• Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    The Lord is Near

    By Vera Malova

    August 17th, 2026

    I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

    Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again.

    In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went.

    I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized.

    On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up.

    “Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead!

    Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me.

    Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?”

    “Yes, I think I will,” I answered.

    “Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted.

    When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!”

    His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!”

    Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you!

    Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.

    As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.”

    Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word!

    Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.”

    He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down.

    One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.”

    Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness.

    It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again.

    Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood!

    Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

    Seek the Lord, for He is near.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. The Lord is Near By Vera Malova August 17th, 2026 I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again. In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went. I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized. On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up. “Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead! Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me. Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?” “Yes, I think I will,” I answered. “Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted. When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!” His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!” Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you! Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11. As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.” Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word! Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.” He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down. One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.” Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness. It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again. Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood! Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Seek the Lord, for He is near.
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  • St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe

    St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born on January 8, 1894 in Poland, to father Julius Kolbe and mother Maria Dabrowska. He joined the Franciscans in 1907 and ordained as a priest in 1918. He founded a movement devoted to Our Lady and spread this movement through a magazine named "The Knight of the Immaculate". He was arrested by Nazis on February 17, 1941 and sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. He was singing hymns to the Virgin Mary in the concentration camp without any fear. He was tortured in the Nazi concentration camp without giving any food, water and other facilities for more than two weeks. When another person was due to be killed on a particular day, that man started crying" my wife, my children". Then Maximilian volunteered to take the place of that man to die, to save that poor man. He was killed by giving carbolic acid injection. He died on August 14, 1941.

    A cure from intestinal tuberculosis to one Angela Testoni in July, 1948 and also a cure from calcification on the arteries/sclerosis were attributed to the intervention of St. Maximilian.

    He was beatified in 1971 by Pope Paul-VI and canonized by Pope John Paul-II on October 10, 1982. He was declared as a martyr and is venerated as a patron saint of drug addicts and political prisoners.
    #catholic #saint #St. #drug #addiction #politicalprison #political #prision #drugfree #addictionfree #savepoor #injection #virginmary #Mary #intervention #interventionfordisease
    #disease #illness #cure #politicalharrasament #prisioerofconscience #dissident #undertrialprisoners #prisionalwithoutanycharge
    St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born on January 8, 1894 in Poland, to father Julius Kolbe and mother Maria Dabrowska. He joined the Franciscans in 1907 and ordained as a priest in 1918. He founded a movement devoted to Our Lady and spread this movement through a magazine named "The Knight of the Immaculate". He was arrested by Nazis on February 17, 1941 and sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. He was singing hymns to the Virgin Mary in the concentration camp without any fear. He was tortured in the Nazi concentration camp without giving any food, water and other facilities for more than two weeks. When another person was due to be killed on a particular day, that man started crying" my wife, my children". Then Maximilian volunteered to take the place of that man to die, to save that poor man. He was killed by giving carbolic acid injection. He died on August 14, 1941. A cure from intestinal tuberculosis to one Angela Testoni in July, 1948 and also a cure from calcification on the arteries/sclerosis were attributed to the intervention of St. Maximilian. He was beatified in 1971 by Pope Paul-VI and canonized by Pope John Paul-II on October 10, 1982. He was declared as a martyr and is venerated as a patron saint of drug addicts and political prisoners. #catholic #saint #St. #drug #addiction #politicalprison #political #prision #drugfree #addictionfree #savepoor #injection #virginmary #Mary #intervention #interventionfordisease #disease #illness #cure #politicalharrasament #prisioerofconscience #dissident #undertrialprisoners #prisionalwithoutanycharge
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  • HAVING A PRAYERFUL HEART…
    Today I will begin posting prayers that you can pray for key people and situations you may be facing at the moment. Feel free to use them if you are led as well as sharing them with others. Be blessed. Prayer does change things my friends! AMEN AND AMEN!

    15 Key Things We Can Pray For The Children In Our Lives.

    Here is a personal, heartfelt prayer for the children in your life, structured around 15 foundational themes and backed by Scripture references to pray over them.

    A Prayer for the Children in Our Lives

    Heavenly Father,
    I come before You today lifting up the precious children You have entrusted to my life and care. You know them by name, You knit them together, and Your love for them far exceeds my own. I lay their lives, their futures, and their hearts at Your feet, standing on the promises of Your Word.
    1. Salvation and Faith
    Lord, above all else, I pray for their hearts. Open their eyes to Your truth at a young age. May they come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, trusting in Him for their salvation. For you Word states: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
    2. Spiritual Growth and Wisdom
    Father, Grant them wisdom beyond their years. Help them grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, loving Your Word and seeking Your guidance in every decision. You says:"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
    3. Protection from Harm and Evil
    I pray for Your divine hedge of protection around them Lord—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guard them from accident, illness, temptation, and the schemes of the enemy. For you said in your Word: "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7–8)
    4. Godly and Wise Friendships
    Surround them with friends who encourage them, sharpen them, and walk in righteousness Lord. Protect them from unhealthy influences, and give them the courage to be a light to those around them. Again, you said in your Word Lord: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20)
    5. Purity and Integrity
    Father God, Keep their hearts, minds, and bodies pure. Give them the strength to stand against peer pressure and societal expectations, choosing integrity even when no one is watching. Your Word states: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By taking heed according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9)
    6. Emotional Health and Peace of Mind
    Guard their minds against anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion. Lord, Fill them with the peace that surpasses understanding, and let them rest securely in their identity in Christ. I stand on your Word: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6–7)
    7. Purpose and Calling
    Unveil Your purpose for their lives. Show them the unique spiritual gifts, talents, and passions You have placed inside them, and give them the desire to use those gifts to serve You and others. I believe what you say in your Word: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
    8. Respect and Obedience toward Authority
    Father, I ask you to Teach them by your Holy Spirit to honor their parents, teachers, leaders, and mentors. Give them a teachable spirit that receives instruction, discipline, and counsel with grace and humility. Your Word plainly states: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise." (Ephesians 6:1–2)
    9. A Spirit of Kindness and Compassion
    And Lord God, Fill their hearts with genuine love for others. Give them eyes to see those who are hurting or lonely, and grant them a generous, compassionate spirit that reflects Your mercy. Again I believe what your Word says: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
    10. Resilience and Perseverance
    When trials, failures, or disappointments come, Father give them the grit and faith to bounce back. Help them understand that challenges refine their character and strengthen their hope. I stand on what is written in your Word: "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3–4)
    11. Courage and Boldness
    Make them strong and courageous in a world that often opposes Your truth. Give them the boldness to share their faith and stand up for what is right, without fear or shame. Lord God, As you Word states: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
    12. Self-Discipline and Diligence
    Father, I am trusting you to Instill in them a strong work ethic, whether in their schooling, chores, or responsibilities. Help them steward their time, resources, and bodies with discipline and self-control. Again, I stand on your Word: "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23)
    13. A Heart of Gratitude and Joy
    Lord, I pray that you Keep their hearts free from discontentment, envy, and entitlement. Plant a deep sense of joy in their souls and a habit of giving thanks to You in all circumstances. As your Word states: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
    14. Divine Guidance for Their Future
    And Lord, I pray for their future—their education, careers, relationships, and ultimate life choices. Lead them step-by-step along the path You have ordained for them, keeping them from wrong turns. I stand on what your Word says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5–6)
    15. Godly Future Spouses and Households
    Looking ahead to the years to come, Father God I ask that You prepare the hearts of their future spouses, if it be Your will. May they build families rooted in Christ, passing down a legacy of faith for generations to come. Again I agree with what your say in your Word Lord: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
    And in closing Father, I place these children securely in Your hands.(Name them). Work in them and through them, and grant me the grace, wisdom, and patience to love, guide, and support them as well in your sight. I trust and ask your Holy Spirit to guide me in this great and all important endeavor and I thank you and praise you for these precious young lives you have blessed me with and I give them over to your watchful eyes, love and care this day. Thank-you for hearing my prayer for them today.
    In Jesus' precious and powerful name,
    Amen.

    HAVING A PRAYERFUL HEART… Today I will begin posting prayers that you can pray for key people and situations you may be facing at the moment. Feel free to use them if you are led as well as sharing them with others. Be blessed. Prayer does change things my friends! AMEN AND AMEN! 15 Key Things We Can Pray For The Children In Our Lives. Here is a personal, heartfelt prayer for the children in your life, structured around 15 foundational themes and backed by Scripture references to pray over them. A Prayer for the Children in Our Lives Heavenly Father, I come before You today lifting up the precious children You have entrusted to my life and care. You know them by name, You knit them together, and Your love for them far exceeds my own. I lay their lives, their futures, and their hearts at Your feet, standing on the promises of Your Word. 1. Salvation and Faith Lord, above all else, I pray for their hearts. Open their eyes to Your truth at a young age. May they come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, trusting in Him for their salvation. For you Word states: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) 2. Spiritual Growth and Wisdom Father, Grant them wisdom beyond their years. Help them grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, loving Your Word and seeking Your guidance in every decision. You says:"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) 3. Protection from Harm and Evil I pray for Your divine hedge of protection around them Lord—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guard them from accident, illness, temptation, and the schemes of the enemy. For you said in your Word: "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7–8) 4. Godly and Wise Friendships Surround them with friends who encourage them, sharpen them, and walk in righteousness Lord. Protect them from unhealthy influences, and give them the courage to be a light to those around them. Again, you said in your Word Lord: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20) 5. Purity and Integrity Father God, Keep their hearts, minds, and bodies pure. Give them the strength to stand against peer pressure and societal expectations, choosing integrity even when no one is watching. Your Word states: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By taking heed according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9) 6. Emotional Health and Peace of Mind Guard their minds against anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion. Lord, Fill them with the peace that surpasses understanding, and let them rest securely in their identity in Christ. I stand on your Word: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6–7) 7. Purpose and Calling Unveil Your purpose for their lives. Show them the unique spiritual gifts, talents, and passions You have placed inside them, and give them the desire to use those gifts to serve You and others. I believe what you say in your Word: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) 8. Respect and Obedience toward Authority Father, I ask you to Teach them by your Holy Spirit to honor their parents, teachers, leaders, and mentors. Give them a teachable spirit that receives instruction, discipline, and counsel with grace and humility. Your Word plainly states: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise." (Ephesians 6:1–2) 9. A Spirit of Kindness and Compassion And Lord God, Fill their hearts with genuine love for others. Give them eyes to see those who are hurting or lonely, and grant them a generous, compassionate spirit that reflects Your mercy. Again I believe what your Word says: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) 10. Resilience and Perseverance When trials, failures, or disappointments come, Father give them the grit and faith to bounce back. Help them understand that challenges refine their character and strengthen their hope. I stand on what is written in your Word: "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3–4) 11. Courage and Boldness Make them strong and courageous in a world that often opposes Your truth. Give them the boldness to share their faith and stand up for what is right, without fear or shame. Lord God, As you Word states: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) 12. Self-Discipline and Diligence Father, I am trusting you to Instill in them a strong work ethic, whether in their schooling, chores, or responsibilities. Help them steward their time, resources, and bodies with discipline and self-control. Again, I stand on your Word: "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23) 13. A Heart of Gratitude and Joy Lord, I pray that you Keep their hearts free from discontentment, envy, and entitlement. Plant a deep sense of joy in their souls and a habit of giving thanks to You in all circumstances. As your Word states: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) 14. Divine Guidance for Their Future And Lord, I pray for their future—their education, careers, relationships, and ultimate life choices. Lead them step-by-step along the path You have ordained for them, keeping them from wrong turns. I stand on what your Word says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5–6) 15. Godly Future Spouses and Households Looking ahead to the years to come, Father God I ask that You prepare the hearts of their future spouses, if it be Your will. May they build families rooted in Christ, passing down a legacy of faith for generations to come. Again I agree with what your say in your Word Lord: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) And in closing Father, I place these children securely in Your hands.(Name them). Work in them and through them, and grant me the grace, wisdom, and patience to love, guide, and support them as well in your sight. I trust and ask your Holy Spirit to guide me in this great and all important endeavor and I thank you and praise you for these precious young lives you have blessed me with and I give them over to your watchful eyes, love and care this day. Thank-you for hearing my prayer for them today. In Jesus' precious and powerful name, Amen.
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26.
    "RESPONDING TO FAILURE"

    ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT

    YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’

    Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN*

    *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8.

    1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
    2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
    3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
    4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
    5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
    6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
    7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
    8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*.

    *1. Prepared Heaven*

    a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal.
    b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity.

    *Question*

    Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven.

    *2. Pacification with Happiness*

    a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity.
    b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations?

    *Question*

    What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary?

    *3. Punishment of Hell*

    What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*.

    *Question*

    Are you transparently free from all sins?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace .
    2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits .
    3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things .
    4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously .

    *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18.
    [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_

    *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."*

    *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.*

    *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.*

    *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*



    Short Shelf-Life Of Pain
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN*

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna13thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *JESUS SETS FREE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_

    *A song writer wrote:*

    _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_
    _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_
    _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_
    _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_

    *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.*

    *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.*

    *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.*

    *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_



    Jesus Sets Free
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```PSALM 35:1-9```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_



    Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped!

    While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued.

    In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability.

    *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18*


    God Is In Charge
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ⏤ Galatians 5:13

    Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton

    O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name.

    We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls.

    So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day.

    We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good.

    Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26. "RESPONDING TO FAILURE" ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’ Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026. *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN* *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8. 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10). *INTRODUCTION* When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*. *1. Prepared Heaven* a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal. b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity. *Question* Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven. *2. Pacification with Happiness* a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity. b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations? *Question* What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary? *3. Punishment of Hell* What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*. *Question* Are you transparently free from all sins? *Prayer Points* 1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace 🙏. 2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits 🙏. 3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things 🙏. 4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously 🙏. *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_ *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."* *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.* *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.* *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*📜📜 Short Shelf-Life Of Pain https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS SETS FREE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⛓️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽⛓️‍💥🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_ *A song writer wrote:* _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_ _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_ *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.* *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.* *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.* *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_ Jesus Sets Free https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 35:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped! While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued. In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability. *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18* God Is In Charge https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ⏤ Galatians 5:13 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name. We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls. So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day. We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good. Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • From a childhood marked by poverty, illness, and abuse, Ben Brady learned early that survival would take more than willpower — it would take grace. Raised in a home shadowed by alcoholism, abandonment, and pain, he grew up searching for hope in a world that seemed determined to take everything from him.
    Then, in a rainy Lowell doorway, he encountered the gospel and found a Savior who could redeem even the most broken life. What followed was a journey of faith, forgiveness, music, and unexpected calling — a story of how God uses suffering, stubbornness, and ordinary moments to shape a life for His purpose.
    Honest, redemptive, and deeply human, this memoir is a testimony to the power of God to bring beauty out of brokenness and to lead one man from surviving life to serving it.
    From a childhood marked by poverty, illness, and abuse, Ben Brady learned early that survival would take more than willpower — it would take grace. Raised in a home shadowed by alcoholism, abandonment, and pain, he grew up searching for hope in a world that seemed determined to take everything from him. Then, in a rainy Lowell doorway, he encountered the gospel and found a Savior who could redeem even the most broken life. What followed was a journey of faith, forgiveness, music, and unexpected calling — a story of how God uses suffering, stubbornness, and ordinary moments to shape a life for His purpose. Honest, redemptive, and deeply human, this memoir is a testimony to the power of God to bring beauty out of brokenness and to lead one man from surviving life to serving it.
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  • Why Does God Permit Suffering and Evil?
    Pastor Joseph Clark — August 11, 2026
    “Is man merely a mistake of God's? Or God merely a mistake of man?
    — Friedrich Nietzsche
    “All thinking men are atheists.”
    — Ernest Hemingway
    “There is something infantile in the presumption that somebody else has a responsibility to give your life meaning and point…”
    — Richard Dawkins
    One of the most frequently asked questions of pastors is this: If God is all-powerful, merciful, and loving, why does He permit so much suffering and evil? If God is good, why doesn't He simply stop it?
    It is an important question, and Christians should not be afraid to confront it.
    My answer may not satisfy everyone, because Christianity does not teach that we are entitled to understand every purpose of God. Scripture says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29). We know what God has revealed; we do not know everything He has withheld.
    We must also distinguish between what God causes and what God permits. God is sovereign over His creation, but Scripture does not teach that God is the author of sin. James tells us:
    “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.”
    — James 1:13
    So why does God permit suffering?
    The answer begins with this: Suffering has a purpose within God's redemptive plan.
    That does not mean that suffering itself is good. Evil is evil. Death is an enemy. Sin is rebellion against God. Scripture never asks us to call evil good or pretend that tragedy does not hurt.
    Rather, Christianity teaches something far more profound:
    God is so sovereign that He can take even suffering, tragedy, injustice, and evil and use them to accomplish His purposes.
    The greatest example is the cross of Jesus Christ.
    Human beings intended the crucifixion for evil. Yet God used the cross to accomplish the redemption of sinners.
    Peter declared:
    “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
    — Acts 2:23
    The cross therefore gives us the foundation for understanding suffering. God does not need evil to be good, but He can sovereignly use what is evil to accomplish what is good.
    1. God can use suffering for an eternal purpose.
    Paul writes:
    “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
    — 2 Corinthians 4:17
    Paul does not say that suffering is pleasant or insignificant. He calls his troubles “light and momentary” only when compared with the immeasurable weight of eternal glory.
    Cancer, grief, betrayal, violence, injustice, poverty, persecution, and death are very real. Christianity never asks us to pretend otherwise.
    But Scripture teaches that God can take even terrible circumstances and use them for purposes that reach beyond this temporary life.
    That is part of God's redemptive plan.
    God is concerned not merely with making our earthly lives comfortable. He is preparing us for eternity.
    Think of the thickness of a Bible. If that represented eternity, our earthly existence and worldly suffering is so short and fleeting, it would be like a single page.
    That does not make suffering pleasant.
    It puts suffering into an eternal perspective.
    2. Suffering exposes the reality and consequences of sin.
    The Bible does not present this world as the paradise God originally intended. Sin entered God's creation through human rebellion, and its consequences spread throughout humanity.
    Romans 5:12 says:
    “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
    We also contribute to suffering ourselves. Human greed, hatred, selfishness, violence, lust, pride, corruption, and injustice have consequences.
    Scripture describes Satan as the ruler of this present fallen order. “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), while Paul calls Satan “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
    Yet Satan is not God's equal. Satan operates only within the limits God permits.
    The book of Job makes this remarkably clear.
    Job suffered terribly, yet God remained sovereign. Job did not understand the reason for his suffering, but he ultimately came to a deeper knowledge of God. In the middle of his suffering, he declared:
    “I know that my redeemer lives.”
    — Job 19:25
    We may never know whether a particular hardship is a test, a consequence of human sin, an attack of the enemy, or simply the result of living in a fallen world.
    But we do know this:
    God can redeem it.
    3. God can use suffering to bring people to repentance.
    Consider the words of Jesus in Luke 13. Some people had been killed by Pilate, and others had died when a tower collapsed. Jesus specifically rejected the idea that these people were necessarily worse sinners than everyone else.
    Then He said:
    “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
    — Luke 13:3
    Jesus did not use tragedy to give a philosophical explanation. He used it to confront humanity with the reality of eternity.
    Suffering reminds us that this world is temporary. Death is real. Eternity is real. Judgment is real. Salvation is real.
    Sometimes suffering causes a person to ask questions that prosperity never would:
    Where is God? What is the meaning of life? What happens when I die? Am I ready to meet my Creator?
    And ultimately, those questions can lead us to Jesus Christ.
    God can use suffering as an instrument that turns a person's heart toward Him.
    4. Free will has consequences.
    God created human beings capable of genuine love, obedience, rebellion, and choice.
    Love without choice is meaningless.
    God could have created humanity like robots programmed to say, “I love You,” every hour. But programmed affection is not love.
    I can program my phone to tell me it loves me every hour. That does not compare with hearing my child freely say, “Dad, I love you.”
    God gave humanity meaningful freedom. But meaningful freedom necessarily carries consequences.
    If God prevented every sinful action before it happened, human freedom would cease to have meaningful consequences.
    We cannot simultaneously demand genuine human freedom and demand that God prevent every consequence of human choices.
    Much of the suffering in this world is the direct or indirect consequence of human sin.
    5. Suffering can become part of our sanctification.
    The Christian life was never promised to be painless.
    Peter writes:
    “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
    — 1 Peter 5:10
    Paul says:
    “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
    — 2 Timothy 3:12
    Jesus Himself said:
    “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
    — John 16:33
    Christianity does not promise escape from every hardship. It promises that Christ will be with us through it.
    We are called to carry our cross, follow Christ, persevere under trial, and allow God to shape us through circumstances we cannot control.
    James writes:
    “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
    — James 1:12
    Suffering can therefore become part of God's sanctifying work in us.
    It can teach perseverance.
    It can expose what is in our hearts.
    It can strip away pride.
    It can deepen our dependence upon God.
    It can produce compassion for others who suffer.
    And it can make us long more deeply for the day when Christ will finally make all things new.
    6. Without suffering, we would have little understanding of the seriousness of eternity.
    This is a difficult point, but it must be considered.
    If humanity lived forever in a world without death, pain, consequence, or hardship, we could easily become convinced that this temporary world was all that mattered.
    But Christianity teaches that this life is not the end.
    There is salvation and there is judgment. There is heaven and there is hell. There is eternal life and eternal separation from God.
    The suffering and brokenness of this world remind us that something is profoundly wrong with creation—and that we need redemption.
    The Gospel announces that God has not abandoned us to that brokenness.
    He entered it.
    7. God did not merely watch suffering from heaven—He entered our suffering through Jesus Christ.
    This may be the most important answer of all.
    God did not respond to human suffering by remaining distant from it.
    Jesus Christ suffered.
    He was betrayed, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, humiliated, crucified, and killed. He experienced rejection, physical agony, injustice, and death.
    And then He rose again.
    The cross demonstrates that God can bring the greatest good out of the greatest evil.
    The crucifixion was humanity's greatest act of evil against the Son of God, yet God used it as the means of redemption.
    That is the heart of the Gospel.
    God redeems.
    He redeems sinners.
    He redeems broken lives.
    He redeems suffering.
    He redeems tragedy.
    And ultimately, He will redeem creation itself.
    The Christian therefore does not worship a God who says, “I have no idea what suffering feels like.”
    We worship a Savior who can say, “I have been there.”
    I Understand That Suffering Hurts
    I do not write this as someone who has never suffered.
    I have experienced betrayal, divorce, sin, self-loathing, false accusations, slander, threats, persecution for my faith, serious family crises, illness among people I love, and the tragic deaths of friends. Others have suffered far more than I have. I have not experienced every form of grief, and I would never pretend otherwise.
    I do not claim to be an expert on suffering.
    But I know the One who is.
    And the answer I offer is not ultimately my own philosophy. It is the testimony of Scripture.
    For those who say, “I don't expect special treatment. I simply want to live a good life without hurting anyone or being hurt myself,” my answer is this:
    Stay faithful. Walk with Christ. Keep going.
    You may not understand everything God is doing. Job didn't. Joseph didn't. The disciples didn't understand the cross.
    But God's purposes were greater than what they could see.
    From Crisis to Opportunity
    Suffering can become a defining moment.
    The question is not always, “Why did this happen to me?”
    Sometimes the better question is:
    “Lord, what will You do with what has happened to me?”
    We cannot control everything that happens to us. But, by the grace of God, we can choose how we respond.
    We can become bitter—or we can become faithful.
    We can turn away from God—or we can run toward Him.
    We can allow suffering to destroy us—or we can allow God to use it to deepen our faith, strengthen our character, increase our compassion, and sanctify our lives.
    That is why suffering can become an opportunity.
    Not because suffering itself is good.
    But because God is good, and God can bring good out of what is not good.
    Romans 8:28 gives us this extraordinary promise:
    “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
    Notice that Scripture does not say that all things are good.
    It says God works in all things for good.
    That distinction matters.
    The Christian response to suffering is therefore not denial, despair, or rebellion. It is faith.
    We remain steadfast. We help those who are suffering. We practice mercy. We refuse to create unnecessary suffering for others. We forgive. We pray. We persevere.
    And above all, we look to Christ.
    He suffered.
    He died.
    He rose again.
    And because He lives, suffering and death do not have the final word.
    Why, Then, Does God Permit Suffering and Evil?
    1. God can use suffering for an eternal purpose.
    2. Suffering exposes the reality and consequences of sin.
    3. God can use suffering to bring people to repentance and salvation.
    4. Human freedom carries real consequences.
    5. Suffering can become part of our sanctification.
    6. Suffering reminds us that this life is temporary and eternity is real.
    7. God entered our suffering through Jesus Christ and ultimately defeated sin and death through His cross and resurrection.
    There is one truth that holds all seven points together:
    Suffering has a purpose in God's redemptive plan.
    We may not understand every reason God permits a particular tragedy. We should never presume to know God's specific purpose in another person's suffering.
    But we can know that suffering is not beyond His sovereignty.
    The cross proves it.
    The empty tomb proves it.
    And the promise of Scripture proves that one day God will finally and completely deal with everything that causes suffering.
    “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
    — Revelation 21:4
    Until that day, we remain faithful.
    We suffer with hope.
    We serve with compassion.
    We persevere with courage.
    And we keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ—the One who suffered for us, died for us, rose again for us, and promises that one day “the former things have passed away.”
    Christ wins.
    And in Christ, suffering is not the end of the story.
    Why Does God Permit Suffering and Evil? Pastor Joseph Clark — August 11, 2026 “Is man merely a mistake of God's? Or God merely a mistake of man? — Friedrich Nietzsche “All thinking men are atheists.” — Ernest Hemingway “There is something infantile in the presumption that somebody else has a responsibility to give your life meaning and point…” — Richard Dawkins One of the most frequently asked questions of pastors is this: If God is all-powerful, merciful, and loving, why does He permit so much suffering and evil? If God is good, why doesn't He simply stop it? It is an important question, and Christians should not be afraid to confront it. My answer may not satisfy everyone, because Christianity does not teach that we are entitled to understand every purpose of God. Scripture says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29). We know what God has revealed; we do not know everything He has withheld. We must also distinguish between what God causes and what God permits. God is sovereign over His creation, but Scripture does not teach that God is the author of sin. James tells us: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” — James 1:13 So why does God permit suffering? The answer begins with this: Suffering has a purpose within God's redemptive plan. That does not mean that suffering itself is good. Evil is evil. Death is an enemy. Sin is rebellion against God. Scripture never asks us to call evil good or pretend that tragedy does not hurt. Rather, Christianity teaches something far more profound: God is so sovereign that He can take even suffering, tragedy, injustice, and evil and use them to accomplish His purposes. The greatest example is the cross of Jesus Christ. Human beings intended the crucifixion for evil. Yet God used the cross to accomplish the redemption of sinners. Peter declared: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” — Acts 2:23 The cross therefore gives us the foundation for understanding suffering. God does not need evil to be good, but He can sovereignly use what is evil to accomplish what is good. 1. God can use suffering for an eternal purpose. Paul writes: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul does not say that suffering is pleasant or insignificant. He calls his troubles “light and momentary” only when compared with the immeasurable weight of eternal glory. Cancer, grief, betrayal, violence, injustice, poverty, persecution, and death are very real. Christianity never asks us to pretend otherwise. But Scripture teaches that God can take even terrible circumstances and use them for purposes that reach beyond this temporary life. That is part of God's redemptive plan. God is concerned not merely with making our earthly lives comfortable. He is preparing us for eternity. Think of the thickness of a Bible. If that represented eternity, our earthly existence and worldly suffering is so short and fleeting, it would be like a single page. That does not make suffering pleasant. It puts suffering into an eternal perspective. 2. Suffering exposes the reality and consequences of sin. The Bible does not present this world as the paradise God originally intended. Sin entered God's creation through human rebellion, and its consequences spread throughout humanity. Romans 5:12 says: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” We also contribute to suffering ourselves. Human greed, hatred, selfishness, violence, lust, pride, corruption, and injustice have consequences. Scripture describes Satan as the ruler of this present fallen order. “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), while Paul calls Satan “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Yet Satan is not God's equal. Satan operates only within the limits God permits. The book of Job makes this remarkably clear. Job suffered terribly, yet God remained sovereign. Job did not understand the reason for his suffering, but he ultimately came to a deeper knowledge of God. In the middle of his suffering, he declared: “I know that my redeemer lives.” — Job 19:25 We may never know whether a particular hardship is a test, a consequence of human sin, an attack of the enemy, or simply the result of living in a fallen world. But we do know this: God can redeem it. 3. God can use suffering to bring people to repentance. Consider the words of Jesus in Luke 13. Some people had been killed by Pilate, and others had died when a tower collapsed. Jesus specifically rejected the idea that these people were necessarily worse sinners than everyone else. Then He said: “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” — Luke 13:3 Jesus did not use tragedy to give a philosophical explanation. He used it to confront humanity with the reality of eternity. Suffering reminds us that this world is temporary. Death is real. Eternity is real. Judgment is real. Salvation is real. Sometimes suffering causes a person to ask questions that prosperity never would: Where is God? What is the meaning of life? What happens when I die? Am I ready to meet my Creator? And ultimately, those questions can lead us to Jesus Christ. God can use suffering as an instrument that turns a person's heart toward Him. 4. Free will has consequences. God created human beings capable of genuine love, obedience, rebellion, and choice. Love without choice is meaningless. God could have created humanity like robots programmed to say, “I love You,” every hour. But programmed affection is not love. I can program my phone to tell me it loves me every hour. That does not compare with hearing my child freely say, “Dad, I love you.” God gave humanity meaningful freedom. But meaningful freedom necessarily carries consequences. If God prevented every sinful action before it happened, human freedom would cease to have meaningful consequences. We cannot simultaneously demand genuine human freedom and demand that God prevent every consequence of human choices. Much of the suffering in this world is the direct or indirect consequence of human sin. 5. Suffering can become part of our sanctification. The Christian life was never promised to be painless. Peter writes: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10 Paul says: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” — 2 Timothy 3:12 Jesus Himself said: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 Christianity does not promise escape from every hardship. It promises that Christ will be with us through it. We are called to carry our cross, follow Christ, persevere under trial, and allow God to shape us through circumstances we cannot control. James writes: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12 Suffering can therefore become part of God's sanctifying work in us. It can teach perseverance. It can expose what is in our hearts. It can strip away pride. It can deepen our dependence upon God. It can produce compassion for others who suffer. And it can make us long more deeply for the day when Christ will finally make all things new. 6. Without suffering, we would have little understanding of the seriousness of eternity. This is a difficult point, but it must be considered. If humanity lived forever in a world without death, pain, consequence, or hardship, we could easily become convinced that this temporary world was all that mattered. But Christianity teaches that this life is not the end. There is salvation and there is judgment. There is heaven and there is hell. There is eternal life and eternal separation from God. The suffering and brokenness of this world remind us that something is profoundly wrong with creation—and that we need redemption. The Gospel announces that God has not abandoned us to that brokenness. He entered it. 7. God did not merely watch suffering from heaven—He entered our suffering through Jesus Christ. This may be the most important answer of all. God did not respond to human suffering by remaining distant from it. Jesus Christ suffered. He was betrayed, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, humiliated, crucified, and killed. He experienced rejection, physical agony, injustice, and death. And then He rose again. The cross demonstrates that God can bring the greatest good out of the greatest evil. The crucifixion was humanity's greatest act of evil against the Son of God, yet God used it as the means of redemption. That is the heart of the Gospel. God redeems. He redeems sinners. He redeems broken lives. He redeems suffering. He redeems tragedy. And ultimately, He will redeem creation itself. The Christian therefore does not worship a God who says, “I have no idea what suffering feels like.” We worship a Savior who can say, “I have been there.” I Understand That Suffering Hurts I do not write this as someone who has never suffered. I have experienced betrayal, divorce, sin, self-loathing, false accusations, slander, threats, persecution for my faith, serious family crises, illness among people I love, and the tragic deaths of friends. Others have suffered far more than I have. I have not experienced every form of grief, and I would never pretend otherwise. I do not claim to be an expert on suffering. But I know the One who is. And the answer I offer is not ultimately my own philosophy. It is the testimony of Scripture. For those who say, “I don't expect special treatment. I simply want to live a good life without hurting anyone or being hurt myself,” my answer is this: Stay faithful. Walk with Christ. Keep going. You may not understand everything God is doing. Job didn't. Joseph didn't. The disciples didn't understand the cross. But God's purposes were greater than what they could see. From Crisis to Opportunity Suffering can become a defining moment. The question is not always, “Why did this happen to me?” Sometimes the better question is: “Lord, what will You do with what has happened to me?” We cannot control everything that happens to us. But, by the grace of God, we can choose how we respond. We can become bitter—or we can become faithful. We can turn away from God—or we can run toward Him. We can allow suffering to destroy us—or we can allow God to use it to deepen our faith, strengthen our character, increase our compassion, and sanctify our lives. That is why suffering can become an opportunity. Not because suffering itself is good. But because God is good, and God can bring good out of what is not good. Romans 8:28 gives us this extraordinary promise: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice that Scripture does not say that all things are good. It says God works in all things for good. That distinction matters. The Christian response to suffering is therefore not denial, despair, or rebellion. It is faith. We remain steadfast. We help those who are suffering. We practice mercy. We refuse to create unnecessary suffering for others. We forgive. We pray. We persevere. And above all, we look to Christ. He suffered. He died. He rose again. And because He lives, suffering and death do not have the final word. Why, Then, Does God Permit Suffering and Evil? 1. God can use suffering for an eternal purpose. 2. Suffering exposes the reality and consequences of sin. 3. God can use suffering to bring people to repentance and salvation. 4. Human freedom carries real consequences. 5. Suffering can become part of our sanctification. 6. Suffering reminds us that this life is temporary and eternity is real. 7. God entered our suffering through Jesus Christ and ultimately defeated sin and death through His cross and resurrection. There is one truth that holds all seven points together: Suffering has a purpose in God's redemptive plan. We may not understand every reason God permits a particular tragedy. We should never presume to know God's specific purpose in another person's suffering. But we can know that suffering is not beyond His sovereignty. The cross proves it. The empty tomb proves it. And the promise of Scripture proves that one day God will finally and completely deal with everything that causes suffering. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4 Until that day, we remain faithful. We suffer with hope. We serve with compassion. We persevere with courage. And we keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ—the One who suffered for us, died for us, rose again for us, and promises that one day “the former things have passed away.” Christ wins. And in Christ, suffering is not the end of the story.
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  • Conflict and Courage.
    2 Kings 13:14-20
    Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13.
    It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of God's providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors....

    Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.” And with rejoicing he could testify, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” 15Prophets and Kings, 263, 264.

    Christ claims all those as His who have believed in His name. The vitalizing power of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in the mortal body binds every believing soul to Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are sacred to His heart; for their life is hid with Christ in God....

    What a glorious morning will the resurrection morning be! What a wonderful scene will open when Christ shall come to be admired of them that believe! All who were partakers with Christ in His humiliation and sufferings will be partakers with Him in His glory. By the resurrection of Christ from the dead every believing saint who falls asleep in Jesus will come forth from his prison house in triumph. The resurrected saint will proclaim, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55).16Selected Messages 2:271, 272.
    Conflict and Courage. 2 Kings 13:14-20 Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13. It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of God's providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors.... Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.” And with rejoicing he could testify, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” 15Prophets and Kings, 263, 264. Christ claims all those as His who have believed in His name. The vitalizing power of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in the mortal body binds every believing soul to Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are sacred to His heart; for their life is hid with Christ in God.... What a glorious morning will the resurrection morning be! What a wonderful scene will open when Christ shall come to be admired of them that believe! All who were partakers with Christ in His humiliation and sufferings will be partakers with Him in His glory. By the resurrection of Christ from the dead every believing saint who falls asleep in Jesus will come forth from his prison house in triumph. The resurrected saint will proclaim, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55).16Selected Messages 2:271, 272.
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  • A Prayer for Health

    Dear God,
    please bless us all with good health, strength, and peace.
    Watch over our families, our friends, and everyone who is suffering from illness or pain.

    Heal those who are sick, comfort those who are suffering, and strengthen those who feel weak or afraid.
    Protect us from illness and harm, and keep our loved ones safe.

    May Your healing hand be upon everyone in need.
    Grant us healthy bodies, peaceful hearts, and the strength to face each new day with hope.

    May Your love and mercy be with us all, today and always.

    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
    💚 A Prayer for Health 💚 Dear God, please bless us all with good health, strength, and peace. Watch over our families, our friends, and everyone who is suffering from illness or pain. Heal those who are sick, comfort those who are suffering, and strengthen those who feel weak or afraid. Protect us from illness and harm, and keep our loved ones safe. May Your healing hand be upon everyone in need. Grant us healthy bodies, peaceful hearts, and the strength to face each new day with hope. May Your love and mercy be with us all, today and always. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 🙏
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  • # **Stay Faithful Until Death — The Promise of the Crown of Life**

    **Bible Verse: Revelation 2:10 (New International Version - NIV)**

    *"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."*
    — **Revelation 2:10**

    ## **A Message of Faith, Hope, and Endurance**

    In the Book of **Revelation, Chapter 2, Verse 10**, Jesus gives a powerful message to His followers: **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."**

    This message was given to encourage believers who were facing suffering, persecution, fear, and difficult trials. Jesus did not promise that His followers would have a life without problems. Instead, He promised that those who remain faithful through every hardship will receive an eternal reward.

    True faith is not only shown during peaceful and successful times. The greatest proof of faith appears when a person continues trusting God during pain, struggles, and uncertainty.

    Every person faces battles that others may never see. Some struggle with financial difficulties, some face illness, some experience loneliness, family problems, rejection, injustice, or disappointment. Sometimes people become tired and question whether their efforts matter. But God sees every struggle and remembers every act of faithfulness.

    To remain faithful does not mean that we will never experience difficulties. It means that even in difficult situations, we continue to trust God, follow His ways, love others, forgive, and keep our hope alive.

    The world often defines success through wealth, power, fame, and achievements. But God looks at the heart. A person who remains faithful when life is difficult, who chooses kindness instead of hatred, forgiveness instead of revenge, and hope instead of despair, is precious in God's eyes.

    The **"Crown of Life"** represents God's eternal reward. It symbolizes victory over suffering, eternal life with God, and the promise that one day pain, sorrow, and tears will come to an end.

    This verse reminds us that our earthly life is temporary, but our relationship with God and our faithfulness have eternal value. Difficult seasons may test us, but they can also strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God.

    When life becomes difficult, remember:

    * God sees every battle you are fighting.
    * God knows every tear you shed.
    * God remembers every sacrifice made with love and faith.
    * God rewards those who remain faithful to Him.

    So do not give up when the journey becomes hard. Hold on to God, keep your faith strong, and continue walking in His truth. The struggles of today are temporary, but God's promises are everlasting.

    **Your faithfulness today can become your victory tomorrow. Stay faithful until the end, because God’s promises never fail.**

    **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."**
    — **Revelation 2:10**
    # **Stay Faithful Until Death — The Promise of the Crown of Life** **Bible Verse: Revelation 2:10 (New International Version - NIV)** *"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."* — **Revelation 2:10** ## **A Message of Faith, Hope, and Endurance** In the Book of **Revelation, Chapter 2, Verse 10**, Jesus gives a powerful message to His followers: **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."** This message was given to encourage believers who were facing suffering, persecution, fear, and difficult trials. Jesus did not promise that His followers would have a life without problems. Instead, He promised that those who remain faithful through every hardship will receive an eternal reward. True faith is not only shown during peaceful and successful times. The greatest proof of faith appears when a person continues trusting God during pain, struggles, and uncertainty. Every person faces battles that others may never see. Some struggle with financial difficulties, some face illness, some experience loneliness, family problems, rejection, injustice, or disappointment. Sometimes people become tired and question whether their efforts matter. But God sees every struggle and remembers every act of faithfulness. To remain faithful does not mean that we will never experience difficulties. It means that even in difficult situations, we continue to trust God, follow His ways, love others, forgive, and keep our hope alive. The world often defines success through wealth, power, fame, and achievements. But God looks at the heart. A person who remains faithful when life is difficult, who chooses kindness instead of hatred, forgiveness instead of revenge, and hope instead of despair, is precious in God's eyes. The **"Crown of Life"** represents God's eternal reward. It symbolizes victory over suffering, eternal life with God, and the promise that one day pain, sorrow, and tears will come to an end. This verse reminds us that our earthly life is temporary, but our relationship with God and our faithfulness have eternal value. Difficult seasons may test us, but they can also strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God. When life becomes difficult, remember: * God sees every battle you are fighting. * God knows every tear you shed. * God remembers every sacrifice made with love and faith. * God rewards those who remain faithful to Him. So do not give up when the journey becomes hard. Hold on to God, keep your faith strong, and continue walking in His truth. The struggles of today are temporary, but God's promises are everlasting. **Your faithfulness today can become your victory tomorrow. Stay faithful until the end, because God’s promises never fail.** **"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."** — **Revelation 2:10**
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  • Thankful Thursday Morning Prayer
    Heavenly Father,
    On this Thankful Thursday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts, giving You all the glory, honor, and praise. Thank You for waking us up clothed in our right minds. Thank You for the breath in our lungs, the strength in our bodies, and the gift of another day to worship, serve, and glorify You.
    "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24, KJV)
    Lord, we thank You because You have been faithful even when we were not. You have protected us from dangers seen and unseen. You have provided when we lacked, comforted us when we grieved, strengthened us when we were weak, and remained our refuge through every storm. Great is Your faithfulness!
    "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."(Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV)
    Father, today we choose gratitude over complaining, praise over worry, and faith over fear. We thank You not only for the blessings we can see but also for the prayers You are answering behind the scenes. We thank You for every closed door that protected us and every open door that You have prepared according to Your perfect will.
    Lord, fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit today. Let Your wisdom guide every decision we make. Let Your peace guard our hearts and minds. Keep our thoughts focused on things above and not on the distractions of this world.
    "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV)
    Father, we lift up our families before You. Cover every husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, parent, sibling, and loved one with the precious blood of Jesus. Let salvation come to every household. Restore broken relationships, heal wounded hearts, and unite families in love and forgiveness.
    Lord, we pray for those who are sick. Stretch forth Your mighty hand and bring healing to every disease, every pain, every diagnosis, every emotional wound, and every hidden struggle. You are Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals.
    "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD."(Jeremiah 30:17)
    We pray for those battling cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, depression, anxiety, dementia, addiction, and every form of illness. Nothing is too hard for You. Speak life where there has been despair and hope where there has been discouragement.
    Father, bless those who are seeking employment, financial breakthrough, business opportunities, promotions, and increase. Open doors that no one can shut. Give favor with employers, supervisors, customers, and clients. Let every need be supplied according to Your riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
    "And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:19, KJV)
    Lord, strengthen pastors, bishops, ministers, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, deacons, and every servant laboring in Your Kingdom. Refresh them with fresh oil. Give them boldness to preach Your Word with power and compassion. Let souls be saved, lives transformed, and Your Church continue to shine as a light in this dark world.
    Father, bless every workplace, school, hospital, business, first responder, military member, and every person serving others today. Grant wisdom, protection, excellence, and favor in every assignment.
    As we go throughout this day, let our lives reflect the love of Jesus. Help us to forgive quickly, love deeply, serve joyfully, and walk humbly before You. Let our words encourage someone, our actions glorify You, and our testimony point others to Christ.
    Your Word reminds us:
    "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."(1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
    So today, Lord, we thank You in advance for the victories we have not yet seen, the miracles You are already working, the healing You are bringing, the doors You are opening, and the testimonies that are on the way.
    We declare that this Thursday will be filled with divine appointments, unexpected favor, supernatural provision, divine protection, abundant peace, overflowing joy, and unshakable faith. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. We will walk in victory because You go before us.
    "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ..."(2 Corinthians 2:14, KJV)

    Declaration...
    Today I choose gratitude over grumbling. I walk by faith and not by sight. God is ordering my steps. His favor surrounds me like a shield. His peace rules my heart. His joy is my strength. His mercy is new every morning. His promises are yes and amen. I am blessed, protected, healed, strengthened, and victorious through Jesus Christ.
    In the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we pray.
    Amen and Amen!
    Thankful Thursday Morning Prayer Heavenly Father, On this Thankful Thursday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts, giving You all the glory, honor, and praise. Thank You for waking us up clothed in our right minds. Thank You for the breath in our lungs, the strength in our bodies, and the gift of another day to worship, serve, and glorify You. "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24, KJV) Lord, we thank You because You have been faithful even when we were not. You have protected us from dangers seen and unseen. You have provided when we lacked, comforted us when we grieved, strengthened us when we were weak, and remained our refuge through every storm. Great is Your faithfulness! "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."(Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV) Father, today we choose gratitude over complaining, praise over worry, and faith over fear. We thank You not only for the blessings we can see but also for the prayers You are answering behind the scenes. We thank You for every closed door that protected us and every open door that You have prepared according to Your perfect will. Lord, fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit today. Let Your wisdom guide every decision we make. Let Your peace guard our hearts and minds. Keep our thoughts focused on things above and not on the distractions of this world. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV) Father, we lift up our families before You. Cover every husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, parent, sibling, and loved one with the precious blood of Jesus. Let salvation come to every household. Restore broken relationships, heal wounded hearts, and unite families in love and forgiveness. Lord, we pray for those who are sick. Stretch forth Your mighty hand and bring healing to every disease, every pain, every diagnosis, every emotional wound, and every hidden struggle. You are Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals. "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD."(Jeremiah 30:17) We pray for those battling cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, depression, anxiety, dementia, addiction, and every form of illness. Nothing is too hard for You. Speak life where there has been despair and hope where there has been discouragement. Father, bless those who are seeking employment, financial breakthrough, business opportunities, promotions, and increase. Open doors that no one can shut. Give favor with employers, supervisors, customers, and clients. Let every need be supplied according to Your riches in glory through Christ Jesus. "And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:19, KJV) Lord, strengthen pastors, bishops, ministers, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, deacons, and every servant laboring in Your Kingdom. Refresh them with fresh oil. Give them boldness to preach Your Word with power and compassion. Let souls be saved, lives transformed, and Your Church continue to shine as a light in this dark world. Father, bless every workplace, school, hospital, business, first responder, military member, and every person serving others today. Grant wisdom, protection, excellence, and favor in every assignment. As we go throughout this day, let our lives reflect the love of Jesus. Help us to forgive quickly, love deeply, serve joyfully, and walk humbly before You. Let our words encourage someone, our actions glorify You, and our testimony point others to Christ. Your Word reminds us: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."(1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) So today, Lord, we thank You in advance for the victories we have not yet seen, the miracles You are already working, the healing You are bringing, the doors You are opening, and the testimonies that are on the way. We declare that this Thursday will be filled with divine appointments, unexpected favor, supernatural provision, divine protection, abundant peace, overflowing joy, and unshakable faith. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. We will walk in victory because You go before us. "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ..."(2 Corinthians 2:14, KJV) Declaration... Today I choose gratitude over grumbling. I walk by faith and not by sight. God is ordering my steps. His favor surrounds me like a shield. His peace rules my heart. His joy is my strength. His mercy is new every morning. His promises are yes and amen. I am blessed, protected, healed, strengthened, and victorious through Jesus Christ. In the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we pray. Amen and Amen!
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