Choose Humility (Philippians 2:3–4) Pride doesn't always look obvious. Sometimes pride sounds like: “I don't need anyone.” Sometimes it looks like refusing to apologize. Sometimes it is always needing to be right. Sometimes it is comparing yourself with others. Sometimes it is wanting recognition for everything you do. And sometimes pride can even enter our relationship with God when we begin believing that we know better than Him. But Jesus calls us to a different way of living. The Bible says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Humility doesn't mean thinking you are worthless. It means understanding that you are not the centre of everything. You can recognize your gifts without looking down on others. You can succeed without becoming arrogant. You can be knowledgeable without believing you know everything. You can receive recognition without making recognition your identity. And you can lead while still being willing to serve. Jesus is the greatest example of humility. He had every reason to receive glory. Yet He chose to serve. He washed His disciples' feet. He welcomed people others overlooked. He touched the hurting. He listened. He taught. And ultimately, He humbled Himself and gave His life on the cross for us. Think about that. The Son of God chose the path of sacrifice. If Jesus was willing to serve, we should never consider ourselves too important to serve others. Sometimes humility means saying: “I was wrong.” Sometimes it means: “I need help.” Sometimes: “I don't know.” Sometimes: “I'm sorry.” Sometimes: “How can I help you?” Those words don't make you weak. They can demonstrate strength of character. Pride asks: “What can I get?” Humility asks: “What can I give?” Pride asks: “Why aren't people noticing me?” Humility asks: “How can I make someone else's life better?” Pride wants the platform. Humility is willing to serve even when nobody is watching. This is especially important in a world where social media can make everything about visibility. Followers. Likes. Views. Comments. Recognition. It is easy to begin measuring your value by how much attention you receive. But remember: God sees what people don't see. He sees the quiet act of kindness. He sees the prayer nobody heard. He sees the sacrifice nobody noticed. He sees the person you helped without posting about it. He sees your heart. So don't serve only when people are watching. Don't do good only when you can receive recognition. Serve because you love God. Serve because Christ first served you. And when you succeed, remember where your abilities came from. When God opens a door, be grateful. When He gives you an opportunity, remain humble. When you achieve something, celebrate without looking down on those who haven't reached the same place yet. Your success should give you an opportunity to lift others, not make you feel superior to them. And if someone else succeeds before you, don't allow jealousy to take over. Celebrate them. Learn from them. Encourage them. Your journey doesn't become less valuable because someone else's journey looks different. Humility also means being teachable. Never become so confident that you cannot receive correction. Never become so experienced that you stop learning. Never become so successful that you stop listening. A humble heart remains open to growth. Most importantly, remain humble before God. You don't have to pretend that you have everything figured out. Come to Him honestly. Ask for wisdom. Ask for correction. Ask Him to reveal areas of your heart that need to change. Because the goal isn't simply to look humble. The goal is to become more like Christ. True greatness in God's kingdom is not about how many people serve you. It is about how faithfully you serve others. Today, look for one opportunity to put someone else first. Encourage someone. Help someone. Listen to someone. Apologize if necessary. Give without expecting recognition. And when nobody notices, remember: God does. What is one area of your life where God may be calling you to choose humility over pride? #ChooseHumility #Philippians23 #Humility #ServeOthers #ChristLikeLiving #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #FollowJesus #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEVERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO LEAVE THE CHURCH. Theme: Examining the danger of remaining around the things of God while the heart is far from God Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 3:1–3; Luke 18:9–14 Church, let me begin with a statement that may shock you: The most dangerous believer is not always the one who leaves the church. Sometimes, it is the one who remains in the church but leaves Christ in the heart. Some people leave the church physically, and everybody notices. But there are others who remain in the congregation, sing the songs, carry the Bible, attend services, shout “Amen,” give offerings, quote Scriptures—and yet their hearts have slowly moved away from God. They have not left the building, but they have left the Presence. Jesus warned us that there would be people who would say, “Lord, Lord,” and yet He would say, “I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:23. This means church attendance is not the same thing as spiritual transformation. You can sit in church and still be far from God. You can know Christian language and not know Christ. You can serve in a department and secretly serve your flesh. You can have a title without having a testimony. The question is not merely: “Am I in church?” The deeper question is: “Is Christ truly ruling my life?” KEY BIBLE VERSES. 1. Matthew 7:21–23 — “Lord, Lord” Jesus said: «“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”» Notice something frightening: these people called Jesus “Lord.” They knew the language of faith. They even claimed to have done mighty works. Yet Jesus said, “I never knew you.” Spiritual lesson: It is possible to be familiar with the things of God without having a genuine relationship with God. Church activity cannot replace spiritual intimacy. 2. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a name that you are alive” Jesus told the church at Sardis: «“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”» What a frightening diagnosis! The church had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus saw something different. People saw activity. Jesus saw the heart. People saw the appearance. Jesus saw the condition. Spiritual lesson: God is more interested in who you are privately than who you appear to be publicly. 3. Isaiah 29:13 «“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me.”» Their lips were close. Their hearts were far away. This is the danger of religious appearance without genuine surrender. 5 TYPES OF DANGEROUS BELIEVERS 1. THE BELIEVER WHO KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT REFUSES TO OBEY IT There is a difference between knowing God's Word and living God's Word. James 1:22 says: «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”» Some believers can explain forgiveness but refuse to forgive. They can preach holiness but live carelessly. They can quote Scripture but manipulate people. They know what God says, but they have decided to obey themselves. Deep insight: Information without transformation can produce religious pride. The devil does not necessarily fear a Christian who knows many Bible verses. He fears the Christian who believes, obeys, and lives the Word. 2. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT NO POWER 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks about people: «“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”» A form is an outward appearance. It looks right. It sounds right. But something is missing inside. You can dress like a Christian. Talk like a Christian. Post Christian messages. Attend Christian programs. And still refuse to surrender your character to Christ. Ask yourself: What happens to my Christianity when nobody is watching? That is where genuine Christianity is tested. Your secret life is a better measurement of your spiritual condition than your public reputation. 3. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH SIN One of the most dangerous conditions is not falling into sin accidentally. It is becoming comfortable with sin deliberately. The believer begins by saying: «“It is only once.”» Then: «“Everybody is doing it.”» Then: «“God understands.”» Eventually, the conscience becomes quiet. Romans 6:1–2 warns against continuing in sin because grace abounds. Deep spiritual truth: Grace is not permission to remain in sin. Grace is God's power to bring us out of sin. If something is destroying your relationship with God, don't defend it. Repent from it. 4. THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES THE CHURCH BUT DOES NOT LOVE CHRIST This may sound strange, but it happens. Someone can love: - The choir - The pastor - The church building - Christian conferences - Christian music - Christian social media - Christian friendships …but fail to love Jesus with all their heart. Jesus told the church at Ephesus: «“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4» They were working. They were enduring. They were doctrinally discerning. But they had lost their first love. Important lesson: You can be busy doing things for Jesus while becoming distant from Jesus. Don't allow ministry to replace relationship. Don't allow your assignment to replace intimacy. Don't allow the work of God to become more important than the God of the work. 5. THE BELIEVER WHO REFUSES CORRECTION A dangerous believer is one who cannot be corrected. When the pastor preaches against something they are doing, they become angry. When a mature Christian warns them, they say: «“Don't judge me.”» When Scripture confronts their lifestyle, they look for another interpretation. Proverbs 12:1 says: «“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”» Spiritual maturity means: I am willing to be corrected because I want to become more like Christ. A person who cannot receive correction will eventually become a prisoner of their own deception. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT Judas is one of the most sobering examples in Scripture. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He traveled with the disciples. He was part of the ministry. He was close enough to Jesus to call Him Master. Yet Judas eventually betrayed Him. This teaches us something frightening: Being close to spiritual things does not automatically mean your heart belongs to God. You can be around anointed people and remain unchanged. You can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief. You can carry a Bible and still carry bitterness. You can occupy a position and lose your spiritual condition. But there is hope. Peter also failed Jesus. The difference was that Peter returned in repentance. Judas allowed his failure to lead him into destruction. Failure does not have to be the end of your story. Repentance can become the beginning of restoration. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. EXAMINE YOUR HEART Psalm 139:23–24: «“Search me, O God, and know my heart…”» Don't only ask, “What is wrong with others?” Ask: “Lord, what needs to change in me?” 2. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE If prayer has become a duty, return. If Bible reading has become routine, return. If worship has become performance, return. If your passion for Christ has disappeared, return. 3. STOP JUSTIFYING WHAT GOD IS ASKING YOU TO REPENT OF Don't rename sin. Don't call disobedience “weakness.” Don't call compromise “wisdom.” Don't call rebellion “freedom.” When God reveals something, respond with repentance. 4. PRACTICE PRIVATE CHRISTIANITY Pray when nobody is watching. Read the Word when nobody is applauding. Give when nobody knows. Forgive when nobody forces you. Serve when nobody celebrates you. What you do privately reveals what you truly value. 5. STAY TEACHABLE Allow God's Word to correct you. Allow mature believers to challenge you. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you. A heart that can still be corrected is a heart that can still be transformed. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. PROXIMITY TO HOLY THINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE HOLINESS. Judas was close to Jesus physically, but his heart was not surrendered. 2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY CAN HIDE SPIRITUAL DECLINE. A person can become busier in church while becoming colder toward God. 3. GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE PLATFORM. People may see your preaching. God sees your private life. People hear your words. God knows your motives. 4. THE GREATEST DANGER IS SELF-DECEPTION. A sinner who knows he is lost may seek help. But someone who is lost and believes he is spiritually healthy may never seek rescue. 5. JESUS DOES NOT ONLY WANT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE. He wants your heart. He wants your character. He wants your obedience. He wants your entire life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I following Jesus or merely following Christian activities? 2. Does my private life agree with my public confession? 3. Is there any sin I have become comfortable with? 4. Can I receive correction without becoming offended? 5. Have I lost my first love for Christ? 6. Am I more concerned about what people think about me than what God thinks about me? 7. If Jesus examined my heart today, what would He find? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, search my heart and expose everything in me that is not pleasing to You, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from religious appearance without spiritual reality. 3. Father, restore my first love for You. Let my passion for Christ become stronger again. 4. Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word, not merely hear it. 5. Every spirit of hypocrisy and self-deception, be broken over my life, in Jesus' name. 6. Father, give me a heart that receives correction and grows in wisdom. 7. Lord, let my private life and public testimony agree. 8. Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. 9. Father, keep me faithful to Christ until the end of my journey. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't leave this message thinking about another believer. Think about yourself. Don't ask: «“Who in my church needs to hear this?”» Ask: «“Lord, what are You saying to me?”» The goal of Christianity is not simply to remain in church. The goal is to remain in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4: «“Abide in me, and I in you.”» Don't just carry the name Christian. Carry Christ in your heart. Don't just attend church. Become the church wherever you go. Don't just quote the Word. Live the Word. Don't just raise your hands in worship. Surrender your heart in obedience. And don't wait until you stand before Jesus to discover that you were close to church but far from Christ. TODAY, RETURN TO JESUS. Return to your first love. Return to prayer. Return to the Word. Return to holiness. Return to obedience. Return to genuine fellowship with Christ. The greatest question is not, “Did I attend church?” It is: “DOES JESUS TRULY KNOW ME?” May we never be believers who merely look alive. May we be believers who are truly alive in Christ. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I will not merely look like a Christian; I will live for Christ. I will not only hear God's Word; I will obey it. I will not hide behind religious activity; I will pursue genuine relationship with Jesus. My heart belongs to Christ, my life belongs to Christ, and my future belongs to Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

Be Careful Who You Follow Scripture Judges 18:30 (NKJV) Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. A False Religion Can Never Replace True Worship Judges 18 continues the spiritual decline that began in the previous chapter. The tribe of Dan had not fully taken possession of the inheritance God had given them, so instead of trusting the Lord, they sought an easier path. Rather than depending on God's promises, they relied on human wisdom and military strength to secure a new territory. As the men of Dan traveled, they came to Micah's house, where they found the Levite serving as a priest over Micah's private shrine. Instead of rejecting the idols and false worship, they stole Micah's carved images, household idols, ephod, and priest, believing these things would bring God's blessing wherever they went. The Levite willingly abandoned Micah because serving an entire tribe seemed like a greater opportunity than serving one family. His decision was motivated by personal advancement rather than faithfulness to God. After conquering the peaceful city of Laish, the tribe of Dan established idol worship there and appointed the Levite and his descendants as priests. What began as one family's compromise became the official religion of an entire tribe. This chapter demonstrates how compromise spreads. One person's disobedience influenced a family, then a priest, and eventually an entire tribe. When God's truth is abandoned, false worship quickly takes its place. Believers today face similar dangers. Culture continually offers substitutes for true worship—success, possessions, popularity, pleasure, and personal opinions. Yet anything that replaces complete devotion to God becomes an idol. God calls His people to remain faithful to His Word, even when compromise appears easier or more successful. True worship is not determined by convenience or popularity but by obedience to the Lord. Reflection Questions 1. Is there anything in my life competing for the place that belongs only to God? 2. Am I making decisions based on God's Word or on what seems easiest or most beneficial? 3. What kind of spiritual influence am I leaving on my family and those around me? Prayer Heavenly Father, keep my heart devoted to You alone. Protect me from compromise and from anything that would become an idol in my life. Help me to seek Your will instead of the easiest path. May my life point others toward faithful worship and obedience to Your Word. Give me discernment to recognize false teaching and courage to remain faithful to Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

DAY 2 25TH AUGUST 2026 SERVANT OF GOD ARENA, KENYA MISSION WEEK *DEFEAT THE ENEMY CALLED GUILT* There is an enemy called *GUILT* that the devil uses to draw people away from Jesus. He makes you believe that your sins are too great to be forgiven and that you are beyond the reach of God’s mercy. But the Word of God tells us otherwise. *Ps.103.3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. (NLT)* And Hebrews gives us this assurance: when God forgives our sins, He chooses not to remember them anymore (Hebrews 8:12). Today, God is calling/inviting you to come to Him. *“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)* Do not allow guilt to keep you away from the One who is ready to forgive you. Your past does not have to determine your future when you surrender it to Jesus. Defeat guilt today. Take a step toward Jesus. His arms are open, and He is calling you to Himself. He came for you and for me so that we may remain with Him and experience the true rest that this world cannot give. *Come to Jesus today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is rest.* Your brother, Alfred Wabuko Manyasi

Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 25 août 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realised that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) “They are truly wearing his cloak!” Jakov, a preacher of the gospel, once came to a village in Eastern Europe. There he met an elderly man named Cimmerman, who had suffered much injustice from religious people throughout his life. When Jakov wanted to tell him about his faith in Jesus, Cimmerman immediately interrupted him and recounted all the evil that these people had done in his town under the guise of their faith. After the old man finished speaking, Jakov said to him, “Imagine if I were to steal your cloak, put it on, and rob a bank. The police only see me fleeing from a distance but they catch hold of your cloak. They track you down as the owner and accuse you. What would you say?” “I would say it’s not true,” replied Cimmerman. “But the police have a strong argument,” Jakov retorted. “They will inevitably bring it up when accusing you, because they have your cloak!”  The old man had nothing more to say about this story, and so he demanded the evangelist to leave his house. However, Jakov didn’t give up. He continued to visit him to testify to him about the love of Christ.  One day, Cimmerman asked his visitor how a person becomes a Christian. Jakov explained to him that he must confess his sins and believe in Jesus, who gave His life to save us.  Then the old man knelt down, bowed his head, and prayed for the first time. When he rose again, he embraced Jakov and said, “Thank you for coming into my life.” And pointing his finger to heaven, he added, “You are truly wearing His cloak, the cloak of Christ!” Today’s reading: Joshua 24:6-15 – 1 Corinthians 16:1-9

TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Learn to Say No Bible Reference My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV) A Short Story Joshua was a serious student who had always wanted to do well in school. He attended church regularly, respected his parents, and had decided that he would not allow anything to destroy his future. However, things began to change when he entered a new group of friends in school. They were confident, popular, and always seemed to be having fun. One Friday afternoon, the group invited Joshua to join them at a party. He knew that some of the things that happened at their parties were not things he should be involved in, so he politely declined. His friends laughed at him and told him that he was behaving like a small boy. Joshua felt embarrassed, especially because some girls were also there. He eventually changed his mind and decided to go with them. At the party, things quickly became different from what Joshua had expected. Some people were drinking, others were taking drugs, and several young people were involved in things he knew were wrong. Joshua wanted to leave, but his friends told him not to spoil the fun. They kept telling him that he needed to relax and stop acting like a church boy. Joshua stayed longer than he planned. Before he left, he had joined in some of the things he had promised himself he would never do. On his way home, he felt terrible. He realised that he had not done those things because he wanted to. He had done them because he was afraid of what his friends would say if he refused. That night, Joshua sat quietly in his room and thought about what had happened. He remembered how easy it was to say no when he was alone, but how difficult it became when people around him were laughing and putting pressure on him. He understood that his greatest problem was not that he did not know what was right. His problem was that he wanted to be accepted. Joshua made a decision that night. He would rather lose a few friends than lose his values, his peace, and his future. He learned that saying no is sometimes the strongest thing a young person can do. Today's Message There are times when your greatest test will not come from an obvious enemy. It will come from a friend saying, Come on, everybody is doing it. Many young people know what is right but struggle to do it because they are afraid of being laughed at, rejected, or called old fashioned. You may face pressure to drink, smoke, sleep with someone, cheat in an examination, join a bad group, waste your money, follow unhealthy trends, lie for a friend, or do something wrong simply because you do not want to feel left out. The pressure may even come through social media, where people make wrong behaviour look normal and attractive. The Bible gives a simple instruction in Proverbs 1:10: do not consent. In other words, do not agree to follow people into what you know is wrong. Scripture does not tell you to debate with temptation for hours. There are situations where the wisest response is simply to say no and walk away. Proverbs 1:10 directly addresses the kind of pressure young people face when others try to persuade them to do what is wrong. Saying no does not mean that you hate people. You can love your friends without following them into sin. You can respect people without copying everything they do. You can be friendly with people who have different choices from yours while still keeping your own convictions. Your faith should not disappear simply because you are around people who do not share it. You also need to understand that every yes has a consequence. When you say yes to cheating, you are saying no to honesty. When you say yes to sexual immorality, you are saying no to purity. When you say yes to drugs, you are saying no to self control. When you say yes to reckless spending, you are saying no to financial discipline. When you say yes to the wrong relationship, you may be saying no to the peace and purpose God wants for your life. The people around you can influence your choices. First Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad company can corrupt good character. This is why you must be careful about the people you allow to have strong influence over your life. Your friends should not constantly make it difficult for you to obey God. You do not need everybody to approve of you. Some people will laugh when you refuse to join them. Some may call you boring. Some may stop inviting you to certain places. Some may even say that you are trying to be too holy. Do not allow the fear of losing people to make you lose yourself. There is strength in being able to say, I cannot do this. There is strength in leaving a conversation that is becoming sinful. There is strength in ending a relationship that is pulling you away from God. There is strength in refusing to cheat when everyone else is cheating. There is strength in walking away from an opportunity that requires you to compromise your values. Your future is more important than temporary acceptance. Learn to say no before you find yourself in a situation where saying no becomes much harder. Decide your values before the pressure comes. Know what you believe. Know what the Bible teaches. Know what kind of person you want to become. When the wrong invitation comes, you will not need to spend too much time thinking about it because you have already made up your mind. Remember this: You do not have to say yes just because somebody asked you. Sometimes your greatest act of courage is simply saying no. What To Do Today 1. Think about one area where you often struggle to say no because of pressure from friends or other people. 2. Decide what your Christian values are in that area and make up your mind not to compromise them. 3. Look carefully at your closest friends. Ask yourself whether they are helping you become a better person or making it harder for you to obey God. 4. Practise saying no to wrong things without feeling guilty. You do not owe anyone an explanation for choosing what is right. Prayer Lord, give me the courage to say no when I am being pressured to do what is wrong. Help me not to live for the approval of people. Give me wisdom to choose my friends carefully and strength to stand by my convictions. Help me to value my future, my character, and my relationship with You more than temporary acceptance. When temptation comes, help me to recognise it and walk away. Let my decisions honour You in every area of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Today, practise saying no to one thing that does not help your spiritual life, character, studies, career, relationships, or future. Remember: Every time you say no to what can destroy you, you are saying yes to the future God has prepared for you. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

*Creating a Heart of Gratitude* One of the most powerful emotions is gratitude. If we can find ways to be thankful and grateful throughout our life, we will find the power and emotional strength to walk through some of life’s hardest seasons. It's not always easy to find ways to be thankful and grateful. But, one of the things Scripture teaches us throughout the Psalms is that there is always something to be grateful for. The Psalms teach us various songs and poems for every season of our life. But more than that, they also teach us how to cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship towards God. We belong to a God who loves us and cares deeply for us. God’s love and goodness will never end. *Psalm 100:5* praises God for these things: *"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."* Through Psalms like this, we can begin to build a habit of gratitude towards God and all that He has done. We can thank God for what He has done in our lives, what He is currently doing, and what He will do in the future as we follow after Him. Because God is always good, loving, and faithful, there is always something we can be grateful for—even in the midst of difficult seasons of life. Let's take a few moments daily to strengthen the habit of gratitude in our life. - First, we begin by thanking God for who He is: that He is good, faithful, and loving towards us. - Next, we thank God for all that He has done. Thanking Him for the good things in our life, and that He has walked with us through the hard times. - Lastly, thankful to God for all He will continue to do in the days and years to come. He is trustworthy! *Thank God For His GoodNess* Father God, nothing is impossible for You. You love us even when we are unloveable. You are good to us even when we don’t deserve it. You are kind and compassionate toward us even when we mess up. You show us what faithful love looks like. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking us! Today, remind us of all the ways You have shown up in our life. You are worthy of our worship. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 ✍️ “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺; 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺.” We live in a generation flooded with information but starving for truth. Thousands of voices are accessible in seconds, yet trust is hard to find. Even believers may settle for hearing sermons without helping others grow. Whether new or seasoned in faith, the question isn't just if we are learning—but if we are helping others learn to follow Christ. Jesus ends the Great Commission in 🕮 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟖:𝟐𝟎: "𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶..." It doesn't end when someone believes. Christ called disciples to teach others to obey all He commanded. The work of the Gospel is not merely making converts—it is making disciples. We don't just bring lost people to Christ; we help them grow in Christ. Picture a relay race where the runner crosses the finish line still clutching the baton, refusing to pass it on. The race stops with him—no matter how fast he ran. Faith works the same way. Truth received but never taught dies with the one who held it. Christ calls us to pass the baton, generation after generation, until He returns. Scripture commands us to pass truth on: “𝘎𝘰 𝘺𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴” (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟖:𝟏𝟗). Paul told Timothy, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥...𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟐:𝟐). We are urged to “𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥” (𝟐 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑:𝟏𝟖), as Scripture is “𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧, 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟑:𝟏𝟔). God’s Word transforms lives. Teaching isn't just for pastors. Parents teach children, mature believers encourage younger ones, Sunday school teachers disciple classes, and one believer opens Scripture with another. Don't be a spiritual reservoir that only receives but never releases. What God teaches us through His Word must become truth we share. We aren't called to collect sermons alone—we are called to multiply disciples. Before Christ commanded us to teach others, He first taught us the truth that leads to salvation. He declared, "𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦" (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟒:𝟔). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒). The risen Christ is not merely the subject of our teaching—He is the Saviour at the center of it. We teach His Word because we have first been transformed by His grace. Who is spiritually starving while you feast on the Word? You have been hoarding the Bread of life (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟔:𝟑𝟓) instead of breaking it for others. You don't need Christ merely to give you something to teach—you need Him because He is the Truth you are called to know, live, and proclaim. Learn His Word. Live His Word. Teach His Word. What God has faithfully taught us was never meant to end with us. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your truth through Your Word. Forgive us for receiving biblical instruction without faithfully passing it on. Help us grow in wisdom and grace, and give us opportunities to teach others faithfully, patiently, and clearly. May every disciple we influence become more like Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

*A Christian Home, School, and State are all good for the people.* “One desire has been the ruling passion of my life. One high motive has acted like a spur upon my mind and soul. . . It is this: That in spite of all worldly opposition, God's holy ordinances shall be established again in the home, in the school and in the State for the good of the people; to carve as it were into the conscience of the nation the ordinances of the Lord, to which Bible and Creation bear witness, until the nation pays homage again to God." Abraham Kuyper, 1897