❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

The Story of Abraham in the Bible Introduction Abraham is one of the most important people in the Bible. He is remembered as a man of faith, obedience, and trust in God. His story is found mainly in the book of Genesis, chapters 12–25. Abraham was originally called Abram. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. God promised to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. God Calls Abraham One day, God spoke to Abram and said: «“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”» God promised Abram that He would make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others. Abram obeyed God. He left his homeland with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot, and they traveled toward the land of Canaan. When Abram arrived in Canaan, God appeared to him and promised to give that land to his descendants. Abraham and Lot As Abram and Lot became wealthy, their servants began arguing because there was not enough land for all their animals. Abram did not want conflict. He gave Lot the opportunity to choose where he wanted to live. Lot chose the fertile area near Sodom, while Abram remained in the land of Canaan. After Lot separated from him, God renewed His promise to Abram. God told him that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. God Promises a Son Although Abram was growing older, he still had no child. He wondered how God's promise of a great nation could come true. God told him that he would have a son of his own and that his descendants would be extremely numerous. Abram believed God, and the Bible says that his faith was counted to him as righteousness. God also changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” and changed Sarai's name to Sarah. The Birth of Isaac Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the promised child. When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was very old, God fulfilled His promise. Sarah gave birth to a son, and they named him Isaac. The birth of Isaac brought great joy to Abraham and Sarah because God had kept His promise despite the long years of waiting. Abraham Is Tested One of the greatest tests of Abraham's faith came when God commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed and took Isaac to the place God had shown him. Isaac did not understand what was going to happen, but Abraham continued in faith. Just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel of the Lord stopped him. God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a sacrifice instead. Through this test, Abraham demonstrated his willingness to trust and obey God even when he did not understand God's plan. God then reaffirmed His promise to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants. Abraham's Later Years Abraham continued to live as a man of faith. After Sarah died, he made arrangements for her burial. Abraham later married Keturah and had more children, but Isaac remained the son through whom God's covenant promise would continue. Abraham eventually died at the age of 175. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him beside Sarah. The Legacy of Abraham Abraham's story is one of faith and obedience. He did not always understand what God was doing, but he continued to trust God's promises. His life teaches us several important lessons: 1. Trust God even when you cannot see the whole plan. 2. Obey God when He calls you to something difficult. 3. Be patient while waiting for God's promises. 4. Faith sometimes requires sacrifice. 5. God is faithful to His promises. Abraham became known as a great man of faith, and his story continues to inspire millions of people around the world. The story of Abraham reminds us that when God makes a promise, we can trust Him—even when the answer takes longer than we expected. #hashtag

Morning friends. I was the recipient of a “Small Act of Kindness” yesterday. It made me realize that kindness is really just paying attention out loud. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Kindness begins when we notice. Notice the person sitting alone. Notice the tired eyes behind the smile. Notice the friend who stopped reaching out. Notice the waitress who looks exhausted. Notice the stranger carrying a burden nobody can see. Then, do something. Make the call. Give the hug. Speak the encouragement. Offer the prayer. Say, “I see you. You matter to me.” Kindness truly is just paying attention out loud. God has placed people in our path who need more than our good intentions. They need us to see them, hear them, and love them in a way they can feel. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree. He noticed Bartimaeus crying out. He noticed the lonely, the hurting, and the forgotten. Today, slow down long enough to notice somebody. You may be the answer to a prayer they haven’t found the courage to pray. And when we notice people, we give them a glimpse of Jesus. How bout we go love on some folks today? Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn ❤️🙏

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. A Word Fitly Spoken By Shelley Quinn August 27th, 2026 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 God has given me a consistently positive attitude—a heart that overflows with thanksgiving. He taught me the power of life and death is in the tongue. I confess His Word over my life and speak it into the lives of others. I know His Word is living and powerful and will not return to Him void but will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it. I’m telling you this to establish that faith is an essential aspect of my being. A false teaching on faith caused me to walk away from God for a time in my twenties. My non-denominational church taught me to have faith “in faith.” In other words, if I could ratchet up enough faith, God was obliged to act. Hoping my mother would be healed of her bi-polar condition, I was convinced my faith would bring her healing. It didn’t. Disillusioned, I turned my back on God until He chased me down with His love. God must be the object of our faith. Trusting His unfailing love and His faithfulness is true biblical faith. Faith is not a denial of facts—it’s reliance upon God in the midst of troubling circumstances. Which brings me to my point. A “positivity” wave has rolled over some Christian circles. Their insistent demand on avoiding all negativity deeply troubles me because it is a toxic additive to biblical faith. Authentic expression of emotion is rejected, labeled as lack of faith, and met with positive platitudes. Personal feelings are invalidated with quick responses like, “It could be worse” or “Count your blessings,” bringing shame on those who are gripped by pain. Are we guilty of using God’s Word to silence others? Rather than intentional listening, do we gush out positivity with the pressure of a firehose? Like the calloused “comforters” of the patriarch Job, do our words hurt—rather than heal? Emotional distress is our shared human experience. It will not be denied! Try suppressing it, and it will rear its ugly head in sleeplessness, crying jags, anxiety, panic attacks, prolonged stress, and spiritual paralysis. Oh, may we be authentic communicators like Jesus! He wept with Martha over Lazarus’ death. He wept over Jerusalem. He told of His impending death and warned His followers of tribulations. May we freely express our laments as the saints of old recorded in Scripture. Granting ourselves permission to speak our discomfort can provide release and open the way for God’s healing. Just read the Psalms to see how honest laments led to an acknowledgment of our all-loving God and hope in His rescue. Scripture advises we “weep with those who weep” and be “swift to hear, slow to speak.” We owe it to others to listen with the intention of understanding their pain and offering compassion. Only then can we speak a word in due season—the right word at the right time. A word fitly spoken can shine God’s light into the darkness of the soul and restore hope.

Guidelines for living. August 27, 2026 Why You Should Cultivate Excellence in Your Life Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 The greatest accomplishments in life - believe it or not - are made not by the smartest people in the world but by those who didn't know enough to quit. They were the ones who kept trying, kept plodding, kept practicing, who kept investigating until they stumbled onto success. That fact was driven home to me when I was studying in the university. There were two men in my classes who were geniuses. Their IQs were way up there. At the end of a class, they slapped their books shut and generally didn't open them. They were smart. Frankly, I was among those who had to dig it out. People thought I was really gifted; no, I just knew how to work and to study. My parents spent hard earned money and sent me to school to study, not party. I knew why I was there and I made the most of the opportunity. Learning to apply myself was something I happened to grow up with, but everybody didn't have a dad who cut the handles off of brooms, making them short enough for me to use as a kid, or has you work alongside him. But you can learn to work. You can develop discipline yourself. You can set goals and eventually reach them. One of my heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his Sherpa guide, Tensing, crested Mount Everest for the first time. Awesome achievement, and that before a lot of high-tech gear which climbers use today. When asked how he accomplished this when others had failed, he replied that when he was tempted to turn back, he took just one more step. William Carey, the father of modern missions, said that his greatest ability was to plod in the face of adversity. When Thomas Edison had tried 10,000 ways to produce an incandescent globe and hadn't succeeded, he was urged to quit. He responded that he had found 10,000 ways that wouldn't work. And he would eventually find one that did. He did! I've sometimes wondered how many determined, stubborn individuals we have today with that same tenacity. The foundation of our modern achievements was laid by thousands of unknown individuals who lived in obscurity and died unknown, who faithfully contributed to what has enabled us to send men to the moon, to circle the globe with communication, and to accomplish great and mighty things through technology and science. They laid the foundation; we have built upon their research, hard work, and trial and error. Their strength and energy, like a gradually falling barometer, were meted out in hard work, years of often-unrecognized service, and yes, blood, sweat and tears. But they did not quit. They did not look for something with less work and more money attached to it. I've been told that in an European Cathedral, high in the rafters where no one ever goes, are some intricate carvings of exquisite beauty, done by a master craftsman whose name has long since been lost to posterity. Why did he take time to do some of his finest work, using an abutment of wood that will never be seen by the public? He valued excellence. He took seriously the admonition of the Bible that instructs: "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Cultivate excellence. Make it a passion. Refuse to let the world and our culture shove you into the mold of mediocrity. Thank God for teachers who inspire excellence, for mothers who have the patience to bring the best out of their children, for dads who have the patience to teach a little boy how to do something. Do it, friend. Someday, you will be very glad you did. Resource Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 27) 1. Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. 3. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. 4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy? 5. Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. 6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place. 9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me. 12A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;. The simple pass on and are punished. 13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. 14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him. 15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; 16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. 17. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored. 19. As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. 20. Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. 22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24. For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26. The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; 27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

THANKFUL THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER! “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we come before You this Thursday morning with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we simply want to say THANK YOU! Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for another day of life. Thank You for breath in our bodies, strength to rise, and another opportunity to experience Your grace and mercy. Your Word declares: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Lord, everything may not be the way we want it to be, but You are still good. Some of us woke up carrying burdens nobody knows about. Some are worried about their families. Some are concerned about their health. Some are struggling financially. Some are grieving the loss of someone they love. Some are dealing with problems in their marriages and relationships. Some are concerned about their children. Some are waiting on employment or a better opportunity. Some are fighting battles in their minds. And some are simply tired from everything life has brought their way. But this morning, we choose gratitude over complaining, faith over fear, and worship over worry. Your Word tells us: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) Father, thank You for the prayers You have answered, and thank You for the prayers where the answer is still on the way. Thank You for the doors You opened, and thank You for the doors You closed because You knew what was on the other side. Thank You for what You allowed, and thank You for what You prevented. Thank You for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the times we didn't know how we were going to make it—but somehow You made a way! Lord, somebody needs healing this morning. Touch bodies from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their feet. Strengthen those who are weak. Comfort those experiencing pain. Bring peace to troubled minds and encouragement to discouraged hearts. For Your Word declares: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) Father, remember those who are grieving. When the house feels different, when memories bring tears, and when loneliness becomes overwhelming, wrap Your loving arms around them. Remind them: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 (KJV) Lord, bless our families. Restore broken relationships. Bring parents and children together. Strengthen marriages. Heal misunderstandings between siblings. Remove bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, division, and confusion. Teach us to love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, and appreciate one another while we still have the opportunity. Father, somebody is worried about finances. Bills are due. Prices are high. Resources may be limited. Someone needs employment, a promotion, increased income, or simply enough to make it through. But we stand upon Your Word: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) Provide, Lord. Open doors. Give wisdom concerning finances. Create opportunities that no person can shut. Father, we pray for those struggling silently with anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, disappointment, and discouragement. Your Word says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) So this morning, we give You what we cannot carry. We give You our children. We give You our marriages. We give You our health. We give You our finances. We give You our careers. We give You our unanswered questions. We give You our fears about tomorrow. Lord, we put it all in Your hands! Father, draw those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with You. Let hearts be softened, lives transformed, and souls saved. Restore those who have walked away and remind them that there is still room at Your table. And Lord, as we go through this Thursday, order our steps. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV) Go before us into every workplace, classroom, hospital room, doctor's office, courtroom, meeting, highway, and home. Protect those traveling. Give wisdom to those making difficult decisions. Give strength to caregivers. Give peace to families facing uncertainty. Give hope to those waiting for an answer. Give courage to those beginning again. And give endurance to those who are simply trying to make it through another day. Most of all, Lord, keep us thankful. When we are tempted to focus on what we don't have, remind us of what You have already provided. When we become discouraged by how far we still have to go, remind us how far You have already brought us. When life becomes difficult, remind us that we are never walking alone. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) So today we declare: THANK YOU, LORD, FOR LIFE! THANK YOU FOR GRACE! THANK YOU FOR MERCY! THANK YOU FOR PROTECTION! THANK YOU FOR PROVISION! THANK YOU FOR OUR FAMILIES! THANK YOU FOR EVERY BLESSING—SEEN AND UNSEEN! And even for the things we don't understand, we will still trust You. Let this Thankful Thursday be filled with peace in our minds, joy in our hearts, strength in our bodies, love in our homes, provision for our needs, and the presence of God everywhere we go. We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN AND AMEN! THURSDAY DECLARATION... Today, I choose gratitude over worry. I will thank God in every circumstance. I believe He is working even when I cannot see it. My family is covered, my steps are ordered, my needs will be supplied, and God will give me strength for whatever this day brings. This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Seek God First (Matthew 6:33) What are you chasing? Success? Money? A better job? A relationship? Recognition? A bigger house? More followers? A better future? There is nothing wrong with having goals and dreams. God has given us abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities that we should use wisely. But there is a danger when the things we want become more important than the God who gave us the ability to pursue them. Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Notice the order: Seek God first. Not after your career. Not after your relationships. Not after you've achieved your goals. Not only when you are in trouble. First. The world tells us: “Build your career first.” “Make money first.” “Become successful first.” “Get everything you want first.” Then we can easily begin treating God as something we fit into the remaining space in our lives. But God doesn't want to be an afterthought. He wants to be at the centre. Think about your daily schedule. What receives your best attention? What occupies your thoughts? What determines your decisions? What do you spend most of your time pursuing? Your priorities reveal what matters most to you. You can say that God is first, but your life will eventually show whether that is true. Seeking God first means making Him central to your decisions. Before accepting an opportunity, ask: “Does this honour God?” Before entering a relationship, ask: “Will this relationship help me grow closer to Christ?” Before making a major financial decision, ask: “Am I handling what God has given me responsibly?” Before choosing how to use your time, ask: “What does God want me to do with this day?” Seeking God first doesn't mean abandoning your ambitions. It means surrendering your ambitions to Him. You can pursue a career and still honour God. You can build a business and still honour God. You can become successful and still remain humble. You can have financial goals and still put God first. The question isn't whether you have goals. The question is: Who is at the centre of those goals? Are you pursuing success so people will admire you? Or are you pursuing excellence so you can use your gifts to serve God and others? Are you chasing money because you believe it will finally make you happy? Or are you learning to manage resources faithfully and generously? Are you seeking recognition? Or are you content knowing that God sees your work even when people don't? Jesus also warned us about constantly worrying about material things. We worry about food. Clothing. Money. Tomorrow. Our future. And sometimes our pursuit of these things becomes so intense that we forget the God who sustains us. You don't have to ignore your responsibilities. Work hard. Plan wisely. Save. Learn. Build. Prepare. But don't let anxiety become your master. Trust God while you do your part. There will always be something else to chase. Another achievement. Another purchase. Another milestone. Another level. If your heart is always saying, “I'll be happy when I get that next thing,” you may spend your entire life waiting for happiness. But contentment begins when you recognize that God is enough. Paul learned this kind of contentment. He experienced abundance and hardship, yet his confidence wasn't ultimately based on his circumstances. His strength was found in Christ. And that's the kind of foundation we need. Because everything we own can disappear. Positions can change. Money can come and go. People can leave. Opportunities can close. But God remains. And if you have Jesus, you possess something far more valuable than anything this world can offer. Salvation. Forgiveness. Grace. A relationship with God. A hope that extends beyond this temporary life. So today, examine your priorities. Maybe you've been so busy building your future that you've neglected your relationship with God. Maybe your career has become your identity. Maybe money has become your security. Maybe your relationship has become your source of happiness. Maybe social media has become your source of validation. It's time to put things back in their proper place. Seek God first. Pray first. Read His Word. Listen to His voice. Obey Him. Serve Him. Love people. Work faithfully. And trust Him with the results. Don't build a successful life and discover later that you left God out of it. Build your life with God at the centre. When God is first, everything else can find its proper place. Today, ask yourself: “What has been competing with God for first place in my heart?” Then surrender it to Him. Not tomorrow. Today. #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #GodFirst #FaithOverMaterialism #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #KingdomOfGod #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. 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PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 27) 1. Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. 3. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. 4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy? 5. Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. 6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place. 9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me. 12A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;. The simple pass on and are punished. 13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. 14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him. 15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; 16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. 17. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored. 19. As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. 20. Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. 22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24. For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26. The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; 27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.