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.

Wednesday evening Bible study.
Bless us Lord. Continue The Book of Romans

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*God wants our hearts in this relationship. To daily grow and learn how to Live, pleasing To God.

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*it’s here we learn and grow how to Live. Trusting God.
God gives us what we need to serve Him.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*enthusiastically Rejoice. Keep on Praying.
Honorable
Peace.
Kindness
Do Good.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*do what is right. Bless those in authority.
Honor God do what is right.

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*don’t even allow it, give up sinning. Be Full of Christ.
*All Jesus, no more of the flesh.
*back to verse 2 Daily forever Transforming
*Life being pleasing and perfect

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*people having issue with meat offered to idols. Still hung up on religious customs.

*its all about the Heart.

“Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*Jesus Standing in our Place. We’ve got to be assured of Living for Him.
It’s about our Heart.

“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*be living and honorable.
Goodness and Peace.
Pleasing to God.

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*do what is Right.
*Trust God… it’s about the Heart. Relationship with God, relationship with one another…

Spinning a tale is nothing new. Humans have been doing it for as long as there have been humans.
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Ex 32:3-4 All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf.
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Ex 32:21-24 Finally, he turned to Aaron and demanded, "What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?"
"Don't get so upset, my lord," Aaron replied. "You yourself know how evil these people are. They said to me, 'Make us gods who will lead us. We don't know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.' So I told them, 'Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.' When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!"

FINAL SERMON: RED 7 —JUDGEMENT OF CORRECTION CAME FIRST ON ME — GOLD CAME OUT PURE — NOW JUDGEMENT TO YOU EVIL DOERS

Text: 1 Pet 4:17 — For time has come for judgment to begin at house of God.

---

INTRO: RED 7 VISION ON ME

I am born again — true Israel — Believer not practising sin.

Red Color in vision= sin Isa 1:18 — though sins scarlet —Also Red = Blood of Jesus 1 John 1:7 — blood cleanses from all sin.

Red 7 vision came to me — not curse — but disciplinary act on me — Ps 37:23 — steps of good man ordered by Lord.

Punishment = 1 Pet 4:17 — judgement begin at house of God first.

1. SPIRITUAL WARFARE : EVIL— VOICES — EPH 6:12

Before accident, evil altar with voices already existing in my life — voices I heard when no one present — causing confusion, disturbance, threatening---spiritual warfare.

Eph 6:12 — we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness.

I fought them with Word of God — Eph 6:17 — sword of Spirit, which is Word of God — 2 Cor 10:4-5 — mighty to pull down strongholds.

Why this spiritual warfare? Because my calling fought Satan & works of Satan.

1 John 3:8 — For this purpose Son of God manifested, that He might destroy works of devil. That purpose is my calling.

Acts 26:18 — to turn them from darkness to light, and from power of Satan to God.
Rev 12:17 — dragon enraged, went to make war with offspring who keep commandments and have testimony of Jesus.

Aim of evil altar: persecute me so that to fail that calling God had put for me before Him — servant , & a witness of Jesus of last days testifying to what the son shown me.--- abort Green 7, vision Red 7, vision , skeleton vision & abort 144,000 dream. Acts26:16

2. GOD CAN BLEACH HEDGE FOR CORRECTION, TESTING, PURIFICATION

God can bleach hedge — not remove. Thus l prayed for hedge protection & believed that l received it. And b'se l had fallen Red 7 vision, was bleached in accident incident to allow correction, testing , & purification in me. But in this process wasn't removed.

Job 1:10 — Have You not made hedge around him?
Job 2:6 — Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.

Bleach = thin for three reasons:

Correction — Heb 12:6 — whom Lord loves He chastens — I had fallen — chastening needed Heb 12:11.
Testing — 1 Pet 1:7 — genuineness of faith tested by fire — to prove pure.
Purification — Mal 3:3 — He will purify sons of Levi as gold and silver — 1 Tim 4:5 — sanctified by Word and prayer.

3. ACCIDENT = TESTING OF FAITH — BUT FAITH FAILED NOT — GOLD PURE

Then accident came — motorcycle hitting dog — body wounded.

People said negative: curse.

I insisted: NOT curse to me.

Because hedge though bleached, protected me to not go into death — Ps 118:18 — Lord chastened me severely, but has not given me over to death — Ps 34:7 — Angel encamps around those who fear Him.

This accident was about testing faith — but fortunately never failed it.

Luke 22:32 — I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.
2 Cor 4:9 — struck down, but not destroyed.

Flesh wounded — faith held — Word held — Blood held.

Result: Gold came out pure — That's the thing.

Job 23:10 — When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Zech 13:9 — I will refine them as silver, test them as gold is tested.
1 Pet 1:7 FULFILLED IN MY LIFE — faith more precious than gold, tested, found to praise.

I repented & got cleansed by blood — purified — faith clean through prayer — 1 Tim 4:5.

4. RED NO.7 MEANS COMPLETE — ORDER FINISHED

Red No.7 means complete — Gen 2:2 — on seventh day God ended His work — John 19:30 — It is finished.

Disciplinary action of suffering, testing, bleaching hedge — done/complete in my life now by Red No.7. Order finished.

Now new order: Green 7 — sealed unbroken — Matt 6:33 much more supply — 144,000 — true Israel.

5. NOW TO YOU EVIL DOERS — YOUR JUDGEMENT OF CORRECTION — HARSHER

If this done to His house now and finished — God now looking to evil doers to repent too of their sins by punishing you now with His judgement of correction from Red 7 vision and obey His Word to be pure before God.

1 Pet 4:17-18 — if it begins with us first, what will be end of those who do not obey gospel? If righteous scarcely saved, where will ungodly and sinner appear?

And this punishment to you evil doers is going to be harsher than that God made first to His house.

Luke 12:47-48 — that servant who knew and did not prepare, shall be beat

IS FORNICATION A SIN?

Fornication isn't designed to destroy people. The desire for sexual intimacy is a real part of human nature, created by God and designed for a purpose. Sexual attraction is natural. Sexual desire is natural. The longing to be loved, wanted, touched, and intimately connected with another person is not, by itself, a strange or evil thing.

When a young man and a young woman fall in love, their attraction toward each other can feel powerful. They may genuinely care about each other. They may intend to marry someday. They may tell themselves that because they love each other, sleeping together is simply an expression of that love.

Sometimes they may even convince themselves that nothing is wrong because they are not hurting anyone, they are faithful to each other, and they have already promised themselves that they belong together.

You see how you now feel sympathy, understanding, and even justification for the two lovers?

You see how fornication now begins to look less like sin and more like love?

And the interesting thing is that many of the reasons people give are not completely false. The attraction is real. The feelings are real. The love may even be real. But something can feel real and still be outside the will of God.

This is where deception becomes dangerous.

One of the easiest ways to make sin acceptable is not to deny what God said, but to reframe the situation until disobedience begins to look reasonable.

Fornication can be presented as love.

Compromise can be presented as maturity.

Lust can be presented as affection.

Disobedience can be presented as personal freedom.

Temptation can be presented as something you deserve because you have been waiting for marriage for so long.

‍ My God, reframing is such a powerful tool. It can make sin feel like wisdom.

But the question is not simply whether you love the person.

The question is whether you are honouring God with that love.

The question is not whether the desire is natural.

The question is whether you are allowing that desire to rule you outside the boundaries God established for it.

God did not create sexual intimacy because He wanted to deprive you of pleasure. God created it with purpose, dignity, responsibility, and covenant. The problem is not that sex exists. The problem is taking something God designed for marriage and using it outside the covenant for which He designed it.

You must therefore be careful when your emotions begin to write your theology.

You can love someone and still need to say no.

You can be deeply attracted to someone and still walk away from the bed. ‍‍

You can intend to marry someone and still refuse to sleep with them before marriage.

You can be lonely without becoming sexually immoral.

You can be tempted without becoming a fornicator.

You can have sexual desires without allowing those desires to become your master.

The fact that you have a reason does not automatically make your decision right.

Everyone has a story that explains why they did what they did. But as a Christian, your standard cannot be your feelings, your circumstances, your friends, your relationship, or the way society defines normal.

Your standard is the Word of God.

Do not allow someone to manipulate you with the language of love when what they are asking you to do is disobedience.

Do not let anyone tell you that if you truly love them, you must prove it sexually.

Real love does not demand that you sin to prove your commitment.

Real love can wait.

Real love can respect boundaries.

Real love can honour God.

Real love can say, We will not destroy our future because of what we feel today.

Always be on your guard.

Fornication does not always arrive looking dirty and dangerous. Sometimes it arrives looking like romance. Sometimes it arrives through loneliness. Sometimes through emotional attachment. Sometimes through a person you genuinely love.

That is why you need more than feelings.

You need conviction.

You need boundaries.

You need self control.

And above all, you need the fear of God.

Do not allow your emotions to become the lawyer defending what your conscience already knows is wrong.

Choose obedience, even when disobedience feels easier.

Choose holiness, even when temptation feels powerful.

Choose God's purpose over temporary pleasure.

BE INTENTIONAL.

Anthony Ijere (Author & Revivalist)

Get books/novels
https://t.me/anthonyijere

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

**1 Kings
The king of Israel told Jehoshaphat, "We can ask the LORD through Micaiah, son of Imlah, but I hate him. He doesn't prophesy anything good about me, only evil." Jehoshaphat answered, "The king must not say that.* From the "God is an Artist " Project: God has identified Trump as a Jehu - so in the storyline who are you? Are you a prophet scorning, Jezebel tooting liberal -a pretentious Christian or clueless sinner? You've been exposed. Repent! Awake: https://youtu.be/KLHu9RkKOWU?si=Cl7-GrQg0MFGYzO9
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BVTDeqZhR/ Jehu: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B4PDsdXNc/ Proof: https://youtu.be/s0qGt0dspCY?si=5yOdr0bCGgAyjGgl Iran Prophecy: https://youtu.be/3eont1dBolU?si=w0JBBXeD-AgNcH-d Trump Prophecies: https://youtu.be/EhXwbcGSKJ8?si=NWKa0pS7UNLXfljY
Media: https://share.google/LXCeKfdMW4JZp2iaA
Related Links: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEsxcI2kNFoEp8VAq3n https://www.facebook.com/share/17mff8ymQK/ https://www.tiktok.com/[shanehanley75]?_r=1&_t=ZS-94g4mk1bA7G*

PLEAD THE BLOOD
Pleading the Blood of Jesus is not begging -- but a legal term.
REVELATION 12:10-11 NKJ10 . . . the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
The devil is our accuser. The only successful plea is the Blood of Jesus. Pleading our ignorance, our innocence, or our merits will fail. Only relying on the Blood of our substitute sacrifice, the Lamb of God, will win our case before God the Judge.
When we pray, we should base our prayer on the Blood of Jesus-- the price paid for our needs to be met -- instead of on our need or our worthiness.
When we resist the devil, we cannot resist him based on who we are or what we have done, but only on the price paid for our complete redemption -- the precious Blood of Jesus.
Faith in Jesus' Blood, released in testimony against the devil,will always cause him to flee. We must resist him, steadfast in faith, for as long as it takes.
Our enemy can always be overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We have victory over every evil because of Jesus' shed Blood.
PSALM 107:2 NKJ 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
We must SAY we are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.
Here are some example statements you could use in pleading the Blood.
In the Name of Jesus, I plead the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ against this problem.
I cover my home with the Blood of Jesus to protect all occupants and possessions from all evil.Especially in times of violence we need to cry out for the protection of the Blood for all our household. Parents can put the Blood on their "door" -- taking in all that pertains to them -- and claim salvation and protection for their entire family.
The Blood is the one thing that will keep your family safe in these perilous days. When we awaken in the morning we should call for the Blood to be upon us and all that belongs to us. Before we sleep we should, in the same way, call for the protection of the Blood.
SAY THIS: I plead the Blood of Jesus over all my household and all our possessions.

God bless you!

Human beings are not each other’s enemies… then who is humanity’s true enemy?

In our lives, there are people who speak against us, hurt us, deceive us, or oppose us. Because of this, we may think, “This person is my enemy.”

But the Bible reveals a deeper spiritual truth.

Ephesians 6:12 says:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

What is Satan’s purpose?

He wants to create hatred, jealousy, conflict, unforgiveness, and division between people.

Because if you see another human being as your enemy, you may begin to hate that person.

But when you understand this spiritual truth, you can say:

“I will not hate this person; I will pray for them, and I will not give Satan’s work a place in my life.”

What did Jesus teach?

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44

Therefore, our battle is not about defeating people; it is about refusing to fall for Satan’s deception.

Our weapon is not hatred—it is love.
Our weapon is not revenge—it is forgiveness.
Our weapon is not fear—it is faith.
Our weapon is not violence against people—it is God’s Word and prayer.

Remember:

Do not consider human beings your enemies.
Recognize the work of Satan.
Stand firm in God’s truth.
And pray even for those who have hurt you.

Because Christ has not called us to conquer people, but to overcome darkness with the light.

#JesusChrist #SpiritualWarfare #BibleTruth #Prayer

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS.

*TEXTS:*
ROMANS 12:2; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5.

*ROMANS 12:2.*
2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

*CORINTHIANS 10:5.*
5. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

*TOPIC:*
HANDLING YOUR THOUGHTS.

*THE MESSAGE;*
Each day, our minds are flood with streams of thoughts - some uplifting, others discouraging. If we are not vigilant, negative thoughts can take hold, dragging us into a state of despair that God never intended for us to experience. The first text urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, while the second reminds us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. This means we must not allow any thought that contradicts God's word to go unchecked. The moment you recognise a harmful or untrue thought creeping in, stand firm in your identity in Christ. Reject it, confront it, and replace it with the truth of the Scripture. The more you study scriptures, the easier it will be for you to recognise lies and false teachings. This will prompt you to turn away from them and walk in the truth.

*REFLECTION:*
Let the scriptures guide your thoughts.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to think rightly. 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:*
EZEKIEL 34-36.

ED.ii. SHAMGAR'S CATTLE STICK

"After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad. He too saved Israel." - Judges 3:31

Shamgar was a farmer and one day while he was plowing the enemy, the Philistines, came. They were out to rob, kill and destroy Israel.

Shamgar had no sword, spear or shield like the Philistines who were well-armed and trained men. In 1 Samuel 13:19 it says: 'The Philistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews.'

The hero Shamgar

The only thing Shamgar had was a cattle stick - a stick of about three meters long and four to five centimeters thick. On this cattle stick, there was a small point sticking out which is used to spur the oxen. On the other side of the stick, there was a chisel to scrape the plowshares. There was an army of 600 armed men and there was Shamgar with his cattle stick. Many of us would choose the easiest way out and leave. But Shamgar approached them with his cane and struck them down one after the other. Can you imagine this: 600 men beaten by one man with a stick? Shamgar became a hero on that day and was appointed to judge in Israel.

Today we also have enemies, from whom the evil one is the worst. The Bible says he came to steal, kill, and destroy. And he comes with many demons.

Use what you have

Shamgar did not wait like so many people do but he used what he had. Let us also confront the enemy with what we have. Jesus is with us and with Him we are more than conquerors! Do not wait for what you do not have but use what you have. God is on your side.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ⏤ Proverbs 3:5-6

The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands. ⏤ Leonard Ravenhill

O God, the Author of our being and the Preserver of our lives—we come to Your throne of grace this evening, placing ourselves under Your care for the night. Bless us and grant us Your special peace. Cleanse our hearts before You, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from us. Shine the light of Your countenance upon us, and grant us Your salvation.

The evening is here; come, O Jesus, and abide with us. Keep us securely in Your care. Strengthen our faith so that it will not fail. May we always keep our eyes on You, setting You before us, so that we do not lose our way. We are too prone to trust our own desires and to choose our own ways. Help us to always do what pleases You so that we do not sin against You. Keep us from discouragement and despair. May we learn to leave all the affairs of our lives in Your hands, trusting You to bring about what is best for us and for Your glory. Teach us how to commit our way to You so that You may bring forth our righteousness.

We bring before You each member of our home. You know each one of us and all our needs. You know the temptations each of us faces—they are not the same, though we live under the same roof. Match Your grace to our specific dangers and needs. Reveal Yourself to us always as the Friend we need, offering the help we need.

Sanctify all the experiences of the day for us. May our disappointments prove to be Your appointments, and may the way You have led us be indeed the right way. In Your great mercy, forgive all our sins, and bring us into Your heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/evening

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