure make you forget your Provider. Don't let an empty account produce an empty faith. Don't let delayed provision produce disobedience. Don't let comparison make you despise your journey. And don't let desperation push you into a decision that will destroy tomorrow just to solve today's problem. Trust God. Work diligently. Plan wisely. Live within your means. Keep your integrity. Develop yourself. Pray continually. And remember the promise: «“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19» Your financial pressure is real, but so is God's grace. Your resources may be limited, but God's wisdom is unlimited. Your present season may be difficult, but God is still God. Faith does not promise that you will never face financial pressure. Faith gives you the strength to face it without losing God, your character, or your hope. Final Declaration I will not be ruled by fear. I will not compromise my faith. I will not waste what God has placed in my hands. I will walk in wisdom. I will work diligently. I will trust God faithfully. And by God's grace, I will come out of this season stronger, wiser, and with a testimony. Amen. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540, Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCZXhFu5G/ #UMOHEDEM

Our Prayer for the Nations Tonight Heavenly Father, As we go to bed tonight, we lift before You the nations and peoples who are suffering under oppression, political injustice, poverty, unemployment, conflict, and bad governance. Remember those whose voices have been silenced, those who struggle to feed their families, young people whose opportunities have been taken away, and communities that have lived too long without peace and dignity. Your Word says: “He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy and shall break in pieces the oppressor.” Psalm 72:4 (KJV) Lord, we ask You to rise for the poor, the oppressed, the displaced, and the forgotten. Give wisdom and conscience to those who govern nations. Turn the hearts of leaders toward justice, accountability, compassion, and peace. Restrain those who use political power to oppress their people and raise up leaders who will serve rather than exploit. We also remember the teaching of the Book of Mormon: “And now, my brethren, I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath.” Mosiah 4:21 Teach us, Lord, not to look away from the suffering of others. Give us generous hearts and willing hands to help those in need. Open doors of honest employment and opportunity for the unemployed. Provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, education for children, and hope for families struggling under poverty. Where there is war, bring peace. Where there is oppression, bring freedom. Where there is injustice, establish righteousness. Where there is poverty, provide provision. Where there is unemployment, open doors. Where there is corruption, raise voices of integrity. Where there is despair, restore hope. Father, make us instruments of Your peace. Give us courage to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and wisdom to pursue justice without hatred or violence. As we sleep tonight, watch over the nations. Protect the innocent, strengthen the suffering, comfort those who mourn, and prepare a better tomorrow for those who have almost lost hope. May Your justice prevail, your peace reign, and Your mercy reach every oppressed people and every struggling family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thankful Thursday Morning Prayer “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” — Psalm 92:1 (KJV) Heavenly Father, on this Thankful Thursday morning, we enter Your presence with grateful hearts and praise upon our lips. Thank You for watching over us throughout the night and touching us with Your hand of mercy this morning. Thank You for the breath in our bodies, the strength to rise, and the blessing of seeing another day. Before we ask You for anything, Lord, we pause to thank You for everything. Thank You for being our Savior, Protector, Provider, Healer, Comforter, and closest Friend. Thank You for loving us when we were difficult to love, forgiving us when we fell short, and remaining faithful even when our faith became weak. Your Word declares, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Father, thank You for every prayer You answered and every blessing You released. Thank You also for the prayers You answered differently than we expected. We now understand that some closed doors were Your protection, some delays were Your preparation, and some disappointments were Your divine redirection. Thank You for what You allowed, what You prevented, and what You are still working together for our good. Lord, forgive us for the times we complained about what was missing while overlooking what remained. Forgive us for focusing on our burdens more than Your faithfulness. Give us eyes to recognize Your goodness in the ordinary blessings—the food on our tables, clothing on our bodies, roofs over our heads, family and friends, moments of peace, and strength to keep moving forward. We may not possess everything we desire, but we thank You that “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Thank You for sustaining us through seasons we thought would destroy us. We have been wounded, but You healed us. We have been discouraged, but You strengthened us. We have experienced loss, but You comforted us. We have faced uncertainty, but You continued to guide us. When we could not trace Your hand, You taught us to trust Your heart. When our strength was gone, Your grace proved sufficient. Father, we place this entire day into Your hands. Go before us and make every crooked path straight. Order our steps, guide our decisions, govern our conversations, and protect us from dangers seen and unseen. Cover our homes, families, workplaces, schools, churches, vehicles, finances, health, and everything connected to us. Let no weapon formed against us prosper, and bring every plan of the enemy to nothing. Lord, bless every member of our family. Strengthen marriages, restore relationships, protect our children, encourage our seniors, and draw every unsaved loved one into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Bring peace where there is conflict, understanding where there is confusion, forgiveness where there is offense, and unity where division has entered. Remember those who awakened this morning carrying silent burdens. Touch those battling sickness, chronic pain, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, addiction, or any condition known or unknown. Give wisdom to doctors, nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals. Let Your healing power flow, for Your Word declares, “I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). Comfort every grieving heart and remind them that You are “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Provide employment for those seeking work, financial relief for struggling households, shelter for the displaced, food for the hungry, and hope for those who feel forgotten. Open doors that no person can shut, and release resources from unexpected places. Father, strengthen Your Church. Bless pastors, ministers, leaders, missionaries, and every servant laboring for Your Kingdom. Give them wisdom, integrity, endurance, and fresh anointing. Let our churches be houses of prayer, healing, truth, love, deliverance, and salvation. Help us not merely to speak about Your goodness but to demonstrate it through compassion and service. Teach us to live thankfully—not only when life is easy, but also when the road is difficult. Your Word commands us, “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Therefore, we will thank You in the waiting, praise You through the struggle, and trust You in uncertainty. Our circumstances may change, but Your character never will. You are still good, still faithful, still sovereign, and still worthy of all our praise. Let gratitude guide our attitude throughout this day. May our words bring healing, our actions show kindness, and our lives point others toward Jesus. Keep murmuring and negativity far from us. Place a new song in our hearts so that wherever we go, we carry Your peace, display Your joy, and testify of Your faithfulness. We thank You in advance for today’s protection, provision, divine appointments, unexpected blessings, restored strength, and answered prayers. Whatever this Thursday brings, we will not fear, because You are with us. We will rejoice and say, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). In the mighty, matchless, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen, Amen, and Amen! DECLARATION... Today, I choose gratitude over complaining and faith over fear. God is ordering my steps, covering my family, supplying every need, and working everything for my good. This Thankful Thursday, I am blessed, protected, strengthened, and deeply grateful—in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS. *TEXT:* JEREMIAH 18:1-6 [1] The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear My words.” [3] So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. [4] And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [6] “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. *TOPIC:* YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS. *THE MESSAGE:* In a world that encourages unchecked freedom and haste, it is challenging to submit to God's purpose patiently. Jeremiah uses the image of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereign authority to shape our lives as He wills. Though the moulding process may be uncomfortable and impact our character, desires, and attitudes, it is ultimately for our good. Yielding to this divine process transforms us into vessels of honor, shaped by grace. The key question is whether we are resisting or willingly submitting to God's refining work in our lives. Some delays in life, such as marriage, admission, employment, travel or even promotion, may be a moulding process orchestrated by God for our later glory. Do not allow these moulding processes to discourage you. Depend on God's plans for your life. *REFLECTION:* Yield to God's moulding process. *PRAYER:* Lord, here am I; mould me. Amen. *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:* JEREMIAH 40-45. ED.ii. TERRIFIED "And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." - Luke 22:44 After the meal, Jesus took three of His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden where He became terrified. Jesus, a man of sorrows, was confronted here with a pain He never experienced before in His life as the Son of man. Jesus was always joyful and at rest, but in this garden, everything became different. His peace was gone, His rest turned into a deadly fear. He even prayed: 'Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.' (Mark 14:36). Jesus' battle Jesus was waging a heavy battle. His sweat even became like drops of blood. He walked to His disciples and wanted to share His terrible fear with them. But they had fallen asleep. I always thought that Jesus was terrified because He was fighting the evil one in this garden. But then I realized that this is impossible, because Jesus already won that battle during the temptation in the desert. I understood that Jesus is talking about a cup here and He is asking His Father to take that cup away from Him if possible. This cup did not come from the Pharisees, nor from the evil one, nor from His sleeping disciples, nor from His traitor or other people, but from His own Father. That cup was filled with our sins, diseases and guilt. All the evil was in that cup. And now He had to drink that cup. That terrified Him, because with this cup God, His Father, would burden Him with all our sins! He was without fault, He was clean and holy. He could not sin. By drinking that cup, He stood in the place of sinners. The curse and the punishment had to come on Him. He was abandoned by God because of that guilt. Today we are able to come into God's presence 24 hours daily because Jesus drank that cup for us. Happy are those who believe this. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. WP.i. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 A quiet heart is content with what God gives. ⏤ Elisabeth Elliot Our waiting eyes are on You, O Lord, this evening. The close of each day adds to our debt of gratitude for Your mercies and favors. We are not worthy of even the least of all Your goodness and loving-kindness, for we have sinned against You. Yet we hope in Your mercy and cast ourselves on Your grace. We thank You for the protection You have given us this day. We have gone out and come in, and You have kept us safe. You have blessed our home life, keeping us from harm, providing for our needs, and giving us strength for duty. You have blessed us in our work, giving us some measure of success and enabling us to continue in our place and do our tasks. We thank You for the grace You have given us to resist temptation, to bear our daily crosses, and to witness for You among others. Great Shepherd of all Your redeemed people, we ask You to take each member of our family into Your special care tonight. We cannot protect ourselves from the dangers of the darkness, so we entrust our lives to Your gracious keeping. May Your holy angels watch over our home. You who never slumber, keep watch over us. We pray for all our friends and neighbors. They have different needs, and we cannot know what each one requires, but You know. Grant each one what will be the truest blessing. Lead them in right paths. Let none of them be eternally lost. Remember Your church and give it spiritual enrichment. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory forever. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

My name is Philippe Francois, and I am a Haitian entrepreneur. By God's grace and guidance, I have officially incorporated my business, SMIRNE VENTURE LLC, in the State of Delaware, USA. My company operates in the import, export, and manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), serving communities in Haiti and beyond. You can learn more about our mission at www.smve.net Running a business registered in the United States while living in Haiti has been a profound challenge. Like many of you, I believe that God opens doors that no man can shut. He has given me the vision, the legal structure, and the determination. However, I am now at a critical crossroads where I need financial resources to take the next step. My dream is not just to survive, but to thrive and create employment opportunities that will uplift families here in Haiti. To do this, I need to purchase inventory and protect my brand by registering trademarks. The minimum funding required to move forward is $50,000 USD. I am writing to you today because I believe in the power of prayer and the body of Christ. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:19, And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I trust that the God who gave me this vision will also provide the resources, whether through a loan, investment, or gift. How You Can Help: 1. Pray for me and my business. Pray for wisdom, the right connections, and open doors. I need the covering of the Lord over every step I take. 2. If God has blessed you with capacity, I humbly invite you to support this endeavor. As it is written in Proverbs 19:17, Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. I am not asking for a handout, but for a partnership in a business that seeks to honor God and serve others. 3. I have a fundraising page where I have been expecting donations but God have not activated money flow button you can do it now https://gogetfunding.com/the-last-stand-of-a-haitian-son/ If the Lord leads you to help, whether through a loan, an investment, or a gift, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. I am fully transparent and willing to share my business plan and all necessary documentation. Thank you for taking the time to read my request. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you have blessed me with your attention. In His service, Philippe Francois

This Week's Prayer Guide August 9 - This week, pray for the needs of the people of Suzhou. Pray for the church to be a Christlike witness to their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. August 10 - In recent years, many foreign and even domestic manufacturers have left Suzhou and its nearby development areas, leaving behind an economic void. Please pray that God will help revive Suzhou’s economy and provide for the economic needs of its people. August 11 - The departure of these companies and factories have led to a rise in unemployment, particularly among the young people. Many of them are steeped in a sense of hopelessness and feel like giving up. Please pray that the young people in the city can find a hope that is not based on career success, but in Christ. August 12 - Like many other cities in China, the economic downturn inevitably leads to population loss. Many young people have migrated to other cities or other parts of Suzhou to seek employment, making some less developed neighborhoods feeling empty. Please pray that God will bring revival to these neighborhoods, both economically and spiritually. August 13 - Population loss is also leading to shepherding challenges. People come and go according to their economic and employment needs, leaving pastors and church leaders feeling destabilized. Please pray that God will provide local churches with a stable core group of people, and that church leaders can know their sheep deeply. August 14 - One silver lining of the economic downturn is that young professionals are working less and thus have weekends open, and they are able to participate in Sunday worship more regularly. May the Lord refresh the souls of these young professionals through worship and church community, and alleviate their anxiety about their future. August 15 - One of the local churches in Suzhou recognized the opportunity to reach out to the elderly in the city. Volunteers divide into teams to cut hair, trim nails, visit and pray with the elderly. Please pray that they will encounter more opportunities to share the gospel, and that God will bring many elderly to faith through their work. 8月9日——本周，请为苏州人民的需要祷告。请祷告，愿教会能像基督一样，在他们的朋友、邻居、同事和家人面前作见证。 8月10日——近年来，许多外资甚至中资企业相继撤离苏州及其周边开发区，留下了经济上的空虚。请祷告，求神帮助振兴苏州的经济，并满足当地民众的经济需求。 8月11日——这些公司和工厂的撤离导致失业率上升，尤其是年轻人中的失业率。他们中许多人深陷绝望之中，甚至在家里躺平。请为这座城市的年轻人祷告，愿他们能将未来的希望建立在基督之上，而不在事业当中。 8月12日——与中国许多其他城市一样，经济低迷不可避免地导致人口流失。许多年轻人为了谋生，迁移到了其他城市或苏州的其他地区，使得一些社区显得冷清。请为这些社区祷告，求神在经济和属灵两方面都赐下复兴。 8月13日——会众流失也给牧养工作带来了挑战。人们根据经济和就业需求来来去去，使牧师和教会领袖感到不安。请祷告，求神为当地教会预备一个稳定的核心群体，并让教会领袖能深入地认识他们的羊群。 8月14日——经济低迷带来的一线希望是，年轻职场人士的工作时间减少了，因此周末有空闲能够更规律地参加周日礼拜。愿主通过敬拜和教会团契，使这些年轻职场人士的灵魂得到更新，并缓解他们对未来的焦虑。 8月15日——苏州当地的一间教会意识到向市老年人传福音的机会。志愿者们分成小组，为老年人理发、修剪指甲，探访他们、与他们一同祷告。请为他们祷告，愿他们能遇到更多分享福音的机会，也愿神通过他们的工作带领许多老年人信主。 Join us on Zoom this Thursday from 10:30am-11:00am EST for our weekly prayer call as we pray for Chinese churches in Suzhou. Click here to open the Zoom link. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86248059041 Meeting ID: 862 4805 9041

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Saturday Morning Prayer! Heavenly Father, On this blessed Saturday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts, thanking You for carrying us through another week. Lord, Your Word declares, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22–23, KJV) Thank You for Your unfailing mercy, amazing grace, and steadfast love that has sustained us through every trial, challenge, and victory. Father, many of us have come to the end of a long and demanding week feeling physically tired, mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually weary. But Jesus, You lovingly said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, KJV) Today we come to You, laying every burden, every worry, every disappointment, and every care at Your feet. Lord, Your Word tells us to "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." (Psalm 55:22, KJV) Therefore, we surrender every concern to You. Replace our anxiety with Your perfect peace, our weakness with Your strength, and our discouragement with renewed hope. Father, renew us according to Your promise, for "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." (Isaiah 40:31, KJV) Strengthen every weary heart, refresh every tired mind, restore every aching body, and revive every spirit by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, forgive us for every sin committed knowingly and unknowingly. As 1 John 1:9 (KJV) declares, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Wash us in the precious blood of Jesus, create in us clean hearts, and renew a right spirit within us. Father, we lift up every family before You. Let Your peace reign in every home. Heal broken relationships, strengthen marriages, protect our children and grandchildren, and remind us of Your promise: "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (Psalm 121:8, KJV) Lord, we pray for those who are sick in body. Stretch forth Your healing hand, for "I am the Lord that healeth thee." (Exodus 15:26, KJV) We stand on Your Word that "by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24, KJV) Touch every person battling sickness, disease, pain, or weakness, and let Your healing virtue flow through every part of their body. Father, bless those seeking employment, believing for promotions, financial breakthroughs, and open doors. Your Word says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, KJV) Open doors that no one can shut and pour out blessings that there will not be room enough to receive. As we prepare for worship this weekend, pour out Your Spirit upon every church. Anoint every bishop, pastor, elder, minister, deacon, musician, praise team member, usher, greeter, teacher, and servant. Let souls be saved, lives transformed, and Your name glorified. Let Your Word go forth with power, for "the word of God is quick, and powerful." (Hebrews 4:12, KJV) Father, order our steps today according to Psalm 37:23 (KJV): "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Protect us wherever we go, because "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." (Psalm 34:7, KJV) Keep us safe from danger seen and unseen. Finally, Lord, we stand upon Your promise that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1, KJV) We boldly declare that "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17, KJV) We believe this Saturday will be filled with Your peace, favor, joy, divine opportunities, healing, and unexpected blessings. We thank You because You are faithful. We trust You with our families, our health, our finances, our future, and every detail of our lives. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.