• THE REALITY OF DEATH

    WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR VERY LAST BREATH?

    “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27

    Death is one of the realities that every human being eventually faces.

    We can avoid talking about it.

    We can stay busy.

    We can accumulate possessions.

    We can build businesses.

    We can pursue careers.

    We can become famous.

    We can become wealthy.

    We can travel the world.

    We can take care of our bodies.

    But eventually, every earthly journey comes to an end.

    One day, every heartbeat will stop.

    One day, every breath will cease.

    One day, the opportunities of this present life will come to an end.

    And when that final breath comes, there is one question that matters more than almost anything else:

    WHERE WILL YOU GO?

    Not:

    “How much money did I have?”

    Not:

    “How successful was I?”

    Not:

    “How many people knew my name?”

    Not:

    “How beautiful was my house?”

    Not:

    “How many possessions did I leave behind?”

    The question is:

    “AM I READY TO MEET GOD?”


    ---

    1. DEATH IS NOT RESPECTFUL OF AGE

    Death doesn't ask whether you're young or old.

    It doesn't ask whether you're rich or poor.

    It doesn't ask whether you're famous or unknown.

    It doesn't ask whether you're prepared.

    Death comes to kings and ordinary people.

    The Bible reminds us that our earthly lives are temporary.

    Psalm 90:12 says:

    > “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”



    Our time on earth is precious because it is limited.

    You don't know how many mornings you have left.

    You don't know how many sunsets you have left.

    You don't know how many birthdays you have left.

    You don't know how many times you will hear the voice of someone you love.

    Therefore:

    Don't waste the life God has given you.


    ---

    2. YOUR LAST BREATH WILL NOT BE THE END OF EVERYTHING

    For the Christian, death is not the end.

    Jesus said in John 11:25:

    > “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”



    Jesus Christ conquered the grave.

    The resurrection of Jesus means death does not have the final word.

    For those who belong to Christ, there is the hope of resurrection and eternal life with God.

    That is why Paul could write in Philippians 1:21:

    > “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”



    This doesn't mean we should seek death.

    It means that the believer can face death knowing that Jesus has already conquered the grave.


    ---

    3. BUT THE BIBLE ALSO WARNS US ABOUT JUDGMENT

    We cannot preach only the comforting parts of Scripture.

    The Bible tells us:

    Hebrews 9:27:

    > “Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”



    There is accountability before God.

    Our lives matter.

    Our decisions matter.

    Our relationship with God matters.

    The Bible speaks about a final judgment.

    Revelation 20:12 describes the dead standing before God and being judged.

    This should awaken us.

    Not merely frighten us.

    Awaken us.

    Because God's warning is an expression of His mercy.

    God doesn't warn us because He wants humanity to perish.

    He warns us because He calls people to repentance and salvation.


    ---

    4. YOU CANNOT TAKE YOUR POSSESSIONS WITH YOU

    You may spend your entire life collecting things.

    But when your final breath comes, everything you accumulated remains behind.

    You cannot put your bank account inside your coffin.

    You cannot take your house into eternity.

    You cannot take your automobile.

    You cannot take your career.

    You cannot take your social-media followers.

    You cannot take your earthly reputation.

    The question is not:

    “What did I own?”

    The question is:

    “Whom did I belong to?”


    ---

    5. JESUS ASKED A QUESTION THAT SHOULD SHAKE EVERY HEART

    Jesus said in Mark 8:36:

    > “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”



    Think about that.

    You could theoretically gain everything this world has to offer—

    and still lose the most important thing you possess.

    Your soul.

    You can be successful and spiritually lost.

    You can be admired and spiritually empty.

    You can have possessions and have no peace with God.

    You can fool people.

    You can even fool yourself.

    But you cannot fool God.

    God sees the heart.


    ---

    6. THE MOST IMPORTANT PREPARATION FOR DEATH

    The most important preparation isn't buying a cemetery plot.

    It isn't writing a will.

    It isn't organizing your possessions.

    Those things have their place.

    But the most important preparation is:

    BE READY TO MEET JESUS.

    Jesus said in John 14:6:

    > “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”



    Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

    Not in our accomplishments.

    Not in our morality.

    Not in religious performance.

    Not in trying to make ourselves worthy.

    We need the grace of God.

    We need forgiveness.

    We need Christ.


    ---

    7. SALVATION IS NOT SOMETHING WE EARN

    Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith—not because of our own works.

    This is incredibly important.

    You cannot make yourself worthy of salvation.

    You cannot become good enough to force God to accept you.

    The Gospel is that Jesus Christ came for sinners.

    He died for our sins.

    He rose from the dead.

    And He calls us to repentance and faith.

    Salvation is God's gift.

    But we must receive that gift.


    ---

    8. REPENTANCE MEANS TURNING TOWARD GOD

    Repentance isn't simply saying:

    “I'm sorry.”

    Biblical repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God.

    It means surrender.

    It means:

    “Lord, I don't want to live my way anymore. I want Your way.”

    It doesn't mean you will never stumble.

    It means you stop making peace with sin.

    You stop treating rebellion against God as something you don't care about.

    You bring your failures to Christ.

    You confess them.

    You receive His forgiveness.

    And you keep walking with Him.


    ---

    9. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR LAST BREATH

    One of the most dangerous lies is:

    “I'll get right with God later.”

    Later may never come.

    Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

    Next year is not guaranteed.

    Another decade is not guaranteed.

    Your next breath isn't something you can demand.

    Therefore:

    DON'T WAIT.

    If God is calling your heart today, respond today.

    If you need to repent, repent today.

    If you need to forgive someone, forgive today.

    If you need to return to Christ, return today.

    If you've been running from God, come home today.


    ---

    10. THE CROSS IS GOD'S ANSWER TO OUR SIN

    At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment deserved by sinners.

    He suffered.

    He bled.

    He died.

    And then He rose again.

    The cross tells us two things simultaneously:

    Sin is serious.

    And:

    God's love is astonishing.

    Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love for us through Christ dying for us while we were still sinners.

    Think about that.

    Jesus didn't wait until we became perfect.

    He came to save sinners.


    ---

    11. THERE IS HOPE FOR THE PERSON WHO FEELS TOO FAR GONE

    Perhaps someone reading this thinks:

    “I've failed God too many times.”

    “I've sinned too much.”

    “God could never forgive me.”

    Listen carefully:

    The Gospel is not:

    “Fix yourself and then come to Jesus.”

    The Gospel is:

    “Come to Jesus.”

    Bring Him your brokenness.

    Bring Him your shame.

    Bring Him your failures.

    Bring Him your regrets.

    Bring Him your fears.

    Bring Him your past.

    Bring Him your sins.

    And surrender them to Him.

    Jesus is the Savior.

    You don't have to save yourself.


    ---

    12. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOUR LAST BREATH COMES?

    One day, every one of us will face that moment.

    The room may become quiet.

    The sounds of this world may fade.

    The things that seemed so important may suddenly seem insignificant.

    And the question will no longer be theoretical.

    It will become personal:

    “WHERE AM I GOING?”

    For the person who belongs to Christ, there is hope.

    Jesus promised eternal life.

    Jesus promised resurrection.

    Jesus promised that He would never abandon His people.

    And ultimately, Scripture points us toward a future where death itself is defeated.

    Revelation 21:4 gives this glorious promise:

    > “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.”



    That is the Christian hope.

    Death does not get the final word.

    Jesus does.


    ---

    13. THE FINAL CHOICE

    Every person must ultimately answer the question of what they will do with Jesus.

    Will you reject Him?

    Ignore Him?

    Postpone Him?

    Or surrender your life to Him?

    Jesus calls:

    Come home.

    Come to the cross.

    Come to forgiveness.

    Come to grace.

    Come to salvation.

    Come to eternal life.


    ---

    FINAL APPEAL

    My friend, don't wait for your final breath to think about eternity.

    Think about eternity now.

    You still have an opportunity to seek God.

    You still have an opportunity to repent.

    You still have an opportunity to pray.

    You still have an opportunity to forgive.

    You still have an opportunity to love.

    You still have an opportunity to serve.

    You still have an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.

    And most importantly:

    You still have an opportunity to surrender completely to Jesus Christ.

    The question isn't merely:

    “WHEN WILL I DIE?”

    The deeper question is:

    “AM I READY WHEN I DO?”

    And an even more important question:

    “DO I BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST?”

    Because when your final breath comes, your earthly story will be finished.

    But your eternal destiny will not be.

    So make sure your heart is right with God.

    Make sure your hope is in Christ.

    Make sure your faith is genuine.

    Make sure you are walking with Jesus.

    And when that final moment comes, may you be able to say:

    “JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD AND SAVIOR.”

    “MY HOPE IS IN HIM.”

    “I AM READY TO MEET MY KING.”


    ---

    DEEP PRAYER FOR SALVATION, REPENTANCE, AND ETERNAL LIFE

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You with humility, reverence, and a sincere heart.

    Thank You for giving me the gift of life.

    Thank You for every breath.

    Thank You for every day You have allowed me to see.

    Father, forgive me for the times I have taken life for granted.

    Forgive me for the times I have focused more on this temporary world than on eternal things.

    Forgive me for my sins.

    Forgive my rebellion.

    Forgive my pride.

    Forgive my selfishness.

    Forgive the things I have said, thought, and done that have dishonored You.

    Create in me a clean heart, O God.

    Renew a right spirit within me.

    Lord Jesus Christ,

    I recognize that I cannot save myself.

    I cannot earn eternal life.

    I cannot make myself righteous.

    I need You.

    I need Your mercy.

    I need Your grace.

    I need Your forgiveness.

    I need Your blood to cleanse me.

    I need Your resurrection power to give me new life.

    Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    Take control of my heart.

    Take control of my thoughts.

    Take control of my desires.

    Take control of my words.

    Take control of my decisions.

    Take control of my future.

    Teach me to hate what You hate and love what You love.

    Give me a genuine desire for holiness.

    Give me a genuine desire for Your Word.

    Give me a genuine desire for prayer.

    Give me a genuine desire for Your presence.

    Help me not merely to talk about Christianity.

    Help me truly follow Jesus.

    Holy Spirit, examine my heart.

    Reveal anything in me that needs to change.

    Expose the things I have tried to hide.

    Give me courage to repent.

    Give me strength to turn away from sin.

    When I stumble, keep me from running away from God.

    Teach me to run toward God.

    When I am tempted, give me strength.

    When I am discouraged, give me hope.

    When I am afraid, give me peace.

    When I feel condemned, lead me back to the cross.

    When I fail, teach me to confess and repent rather than surrender to despair.

    Father, prepare me for eternity.

    Don't let me become so comfortable with this temporary world that I forget the eternal world.

    Teach me to number my days.

    Teach me to live wisely.

    Teach me to love people while I still have time.

    Help me forgive those who have hurt me.

    Help me ask forgiveness where I have hurt others.

    Help me make peace where peace is possible.

    Help me use the remaining days of my life for Your glory.

    And when my final breath eventually comes, may I not be trusting in my possessions, my accomplishments, my religious performance, or my own goodness.

    Let my confidence be in Jesus Christ alone.

    Jesus, You are my Savior.

    You are my Lord.

    You are my hope.

    You are my resurrection.

    You are my life.

    And when I stand before You, let me be found trusting in You.

    Father, prepare my heart for that day.

    Until then, help me live every day with eternity in view.

    Let my life be a testimony.

    Let my words point people toward Jesus.

    Let my actions demonstrate Your love.

    Let my testimony give hope to the broken.

    And let me never forget:

    THIS LIFE IS TEMPORARY.

    ETERNITY IS FOREVER.

    JESUS IS THE WAY.

    JESUS IS THE TRUTH.

    JESUS IS THE LIFE.

    Father, I place my life and eternity into Your hands.

    May I live for Christ.

    May I die in Christ.

    And may I spend eternity with Christ.

    In the mighty, precious, holy, and victorious name of Jesus Christ,

    AMEN.
    THE REALITY OF DEATH WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR VERY LAST BREATH? “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 Death is one of the realities that every human being eventually faces. We can avoid talking about it. We can stay busy. We can accumulate possessions. We can build businesses. We can pursue careers. We can become famous. We can become wealthy. We can travel the world. We can take care of our bodies. But eventually, every earthly journey comes to an end. One day, every heartbeat will stop. One day, every breath will cease. One day, the opportunities of this present life will come to an end. And when that final breath comes, there is one question that matters more than almost anything else: WHERE WILL YOU GO? Not: “How much money did I have?” Not: “How successful was I?” Not: “How many people knew my name?” Not: “How beautiful was my house?” Not: “How many possessions did I leave behind?” The question is: “AM I READY TO MEET GOD?” --- 1. DEATH IS NOT RESPECTFUL OF AGE Death doesn't ask whether you're young or old. It doesn't ask whether you're rich or poor. It doesn't ask whether you're famous or unknown. It doesn't ask whether you're prepared. Death comes to kings and ordinary people. The Bible reminds us that our earthly lives are temporary. Psalm 90:12 says: > “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Our time on earth is precious because it is limited. You don't know how many mornings you have left. You don't know how many sunsets you have left. You don't know how many birthdays you have left. You don't know how many times you will hear the voice of someone you love. Therefore: Don't waste the life God has given you. --- 2. YOUR LAST BREATH WILL NOT BE THE END OF EVERYTHING For the Christian, death is not the end. Jesus said in John 11:25: > “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Jesus Christ conquered the grave. The resurrection of Jesus means death does not have the final word. For those who belong to Christ, there is the hope of resurrection and eternal life with God. That is why Paul could write in Philippians 1:21: > “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” This doesn't mean we should seek death. It means that the believer can face death knowing that Jesus has already conquered the grave. --- 3. BUT THE BIBLE ALSO WARNS US ABOUT JUDGMENT We cannot preach only the comforting parts of Scripture. The Bible tells us: Hebrews 9:27: > “Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” There is accountability before God. Our lives matter. Our decisions matter. Our relationship with God matters. The Bible speaks about a final judgment. Revelation 20:12 describes the dead standing before God and being judged. This should awaken us. Not merely frighten us. Awaken us. Because God's warning is an expression of His mercy. God doesn't warn us because He wants humanity to perish. He warns us because He calls people to repentance and salvation. --- 4. YOU CANNOT TAKE YOUR POSSESSIONS WITH YOU You may spend your entire life collecting things. But when your final breath comes, everything you accumulated remains behind. You cannot put your bank account inside your coffin. You cannot take your house into eternity. You cannot take your automobile. You cannot take your career. You cannot take your social-media followers. You cannot take your earthly reputation. The question is not: “What did I own?” The question is: “Whom did I belong to?” --- 5. JESUS ASKED A QUESTION THAT SHOULD SHAKE EVERY HEART Jesus said in Mark 8:36: > “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Think about that. You could theoretically gain everything this world has to offer— and still lose the most important thing you possess. Your soul. You can be successful and spiritually lost. You can be admired and spiritually empty. You can have possessions and have no peace with God. You can fool people. You can even fool yourself. But you cannot fool God. God sees the heart. --- 6. THE MOST IMPORTANT PREPARATION FOR DEATH The most important preparation isn't buying a cemetery plot. It isn't writing a will. It isn't organizing your possessions. Those things have their place. But the most important preparation is: BE READY TO MEET JESUS. Jesus said in John 14:6: > “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Not in our accomplishments. Not in our morality. Not in religious performance. Not in trying to make ourselves worthy. We need the grace of God. We need forgiveness. We need Christ. --- 7. SALVATION IS NOT SOMETHING WE EARN Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith—not because of our own works. This is incredibly important. You cannot make yourself worthy of salvation. You cannot become good enough to force God to accept you. The Gospel is that Jesus Christ came for sinners. He died for our sins. He rose from the dead. And He calls us to repentance and faith. Salvation is God's gift. But we must receive that gift. --- 8. REPENTANCE MEANS TURNING TOWARD GOD Repentance isn't simply saying: “I'm sorry.” Biblical repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. It means surrender. It means: “Lord, I don't want to live my way anymore. I want Your way.” It doesn't mean you will never stumble. It means you stop making peace with sin. You stop treating rebellion against God as something you don't care about. You bring your failures to Christ. You confess them. You receive His forgiveness. And you keep walking with Him. --- 9. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR LAST BREATH One of the most dangerous lies is: “I'll get right with God later.” Later may never come. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Next year is not guaranteed. Another decade is not guaranteed. Your next breath isn't something you can demand. Therefore: DON'T WAIT. If God is calling your heart today, respond today. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive someone, forgive today. If you need to return to Christ, return today. If you've been running from God, come home today. --- 10. THE CROSS IS GOD'S ANSWER TO OUR SIN At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment deserved by sinners. He suffered. He bled. He died. And then He rose again. The cross tells us two things simultaneously: Sin is serious. And: God's love is astonishing. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love for us through Christ dying for us while we were still sinners. Think about that. Jesus didn't wait until we became perfect. He came to save sinners. --- 11. THERE IS HOPE FOR THE PERSON WHO FEELS TOO FAR GONE Perhaps someone reading this thinks: “I've failed God too many times.” “I've sinned too much.” “God could never forgive me.” Listen carefully: The Gospel is not: “Fix yourself and then come to Jesus.” The Gospel is: “Come to Jesus.” Bring Him your brokenness. Bring Him your shame. Bring Him your failures. Bring Him your regrets. Bring Him your fears. Bring Him your past. Bring Him your sins. And surrender them to Him. Jesus is the Savior. You don't have to save yourself. --- 12. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOUR LAST BREATH COMES? One day, every one of us will face that moment. The room may become quiet. The sounds of this world may fade. The things that seemed so important may suddenly seem insignificant. And the question will no longer be theoretical. It will become personal: “WHERE AM I GOING?” For the person who belongs to Christ, there is hope. Jesus promised eternal life. Jesus promised resurrection. Jesus promised that He would never abandon His people. And ultimately, Scripture points us toward a future where death itself is defeated. Revelation 21:4 gives this glorious promise: > “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” That is the Christian hope. Death does not get the final word. Jesus does. --- 13. THE FINAL CHOICE Every person must ultimately answer the question of what they will do with Jesus. Will you reject Him? Ignore Him? Postpone Him? Or surrender your life to Him? Jesus calls: Come home. Come to the cross. Come to forgiveness. Come to grace. Come to salvation. Come to eternal life. --- FINAL APPEAL My friend, don't wait for your final breath to think about eternity. Think about eternity now. You still have an opportunity to seek God. You still have an opportunity to repent. You still have an opportunity to pray. You still have an opportunity to forgive. You still have an opportunity to love. You still have an opportunity to serve. You still have an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. And most importantly: You still have an opportunity to surrender completely to Jesus Christ. The question isn't merely: “WHEN WILL I DIE?” The deeper question is: “AM I READY WHEN I DO?” And an even more important question: “DO I BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST?” Because when your final breath comes, your earthly story will be finished. But your eternal destiny will not be. So make sure your heart is right with God. Make sure your hope is in Christ. Make sure your faith is genuine. Make sure you are walking with Jesus. And when that final moment comes, may you be able to say: “JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD AND SAVIOR.” “MY HOPE IS IN HIM.” “I AM READY TO MEET MY KING.” --- DEEP PRAYER FOR SALVATION, REPENTANCE, AND ETERNAL LIFE Heavenly Father, I come before You with humility, reverence, and a sincere heart. Thank You for giving me the gift of life. Thank You for every breath. Thank You for every day You have allowed me to see. Father, forgive me for the times I have taken life for granted. Forgive me for the times I have focused more on this temporary world than on eternal things. Forgive me for my sins. Forgive my rebellion. Forgive my pride. Forgive my selfishness. Forgive the things I have said, thought, and done that have dishonored You. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that I cannot save myself. I cannot earn eternal life. I cannot make myself righteous. I need You. I need Your mercy. I need Your grace. I need Your forgiveness. I need Your blood to cleanse me. I need Your resurrection power to give me new life. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take control of my heart. Take control of my thoughts. Take control of my desires. Take control of my words. Take control of my decisions. Take control of my future. Teach me to hate what You hate and love what You love. Give me a genuine desire for holiness. Give me a genuine desire for Your Word. Give me a genuine desire for prayer. Give me a genuine desire for Your presence. Help me not merely to talk about Christianity. Help me truly follow Jesus. Holy Spirit, examine my heart. Reveal anything in me that needs to change. Expose the things I have tried to hide. Give me courage to repent. Give me strength to turn away from sin. When I stumble, keep me from running away from God. Teach me to run toward God. When I am tempted, give me strength. When I am discouraged, give me hope. When I am afraid, give me peace. When I feel condemned, lead me back to the cross. When I fail, teach me to confess and repent rather than surrender to despair. Father, prepare me for eternity. Don't let me become so comfortable with this temporary world that I forget the eternal world. Teach me to number my days. Teach me to live wisely. Teach me to love people while I still have time. Help me forgive those who have hurt me. Help me ask forgiveness where I have hurt others. Help me make peace where peace is possible. Help me use the remaining days of my life for Your glory. And when my final breath eventually comes, may I not be trusting in my possessions, my accomplishments, my religious performance, or my own goodness. Let my confidence be in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus, You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my hope. You are my resurrection. You are my life. And when I stand before You, let me be found trusting in You. Father, prepare my heart for that day. Until then, help me live every day with eternity in view. Let my life be a testimony. Let my words point people toward Jesus. Let my actions demonstrate Your love. Let my testimony give hope to the broken. And let me never forget: THIS LIFE IS TEMPORARY. ETERNITY IS FOREVER. JESUS IS THE WAY. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. JESUS IS THE LIFE. Father, I place my life and eternity into Your hands. May I live for Christ. May I die in Christ. And may I spend eternity with Christ. In the mighty, precious, holy, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️❤️🕊️
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  • **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*
    **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*
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  • Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

    While the Scripture admonishes us to love one another, it also reveals those we should avoid. And one of such categories of people to avoid which are those that cause division amongst us. We are not to hate them but to avoid them. Matter of fact, it is love to avoid them.
    They cause division by inciting others to hate another, bring gossip, give wrong interpretation, misinformation and always point out what is wrong or what is not done so as to bring conflict that leads to division. They are always offended and everything gets them angry. This is a tool in their hands to cause division.
    These kind of people will always find a way into our midst: in the church, family, business and association, and the best way to handle them is to AVOID THEM.
    Don't just relate with people, mark who they are and give them their rightful place. Don't mingle with people that cause division, they will take you away from your blessing. Interestingly, Miriam shows us the best reward for those who cause division.
    SELAH.

    YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY

    PST EMAMUZO PETER
    Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17 While the Scripture admonishes us to love one another, it also reveals those we should avoid. And one of such categories of people to avoid which are those that cause division amongst us. We are not to hate them but to avoid them. Matter of fact, it is love to avoid them. They cause division by inciting others to hate another, bring gossip, give wrong interpretation, misinformation and always point out what is wrong or what is not done so as to bring conflict that leads to division. They are always offended and everything gets them angry. This is a tool in their hands to cause division. These kind of people will always find a way into our midst: in the church, family, business and association, and the best way to handle them is to AVOID THEM. Don't just relate with people, mark who they are and give them their rightful place. Don't mingle with people that cause division, they will take you away from your blessing. Interestingly, Miriam shows us the best reward for those who cause division. SELAH. YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2O26.

    "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM {1}"
    ‘I…am the Lord, and besides Me, there is no saviour.’ Isaiah 43:11 NKJV

    THE ISRAELITES were commanded not to make any ‘graven image’ of God. Why? Because God made us, we didn’t make Him. A god you can make is a god you can control and make do whatever you wish. The ancient Greeks had a host of gods, all created by men. Some demanded human sacrifice; others permitted prostitution and even promoted it in their temples. When we reverse the order and start to create God in our own image (according to our own imagination) we get the following things: 1) A god who’s liberal or conservative, a hawk or a dove; a god politicians conveniently pull out of a box at election time to gain votes even though they don’t truly serve him. 2) A flexible god who permits you to do whatever you want, and you can then say, ‘I just felt led to do it.’ 3) A god who promises to bless his children but never discipline them. 4) A god you can ‘keep in his place’ until you need him. 5) A god who is not supreme but happy to be one of many deities offering many ways to heaven. Not so! God says, ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6 NKJV). Jesus doesn’t need a makeover to bring Him into alignment with the Internet and the space age. He is Lord! Indeed, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all!

    Bible In A Year: Ezek 5-9, Matt 21:12-17, Ps 119:169-176, Pro 19:9-10. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation

    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *COURAGE TO RISE AND MOVE ON AFTER A SERIOUS SETBACK*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 1:11-18.

    11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
    12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
    13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
    14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
    15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lyord  your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
    16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
    17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
    18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage

    *Timeless Truth:*_"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul"_ (Hebrews 10:38,39).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    40 years have passed now when they left Egypt with great joy and hope coupled with triumph over the oppressive and terrorizing Egyptians. Little did they know the challenges that will greet them on the way. A few days journey from Kadesh to Jordan turned to 40 years. All the adults, except Caleb and Joshua, who left Egypt died without reaching the promised Canaan. Unfortunately, Moses, their faithful leader, including their high priest Aaron, and Miriam the Women Leader were painfully casualties. They just finished mourning Moses for 30 days. That was not their plan and expectations when they left Egypt. However, they must move on and enter the land of promise after all those setbacks. This takes courage and faith in God. The Christian life is similar especially, when the heart is not sanctified. Starting with the indescribable Joy of Salvation, the journey to heaven began. But unexpectedly, along the way, there are battles to fight, divine disciplines to endure and challenges meant to perfect that will be experienced. Those experiences and setbacks should not becloud our forward march to heaven; we must keep moving on until we enter the promised heaven. The Apostles were said to be *"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom"* (Acts 14:22).

    *1. The Command to be Observed with Unwavering Faith*

    a. Joshua commanded the captains to *"Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals"*. Some people who willingly obey the commandments in their work places, public transports, whether land, air or sea, deride commandments when it comes from God through church leaders or shepherds. Some refused or stopped going to church because of their hate for commandments. They often talk of human rights, human free will etc when commandments are given by God through His ministers. The truth is that no man, no matter how wise or intelligent, can live happily or successfully in the world without learning to listen to instructions or commandments and follow them in every sphere of life. The Word of God is filled with instructions and commandment because none can claim to know the correct and fulfilling routes in life when he has never passed through it. Human security, safety, fulfillment and joy are tied to the ability to hear, listen and obey godly instructions and commandments. The 'dos' and 'don'ts' of the Word of God, which carnal minds reject, are actually, the path way to a happy and fulfilling life.
    b. Moses, their Prophet par excellence who used to see and hear from God directly was gone. Yet they did not idolize Moses that since Moses was gone all hope was lost. Their confidence was in God without any cult personality. True believers should not see any of their leaders as a cult personality to idolize. Cult personality in the household of faith is carnality and idol worship in action. Any God-given leader at any time should be obeyed and followed because it is the commandment of God and His Word that matters most and not the human vessel. Israel lost nothing as a result of the death of Moses. The same God who moved mightily in Moses also moved greatly in Joshua that Israel never regretted the death of Moses. The Command of Joshua was military in nature, but obeying it will require courage and faith. *"Within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it"*. Looking back, many souls have died without receiving the promise. Looking forward to Jordan that it would take a great miracle like it happened in the Red Sea before they could pass. However, Joshua gave the commandment as if the Jordan challenge was not there. Israel also did not raise alarm about the humanly impassable Jordan. They all jointly and unitedly believed God that crossing was a done deal since it was God who commanded and God had done it before. We must move on by faith to the hope set before us with courage. Since God has promised to take us to heaven, no need to fear the assault of persistent temptations, the murmurs of persecutions and afflictions, the threat of marital and career setbacks and the cruel dread of principalities and power. Just move on in obedience and faith according to His Word and be sure you will land on the other side of the river.

    *Question*

    Have you decided to continue the journey to the end no matter the challenges on the way?

    *2.Care to be Offered to the Unsettled Families*

    a. The Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh were given their land and possession before they crossed the Jordan River. Now that the soldiers of those tribes were settled, it was tempting for them to quit the journey and go to their rest. Moses settled that need for genuine brotherly love before he died. Joshua recalled that because he knew that the commandment of God does not die with the vessel that God used to declare it. He said, *"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"*. The vulnerable were to stay behind in the promised land while their soldiers joined the remaining Israelites to fight the Canaanites. There was no rest for them until their brethren had rest. Obeying that would require faith and a golden caring heart. First, who would protect those vulnerable two and half tribes when all their soldiers leave them behind? David did that for his wives and vulnerable followers in Ziklag and the Amalekites overran the wives and carried away everything belonging to them. Was that commandment of Moses reasonable? It was reasonable since it was given by God. It was reasonable because faith in God would not be disappointed. It was reasonable because the law of love is stronger than the law of self protection. This is the lesson for us as to how God works.
    b. *"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill ye the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). Any law, policy or principle that does not visibly reflect the care and love for one another in the family, church and among neighbours is not of God no matter how the world exalts it. Practical and sacrificial care for one another is the hall mark of Christianity. When that is missing, the Christian faith is not different from other religions. Believers should lighten burdens of others, wiping off bitter tears, relieving the oppressed, putting the balm of Gilead in the troubled souls in addition to assisting and supporting others through prayer. Selfishness, self interest, self protection, self respect, etc.are being imported into the church as wisdom, but they are not Christlike. *"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"* (Philippians 2:4). This is a commandment.

    *Question*

    Are you practically bearing others burdens or are you hypocritically selfish?

    *3. Consecration to Obedience and Unity by the Faithful*

    a. Christian consecration is the solemn act of setting apart a person, place or thing from ordinary, secular use and dedicating it entirely to God and holy purposes. This includes consecration to do and obey the Word of God. It is difficult in these last days of superficial christianity and devotion to deliberately, doggedly and determinedly stick to the Word of God without definite consecrations. When it comes to unity among brethren, many things often threaten unity and it takes consecration with godly unity in order to ensure the unity of the saints. This is needful because the victory, the blessings and divine visitations on a people are tightly connected to unity. Unity must be encouraged and enforced in order to enjoy God's bests. *"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace"*. We must preach it, pray for it, practice it and pass it on to the future generations. Would the Holy Spirit have descended on the Early Church if they were not united in the Upper Room? If the Trinity is not united, what would the world look like? *"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go"*.
    It takes deliberate consecration to God to obey all the commandments of God without complaining. It takes consecration to follow a man of like passion wholeheartedly. Consecrations are milestones to spiritual maturity and profitability in the hands of God. Spiritual growth into higher ground is all about making higher consecrations and working it out through the grace of God.

    *Question*

    What are the irreversible consecrations you have made to God so far?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Father, give me power and faith, with courage, to keep moving on until I land in the heavenly Canaan land and let me not fall by the way side .
    2.Make me an agent of unity and let the Spirit of unity and obedience reign in the midst of Your children.
    3.Give me more love to bear one another's burdens and cleanse my heart from all forms of selfishness .
    4.Help all Your children to be given to deeper consecrations.

    *HYMN:* Arise O youth of God

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* HABAKKUK 1-3.
    [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026```


    *PREPARATION FOR ENDURING POSSESSIONS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```TEXT:JOSHUA 1:11-18```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go" (JOSHUA 1:16).*_

    *C. Reuben Anderson, an American, told a story of an engineer who was confined to bed because his lower limbs were paralysed from a serious accident. Because of his reputation for great skill, he was asked to design and prepare the blueprints for a great suspension bridge. After many months, his plans were completed and placed in the hands of those who were to be in charge of the bridge's construction. After a considerable period, the construction was completed. The engineer was brought on his bed to the scene of the beautiful bridge spanning the wide river. As he watched for the first time as cars sped over the bridge, and as he looked at the blueprints which he held in his hands, tears began to fill his eyes, and he cried out, "It's just like the plan; it's just like the plan." Undoubtedly, the sense of accomplishment brought tears of joy to the eyes of the intelligent and fulfilled engineer. His good works serve humanity! What a lesson! We must live to add value to others.*

    *Today's passage centres on the preparation of Israel to go in and possess the Promised Land under the able leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, the commander of the army of Israel after the death of Moses. This time, they were on the verge of entering Canaan. Strategically, he told the army to prepare, and he reminded the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses that they would cross the River Jordan and fight alongside the nine and the half tribes until they possessed their inheritance before returning to settle on the east side of Jordan. The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment and promised to follow Joshua as they followed Moses, irrespective of the challenges ahead.*

    *The salient lesson here include the unity among the tribes, cooperation with the leader, and Joshua's uncompromising, indefatigable leadership style that gave Israel the edge. As a result, the nation won battles, conquered adversaries, and possessed the Promised Land.*

    *Families, churches, societies and nations that desire victory in life's battles and challenges must follow the same pattern. Beyond earthly victories and possessions, there is an enduring possession in heaven for the saints of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for all who make themselves ready and willing to follow Him unconditionally.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A walk with God is the surest way of victory in all battles.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *HABAKKUK 1-3*



    Preparation For Enduring Possessions
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 27: I AM BOUND FOR CANAAN; GHS 42: CLOSE TO THEE; GHS 44: COME OVER; AND GHS 51: THAT BLESSED CANAAN LAND*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna26thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *CALL TO SPECIAL SERVICE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:EXODUS 31:1-11```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (EXODUS 31:2-3).*_

    *God gives everyone talents and gifts to function in the church and community for the common good of His church and humanity. However, some people are called of God and endowed specially for specific assignments.*

    *Such were Bezaleel and Hur. God gave them wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be able to translate the vision of the tabernacle shown to Moses on the mountain, to reality. They were to build according to pattern.*

    *The Holy Spirit apportions to each member of the church as He wills. In talents and gifts, are embedded all abilities and ministries needed by every believer to fulfill their divinely ordained functions.*

    *God equips those He engages. Has God given you a specific task to do? The wherewithal to get the work done will always be available. Does your task look irksome? The wisdom, grace and resources are available. Identify your specific assignment and work on it.*

    *However, everyone is called to the service of soul winning. Having received the gift of salvation, every believer must take the gospel message to all sinners. It is an all-believers' duty, without exception.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*God equips those He engages.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Invest your talents and gifts in the kingdom of God.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, use me for Your glory.*_



    Call To Special Service
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday26thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *NOAH - A RIGHTEOUS MAN* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🫎🫎🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```GENESIS 6:1-9```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).*_



    God was displeased with the wickedness of humanity that He decided to send a flood to destroy the earth. However, He chose Noah, a righteous man to build an ark to save himself, his family and two of every kind of animals.

    For about 120 years, Noah was busy building the ark based on God's instructions and specifications. He also used the opportunity to warn of the impending judgment on the world in the form of a flood. But nobody heeded Noah's plea. They found it hard to believe that a loving God could also punish sin and destroy the world.

    Noah knew his God and obeyed God's instructions to the letter, even though he had never seen rain nor flood before. He did exploits for God and helped in the fulfilment of God's programme for that age.

    *The judgment of God is fast approaching again. This present world will soon be burnt with fire. It is the duty of all Christian boys and girls to live righteously and also serve as true witnesses to help sinners escape the coming destruction and judgment. God still commits His divine assignments into the hands of His faithful children.*



    ```rayer:``` _*God, please help me to be faithful in all that You have committed into my hands, in Jesus' name.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *2 Peter 2:4-6*


    Noah - A Righteous Man
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk26thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1

    Prayer is the life-breath of the soul. Without it, we grow faint and weary. ⏤ F.B. Meyer

    O God, You alone make us dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of Your wings, and we awake in the morning under the blessing of Your love because You have sustained us. Once again, we thank You for Your care and protection, and for the gift of sleep. We renew our consecration to You this morning, asking for Your permission to live another day for You and with You, doing Your will.

    Make the way clear for us, and do not let us stray from the paths of Your commandments. In our worldly affairs, grant us wisdom and grace. May it please You to prosper us in our daily work. May Your Holy Spirit preside over our home. Protect us from harm of every kind. Let us not be careless in our duties or neglectful in our tasks today.

    Help us to make the most of every moment of this day. This day is Yours, not ours; it is ours to use for You. May we spend it in such a way that every moment will bear good fruit. In our conversations, may we speak only words that build others up—kind words, true words. Keep us from complaining and grumbling. Teach us the lesson of contentment so that we never murmur or complain.

    May it please You to keep us from speaking words that would discourage others. May we always speak words that uplift and encourage, making it easier for others to live. Forbid that we should say anything that would make anyone's burden heavier or their path more difficult. May we live every moment for You, serving You faithfully, and at last may You receive us into Your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2O26. "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM {1}" ‘I…am the Lord, and besides Me, there is no saviour.’ Isaiah 43:11 NKJV THE ISRAELITES were commanded not to make any ‘graven image’ of God. Why? Because God made us, we didn’t make Him. A god you can make is a god you can control and make do whatever you wish. The ancient Greeks had a host of gods, all created by men. Some demanded human sacrifice; others permitted prostitution and even promoted it in their temples. When we reverse the order and start to create God in our own image (according to our own imagination) we get the following things: 1) A god who’s liberal or conservative, a hawk or a dove; a god politicians conveniently pull out of a box at election time to gain votes even though they don’t truly serve him. 2) A flexible god who permits you to do whatever you want, and you can then say, ‘I just felt led to do it.’ 3) A god who promises to bless his children but never discipline them. 4) A god you can ‘keep in his place’ until you need him. 5) A god who is not supreme but happy to be one of many deities offering many ways to heaven. Not so! God says, ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6 NKJV). Jesus doesn’t need a makeover to bring Him into alignment with the Internet and the space age. He is Lord! Indeed, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all! Bible In A Year: Ezek 5-9, Matt 21:12-17, Ps 119:169-176, Pro 19:9-10. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. MD.ii. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2026. *COURAGE TO RISE AND MOVE ON AFTER A SERIOUS SETBACK* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 1:11-18. 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, 13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lyord  your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage *Timeless Truth:*_"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul"_ (Hebrews 10:38,39). *INTRODUCTION* 40 years have passed now when they left Egypt with great joy and hope coupled with triumph over the oppressive and terrorizing Egyptians. Little did they know the challenges that will greet them on the way. A few days journey from Kadesh to Jordan turned to 40 years. All the adults, except Caleb and Joshua, who left Egypt died without reaching the promised Canaan. Unfortunately, Moses, their faithful leader, including their high priest Aaron, and Miriam the Women Leader were painfully casualties. They just finished mourning Moses for 30 days. That was not their plan and expectations when they left Egypt. However, they must move on and enter the land of promise after all those setbacks. This takes courage and faith in God. The Christian life is similar especially, when the heart is not sanctified. Starting with the indescribable Joy of Salvation, the journey to heaven began. But unexpectedly, along the way, there are battles to fight, divine disciplines to endure and challenges meant to perfect that will be experienced. Those experiences and setbacks should not becloud our forward march to heaven; we must keep moving on until we enter the promised heaven. The Apostles were said to be *"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom"* (Acts 14:22). *1. The Command to be Observed with Unwavering Faith* a. Joshua commanded the captains to *"Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals"*. Some people who willingly obey the commandments in their work places, public transports, whether land, air or sea, deride commandments when it comes from God through church leaders or shepherds. Some refused or stopped going to church because of their hate for commandments. They often talk of human rights, human free will etc when commandments are given by God through His ministers. The truth is that no man, no matter how wise or intelligent, can live happily or successfully in the world without learning to listen to instructions or commandments and follow them in every sphere of life. The Word of God is filled with instructions and commandment because none can claim to know the correct and fulfilling routes in life when he has never passed through it. Human security, safety, fulfillment and joy are tied to the ability to hear, listen and obey godly instructions and commandments. The 'dos' and 'don'ts' of the Word of God, which carnal minds reject, are actually, the path way to a happy and fulfilling life. b. Moses, their Prophet par excellence who used to see and hear from God directly was gone. Yet they did not idolize Moses that since Moses was gone all hope was lost. Their confidence was in God without any cult personality. True believers should not see any of their leaders as a cult personality to idolize. Cult personality in the household of faith is carnality and idol worship in action. Any God-given leader at any time should be obeyed and followed because it is the commandment of God and His Word that matters most and not the human vessel. Israel lost nothing as a result of the death of Moses. The same God who moved mightily in Moses also moved greatly in Joshua that Israel never regretted the death of Moses. The Command of Joshua was military in nature, but obeying it will require courage and faith. *"Within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it"*. Looking back, many souls have died without receiving the promise. Looking forward to Jordan that it would take a great miracle like it happened in the Red Sea before they could pass. However, Joshua gave the commandment as if the Jordan challenge was not there. Israel also did not raise alarm about the humanly impassable Jordan. They all jointly and unitedly believed God that crossing was a done deal since it was God who commanded and God had done it before. We must move on by faith to the hope set before us with courage. Since God has promised to take us to heaven, no need to fear the assault of persistent temptations, the murmurs of persecutions and afflictions, the threat of marital and career setbacks and the cruel dread of principalities and power. Just move on in obedience and faith according to His Word and be sure you will land on the other side of the river. *Question* Have you decided to continue the journey to the end no matter the challenges on the way? *2.Care to be Offered to the Unsettled Families* a. The Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh were given their land and possession before they crossed the Jordan River. Now that the soldiers of those tribes were settled, it was tempting for them to quit the journey and go to their rest. Moses settled that need for genuine brotherly love before he died. Joshua recalled that because he knew that the commandment of God does not die with the vessel that God used to declare it. He said, *"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"*. The vulnerable were to stay behind in the promised land while their soldiers joined the remaining Israelites to fight the Canaanites. There was no rest for them until their brethren had rest. Obeying that would require faith and a golden caring heart. First, who would protect those vulnerable two and half tribes when all their soldiers leave them behind? David did that for his wives and vulnerable followers in Ziklag and the Amalekites overran the wives and carried away everything belonging to them. Was that commandment of Moses reasonable? It was reasonable since it was given by God. It was reasonable because faith in God would not be disappointed. It was reasonable because the law of love is stronger than the law of self protection. This is the lesson for us as to how God works. b. *"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill ye the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). Any law, policy or principle that does not visibly reflect the care and love for one another in the family, church and among neighbours is not of God no matter how the world exalts it. Practical and sacrificial care for one another is the hall mark of Christianity. When that is missing, the Christian faith is not different from other religions. Believers should lighten burdens of others, wiping off bitter tears, relieving the oppressed, putting the balm of Gilead in the troubled souls in addition to assisting and supporting others through prayer. Selfishness, self interest, self protection, self respect, etc.are being imported into the church as wisdom, but they are not Christlike. *"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"* (Philippians 2:4). This is a commandment. *Question* Are you practically bearing others burdens or are you hypocritically selfish? *3. Consecration to Obedience and Unity by the Faithful* a. Christian consecration is the solemn act of setting apart a person, place or thing from ordinary, secular use and dedicating it entirely to God and holy purposes. This includes consecration to do and obey the Word of God. It is difficult in these last days of superficial christianity and devotion to deliberately, doggedly and determinedly stick to the Word of God without definite consecrations. When it comes to unity among brethren, many things often threaten unity and it takes consecration with godly unity in order to ensure the unity of the saints. This is needful because the victory, the blessings and divine visitations on a people are tightly connected to unity. Unity must be encouraged and enforced in order to enjoy God's bests. *"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace"*. We must preach it, pray for it, practice it and pass it on to the future generations. Would the Holy Spirit have descended on the Early Church if they were not united in the Upper Room? If the Trinity is not united, what would the world look like? *"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go"*. It takes deliberate consecration to God to obey all the commandments of God without complaining. It takes consecration to follow a man of like passion wholeheartedly. Consecrations are milestones to spiritual maturity and profitability in the hands of God. Spiritual growth into higher ground is all about making higher consecrations and working it out through the grace of God. *Question* What are the irreversible consecrations you have made to God so far? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, give me power and faith, with courage, to keep moving on until I land in the heavenly Canaan land and let me not fall by the way side 🙏. 2.Make me an agent of unity and let the Spirit of unity and obedience reign in the midst of Your children. 3.Give me more love to bear one another's burdens and cleanse my heart from all forms of selfishness 🙏. 4.Help all Your children to be given to deeper consecrations🙏. *HYMN:* Arise O youth of God *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* HABAKKUK 1-3. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *PREPARATION FOR ENDURING POSSESSIONS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 1:11-18```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go" (JOSHUA 1:16).*_ *C. Reuben Anderson, an American, told a story of an engineer who was confined to bed because his lower limbs were paralysed from a serious accident. Because of his reputation for great skill, he was asked to design and prepare the blueprints for a great suspension bridge. After many months, his plans were completed and placed in the hands of those who were to be in charge of the bridge's construction. After a considerable period, the construction was completed. The engineer was brought on his bed to the scene of the beautiful bridge spanning the wide river. As he watched for the first time as cars sped over the bridge, and as he looked at the blueprints which he held in his hands, tears began to fill his eyes, and he cried out, "It's just like the plan; it's just like the plan." Undoubtedly, the sense of accomplishment brought tears of joy to the eyes of the intelligent and fulfilled engineer. His good works serve humanity! What a lesson! We must live to add value to others.* *Today's passage centres on the preparation of Israel to go in and possess the Promised Land under the able leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, the commander of the army of Israel after the death of Moses. This time, they were on the verge of entering Canaan. Strategically, he told the army to prepare, and he reminded the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses that they would cross the River Jordan and fight alongside the nine and the half tribes until they possessed their inheritance before returning to settle on the east side of Jordan. The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment and promised to follow Joshua as they followed Moses, irrespective of the challenges ahead.* *The salient lesson here include the unity among the tribes, cooperation with the leader, and Joshua's uncompromising, indefatigable leadership style that gave Israel the edge. As a result, the nation won battles, conquered adversaries, and possessed the Promised Land.* *Families, churches, societies and nations that desire victory in life's battles and challenges must follow the same pattern. Beyond earthly victories and possessions, there is an enduring possession in heaven for the saints of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for all who make themselves ready and willing to follow Him unconditionally.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A walk with God is the surest way of victory in all battles.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *HABAKKUK 1-3*📜📜 Preparation For Enduring Possessions https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 27: I AM BOUND FOR CANAAN; GHS 42: CLOSE TO THEE; GHS 44: COME OVER; AND GHS 51: THAT BLESSED CANAAN LAND* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CALL TO SPECIAL SERVICE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:EXODUS 31:1-11```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (EXODUS 31:2-3).*_ *God gives everyone talents and gifts to function in the church and community for the common good of His church and humanity. However, some people are called of God and endowed specially for specific assignments.* *Such were Bezaleel and Hur. God gave them wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be able to translate the vision of the tabernacle shown to Moses on the mountain, to reality. They were to build according to pattern.* *The Holy Spirit apportions to each member of the church as He wills. In talents and gifts, are embedded all abilities and ministries needed by every believer to fulfill their divinely ordained functions.* *God equips those He engages. Has God given you a specific task to do? The wherewithal to get the work done will always be available. Does your task look irksome? The wisdom, grace and resources are available. Identify your specific assignment and work on it.* *However, everyone is called to the service of soul winning. Having received the gift of salvation, every believer must take the gospel message to all sinners. It is an all-believers' duty, without exception.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God equips those He engages.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Invest your talents and gifts in the kingdom of God.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, use me for Your glory.*_ Call To Special Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *NOAH - A RIGHTEOUS MAN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🛥️🐄🐄🐒🐒🦅🦅🦉🦉🐴🐴🐗🐗🫎🫎🦓🦓🦍🦍🐘🐘🐎🐎🐑🐑🐓🐓🐇🐇🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 6:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God was displeased with the wickedness of humanity that He decided to send a flood to destroy the earth. However, He chose Noah, a righteous man to build an ark to save himself, his family and two of every kind of animals. For about 120 years, Noah was busy building the ark based on God's instructions and specifications. He also used the opportunity to warn of the impending judgment on the world in the form of a flood. But nobody heeded Noah's plea. They found it hard to believe that a loving God could also punish sin and destroy the world. Noah knew his God and obeyed God's instructions to the letter, even though he had never seen rain nor flood before. He did exploits for God and helped in the fulfilment of God's programme for that age. *The judgment of God is fast approaching again. This present world will soon be burnt with fire. It is the duty of all Christian boys and girls to live righteously and also serve as true witnesses to help sinners escape the coming destruction and judgment. God still commits His divine assignments into the hands of His faithful children.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, please help me to be faithful in all that You have committed into my hands, in Jesus' name.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Peter 2:4-6* Noah - A Righteous Man https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1 Prayer is the life-breath of the soul. Without it, we grow faint and weary. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, You alone make us dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of Your wings, and we awake in the morning under the blessing of Your love because You have sustained us. Once again, we thank You for Your care and protection, and for the gift of sleep. We renew our consecration to You this morning, asking for Your permission to live another day for You and with You, doing Your will. Make the way clear for us, and do not let us stray from the paths of Your commandments. In our worldly affairs, grant us wisdom and grace. May it please You to prosper us in our daily work. May Your Holy Spirit preside over our home. Protect us from harm of every kind. Let us not be careless in our duties or neglectful in our tasks today. Help us to make the most of every moment of this day. This day is Yours, not ours; it is ours to use for You. May we spend it in such a way that every moment will bear good fruit. In our conversations, may we speak only words that build others up—kind words, true words. Keep us from complaining and grumbling. Teach us the lesson of contentment so that we never murmur or complain. May it please You to keep us from speaking words that would discourage others. May we always speak words that uplift and encourage, making it easier for others to live. Forbid that we should say anything that would make anyone's burden heavier or their path more difficult. May we live every moment for You, serving You faithfully, and at last may You receive us into Your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026
    IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL

    Topic: Stop Comparing Your Life With Others

    Bible Reference

    But let each one examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, without comparing himself with someone else.
    Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

    A Short Story

    Grace was 25 years old and had recently completed her university education. She had always been grateful for her progress, but things changed when she became more active on social media. Every morning, she opened her phone and saw people she knew announcing new jobs, getting married, buying cars, travelling to different countries, starting businesses, and celebrating different achievements.

    At first, Grace was happy for them. After some time, however, she began to feel unhappy with herself. One of her classmates had secured a good job shortly after graduation, while Grace was still searching for work. Another friend had started a successful fashion business. Someone else had recently bought a car. A former schoolmate had even announced her wedding.

    Grace began asking herself difficult questions. What am I doing with my life? Why is everybody moving forward except me? Have I wasted my time? Maybe I am not good enough.

    She started feeling ashamed whenever people asked what she was doing. Instead of seeing the things she had already achieved, she focused only on what other people had that she did not have.

    One evening, Grace visited her aunt, who noticed that she was unusually quiet. After listening to her, her aunt asked her to put her phone away and write down five things she was grateful for.

    Grace initially struggled to think of five things. Eventually, she wrote down her education, her family, her health, the skills she had developed, and the opportunity to start again. Her aunt then asked her another question.

    “If you keep looking at another person's journey, how will you have time to focus on yours?”

    That question stayed with Grace.

    She realised that she had been measuring her life with other people's timelines. She had forgotten that people do not all start from the same place, receive the same opportunities, or grow at the same speed.

    Grace decided to stop using other people's achievements as a measure of her own worth. She began applying for jobs more seriously, improving her skills, and working on a small business idea she had neglected. She still celebrated other people's success, but she no longer allowed their success to make her hate her own journey.

    Today's Message

    Comparison is one of the easiest ways to lose your peace. You can be doing well and still feel like a failure when you constantly measure yourself against somebody else.

    As a young person, you may look at your classmates, friends, colleagues, relatives, or people you follow online and feel that you are behind. Someone may already have a good job while you are still searching. Someone may be married while you are still single. Someone may have children while you are still waiting. Someone may own a business while you are still trying to discover what you can do. Someone may be travelling, building a house, buying a car, or becoming popular while you are still taking small steps.

    It is easy to forget that you are looking at their results without seeing their entire journey.

    Social media can make this problem worse because people usually show their best moments. You may see someone's new car but not the years of struggle behind it. You may see a beautiful wedding but not know the difficulties the couple faced before getting there. You may see a successful business but not know how many times the person failed before becoming successful.

    When you compare your ordinary days with somebody else's best moments, you can easily become discouraged.

    The Bible says in Galatians 6:4 that each person should examine his own work instead of comparing himself with someone else. God did not create you to become a copy of another person. He gave you your own abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and journey.

    This does not mean that you should become careless about your progress. You should learn from successful people. You should allow good examples to motivate you. You should celebrate the achievements of others and ask yourself what you can learn from them. There is a difference between learning from someone and becoming jealous of the person.

    Comparison becomes dangerous when another person's progress makes you despise your own life.

    You may be wondering why your life is taking longer than you expected. Perhaps you prayed for something and it has not happened yet. Perhaps you have worked hard but have not seen the results you expected. Perhaps people younger than you are already achieving things you hoped to achieve.

    Do not allow this to make you believe that God has forgotten you.

    Your life is not a race against your friends.

    You have your own assignment.

    You have your own season.

    You have your own responsibilities.

    You have your own opportunities.

    Instead of constantly asking, Why am I not like this person? ask, What should I be doing with what God has placed in my hands?

    That question will change your focus.

    If you spend all your time watching somebody else's life, you may neglect your own. While you are watching another person's progress, there may be opportunities around you that you are failing to recognise.

    David did not become king by trying to become Jonathan. Esther did not fulfil her purpose by trying to become another woman. Peter's journey was different from John's, yet Jesus had a purpose for both of them.

    Your journey may be different from the person beside you, and that is not necessarily a problem.

    Do not rush into marriage because your friends are getting married. Do not enter a business because everyone seems to be making money from it. Do not choose a career simply because it is popular. Do not spend money trying to look successful because you are afraid of what people will think.

    Build your own life wisely.

    Be grateful for where you are while working faithfully toward where you want to be. You can desire growth without hating your present situation. You can pray for more without being ungrateful for what you already have.

    Remember that slow progress is still progress.

    Some seeds take longer to grow than others. What matters is that you keep planting, keep learning, keep praying, keep working, and keep trusting God.

    Your story is still being written.

    What To Do Today

    1. Take a break from comparing your life with people around you or people you follow online.

    2. Write down five things you are grateful for and thank God for them.

    3. Identify one area of your life that needs improvement and make a practical plan to grow in that area.

    4. Celebrate someone else's achievement today without allowing it to make you feel inferior.

    Prayer

    Lord, help me to stop comparing my life with other people. Teach me to appreciate what You have given me and to be faithful with the opportunities in my hands. When I see other people's success, help me to celebrate them without becoming discouraged. Give me patience to trust Your timing and wisdom to work faithfully in my own season. Help me to focus on my purpose and become the person You have created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Daily Challenge

    Today, stop asking why your life is not like someone else's. Instead, ask yourself: What can I do with what God has given me?

    Focus on your journey, take one meaningful step, and trust God with the rest.

    Anthony Ijere
    Christian Author and Revivalist
    WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Stop Comparing Your Life With Others Bible Reference But let each one examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, without comparing himself with someone else. Galatians 6:4 (NIV) A Short Story Grace was 25 years old and had recently completed her university education. She had always been grateful for her progress, but things changed when she became more active on social media. Every morning, she opened her phone and saw people she knew announcing new jobs, getting married, buying cars, travelling to different countries, starting businesses, and celebrating different achievements. At first, Grace was happy for them. After some time, however, she began to feel unhappy with herself. One of her classmates had secured a good job shortly after graduation, while Grace was still searching for work. Another friend had started a successful fashion business. Someone else had recently bought a car. A former schoolmate had even announced her wedding. Grace began asking herself difficult questions. What am I doing with my life? Why is everybody moving forward except me? Have I wasted my time? Maybe I am not good enough. She started feeling ashamed whenever people asked what she was doing. Instead of seeing the things she had already achieved, she focused only on what other people had that she did not have. One evening, Grace visited her aunt, who noticed that she was unusually quiet. After listening to her, her aunt asked her to put her phone away and write down five things she was grateful for. Grace initially struggled to think of five things. Eventually, she wrote down her education, her family, her health, the skills she had developed, and the opportunity to start again. Her aunt then asked her another question. “If you keep looking at another person's journey, how will you have time to focus on yours?” That question stayed with Grace. She realised that she had been measuring her life with other people's timelines. She had forgotten that people do not all start from the same place, receive the same opportunities, or grow at the same speed. Grace decided to stop using other people's achievements as a measure of her own worth. She began applying for jobs more seriously, improving her skills, and working on a small business idea she had neglected. She still celebrated other people's success, but she no longer allowed their success to make her hate her own journey. Today's Message Comparison is one of the easiest ways to lose your peace. You can be doing well and still feel like a failure when you constantly measure yourself against somebody else. As a young person, you may look at your classmates, friends, colleagues, relatives, or people you follow online and feel that you are behind. Someone may already have a good job while you are still searching. Someone may be married while you are still single. Someone may have children while you are still waiting. Someone may own a business while you are still trying to discover what you can do. Someone may be travelling, building a house, buying a car, or becoming popular while you are still taking small steps. It is easy to forget that you are looking at their results without seeing their entire journey. Social media can make this problem worse because people usually show their best moments. You may see someone's new car but not the years of struggle behind it. You may see a beautiful wedding but not know the difficulties the couple faced before getting there. You may see a successful business but not know how many times the person failed before becoming successful. When you compare your ordinary days with somebody else's best moments, you can easily become discouraged. The Bible says in Galatians 6:4 that each person should examine his own work instead of comparing himself with someone else. God did not create you to become a copy of another person. He gave you your own abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and journey. This does not mean that you should become careless about your progress. You should learn from successful people. You should allow good examples to motivate you. You should celebrate the achievements of others and ask yourself what you can learn from them. There is a difference between learning from someone and becoming jealous of the person. Comparison becomes dangerous when another person's progress makes you despise your own life. You may be wondering why your life is taking longer than you expected. Perhaps you prayed for something and it has not happened yet. Perhaps you have worked hard but have not seen the results you expected. Perhaps people younger than you are already achieving things you hoped to achieve. Do not allow this to make you believe that God has forgotten you. Your life is not a race against your friends. You have your own assignment. You have your own season. You have your own responsibilities. You have your own opportunities. Instead of constantly asking, Why am I not like this person? ask, What should I be doing with what God has placed in my hands? That question will change your focus. If you spend all your time watching somebody else's life, you may neglect your own. While you are watching another person's progress, there may be opportunities around you that you are failing to recognise. David did not become king by trying to become Jonathan. Esther did not fulfil her purpose by trying to become another woman. Peter's journey was different from John's, yet Jesus had a purpose for both of them. Your journey may be different from the person beside you, and that is not necessarily a problem. Do not rush into marriage because your friends are getting married. Do not enter a business because everyone seems to be making money from it. Do not choose a career simply because it is popular. Do not spend money trying to look successful because you are afraid of what people will think. Build your own life wisely. Be grateful for where you are while working faithfully toward where you want to be. You can desire growth without hating your present situation. You can pray for more without being ungrateful for what you already have. Remember that slow progress is still progress. Some seeds take longer to grow than others. What matters is that you keep planting, keep learning, keep praying, keep working, and keep trusting God. Your story is still being written. What To Do Today 1. Take a break from comparing your life with people around you or people you follow online. 2. Write down five things you are grateful for and thank God for them. 3. Identify one area of your life that needs improvement and make a practical plan to grow in that area. 4. Celebrate someone else's achievement today without allowing it to make you feel inferior. Prayer Lord, help me to stop comparing my life with other people. Teach me to appreciate what You have given me and to be faithful with the opportunities in my hands. When I see other people's success, help me to celebrate them without becoming discouraged. Give me patience to trust Your timing and wisdom to work faithfully in my own season. Help me to focus on my purpose and become the person You have created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Today, stop asking why your life is not like someone else's. Instead, ask yourself: What can I do with what God has given me? Focus on your journey, take one meaningful step, and trust God with the rest. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist
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  • 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
    🔥 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
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  • TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!!
    CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!!

    “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15

    There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow.

    You can change your career.

    You can move to another city.

    You can repair a broken relationship.

    You can change your mind about many things.

    But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone:

    What will you do with Jesus Christ?

    The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations:

    Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ

    or

    eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation.

    This is not a game.

    This is not something to treat casually.

    And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely.

    Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us.

    ---

    CHOICE ONE:

    RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST

    Jesus said:
    «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
    — John 14:6»

    The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth:

    We have all sinned.

    Romans 3:23 says:

    «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”»

    But God did not leave humanity without hope.

    He sent His Son.

    Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again.

    John 3:16 declares:

    «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”»

    Think about the magnitude of that promise.

    God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment.

    He offered mercy.

    God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation.

    He offered forgiveness.

    God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ.

    ---

    JESUS IS CALLING YOU

    Jesus said:

    «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
    — Matthew 11:28»

    Notice the invitation:

    Come to Me.

    Not:

    “Fix yourself first.”

    Not:

    “Become perfect first.”

    Not:

    “Make yourself worthy first.”

    Come to Me.

    Repent.

    Believe.

    Surrender.

    Trust Him.

    Follow Him.

    Receive His grace.

    And let Christ transform your life.

    ---

    THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST

    Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return.

    Jesus said:

    «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
    — Matthew 24:42»

    Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.

    Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same:

    To be with Christ.

    That is why believers are told:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him.

    It should produce:

    Hope.

    Readiness.

    Faithfulness.

    Holiness.

    Expectation.

    ---

    HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE

    Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery.

    It isn't merely freedom from pain.

    It isn't merely reunion.

    It isn't merely eternal life.

    The greatest blessing is God Himself.

    Revelation 21:3 says:

    «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”»

    And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises:

    «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”»

    Imagine a world where death is gone.

    Where suffering is gone.

    Where sin is gone.

    Where tears are gone.

    Where separation is gone.

    Where God's people dwell with Him forever.

    Revelation 22:4 says:

    «“They will see his face.”»

    That is the ultimate Christian hope:

    To see Jesus face to face.

    ---

    CHOICE TWO:

    REJECT CHRIST

    The Bible also gives a solemn warning.

    God does not force people to love Him.

    He does not force people to receive His salvation.

    He gives humanity a genuine choice.

    Jesus spoke seriously about judgment.

    Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads:

    «“Enter through the narrow gate.”»

    Jesus also warned:

    «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”»

    This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance.

    It should instead awaken us to reality.

    Eternity matters.

    Our response to Christ matters.

    Our relationship with God matters.

    ---

    THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE

    The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment.

    It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God.

    God is the source of life.

    God is the source of goodness.

    God is the source of love.

    God is the source of hope.

    To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation.

    Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there.

    The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care.

    They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously.

    ---

    DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE

    James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears.

    None of us knows exactly how long we have.

    We should therefore never say:

    “I'll get right with God someday.”

    Someday isn't guaranteed.

    Tomorrow isn't promised.

    The Bible says:

    «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”
    — 2 Corinthians 6:2»

    And Hebrews 3:15 says:

    «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”»

    If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today:

    Don't run from Him.

    Turn toward Him.

    ---

    REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY

    Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life.

    Repentance means turning around.

    Turning away from sin.

    Turning toward God.

    Turning away from rebellion.

    Turning toward Jesus.

    Turning away from darkness.

    Turning toward the Light.

    Jesus began His ministry with this message:

    «“Repent and believe the good news!”
    — Mark 1:15»

    Repentance isn't about earning salvation.

    It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart.

    ---

    YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF

    Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

    «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”»

    You cannot purchase salvation.

    You cannot earn salvation.

    You cannot manufacture salvation.

    You cannot become good enough to save yourself.

    Jesus saves.

    That is why the Gospel is called good news.

    Jesus did what we could never do.

    He paid the price for sin.

    He conquered death.

    He rose again.

    And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith.

    ---

    DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU

    The enemy may whisper:

    “You're too far gone.”

    “God won't forgive you.”

    “You've failed too many times.”

    “There's no point coming back.”

    But those accusations are not the Gospel.

    Jesus says:

    «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
    — John 6:37»

    What an incredible promise.

    Whoever comes.

    Not merely the perfect.

    Not merely the religious.

    Not merely the people who have never failed.

    Whoever comes.

    Come to Jesus.

    ---

    TWO ROADS

    There are ultimately two roads.

    One leads toward God.

    One leads away from God.

    One is surrender.

    One is rebellion.

    One receives grace.

    One rejects grace.

    One leads to life.

    One leads to destruction.

    And Jesus tells us to choose life.

    Deuteronomy 30:19 says:

    «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”»

    The invitation is before you.

    Choose Jesus.

    ---

    BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR

    Christianity isn't supposed to be:

    “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.”

    The Gospel says:

    God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you.

    Romans 8:1 says:

    «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”»

    If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures.

    Look toward Jesus.

    Confess your sins.

    Receive His forgiveness.

    Walk with Him.

    Grow in Him.

    And trust His grace.

    ---

    THE FINAL QUESTION

    One day every human being will stand before eternity.

    The question will not ultimately be:

    “How successful were you?”

    “How much money did you accumulate?”

    “How famous did you become?”

    “How many possessions did you own?”

    The most important question is:

    What did you do with Jesus Christ?

    Did you receive Him?

    Did you trust Him?

    Did you repent?

    Did you surrender?

    Did you follow Him?

    Jesus asks:

    «“Who do you say I am?”
    — Matthew 16:15»

    And Peter answered:

    «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
    — Matthew 16:16»

    That is the confession that changes everything.

    ---

    TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS

    If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today.

    You don't need fancy words.

    You need an honest heart.

    You can say:

    “Jesus, I need You.”

    “Jesus, forgive me.”

    “Jesus, I repent.”

    “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.”

    “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.”

    “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.”

    Then begin walking with Him.

    Read His Word.

    Pray.

    Seek fellowship with genuine believers.

    Turn away from deliberate sin.

    Learn to obey Him.

    And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him.

    ---

    FINAL APPEAL

    Don't gamble with eternity.

    Don't assume you have unlimited time.

    Don't harden your heart.

    Don't allow pride to keep you from grace.

    Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus.

    Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow.

    Jesus Christ is calling you today.

    There is forgiveness.

    There is mercy.

    There is grace.

    There is salvation.

    There is hope.

    There is eternal life.

    And it is found in Jesus Christ.

    Choose Jesus.

    Not because you are terrified of death—

    but because He is worthy of your life.

    Not merely because heaven is beautiful—

    but because Jesus is there.

    Not merely because hell is terrible—

    but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son.

    The invitation is before you.

    Come to Jesus.

    Repent.

    Believe.

    Surrender.

    Follow Him.

    And never turn back.

    ---

    DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving.

    I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness.

    I need Jesus.

    Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God.

    I believe that You came into this world.

    I believe that You lived without sin.

    I believe that You willingly went to the cross.

    I believe that You died for our sins.

    I believe that You rose from the dead.

    And I believe that You are alive forevermore.

    Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    Be my Lord.

    Be my Savior.

    Be my King.

    Forgive my sins.

    Wash me clean.

    Change my heart.

    Change my desires.

    Change my thinking.

    Change my words.

    Change my actions.

    Change my priorities.

    Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace.

    Holy Spirit, lead me.

    Convict me when I wander.

    Correct me when I become proud.

    Strengthen me when I am weak.

    Comfort me when I am hurting.

    Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture.

    Give me a hunger for God's Word.

    Give me a desire to pray.

    Give me a desire for holiness.

    Give me compassion for people who are lost.

    Give me courage to tell others about Jesus.

    Father, I don't want to live carelessly.

    I don't want to presume upon Your grace.

    I don't want to harden my heart.

    I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things.

    Help me keep eternity before my eyes.

    But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters.

    Give me strength to keep living faithfully.

    Give me strength to keep serving.

    Give me strength to keep loving.

    Give me strength to keep praying.

    Give me strength to keep believing.

    When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus.

    When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ.

    When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy.

    When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up.

    When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures.

    Father, keep my heart tender toward You.

    Don't allow me to become spiritually cold.

    Don't allow me to become complacent.

    Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus.

    Help me finish my earthly race faithfully.

    And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ.

    My hope is not in my own righteousness.

    My hope is Jesus.

    My confidence is not in my performance.

    My confidence is in Your grace.

    My salvation is not something I can boast about.

    It is Your gift.

    Thank You for the cross.

    Thank You for the empty tomb.

    Thank You for the blood of Jesus.

    Thank You for forgiveness.

    Thank You for mercy.

    Thank You for grace.

    Thank You for the promise of eternal life.

    Father, prepare me for eternity.

    Make me ready to meet Jesus.

    And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have.

    I pray for those who are currently far away from You.

    Soften their hearts.

    Open their eyes.

    Break through their pride.

    Heal their wounds.

    Remove the lies that keep them from believing.

    Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel.

    Let them encounter Jesus.

    Let them discover Your mercy.

    Let them turn from darkness toward light.

    Let them repent.

    Let them believe.

    Let them be saved.

    And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people.

    Instead, give us tears for the lost.

    Give us compassion.

    Give us patience.

    Give us courage.

    Give us love.

    Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ.

    Father, I choose life.

    I choose Jesus.

    I choose surrender.

    I choose faith.

    I choose to follow Christ.

    And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end.

    My future is in Your hands.

    My hope is in Jesus Christ.

    My eternity belongs to You.

    And my prayer is:

    “Come, Lord Jesus.”

    But until that glorious day,

    help me live for Jesus.

    Help me love like Jesus.

    Help me forgive like Jesus.

    Help me serve like Jesus.

    Help me pray like Jesus.

    Help me walk in holiness.

    Help me share the Gospel.

    Help me finish well.

    And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself.

    Jesus Christ is my Lord.

    Jesus Christ is my Savior.

    Jesus Christ is my King.

    Jesus Christ is my hope.

    Jesus Christ is my eternal life.

    In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ,

    Amen.

    ************************

    THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

    A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King

    “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42

    There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously:

    JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN.

    The early Church lived with this expectation.

    The apostles preached it.

    Jesus promised it.

    The book of Revelation ends with it.

    And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face.

    But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming?

    And more importantly:

    How should we live if Jesus could return at any time?

    ---

    1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN

    Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end.

    He told them:

    «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
    — John 14:3»

    What an incredible promise.

    Jesus is not abandoning His people.

    He is coming again.

    The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking.

    It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ.

    The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory.

    ---

    2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?

    The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ.

    Paul writes:

    «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17»

    Think about those words:

    The dead in Christ will rise.

    Believers who are alive will be caught up.

    We will meet the Lord.

    And we will be with the Lord forever.

    Paul concludes:

    «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”»

    Then he says:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers.

    ---

    3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS

    Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15.

    He says:

    «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”
    — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52»

    Our present bodies are temporary.

    But God promises resurrection.

    Corruption will give way to incorruption.

    Mortality will give way to immortality.

    And Paul declares:

    «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
    — 1 Corinthians 15:54»

    That is the Christian hope.

    Death does not have the final word.

    Jesus does.

    ---

    4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING?

    The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return.

    Jesus said:

    «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
    — Matthew 24:30»

    This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event.

    Christ returns as King.

    Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness.

    The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory.

    The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King.

    The One who was crucified will return in triumph.

    ---

    5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT?

    Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together.

    Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later.

    Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return.

    There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events.

    We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline.

    But there are truths we can hold firmly:

    Jesus is coming again.

    The dead in Christ will be raised.

    Believers will be gathered to Christ.

    Jesus will return in glory.

    Christ will ultimately triumph over evil.

    God will judge with perfect righteousness.

    God will establish His eternal kingdom.

    God will make all things new.

    Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines.

    ---

    6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE

    Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified.

    But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror.

    He said:

    «“Encourage one another with these words.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 4:18»

    Why?

    Because the Christian has a future.

    The grave isn't the end.

    Death isn't the end.

    Suffering isn't the end.

    Grief isn't the end.

    Jesus is coming.

    Resurrection is coming.

    Restoration is coming.

    Eternal life is coming.

    ---

    7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS

    Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return:

    «“What kind of people ought you to be?”
    — 2 Peter 3:11»

    In other words:

    If Jesus is coming again,

    How should we live today?

    The answer isn't:

    “Try to calculate the exact date.”

    Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty.

    Instead:

    Be ready.

    Be faithful.

    Be watchful.

    Repent when you sin.

    Forgive people.

    Love God.

    Love your neighbor.

    Share the Gospel.

    Walk in holiness.

    Keep your heart tender toward God.

    ---

    8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW

    Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness.

    Matthew 24:44 says:

    «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”»

    We don't know exactly when Christ will return.

    We don't know how long our earthly lives will last.

    Therefore:

    Today matters.

    If you need to repent, repent today.

    If you need to forgive, forgive today.

    If you need to return to God, return today.

    If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today.

    If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it.

    ---

    9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7

    Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture:

    «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
    — Matthew 7:21»

    Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection.

    He was warning against empty profession.

    It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God.

    Therefore, don't merely say:

    “I believe in Jesus.”

    Ask:

    Am I actually following Jesus?

    Do I repent when He convicts me?

    Do I trust His grace?

    Do I desire His presence?

    Do I want His will?

    Do I love His Word?

    Do I seek to obey Him?

    Do I get back up when I fall?

    Christianity isn't merely a label.

    It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives.

    ---

    10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS

    If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ.

    Run toward Him.

    Jesus said:

    «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
    — John 6:37»

    That is a beautiful promise.

    When you fail:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you sin:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you are ashamed:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you are afraid:

    Come to Jesus.

    When your faith feels weak:

    Come to Jesus.

    When you don't know what to do:

    Come to Jesus.

    He is the Savior.

    ---

    11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST

    Romans 8:1 declares:

    «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”»

    That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter.

    It means Christ has provided the answer for sin.

    The believer's confidence isn't:

    “I am perfect.”

    It is:

    “Jesus is my Savior.”

    Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly.

    Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ.

    ---

    12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE

    What awaits God's people?

    Revelation 21:4 says:

    «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”»

    Revelation 22:4 says:

    «“They will see his face.”»

    That is the ultimate hope.

    Not merely beautiful surroundings.

    Not merely freedom from suffering.

    Not merely eternal existence.

    Jesus Himself.

    One day we will see our Savior.

    One day we will understand.

    One day the tears will end.

    One day death will be defeated forever.

    One day God will make everything new.

    ---

    13. SO BE READY

    Jesus said:

    «“Keep watch.”»

    Not:

    “Live in panic.”

    Not:

    “Spend your life trying to predict the date.”

    Not:

    “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.”

    Keep watch.

    Live ready.

    Love ready.

    Pray ready.

    Serve ready.

    Repent ready.

    Forgive ready.

    Share the Gospel ready.

    And if Jesus returns tomorrow—

    be ready to meet Him.

    If He returns years from now—

    be faithful until then.

    If our earthly lives end before His return—

    our hope remains Christ.

    ---

    FINAL APPEAL

    There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear.

    Money won't matter.

    Possessions won't matter.

    Status won't matter.

    Career won't matter.

    Popularity won't matter.

    The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ.

    So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement.

    Prepare for eternity.

    Don't merely prepare your house.

    Prepare your heart.

    Don't merely build earthly wealth.

    Build treasure in heaven.

    Don't merely ask:

    “How long will I live?”

    Ask:

    “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?”

    Jesus Christ is coming again.

    The King is coming.

    The resurrection is coming.

    The kingdom is coming.

    The restoration is coming.

    And the Bible's final invitation remains:

    «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’”
    — Revelation 22:17»

    And the final promise of Jesus is:

    «“Yes, I am coming soon.”
    — Revelation 22:20»

    So let the Church answer:

    “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!”

    Until that day:

    KEEP WATCHING.

    KEEP PRAYING.

    KEEP BELIEVING.

    KEEP REPENTING.

    KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS.

    KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING.

    KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING.

    JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN.

    ---

    DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY”

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again.

    Thank You that death does not have the final word.

    Thank You for the resurrection.

    Thank You for eternal life.

    Thank You for the cross.

    Thank You for the empty tomb.

    Thank You for grace.

    Thank You for mercy.

    Thank You for forgiveness.

    Father, prepare my heart for eternity.

    Search me and know me.

    Reveal anything in my life that needs to change.

    Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again.

    Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus.

    Where I have become proud, humble me.

    Where I have become careless, awaken me.

    Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith.

    Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance.

    Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness.

    Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive.

    Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    You are my Lord.

    You are my Savior.

    You are my King.

    I do not want merely to know about You.

    I want to know You.

    I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.”

    I want my life to belong to Christ.

    Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out.

    Give me a hunger for God's Word.

    Give me a deeper prayer life.

    Give me discernment.

    Give me holiness.

    Give me obedience.

    Give me endurance.

    Give me compassion for the lost.

    Give me courage to share the Gospel.

    Help me become the person You have called me to be.

    Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me.

    Give me holy expectation.

    Help me look forward to seeing Jesus.

    Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope.

    When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise:

    “We will be with the Lord forever.”

    When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph.

    When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair.

    When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ.

    When I fall, help me get back up.

    When I fail, help me return to You.

    When I am weak, strengthen me.

    When I am exhausted, carry me.

    When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character.

    Father, keep my heart ready.

    Let me never become complacent.

    Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed.

    Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally.

    Help me love people while I have the opportunity.

    Help me forgive while I have the opportunity.

    Help me serve while I have the opportunity.

    Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity.

    And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times.

    Protect me from false teaching.

    Protect me from sensationalism.

    Protect me from fear.

    Protect me from deception.

    Help me remain anchored in Scripture.

    Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love.

    Keep the main thing the main thing:

    Jesus Christ.

    Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You.

    Open their hearts.

    Open their eyes.

    Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

    Lead them to repentance.

    Lead them to faith.

    Lead them to salvation.

    And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion.

    Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching.

    Let me be found praying.

    Let me be found loving.

    Let me be found serving.

    Let me be found trusting You.

    Let me be found faithful.

    And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true.

    No more death.

    No more sorrow.

    No more crying.

    No more pain.

    Only the presence of God.

    Only the glory of Christ.

    Only eternal life.

    Only the joy of being with You.

    Father, until that day, help me keep walking.

    Help me keep believing.

    Help me keep hoping.

    Help me keep serving.

    Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus.

    And let my heart continually cry:

    “COME, LORD JESUS!”

    Until You come, I will seek to live for You.

    Until You come, I will trust You.

    Until You come, I will worship You.

    Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel.

    Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King.

    Jesus Christ is coming again.

    He is my hope.

    He is my Savior.

    He is my Lord.

    He is my King.

    In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ,

    AMEN.

    -----------------------------------------------------

    The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!!

    Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free.

    Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word.

    Download the Bible App
    https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

    ***************************************************

    DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD

    Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You

    Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13

    Introduction

    There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble.

    Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask:

    “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?”

    Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.”

    That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously.

    But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness.

    Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8.

    The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?”

    The answer is to look to Jesus Christ.

    1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence

    Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him.

    They said:

    “Lord, Lord…”

    They pointed to what they had done.

    But Jesus said:

    “I never knew you.”

    Notice something important.

    The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough.

    Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ.

    That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror.

    Ask:

    Am I trusting Jesus Christ?

    Am I turning toward Him when I fail?

    Do I want Him to be Lord of my life?

    Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect?

    Those questions are very different from:

    “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?”

    Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.”

    2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection

    Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works.

    That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity.

    We are sinners who need a Savior.

    And our Savior is Jesus.

    When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ.

    You need to run toward Him.

    When you fail, repent.

    When you sin, confess it.

    When you become discouraged, return to Him.

    When you doubt, seek Him.

    When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place.

    Jesus is the foundation.

    3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7

    Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort.

    Romans 8:1 declares:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    Notice those words:

    “In Christ Jesus.”

    Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes.

    He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

    And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security.

    Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    That means your assurance isn't:

    “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.”

    Your hope is:

    “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.”

    4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised

    Jesus said in John 6:37:

    “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

    Think about that.

    Never.

    If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away.

    Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

    John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand.

    The Christian life is not:

    “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.”

    It is:

    “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.”

    5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge

    There will be nights when you feel close to God.

    There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing.

    There will be moments of tremendous faith.

    There will be moments of terrible doubt.

    There will be seasons when prayer seems easy.

    There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling.

    Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior.

    Jesus is.

    Your emotions can change from hour to hour.

    Christ does not.

    Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ.

    6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past?

    Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking:

    “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?”

    The Gospel gives us an answer.

    Christ died for sinners.

    Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin.

    A Christian may stumble.

    A Christian may fail.

    A Christian may have seasons of weakness.

    But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God.

    When you fall, get back up.

    When you wander, come home.

    When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart.

    When you become afraid, remember the cross.

    The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past.

    7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ

    Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this:

    STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF.

    You are not the Savior.

    Jesus is.

    You did not die on the cross for your sins.

    Jesus did.

    You did not rise from the grave.

    Jesus did.

    You cannot forgive your own sins.

    Jesus can.

    You cannot guarantee your own future.

    But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands.

    So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it.

    Let it drive you toward Christ.

    And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too.

    The Bible contains both warning and comfort.

    The warning tells us:

    Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him.

    The comfort tells the genuine believer:

    Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you.

    8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?”

    The question is:

    “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?”

    Are you coming to Him?

    Are you confessing your sins?

    Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you?

    Are you seeking to follow Him?

    Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior?

    Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial.

    Bring your fears to Jesus.

    Bring your failures to Jesus.

    Bring your doubts to Jesus.

    Bring your entire life to Jesus.

    LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD.

    Not yourself.

    Not your emotions.

    Not your performance.

    Not your past.

    Jesus.

    Conclusion

    One day every one of us will stand before God.

    Our hope on that day cannot be:

    “Lord, look how good I was.”

    Our hope is:

    “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.”

    The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God.

    It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son.

    So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough.

    Run to Jesus because you know you aren't.

    And discover that His grace is greater than your failures.

    When fear whispers:

    “What if Jesus rejects you?”

    Answer with His promise:

    “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37

    When condemnation whispers:

    “You're finished.”

    Answer with Scripture:

    “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

    When fear says:

    “You will be separated from God's love.”

    Remember Romans 8:38–39:

    Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God.

    So tonight, tomorrow, and every day:

    Don't look at yourself.

    Look at your Shepherd.

    Look at Jesus.

    Trust Him.

    Follow Him.

    Repent when you fall.

    Receive His grace.

    And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ.

    ---

    CLOSING PRAYER

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You.

    But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself.

    I put my confidence in Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners.

    Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works.

    Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace.

    When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You.

    When I sin, give me genuine repentance.

    When I doubt, strengthen my faith.

    When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise:

    “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

    Jesus, You are my Shepherd.

    I cannot save myself.

    I cannot make myself worthy.

    I cannot depend upon my own goodness.

    I need You.

    Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life.

    Give me a heart that loves You.

    Give me a heart that hates sin.

    Give me a heart that quickly repents.

    Give me a heart that desires Your presence.

    Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus.

    And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am.

    My hope is in how faithful You are.

    Father, I place my past in Your mercy.

    I place my present in Your hands.

    And I place my future in Your hands.

    I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

    Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face.

    In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ,

    Amen.

    REMEMBER:

    Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd.

    Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ.

    Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus.

    Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ.

    ------------------------------------------------------

    The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!!

    Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free.

    Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word.

    Download the Bible App
    https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

    **************************************************

    THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget:

    Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us.

    When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.”

    ---

    REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE

    John writes:

    > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.”
    — 1 John 3:6

    And:

    > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.”
    — 1 John 3:9

    These are extremely serious words.

    Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label.

    It isn't merely saying a prayer.

    It isn't simply attending church.

    It isn't simply knowing Bible verses.

    Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life.

    The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God.

    ---

    GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN

    Paul anticipated this very question:

    > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!”
    — Romans 6:1–2

    Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion.

    Jesus didn't die so that we could say:

    “Now I can sin without consequences.”

    He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin.

    Romans 6:14 says:

    > “For sin will have no dominion over you.”

    The Christian life isn't:

    “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.”

    It is:

    “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.”

    ---

    BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL

    This distinction is extremely important.

    If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written:

    > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
    — 1 John 1:8

    Christians can stumble.

    Christians can become weak.

    Christians can make terrible decisions.

    Christians can fall into temptation.

    Peter denied Jesus.

    David committed terrible sins.

    But there is a difference between:

    FALLING INTO SIN

    and

    DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE.

    A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit.

    The Holy Spirit convicts.

    The conscience becomes troubled.

    The believer turns back.

    Repentance begins.

    And they cry:

    “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!”

    ---

    THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION

    Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work:

    > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.”

    And:

    > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.”

    That's regeneration.

    God doesn't merely tell us:

    “Try harder.”

    He gives us His Spirit.

    He gives us a new heart.

    He begins changing us from the inside out.

    ---

    WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE?

    A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles.

    It is someone whose direction has changed.

    They begin to hate what they once loved.

    They begin to love what God loves.

    They become increasingly sensitive to sin.

    They desire God's Word.

    They desire prayer.

    They desire fellowship with God.

    They repent when they fall.

    They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus.

    And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing:

    > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
    — Galatians 5:22–23

    Transformation takes time.

    A newborn Christian is still growing.

    God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer.

    But there should be life.

    There should be growth.

    There should be movement toward Christ.

    ---

    DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE

    Romans 6:12 says:

    > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”

    Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill.

    Don't continually return to the same chains while saying:

    “Grace doesn't matter.”

    Instead:

    Run toward Jesus.

    When temptation comes—pray.

    When you fall—repent.

    When you are weak—ask for strength.

    When you are discouraged—remember God's promises.

    When you fail—don't hide from God.

    Come back to Him.

    ---

    YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS

    Here's something every believer needs to understand:

    Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly.

    Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ.

    Ephesians 2:8–9:

    > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.”

    And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope:

    > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

    Therefore:

    Don't become proud when you succeed.

    Don't despair when you stumble.

    Stay close to Jesus.

    Keep repenting.

    Keep believing.

    Keep following.

    Keep surrendering.

    Keep growing.

    Keep your eyes on Christ.

    ---

    PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION”

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy.

    Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works.

    Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again.

    Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

    Give me a new heart.

    Give me a new spirit.

    Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

    Break the power of sin over my life.

    Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life.

    Give me genuine repentance.

    Give me genuine faith.

    Give me genuine obedience.

    Give me genuine love for You.

    Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling.

    When I fall, don't let me run away from You.

    Teach me to run toward You.

    Convict me when I sin.

    Give me humility to confess it.

    Give me strength to turn away from it.

    Give me perseverance to keep following You.

    I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips.

    I want You to truly be Lord of my life.

    Change my desires.

    Change my thoughts.

    Change my words.

    Change my actions.

    Make me increasingly like Jesus.

    Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me.

    Let love replace hatred.

    Let purity replace impurity.

    Let forgiveness replace bitterness.

    Let humility replace pride.

    Let obedience replace rebellion.

    Let faith replace fear.

    And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross.

    When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me:

    “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You.

    I want to walk with You.

    I want to know You.

    I want to love You.

    I want to serve You.

    I want to finish my race faithfully.

    Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face.

    You are my Savior.

    You are my Lord.

    You are my King.

    You are my righteousness.

    You are my hope.

    I place my life and eternity into Your hands.

    In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

    AMEN.

    FINAL REMINDER

    Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble.

    Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness.

    You may fall—but get back up.

    You may fail—but run back to Jesus.

    You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin.

    Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you.

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
    — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!! CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!! “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow. You can change your career. You can move to another city. You can repair a broken relationship. You can change your mind about many things. But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone: What will you do with Jesus Christ? The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations: Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ or eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation. This is not a game. This is not something to treat casually. And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely. Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us. --- CHOICE ONE: RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST Jesus said: «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6» The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth: We have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says: «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”» But God did not leave humanity without hope. He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. John 3:16 declares: «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”» Think about the magnitude of that promise. God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment. He offered mercy. God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation. He offered forgiveness. God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ. --- JESUS IS CALLING YOU Jesus said: «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Notice the invitation: Come to Me. Not: “Fix yourself first.” Not: “Become perfect first.” Not: “Make yourself worthy first.” Come to Me. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Trust Him. Follow Him. Receive His grace. And let Christ transform your life. --- THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return. Jesus said: «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42» Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same: To be with Christ. That is why believers are told: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him. It should produce: Hope. Readiness. Faithfulness. Holiness. Expectation. --- HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery. It isn't merely freedom from pain. It isn't merely reunion. It isn't merely eternal life. The greatest blessing is God Himself. Revelation 21:3 says: «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”» And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Imagine a world where death is gone. Where suffering is gone. Where sin is gone. Where tears are gone. Where separation is gone. Where God's people dwell with Him forever. Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate Christian hope: To see Jesus face to face. --- CHOICE TWO: REJECT CHRIST The Bible also gives a solemn warning. God does not force people to love Him. He does not force people to receive His salvation. He gives humanity a genuine choice. Jesus spoke seriously about judgment. Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads: «“Enter through the narrow gate.”» Jesus also warned: «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”» This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance. It should instead awaken us to reality. Eternity matters. Our response to Christ matters. Our relationship with God matters. --- THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment. It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God. God is the source of life. God is the source of goodness. God is the source of love. God is the source of hope. To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation. Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there. The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care. They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously. --- DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. None of us knows exactly how long we have. We should therefore never say: “I'll get right with God someday.” Someday isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow isn't promised. The Bible says: «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2» And Hebrews 3:15 says: «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”» If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today: Don't run from Him. Turn toward Him. --- REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life. Repentance means turning around. Turning away from sin. Turning toward God. Turning away from rebellion. Turning toward Jesus. Turning away from darkness. Turning toward the Light. Jesus began His ministry with this message: «“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15» Repentance isn't about earning salvation. It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart. --- YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF Ephesians 2:8–9 says: «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”» You cannot purchase salvation. You cannot earn salvation. You cannot manufacture salvation. You cannot become good enough to save yourself. Jesus saves. That is why the Gospel is called good news. Jesus did what we could never do. He paid the price for sin. He conquered death. He rose again. And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. --- DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU The enemy may whisper: “You're too far gone.” “God won't forgive you.” “You've failed too many times.” “There's no point coming back.” But those accusations are not the Gospel. Jesus says: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» What an incredible promise. Whoever comes. Not merely the perfect. Not merely the religious. Not merely the people who have never failed. Whoever comes. Come to Jesus. --- TWO ROADS There are ultimately two roads. One leads toward God. One leads away from God. One is surrender. One is rebellion. One receives grace. One rejects grace. One leads to life. One leads to destruction. And Jesus tells us to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”» The invitation is before you. Choose Jesus. --- BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR Christianity isn't supposed to be: “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.” The Gospel says: God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you. Romans 8:1 says: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures. Look toward Jesus. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness. Walk with Him. Grow in Him. And trust His grace. --- THE FINAL QUESTION One day every human being will stand before eternity. The question will not ultimately be: “How successful were you?” “How much money did you accumulate?” “How famous did you become?” “How many possessions did you own?” The most important question is: What did you do with Jesus Christ? Did you receive Him? Did you trust Him? Did you repent? Did you surrender? Did you follow Him? Jesus asks: «“Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15» And Peter answered: «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16» That is the confession that changes everything. --- TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today. You don't need fancy words. You need an honest heart. You can say: “Jesus, I need You.” “Jesus, forgive me.” “Jesus, I repent.” “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.” “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.” “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.” Then begin walking with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Seek fellowship with genuine believers. Turn away from deliberate sin. Learn to obey Him. And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him. --- FINAL APPEAL Don't gamble with eternity. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Don't harden your heart. Don't allow pride to keep you from grace. Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus. Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow. Jesus Christ is calling you today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is grace. There is salvation. There is hope. There is eternal life. And it is found in Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus. Not because you are terrified of death— but because He is worthy of your life. Not merely because heaven is beautiful— but because Jesus is there. Not merely because hell is terrible— but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son. The invitation is before you. Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Follow Him. And never turn back. --- DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness. I need Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You came into this world. I believe that You lived without sin. I believe that You willingly went to the cross. I believe that You died for our sins. I believe that You rose from the dead. And I believe that You are alive forevermore. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Be my Lord. Be my Savior. Be my King. Forgive my sins. Wash me clean. Change my heart. Change my desires. Change my thinking. Change my words. Change my actions. Change my priorities. Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace. Holy Spirit, lead me. Convict me when I wander. Correct me when I become proud. Strengthen me when I am weak. Comfort me when I am hurting. Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a desire for holiness. Give me compassion for people who are lost. Give me courage to tell others about Jesus. Father, I don't want to live carelessly. I don't want to presume upon Your grace. I don't want to harden my heart. I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things. Help me keep eternity before my eyes. But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters. Give me strength to keep living faithfully. Give me strength to keep serving. Give me strength to keep loving. Give me strength to keep praying. Give me strength to keep believing. When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus. When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy. When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up. When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Father, keep my heart tender toward You. Don't allow me to become spiritually cold. Don't allow me to become complacent. Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus. Help me finish my earthly race faithfully. And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ. My hope is not in my own righteousness. My hope is Jesus. My confidence is not in my performance. My confidence is in Your grace. My salvation is not something I can boast about. It is Your gift. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for grace. Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Father, prepare me for eternity. Make me ready to meet Jesus. And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have. I pray for those who are currently far away from You. Soften their hearts. Open their eyes. Break through their pride. Heal their wounds. Remove the lies that keep them from believing. Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel. Let them encounter Jesus. Let them discover Your mercy. Let them turn from darkness toward light. Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them be saved. And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people. Instead, give us tears for the lost. Give us compassion. Give us patience. Give us courage. Give us love. Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ. Father, I choose life. I choose Jesus. I choose surrender. I choose faith. I choose to follow Christ. And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end. My future is in Your hands. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My eternity belongs to You. And my prayer is: “Come, Lord Jesus.” But until that glorious day, help me live for Jesus. Help me love like Jesus. Help me forgive like Jesus. Help me serve like Jesus. Help me pray like Jesus. Help me walk in holiness. Help me share the Gospel. Help me finish well. And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus Christ is my King. Jesus Christ is my hope. Jesus Christ is my eternal life. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️👑 ************************ THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King 👑 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously: JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. The early Church lived with this expectation. The apostles preached it. Jesus promised it. The book of Revelation ends with it. And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face. But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming? And more importantly: How should we live if Jesus could return at any time? --- 1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end. He told them: «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3» What an incredible promise. Jesus is not abandoning His people. He is coming again. The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking. It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ. The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory. --- 2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ. Paul writes: «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17» Think about those words: The dead in Christ will rise. Believers who are alive will be caught up. We will meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever. Paul concludes: «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”» Then he says: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers. --- 3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15. He says: «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52» Our present bodies are temporary. But God promises resurrection. Corruption will give way to incorruption. Mortality will give way to immortality. And Paul declares: «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54» That is the Christian hope. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. --- 4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING? The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return. Jesus said: «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30» This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event. Christ returns as King. Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness. The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory. The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King. The One who was crucified will return in triumph. --- 5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT? Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together. Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later. Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return. There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events. We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline. But there are truths we can hold firmly: Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will be raised. Believers will be gathered to Christ. Jesus will return in glory. Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. God will judge with perfect righteousness. God will establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new. Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines. --- 6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified. But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror. He said: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» Why? Because the Christian has a future. The grave isn't the end. Death isn't the end. Suffering isn't the end. Grief isn't the end. Jesus is coming. Resurrection is coming. Restoration is coming. Eternal life is coming. --- 7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return: «“What kind of people ought you to be?” — 2 Peter 3:11» In other words: If Jesus is coming again, How should we live today? The answer isn't: “Try to calculate the exact date.” Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty. Instead: Be ready. Be faithful. Be watchful. Repent when you sin. Forgive people. Love God. Love your neighbor. Share the Gospel. Walk in holiness. Keep your heart tender toward God. --- 8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness. Matthew 24:44 says: «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”» We don't know exactly when Christ will return. We don't know how long our earthly lives will last. Therefore: Today matters. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive, forgive today. If you need to return to God, return today. If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today. If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it. --- 9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7 Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture: «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21» Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection. He was warning against empty profession. It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God. Therefore, don't merely say: “I believe in Jesus.” Ask: Am I actually following Jesus? Do I repent when He convicts me? Do I trust His grace? Do I desire His presence? Do I want His will? Do I love His Word? Do I seek to obey Him? Do I get back up when I fall? Christianity isn't merely a label. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives. --- 10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ. Run toward Him. Jesus said: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» That is a beautiful promise. When you fail: Come to Jesus. When you sin: Come to Jesus. When you are ashamed: Come to Jesus. When you are afraid: Come to Jesus. When your faith feels weak: Come to Jesus. When you don't know what to do: Come to Jesus. He is the Savior. --- 11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST Romans 8:1 declares: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter. It means Christ has provided the answer for sin. The believer's confidence isn't: “I am perfect.” It is: “Jesus is my Savior.” Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly. Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ. --- 12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE What awaits God's people? Revelation 21:4 says: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate hope. Not merely beautiful surroundings. Not merely freedom from suffering. Not merely eternal existence. Jesus Himself. One day we will see our Savior. One day we will understand. One day the tears will end. One day death will be defeated forever. One day God will make everything new. --- 13. SO BE READY Jesus said: «“Keep watch.”» Not: “Live in panic.” Not: “Spend your life trying to predict the date.” Not: “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.” Keep watch. Live ready. Love ready. Pray ready. Serve ready. Repent ready. Forgive ready. Share the Gospel ready. And if Jesus returns tomorrow— be ready to meet Him. If He returns years from now— be faithful until then. If our earthly lives end before His return— our hope remains Christ. --- FINAL APPEAL There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear. Money won't matter. Possessions won't matter. Status won't matter. Career won't matter. Popularity won't matter. The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ. So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement. Prepare for eternity. Don't merely prepare your house. Prepare your heart. Don't merely build earthly wealth. Build treasure in heaven. Don't merely ask: “How long will I live?” Ask: “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?” Jesus Christ is coming again. The King is coming. The resurrection is coming. The kingdom is coming. The restoration is coming. And the Bible's final invitation remains: «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” — Revelation 22:17» And the final promise of Jesus is: «“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20» So let the Church answer: “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!” Until that day: KEEP WATCHING. KEEP PRAYING. KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP REPENTING. KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS. KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING. 👑 JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. ✝️ --- DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final word. Thank You for the resurrection. Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for grace. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for forgiveness. Father, prepare my heart for eternity. Search me and know me. Reveal anything in my life that needs to change. Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again. Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus. Where I have become proud, humble me. Where I have become careless, awaken me. Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith. Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance. Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness. Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. You are my King. I do not want merely to know about You. I want to know You. I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.” I want my life to belong to Christ. Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a deeper prayer life. Give me discernment. Give me holiness. Give me obedience. Give me endurance. Give me compassion for the lost. Give me courage to share the Gospel. Help me become the person You have called me to be. Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me. Give me holy expectation. Help me look forward to seeing Jesus. Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope. When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise: “We will be with the Lord forever.” When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph. When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair. When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ. When I fall, help me get back up. When I fail, help me return to You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am exhausted, carry me. When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character. Father, keep my heart ready. Let me never become complacent. Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally. Help me love people while I have the opportunity. Help me forgive while I have the opportunity. Help me serve while I have the opportunity. Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity. And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times. Protect me from false teaching. Protect me from sensationalism. Protect me from fear. Protect me from deception. Help me remain anchored in Scripture. Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love. Keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You. Open their hearts. Open their eyes. Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Lead them to repentance. Lead them to faith. Lead them to salvation. And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion. Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching. Let me be found praying. Let me be found loving. Let me be found serving. Let me be found trusting You. Let me be found faithful. And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true. No more death. No more sorrow. No more crying. No more pain. Only the presence of God. Only the glory of Christ. Only eternal life. Only the joy of being with You. Father, until that day, help me keep walking. Help me keep believing. Help me keep hoping. Help me keep serving. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. And let my heart continually cry: “COME, LORD JESUS!” Until You come, I will seek to live for You. Until You come, I will trust You. Until You come, I will worship You. Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel. Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King. Jesus Christ is coming again. He is my hope. He is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my King. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️👑 ----------------------------------------------------- The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app *************************************************** DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13 Introduction There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble. Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask: “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?” Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.” That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously. But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness. Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8. The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?” The answer is to look to Jesus Christ. 1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. They said: “Lord, Lord…” They pointed to what they had done. But Jesus said: “I never knew you.” Notice something important. The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough. Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ. That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror. Ask: Am I trusting Jesus Christ? Am I turning toward Him when I fail? Do I want Him to be Lord of my life? Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect? Those questions are very different from: “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?” Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.” 2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity. We are sinners who need a Savior. And our Savior is Jesus. When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ. You need to run toward Him. When you fail, repent. When you sin, confess it. When you become discouraged, return to Him. When you doubt, seek Him. When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place. Jesus is the foundation. 3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7 Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Notice those words: “In Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes. He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That means your assurance isn't: “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.” Your hope is: “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.” 4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised Jesus said in John 6:37: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Think about that. Never. If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand. The Christian life is not: “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.” It is: “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.” 5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge There will be nights when you feel close to God. There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing. There will be moments of tremendous faith. There will be moments of terrible doubt. There will be seasons when prayer seems easy. There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling. Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior. Jesus is. Your emotions can change from hour to hour. Christ does not. Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ. 6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past? Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking: “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?” The Gospel gives us an answer. Christ died for sinners. Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin. A Christian may stumble. A Christian may fail. A Christian may have seasons of weakness. But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God. When you fall, get back up. When you wander, come home. When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart. When you become afraid, remember the cross. The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past. 7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this: STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF. You are not the Savior. Jesus is. You did not die on the cross for your sins. Jesus did. You did not rise from the grave. Jesus did. You cannot forgive your own sins. Jesus can. You cannot guarantee your own future. But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands. So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it. Let it drive you toward Christ. And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too. The Bible contains both warning and comfort. The warning tells us: Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him. The comfort tells the genuine believer: Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you. 8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?” The question is: “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?” Are you coming to Him? Are you confessing your sins? Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you? Are you seeking to follow Him? Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior? Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial. Bring your fears to Jesus. Bring your failures to Jesus. Bring your doubts to Jesus. Bring your entire life to Jesus. LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD. Not yourself. Not your emotions. Not your performance. Not your past. Jesus. Conclusion One day every one of us will stand before God. Our hope on that day cannot be: “Lord, look how good I was.” Our hope is: “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.” The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God. It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son. So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough. Run to Jesus because you know you aren't. And discover that His grace is greater than your failures. When fear whispers: “What if Jesus rejects you?” Answer with His promise: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37 When condemnation whispers: “You're finished.” Answer with Scripture: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 When fear says: “You will be separated from God's love.” Remember Romans 8:38–39: Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. So tonight, tomorrow, and every day: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him. Repent when you fall. Receive His grace. And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ. --- CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You. But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself. I put my confidence in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners. Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works. Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace. When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You. When I sin, give me genuine repentance. When I doubt, strengthen my faith. When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Jesus, You are my Shepherd. I cannot save myself. I cannot make myself worthy. I cannot depend upon my own goodness. I need You. Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Give me a heart that loves You. Give me a heart that hates sin. Give me a heart that quickly repents. Give me a heart that desires Your presence. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus. And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am. My hope is in how faithful You are. Father, I place my past in Your mercy. I place my present in Your hands. And I place my future in Your hands. I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️❤️ REMEMBER: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ. Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus. Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ. ------------------------------------------------------ The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app ************************************************** 🔥 THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget: Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.” --- ✝️ REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE John writes: > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” — 1 John 3:6 And: > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.” — 1 John 3:9 These are extremely serious words. Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label. It isn't merely saying a prayer. It isn't simply attending church. It isn't simply knowing Bible verses. Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God. --- 🔥 GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN Paul anticipated this very question: > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion. Jesus didn't die so that we could say: “Now I can sin without consequences.” He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 says: > “For sin will have no dominion over you.” The Christian life isn't: “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.” It is: “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.” --- ❤️ BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL This distinction is extremely important. If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written: > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” — 1 John 1:8 Christians can stumble. Christians can become weak. Christians can make terrible decisions. Christians can fall into temptation. Peter denied Jesus. David committed terrible sins. But there is a difference between: FALLING INTO SIN and DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE. A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit. The Holy Spirit convicts. The conscience becomes troubled. The believer turns back. Repentance begins. And they cry: “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!” --- 🕊️ THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work: > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” And: > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” That's regeneration. God doesn't merely tell us: “Try harder.” He gives us His Spirit. He gives us a new heart. He begins changing us from the inside out. --- 🔥 WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE? A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles. It is someone whose direction has changed. They begin to hate what they once loved. They begin to love what God loves. They become increasingly sensitive to sin. They desire God's Word. They desire prayer. They desire fellowship with God. They repent when they fall. They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus. And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing: > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 🌱 Transformation takes time. A newborn Christian is still growing. God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer. But there should be life. There should be growth. There should be movement toward Christ. --- ⚠️ DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Romans 6:12 says: > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill. Don't continually return to the same chains while saying: “Grace doesn't matter.” Instead: Run toward Jesus. When temptation comes—pray. When you fall—repent. When you are weak—ask for strength. When you are discouraged—remember God's promises. When you fail—don't hide from God. Come back to Him. --- ✝️ YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS Here's something every believer needs to understand: Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly. Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9: > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope: > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Therefore: Don't become proud when you succeed. Don't despair when you stumble. Stay close to Jesus. Keep repenting. Keep believing. Keep following. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Christ. --- 🙏 PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Give me a new heart. Give me a new spirit. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Break the power of sin over my life. Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life. Give me genuine repentance. Give me genuine faith. Give me genuine obedience. Give me genuine love for You. Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling. When I fall, don't let me run away from You. Teach me to run toward You. Convict me when I sin. Give me humility to confess it. Give me strength to turn away from it. Give me perseverance to keep following You. I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips. I want You to truly be Lord of my life. Change my desires. Change my thoughts. Change my words. Change my actions. Make me increasingly like Jesus. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Let love replace hatred. Let purity replace impurity. Let forgiveness replace bitterness. Let humility replace pride. Let obedience replace rebellion. Let faith replace fear. And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross. When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You. I want to walk with You. I want to know You. I want to love You. I want to serve You. I want to finish my race faithfully. Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my King. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. I place my life and eternity into Your hands. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️🔥 🌅 FINAL REMINDER Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble. Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness. You may fall—but get back up. You may fail—but run back to Jesus. You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin. Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 ✝️❤️🔥
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  • Going to church does not automatically make you spiritually mature.

    Yes, you heard me.

    You can attend church every Sunday and still be far from God.

    You can sit in the front row, carry your Bible, sing every worship song, shout “Amen!” to every prayer, and still have a heart that has not truly surrendered to God.

    Church attendance is good. But church attendance alone is not spiritual maturity.

    Imagine someone who goes to the gym every single day.

    They wear gym clothes.
    They take pictures in the gym.
    They know the names of all the machines.
    They even tell people, “I am always at the gym.”

    But they never exercise.

    Will their body change? No.

    They were physically present, but they were not participating.

    That is how some people are spiritually.

    They are always in church… But they don’t pray.

    They hear the Word… But they don’t obey it.

    They sing about forgiveness… But they refuse to forgive.

    They preach about love… But they hate people.

    They shout about holiness… But secretly live a completely different life.

    They know Bible verses… But they don’t know the God behind the verses.

    And this is where we need to be brutally honest with ourselves.

    You can be a church member and still be spiritually immature.

    You can know the language of Christianity without carrying the character of Christ.

    You can know when to say “Praise the Lord” while your heart is full of pride, bitterness, lust, jealousy, unforgiveness and selfishness.

    And sometimes, the most dangerous person is not the person who knows nothing about God… It is the person who knows the Word, hears the Word, teaches the Word, but refuses to live the Word.

    Because knowledge without obedience can become self-deception.

    Spiritual maturity is not measured by how many years you have been going to church. It is seen in how you behave when nobody is watching.

    Can you control yourself when temptation comes?

    Can you forgive when you have been deeply hurt?

    Can you walk away from sin even when nobody would ever know?

    Can you say “no” to something you desperately want because you know God is saying no?

    Can you love people who cannot do anything for you?

    Can you admit when you are wrong?

    Can you humble yourself?

    Can you obey God even when obedience is painful?

    That is where spiritual maturity begins.

    Because Christianity is not just about being found in church. It is about allowing Christ to be found in you.

    And maybe this is the question we need to stop asking: “Did I go to church today?”

    And start asking: “Did I become more like Christ today?”

    Because one day, God will not be impressed by the number of Sundays you occupied a church seat.

    He will look at the life you lived after you left that seat.

    So please… Don’t just be a regular churchgoer. Be a growing Christian.

    Don’t just hear the Word. Live it.

    Don’t just carry the Bible. Let the Bible change you.

    Because the greatest evidence that you have been with God is not how loudly you worship in public… It is how differently you live when nobody is watching.

    I am Anthony Chukwuebuka - THE BOO OF THE BOOLESS; Yes, you can spend your whole life sitting in God’s house and still never allow God to build His house inside your heart.

    Think about that.
    Going to church does not automatically make you spiritually mature. Yes, you heard me. You can attend church every Sunday and still be far from God. You can sit in the front row, carry your Bible, sing every worship song, shout “Amen!” to every prayer, and still have a heart that has not truly surrendered to God. Church attendance is good. But church attendance alone is not spiritual maturity. Imagine someone who goes to the gym every single day. They wear gym clothes. They take pictures in the gym. They know the names of all the machines. They even tell people, “I am always at the gym.” But they never exercise. Will their body change? No. They were physically present, but they were not participating. That is how some people are spiritually. They are always in church… But they don’t pray. They hear the Word… But they don’t obey it. They sing about forgiveness… But they refuse to forgive. They preach about love… But they hate people. They shout about holiness… But secretly live a completely different life. They know Bible verses… But they don’t know the God behind the verses. And this is where we need to be brutally honest with ourselves. You can be a church member and still be spiritually immature. You can know the language of Christianity without carrying the character of Christ. You can know when to say “Praise the Lord” while your heart is full of pride, bitterness, lust, jealousy, unforgiveness and selfishness. And sometimes, the most dangerous person is not the person who knows nothing about God… It is the person who knows the Word, hears the Word, teaches the Word, but refuses to live the Word. Because knowledge without obedience can become self-deception. Spiritual maturity is not measured by how many years you have been going to church. It is seen in how you behave when nobody is watching. Can you control yourself when temptation comes? Can you forgive when you have been deeply hurt? Can you walk away from sin even when nobody would ever know? Can you say “no” to something you desperately want because you know God is saying no? Can you love people who cannot do anything for you? Can you admit when you are wrong? Can you humble yourself? Can you obey God even when obedience is painful? That is where spiritual maturity begins. Because Christianity is not just about being found in church. It is about allowing Christ to be found in you. And maybe this is the question we need to stop asking: “Did I go to church today?” And start asking: “Did I become more like Christ today?” Because one day, God will not be impressed by the number of Sundays you occupied a church seat. He will look at the life you lived after you left that seat. So please… Don’t just be a regular churchgoer. Be a growing Christian. Don’t just hear the Word. Live it. Don’t just carry the Bible. Let the Bible change you. Because the greatest evidence that you have been with God is not how loudly you worship in public… It is how differently you live when nobody is watching. I am Anthony Chukwuebuka - THE BOO OF THE BOOLESS; Yes, you can spend your whole life sitting in God’s house and still never allow God to build His house inside your heart. Think about that.
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  • PROVERB OF THE DAY

    (Proverbs 25)

    1. These also are
    proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

    2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
    But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

    3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
    So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

    4. Take away the dross from silver,
    And it will go to the silversmith
    for jewelry.

    5. Take away the wicked from before the king,
    And his throne will be established in righteousness.

    6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
    And do not stand in the place of the great;

    7. For it is better that he say to you,
    “Come up here,”
    Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
    Whom your eyes have seen.

    8. Do not go hastily to court;
    For what will you do in the end,
    When your neighbor has put you to shame?

    9. Debate your case with your neighbor,
    And do not disclose the secret to another;

    10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
    And your reputation be ruined.

    11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
    In settings of silver.

    12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
    Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

    13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
    Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
    For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

    14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving
    Is like clouds and wind without rain.

    15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
    And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

    16. Have you found honey?
    Eat only as much as you need,
    Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

    17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
    Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

    18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
    Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

    19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
    Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

    20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
    And like vinegar on soda,
    Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

    21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
    And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

    22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
    And the LORD will reward you.

    23. The north wind brings forth rain,
    And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

    24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
    Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

    25. As cold water to a weary soul,
    So is good news from a far country.

    26. A righteous man
    who falters before the wicked
    Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.

    27. It is not good to eat much honey;
    So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

    28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
    Is like a city broken down, without walls.
    PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 25) 1. These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: 2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. 3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4. Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. 5. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. 6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; 7. For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. 8. Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? 9. Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; 10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined. 11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. 13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain. 15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. 16. Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit. 17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. 18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow. 19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. 20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you. 23. The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. 24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 25. As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country. 26. A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. 27. It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory. 28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY. TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2O26.
    "LEARN TO WAIT"

    ‘They that wait upon the Lord...’ Isaiah 40:31KJV

    THE WORD ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you.

    Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Mark 6:30-44. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation
    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *BLESSING OUR BOUNTIFUL GIVER*

    *TEXT:* PSALM 103:1-22.

     Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
    2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
    3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
    4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
    5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
    6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
    7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
    8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
    9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
    10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
    11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
    12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
    13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
    14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
    15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
    16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
    17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
    18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
    19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
    20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
    21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
    22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name"_ (Psalm 103:1-22).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    God gives us blessings. Does He need our blessings? To "bless the Lord" means to praise, worship, and speak well of God's greatness and goodness from a deeply grateful heart. The opposite of blessing God is to speak negatively of God, blame, insult, complain against or even curse Him. While humans usually receive blessings from God, we "bless" Him in return by honoring, thanking and adoring Him for who He is and what He has done.
     Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise in which David calls his soul to remember the goodness, mercy and faithfulness of God. The Lord is not only the source of our blessings; He is Himself the Bountiful Giver who forgives, heals, redeems, satisfies, and crowns His children with lovingkindness. As we reflect on His goodness, our appropriate response is to bless His holy name with a grateful heart.

    *1. Call to Bless the LORD*

    a. How do you feel when people commend, appreciate or speak well of you right in your presence or in the presence of others? You feel encouraged, satisfied and happy. God feels the same as the Person who created us in His image. David begins by addressing himself: *“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”* He didn't say bless the LORD with his lips. That, as good as it can be, may be mechanical and for people to see. But he said his soul would bless the LORD. The blessings must be from his inner being and must affect all that is within him. It should be wholehearted praise.
    b. He repeats the command, *“Bless the LORD,”* emphasizing that worship must come from the whole person. He warns himself not to forget God’s benefits. *"And forget not all his benefits"*. It is possible, human and natural to forget some of His benefits, but it is ingratitude to forget ALL. A recollection of a few of His benefits should cancel all forms of complaints due to hardship and delayed blessings. Many times, we remember our problems more readily than God’s goodness; but thanksgiving becomes powerful when we deliberately recall His blessings. Every breath, provision, protection, opportunity, and answered prayer is evidence of His mercy. We should, therefore, bless God not merely with our lips but with our entire being.

    *Question*

    Am I deliberately remembering and praising God for His benefits, or have I allowed my challenges to make me forget His goodness?

    *2. Covenant Blessings from the LORD*

    a. The divine covenant blessings are those blessings God gives to those who have come into covenant relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus. Such blessings are not for the general populace. David identifies some of the covenant benefits of the Lord: *“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things.”* Our greatest blessing is forgiveness. This forgiveness doesn't put into consideration the gravity of the sin, the foolishness of the offender, etc. It is freely and fully forgiven once there is evidence of repentance. He restores our relationship with Him and gives us a new beginning. He is also our Redeemer, preserving us from destruction and surrounding us with lovingkindness and mercy. He satisfies our lives with good things so that we may experience renewed strength like the eagle. The healings we received freely are part of God's covenant blessings. The irony of life is that many erroneously think they are mere general blessings and as a result, they are weak in pleasing the Lord.
    b. God's blessings are not accidental; they flow from His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, let us trust Him, appreciate His benefits and remain faithful to Him. Deliberate efforts should constantly be made to recall the uncommon benefits we have received from the Lord.

    *Question*

    Which of God's covenant benefits have I received that I should consciously thank Him for today?

    *3. The Character of the Bountiful LORD*

    God is not a hypocrite. His blessings flow from His nature and character. The remaining verses reveal the character of our Bountiful LORD. He is righteous and just, defending the oppressed (v.6). He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (v.8). He does not treat us according to our sins, but removes our transgressions far from us (vv.10–12). His compassion is like that of a loving father toward his children (v.13).
    God understands our frailty because He remembers that we are dust (v.14). Though human life is temporary, *“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting”* (v.17). His throne is established in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (v.19). The psalm, therefore, ends with a universal call for angels, heavenly hosts and all God's works to bless His holy name (vv.20–22).
    The appropriate response to such a generous and compassionate God is continual praise, obedience, trust and thanksgiving. Blessing God invites further divine blessings and draws the souls to God as well as scare the devil and his agents.

    *Question*

    Does the character of God revealed in this Psalm inspire me to trust Him more deeply and bless His name continually?

    *Prayer Points*

    1Lord, give me a grateful heart that will continually remember and bless You for all Your benefits .
    2 Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness, redemption, mercy, healing, provision and preservation in my life .
    3 Lord, help me to trust and always recall Your unfailing mercy and blessings and help me to remain faithful to You in every circumstance
    4 O Bountiful Giver, let our lives become a testimony of Your goodness and may everything within us continually bless Your holy name

    *HYMN:* Praise the Lord

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NAHUM 1-3.
    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```TEXT:PSALM 103:1-22```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (PSALM 103:2).*_

    *The story was told of a young boy who was given writing materials to write everything God and Satan had done for him within an hour. He set out to write about the blessings he received from God. He kept on remembering new things to write about the goodness of God in his life, and by the time he was done with that, the entire time was taken. So, he wrote at the bottom of his script "NO TIME FOR SATAN".*

    *It is difficult to itemise all benefits we receive from God as His children. David, in the text, listed several of them, but the list is endless: He forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, satisfies our mouths with good things, provides justice for the oppressed, shows mercy to people, and retains not His anger forever. Attention was then shifted to His throne in heaven, where the angels worship Him and do all His commandments. His dominion is universal and His Kingdom rules over all.*

    *David, the psalmist, wrote this psalm from his wealth of experience as Israel's king. He could tell and sing of God's mercies because he experienced them. He spoke from personal experience when God took Him from following the sheep as a shepherd to set him up as king in Israel. He saved him from the many battles he had to fight to maintain as well as expand the nation's territory. And when he fell into sin, with the devastating consequences on his family and kingship, he cried to God in penitence and received forgiveness. David knew that God's kingdom is not like that of man. He reigns and rules over the entire universe.*

    *Like David, we should recall, remember and count our blessings, naming them one by one. We must deliberately focus our attention on the wonderful things He has done for us and stop worrying over the unresolved problems in our lives. As we praise God for His past mercies and blessings, we can be sure that He will arise and do more in our lives.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Don't count your losses, count your blessings.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NAHUM 1-3*

    Forget Not His Benefits
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 50: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS; GHS 9: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS; AND GHS 13: TO GOD BE THE GLORY*
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    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *BE IMPARTIAL* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JAMES 2:1-10```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (JAMES 2:1).*_

    *A scale is one of the symbols of the judiciary where justice was beautifully represented by the ancients as holding a pair of scales equally balanced. It depicts the principle of equity and fairness, balance and objective outlook. Justice ought to be without prejudice or passion.*

    *Our text today condemns partiality in its entirety. God expects His children to treat everyone without prejudice or favouritism. We are expressly commanded in the Bible to do "nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21). Christians must avoid double standard in dealing with issues. Partiality makes someone a transgressor. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."*

    *Believers should act impartially when mediating between two people. Avoid emotional impressions when dealing with issues among people. We must give fair hearing to both parties in dispute. Issues should be treated on merit, not personal attachment, friendship, or fondness. Same punishment should be for same offence; same reward for same good deed, no matter whose ox is gored. Preconceived bias against any man is unrighteousness. Say no to partiality.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Say no to partiality.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Partiality is condemnable, avoid it.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to always stand for justice, fairness and equity.*_


    Be Impartial
    https://dailymanna.app//

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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *GOD'S GRACE IS A GIFT* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```EPHESIANS 2:8-10```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).*_



    *Grace is a beautiful and undeserved gift from God. It is God's love, forgiveness and help given to us even though we do not deserve it. It is not something we can earn through our actions or good deeds; it is freely given because of God's deep love for us.*

    *When we accept God's grace, we receive the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God, and this grace transforms our lives. It helps us live in a way that honours God and reflect His love for others.*

    *Grace is not just a one-time gift, it is something that continues to sustain and guide us. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is always available to lift us up and give us the strength to keep moving forward. It is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire to help us grow closer to Him.*



    ```rayer:``` _*God, I thank You for the gift of Your grace.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Titus 2:11, 12*



    God's Grace Is A Gift
    https://dailymanna.app//

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    *#GCK*
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    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3

    He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law

    O Light of the hearts that trust You, Life of the souls that love You, and Strength of all who seek Your face—grant us Your grace as we begin this day. We thank You for the mercies of the night. You have brought us back from the seeming death of sleep. We place our hands in Yours and ask You to guide us throughout the day.

    Be our Good Shepherd. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Teach us to do Your will. Incline our hearts to walk in Your ways. Help us to love Your commandments. Renew our hearts continually, so that we love doing what is right and hate whatever is wrong.

    We will need Your divine wisdom all day long. Help us to conduct our affairs in a way that pleases You. May all our business be Your business. May our work at home be done without worry. Help us to bear the trials and endure the challenges of life as our blessed Master did, without fretting or complaining, but with patience and joy. Grant us the patience, forbearance, meekness, and joy to make this day holy and beautiful, as we stay near You and live by Your help and grace.

    Allow no temptation to endanger our souls, but with every temptation make a way for us to escape, so we do not fall away into eternal death. Let us not yield to unholy influences, but may we be more than conquerors in all things through Him who loved us. We ask these mercies, humbly confessing our sins, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.

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

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2O26. "LEARN TO WAIT" ‘They that wait upon the Lord...’ Isaiah 40:31KJV THE WORD ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you. Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Mark 6:30-44. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026. *BLESSING OUR BOUNTIFUL GIVER* *TEXT:* PSALM 103:1-22.  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name"_ (Psalm 103:1-22). *INTRODUCTION* God gives us blessings. Does He need our blessings? To "bless the Lord" means to praise, worship, and speak well of God's greatness and goodness from a deeply grateful heart. The opposite of blessing God is to speak negatively of God, blame, insult, complain against or even curse Him. While humans usually receive blessings from God, we "bless" Him in return by honoring, thanking and adoring Him for who He is and what He has done.  Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise in which David calls his soul to remember the goodness, mercy and faithfulness of God. The Lord is not only the source of our blessings; He is Himself the Bountiful Giver who forgives, heals, redeems, satisfies, and crowns His children with lovingkindness. As we reflect on His goodness, our appropriate response is to bless His holy name with a grateful heart. *1. Call to Bless the LORD* a. How do you feel when people commend, appreciate or speak well of you right in your presence or in the presence of others? You feel encouraged, satisfied and happy. God feels the same as the Person who created us in His image. David begins by addressing himself: *“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”* He didn't say bless the LORD with his lips. That, as good as it can be, may be mechanical and for people to see. But he said his soul would bless the LORD. The blessings must be from his inner being and must affect all that is within him. It should be wholehearted praise. b. He repeats the command, *“Bless the LORD,”* emphasizing that worship must come from the whole person. He warns himself not to forget God’s benefits. *"And forget not all his benefits"*. It is possible, human and natural to forget some of His benefits, but it is ingratitude to forget ALL. A recollection of a few of His benefits should cancel all forms of complaints due to hardship and delayed blessings. Many times, we remember our problems more readily than God’s goodness; but thanksgiving becomes powerful when we deliberately recall His blessings. Every breath, provision, protection, opportunity, and answered prayer is evidence of His mercy. We should, therefore, bless God not merely with our lips but with our entire being. *Question* Am I deliberately remembering and praising God for His benefits, or have I allowed my challenges to make me forget His goodness? *2. Covenant Blessings from the LORD* a. The divine covenant blessings are those blessings God gives to those who have come into covenant relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus. Such blessings are not for the general populace. David identifies some of the covenant benefits of the Lord: *“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things.”* Our greatest blessing is forgiveness. This forgiveness doesn't put into consideration the gravity of the sin, the foolishness of the offender, etc. It is freely and fully forgiven once there is evidence of repentance. He restores our relationship with Him and gives us a new beginning. He is also our Redeemer, preserving us from destruction and surrounding us with lovingkindness and mercy. He satisfies our lives with good things so that we may experience renewed strength like the eagle. The healings we received freely are part of God's covenant blessings. The irony of life is that many erroneously think they are mere general blessings and as a result, they are weak in pleasing the Lord. b. God's blessings are not accidental; they flow from His covenant faithfulness. Therefore, let us trust Him, appreciate His benefits and remain faithful to Him. Deliberate efforts should constantly be made to recall the uncommon benefits we have received from the Lord. *Question* Which of God's covenant benefits have I received that I should consciously thank Him for today? *3. The Character of the Bountiful LORD* God is not a hypocrite. His blessings flow from His nature and character. The remaining verses reveal the character of our Bountiful LORD. He is righteous and just, defending the oppressed (v.6). He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (v.8). He does not treat us according to our sins, but removes our transgressions far from us (vv.10–12). His compassion is like that of a loving father toward his children (v.13). God understands our frailty because He remembers that we are dust (v.14). Though human life is temporary, *“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting”* (v.17). His throne is established in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (v.19). The psalm, therefore, ends with a universal call for angels, heavenly hosts and all God's works to bless His holy name (vv.20–22). The appropriate response to such a generous and compassionate God is continual praise, obedience, trust and thanksgiving. Blessing God invites further divine blessings and draws the souls to God as well as scare the devil and his agents. *Question* Does the character of God revealed in this Psalm inspire me to trust Him more deeply and bless His name continually? *Prayer Points* 1Lord, give me a grateful heart that will continually remember and bless You for all Your benefits 🙏. 2 Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness, redemption, mercy, healing, provision and preservation in my life 🙏. 3 Lord, help me to trust and always recall Your unfailing mercy and blessings and help me to remain faithful to You in every circumstance🙏 4 O Bountiful Giver, let our lives become a testimony of Your goodness and may everything within us continually bless Your holy name🙏 *HYMN:* Praise the Lord *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* NAHUM 1-3. [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 103:1-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (PSALM 103:2).*_ *The story was told of a young boy who was given writing materials to write everything God and Satan had done for him within an hour. He set out to write about the blessings he received from God. He kept on remembering new things to write about the goodness of God in his life, and by the time he was done with that, the entire time was taken. So, he wrote at the bottom of his script "NO TIME FOR SATAN".* *It is difficult to itemise all benefits we receive from God as His children. David, in the text, listed several of them, but the list is endless: He forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, satisfies our mouths with good things, provides justice for the oppressed, shows mercy to people, and retains not His anger forever. Attention was then shifted to His throne in heaven, where the angels worship Him and do all His commandments. His dominion is universal and His Kingdom rules over all.* *David, the psalmist, wrote this psalm from his wealth of experience as Israel's king. He could tell and sing of God's mercies because he experienced them. He spoke from personal experience when God took Him from following the sheep as a shepherd to set him up as king in Israel. He saved him from the many battles he had to fight to maintain as well as expand the nation's territory. And when he fell into sin, with the devastating consequences on his family and kingship, he cried to God in penitence and received forgiveness. David knew that God's kingdom is not like that of man. He reigns and rules over the entire universe.* *Like David, we should recall, remember and count our blessings, naming them one by one. We must deliberately focus our attention on the wonderful things He has done for us and stop worrying over the unresolved problems in our lives. As we praise God for His past mercies and blessings, we can be sure that He will arise and do more in our lives.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Don't count your losses, count your blessings.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *NAHUM 1-3*📜📜 Forget Not His Benefits https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 50: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS; GHS 9: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS; AND GHS 13: TO GOD BE THE GLORY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE IMPARTIAL* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 2:1-10```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (JAMES 2:1).*_ *A scale is one of the symbols of the judiciary where justice was beautifully represented by the ancients as holding a pair of scales equally balanced. It depicts the principle of equity and fairness, balance and objective outlook. Justice ought to be without prejudice or passion.* *Our text today condemns partiality in its entirety. God expects His children to treat everyone without prejudice or favouritism. We are expressly commanded in the Bible to do "nothing by partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21). Christians must avoid double standard in dealing with issues. Partiality makes someone a transgressor. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."* *Believers should act impartially when mediating between two people. Avoid emotional impressions when dealing with issues among people. We must give fair hearing to both parties in dispute. Issues should be treated on merit, not personal attachment, friendship, or fondness. Same punishment should be for same offence; same reward for same good deed, no matter whose ox is gored. Preconceived bias against any man is unrighteousness. Say no to partiality.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Say no to partiality.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Partiality is condemnable, avoid it.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to always stand for justice, fairness and equity.*_ Be Impartial https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [24/08, 10:07 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD'S GRACE IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🎁✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```EPHESIANS 2:8-10```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 *Grace is a beautiful and undeserved gift from God. It is God's love, forgiveness and help given to us even though we do not deserve it. It is not something we can earn through our actions or good deeds; it is freely given because of God's deep love for us.* *When we accept God's grace, we receive the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God, and this grace transforms our lives. It helps us live in a way that honours God and reflect His love for others.* *Grace is not just a one-time gift, it is something that continues to sustain and guide us. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is always available to lift us up and give us the strength to keep moving forward. It is a constant reminder of God's unwavering love and His desire to help us grow closer to Him.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, I thank You for the gift of Your grace.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Titus 2:11, 12* God's Grace Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk25thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3 He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law O Light of the hearts that trust You, Life of the souls that love You, and Strength of all who seek Your face—grant us Your grace as we begin this day. We thank You for the mercies of the night. You have brought us back from the seeming death of sleep. We place our hands in Yours and ask You to guide us throughout the day. Be our Good Shepherd. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Teach us to do Your will. Incline our hearts to walk in Your ways. Help us to love Your commandments. Renew our hearts continually, so that we love doing what is right and hate whatever is wrong. We will need Your divine wisdom all day long. Help us to conduct our affairs in a way that pleases You. May all our business be Your business. May our work at home be done without worry. Help us to bear the trials and endure the challenges of life as our blessed Master did, without fretting or complaining, but with patience and joy. Grant us the patience, forbearance, meekness, and joy to make this day holy and beautiful, as we stay near You and live by Your help and grace. Allow no temptation to endanger our souls, but with every temptation make a way for us to escape, so we do not fall away into eternal death. Let us not yield to unholy influences, but may we be more than conquerors in all things through Him who loved us. We ask these mercies, humbly confessing our sins, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/51/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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