Conflict and Courage. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26. Among those who had hoped for a permanent spiritual revival as the result of the reformation under Josiah was Jeremiah, called of God to the prophetic office while still a youth.... In the youthful Jeremiah, God saw one who would be true to his trust and who would stand for the right against great opposition.... “Say not, I am a child,” the Lord bade His chosen messenger; “for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee.” ... For forty years Jeremiah was to stand before the nation as a witness for truth and righteousness. In a time of unparalleled apostasy he was to exemplify in life and character the worship of the only true God. During the terrible sieges of Jerusalem he was to be the mouthpiece of Jehovah.27Ibid., 407, 408. Naturally of a timid and shrinking disposition, Jeremiah longed for the peace and quiet of a life of retirement, where he need not witness the continued impenitence of his beloved nation. His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin wrought by sin.... The experiences through which Jeremiah passed in the days of his youth and also in the later years of his ministry, taught him the lesson that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” He learned to pray, “O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23, 24). When called to drink of the cup of tribulation and sorrow, and when tempted in his misery to say, “My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord,” he recalled the providences of God in his behalf and triumphantly exclaimed, “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.... The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” 28Ibid., 419-421.

Good evening to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. Catawampus. That is my word of the day. Catawampus. It is a beautifully weird word that can be used in a myriad of ways to describe the perfect blend of chaos and dumbness in any given situation. The definition actually is: going badly, awkwardly, or in the wrong direction. Most Mondays are, by definition, catawampus. As you read from last night’s post, mine was extremely catawampus. Today tried to slide sideways but quickly smoothed out. Another vibrant way to describe something going haywire is “off-kilter”. The actual definition of this word is: out of balance. So, if your catawampus is off-kilter … is that good or bad? The purpose of this paper today is to make you laugh with the playfulness of words. We make up words every day depending on how our brains and mouths communicate. Sometimes real words come out; sometimes weird syllables that formulate a weird concoction of letters into a word come out. Most of those situations result in gut-filled laughter and a sense of relief because of the guffaw. What if we approached our off-kilter moments in life in the same manner? Throwing off the stress of the catawampus event and finding the hilarity in the guffaw. If we look, most any stressful situation can find some humor or light, even if it is deemed ‘inappropriate’. Such as, a friend of mine had a falling-out with their dad. They got sick, and when asked if the dad had been notified, I was promptly told no. For whatever the reason, I simply stated that had they called the dad, my friend may have just died on the table, to prove the point that they did not want to speak to him. Dark humor, yes. Somewhat funny in the moment, yes. Appropriate, not really. However, the levity of looking at something bad in a light that can bring a smile … totally worth it. A business deal is heating up. Everyone involved is losing patience. Someone sneezes softly. Another person belts out, “No need to bring in biological warfare.” Inappropriate, yes. Funny, yes. Mowing the yard with my borrowed mower, I missed a stump. Yes, a stump. Did not know or see it there. When the mower locked up and stopped mowing, instantly I saw my retirement check fly out the window. This mower was in my care; I was not careful enough, and instant panic set in … when explaining to the owner, he laughed and said he would like small bills. (FYI the mower was fixable) There are going to be times in life when the situation or circumstance is not good. It is the habit that we have formed to always go dark and negative. That is fine if you only stay there for the moment, but immediately you should be searching for the bright side, the humor, the sarcastic satire. Something that shows you, in your heart, that God is in control and it will all work itself out. Catawampus and off-kilter moments are a part of life. Do not allow them to remain permanent residents in your lane; find that inappropriate giggle line, and give it back to God. You will find that it helps alleviate your stress level and replace it with His love. Be blessed. **Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2

Matthew 19:27-30 Jesus has just made it clear that following Him has a cost up to and including a believer's life. The rich young ruler has dejectedly walked away after being told that the one thing he lacked to obtain eternal life was apparently the one thing he wasn't willing to give up. His wealth. Think about it. Sam Walton was one of the wealthiest men in history, Truett Cathy, Jackie O'Nassis, Queen Elizabeth all were extremely wealthy. All had comforts in life that now mean nothing. All of them take their place behind beggars and those who were believers in extreme poverty. Jesus makes the point that the rich seem to believe their wealth gives them extra privilege or consideration at judgement because there's more they have to surrender. And again Peter makes sure to say the entirely wrong thing. So he looks around seeing the rich man sadly leaving Jesus, perhaps because he had much he could afford that he refused to surrender. So Peter says, Lord, What's in it for us? The ruler likely had houses, funds he would not run out of. So Peter considers what he's left for Jesus. He left his home, his career, and he's been following Jesus for a few years, now. And he wants to know what his reward is for doing so. Jesus has already informed them on more than one occasion that they would follow Him in death. And each one died a martyrs death, executed by government or religious leaders beginning with James, brother of John and ending with John, James’ brother. These brother's deaths formed the bookends of apostles’ deaths with James being first and John the last. Jesus says yes, you will all be awarded, but it comes at a cost. The cost is going to be the terrible suffering they would experience prior to death. Not that their suffering earned them anything, the way the rich believed their wealth earned them something. But that their allegiance with Jesus and relationship with Him gave them eternal life. In particular, Jesus promises the apostles specifically that they will be on thrones judging Israel. Perhaps this is meant as a small mercy for the apostles whose last living moments will be being judged by those will end up ‘judged’ by them. Not that the apostles will get input on the eternal judgment of these individuals but that they will judge Israel as a whole including these Jewish leaders who are currently burning in torment awaiting eternity. This really should be the perspective we hold to. The rich young ruler, do you think he regrets his choice now? After 2,000 some odd years of suffering where time has no meaning and no end? How important do you think he considers his summer home now? His retirement? His first century equivalent to a Bentley? How about the leaders who knew the Scriptures pointed to Jesus but didn't want to give up their power or position. But these leaders to whom the benefits of eternal life were promised if they remained faithful to God. These Jews were considered first because the promises were made to them. But they, they will be last. And those who were considered last, the Gentiles, pagans, all who responded to Jesus would take the place of those who had been considered first. The temporal life fortunes in eternity are oftentimes flipped. The temporal riches of this life lure many believers over to a side that appears successful because financial gains are made, but in actuality is abject failure. No wealth we gain is worth what is lost if we don't have Jesus. So those health and wealth preachers, the ones insisting that poverty is a sign of disfavor with God? Yeah, they will be within sight of the rich young ruler forever reconsidering their life choices and forever incapable of changing them. We don't get the chance to change our minds after death. Our fates are locked, so what are we waiting for? What's in it for us? Only Everything. [27] Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” [28] And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

What is Your Purpose? My latest blog examines the importance of knowing your purpose, whether just of school or at the retirement stage of your life. Your purpose can change as you change. Read my thoughts at https://liftupmyeyes.com/what-is-your-purpose/ Please feel to comment below, subscribe, share this post or get in touch with me.

REPENT NOW — Life Is Uncertain A solemn Christian sermon with prayer “Prepare to meet your God.” — Amos 4:12 The world often imagines death as the Grim Reaper—a dark figure carrying a scythe. That image is a powerful symbol in art and literature, but the Bible points us to a deeper truth: our lives are fragile, and none of us knows the day or hour when our earthly life will end. This is not meant to produce panic. It is meant to awaken the heart. Tomorrow is not promised Every sunrise is a gift from God. We make plans for next week, next year, and retirement, yet Scripture reminds us how brief life truly is. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” — James 4:14 If your heart is far from Christ, do not delay repentance. If there is unforgiveness, confess it. If there is hidden sin, bring it into the light. If you have wandered from the Lord, come home today. Jesus is the Savior, not the destroyer God does not delight in the death of the wicked. His desire is that people turn and live. “The Lord is… patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 The Cross stands as Heaven's invitation. Jesus stretched out His hands so that guilty sinners could become forgiven children of God. No sin is too great for His mercy when it is met with genuine repentance and faith. What is true repentance? Repentance is more than feeling sorry. It is a change of heart that leads to a change of direction. Turn from sin. Turn toward Jesus Christ. Confess Him as Lord. Walk daily in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” — Acts 3:19 A Prayer of Urgent Repentance Heavenly Father, I come before You with humility and reverence. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. I cannot save myself. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe You died on the Cross for my sins and rose again in victory. Have mercy upon me. Wash me in Your precious blood and make me a new creation. Holy Spirit, break every chain of sin. Remove my hardened heart and give me a heart that loves righteousness. Help me forgive others, walk in holiness, and live each day ready to meet my King. Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom. Let my life glorify Jesus until my final breath. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen. The Call “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 Do not wait for a better season. Do not assume tomorrow belongs to you. Repent today. Believe the Gospel today. Follow Jesus today. For Christ is ready to forgive all who come to Him with a sincere and repentant heart. BE READY TO DIE ANY TIME, WE LIVE MINUTE BY MINUTE. BE EVER READY TO MEET GOD! 2 CHOICES, JESUS EQUALS HEAVEN. REJECTION OF JESUS EQUALS ETERNAL DAMNATION BE READY TO DIE AT ANY TIME We Live Minute by Minute — Be Ever Ready to Meet God “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 Every heartbeat is a gift. Every breath is sustained by the mercy of God. None of us knows whether we have fifty years remaining—or five minutes. The Bible calls us not to live in terror, but in readiness. Jesus repeatedly urged His disciples: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” — Matthew 25:13 The Two Eternal Choices According to the Christian Gospel, every person must respond to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ The Way to Eternal Life John 14:6 • John 3:16 Repent. Believe. Follow Him. Forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life through Christ alone. Reject Christ Remain Separated from God John 3:18 • Revelation 20:15 The warning is real. The New Testament warns that rejecting God's offer of salvation has eternal consequences. Don't Wait Until Tomorrow The greatest deception is believing there will always be another opportunity. The healthy can die suddenly. The wealthy cannot buy one more heartbeat. The young are not guaranteed old age. Death respects no calendar. “Now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 God is not trying to frighten you away from Him. He is calling you toward Him. His warnings flow from His love, and His invitation remains open today. Jesus Is the Only Savior Jesus declared: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6 The apostles proclaimed: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12 Our good works cannot erase our sins. Religion cannot save us. Only the crucified and risen Son of God can reconcile us to the Father. A Prayer: Ready to Meet God Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that my life is in Your hands. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sin and turn to You. Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King. Wash me in Your precious blood. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, and teach me to live in holiness, love, and obedience. Help me to be ready—not living in fear, but living in faithful expectation of seeing You face to face. Let every day of my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. The Final Appeal “Choose this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15 Life is brief. Eternity is forever. Choose Jesus Christ. Walk with Him. Be ready to meet God.

*THE PEOPLE WHO ALMOST FOLLOWED JESUS · PART 01* > The Rich Young Ruler — When One Thing Is Too Much to Surrender > Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”” He ran to Jesus. He knelt before Jesus. He asked Jesus about eternal life. And then he walked away. That may be one of the most sobering encounters in the Gospels. The rich young ruler did not mock Jesus. He did not argue with Jesus. He did not reject Jesus from a distance. He ran to Him. He knelt before Him. He called Him “Good Teacher.” And he asked one of the most important questions anyone could ever ask: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”, Mark 10:17 Everything about the encounter looked promising. This man seemed ready to become a disciple. Until Jesus touched the one thing he was unwilling to surrender. Jesus Put His Finger on the Rival Jesus told him: > ”Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor… and come, follow me.”, Mark 10:21 WEB Jesus was not merely asking for a donation. He was exposing a throne. Something possessed this man more deeply than he possessed it. His wealth had become the place where he found security, identity, comfort, and control. Then came the moment of decision. Jesus said: Follow Me. And the man had to decide which treasure he wanted more. Mark tells us: > “But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.”, Mark 10:22 WEB He came running. He left grieving. He wanted eternal life. He wanted Jesus. But apparently, he wanted his possessions more. Almost a Disciple Think about how close he came. He stood face-to-face with Jesus. Jesus personally invited him to follow. Mark even tells us something remarkable: Jesus looked at him and loved him. This was not rejection from Jesus. It was an invitation from Jesus. But love did not remove the cost of discipleship. Jesus loved him enough to confront the very thing keeping him from wholehearted surrender. And the man walked away. What Is Your “One Thing”? It is easy to read this story and think only about money. But the deeper question is much more dangerous. What would Jesus have to touch in your life before you began reconsidering whether you really wanted to follow Him? Your money? Your career? Your comfort? Your reputation? A relationship? Your plans for retirement? Your possessions? Your political identity? Your right to control your own future? Your unwillingness to forgive? Your unwillingness to go where Jesus sends you? We can sing, pray, attend church, read Scripture, give offerings, and speak passionately about Jesus, until Jesus asks for the one thing we have quietly decided He cannot have. And then we discover who is really Lord. Following Jesus Means an Open Hand The issue is not whether every Christian must sell everything. The issue is whether Jesus could ask anything of us and still receive our yes. A disciple does not hand Jesus a contract filled with exceptions. “Jesus, I will follow You, but not there.” “I will obey You, but not with my money.” “I will serve You, but don't interfere with my comfort.” “I will make disciples, but don't ask me to rearrange my life.” “I surrender everything, except this.” That is exactly where this story confronts us. The rich young ruler did not reject religion. He rejected surrender. And Jesus allowed him to walk away. The Question We Cannot Avoid Throughout this series, we will meet people who came astonishingly close to following Jesus, but something stopped them. For this man, it was possessions. For someone else, it will be fear. For another, reputation. For another, delay. For another, the approval of people. But every story forces us to ask the same question: What kept them from fully following Jesus, and could the same thing be keeping us? Today, make it even more personal: What would make you walk away if Jesus asked for it? And perhaps the harder question: Is there anything in your life you have already decided Jesus cannot have? Because the thing you refuse to surrender may reveal the thing you are actually following. Jesus is still saying: “Come, follow me.” The question is not whether we admire Him. The question is whether we will surrender everything to follow Him.

Daily devotion for August 13th The Power And Peril Of A Witness So the wall was completed... When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16 Even their enemies had to admit that God was at work in His people's lives. He was what accounted for their amazing success. This entire project was finished in just fifty-two days! Nehemiah had left Persia in April, and it took him several months to journey to Jerusalem. Yet on October 2 in the year 445 BC, the wall was completed. They finished the work in fifty-two days because they put their minds and shoulders to the task and looked to God for wisdom and power to achieve. When our enemies heard about this, they lost their self-confidence and they realized that they were battling against God himself, says Nehemiah. What a beautiful picture of the power of Christian witness in a community! Even their enemies must agree that God is at work among them. But the enemies are still not through. Notice how they continue their tactics of opposition. Tobiah had intermarried with the Israelites. Taking advantage of that relationship, he was seeking to undermine Nehemiah's influence by nothing more than mere gossip. The devil never quits. He is never going to give up while we are still alive. Even those Christians who have lived over seventy years will tell you the battle is just as intense, sometimes more so, than it ever was. Christians cannot expect the battle to end until the Lord calls them to glory, because that is the nature of life. God has wonderful blessings and much encouragement and joy for us along the way, but we must never cease battling against the world, the flesh, and the devil until we get home. Do not expect your retirement days to be without difficulty or struggle. That is what the world seeks, and that is a confused and distorted view of life. But it is not ours. The enemies will never quit. If they cannot undermine us with fear and flattery, they will try gossip and false rumors. This is what Nehemiah demonstrates for us. Teach me, Father to be grateful for victories won, but never to become complacent as if the battle were over.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC CONTENTMENT IN AN AGE OF MATERIALISM. THEME : Learning to be satisfied with God while living in a world that constantly tells us, “You need more.” Key Text: 1 Timothy 6:6–8 > “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1. WHEN IS ENOUGH REALLY ENOUGH? We live in an age where “more” has become a god. More money. More clothes. More followers. More cars. More houses. More recognition. More likes. More possessions. The world keeps telling us: “When you get that car, you will be happy.” “When you build that house, you will be fulfilled.” “When you become famous, you will finally matter.” But after getting one thing, we discover that we immediately want another. That is the trap of materialism. Materialism says, “I have more, therefore I am more.” But Jesus says: > “A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” — Luke 12:15 You can have a beautiful house and still have a broken home. You can have money in your account and emptiness in your soul. You can have thousands of followers and still feel completely alone. You can own many things without allowing those things to own your heart. Contentment is not the absence of ambition. Contentment is the ability to pursue God's purpose without allowing possessions to become your master. 2. WHAT IS BIBLICAL CONTENTMENT? Contentment is a settled confidence that God is enough, even while we are trusting Him for more. Contentment does not mean: You should stop working. You should stop dreaming. You should stop improving yourself. You should refuse legitimate opportunities. You should remain in poverty when God gives you wisdom and opportunity to prosper. Rather, contentment means: “I will work for more, but I will not worship more.” “I will pursue success, but success will not become my god.” “I will appreciate what I have while trusting God for what I don't yet have.” Paul declared: > “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” — Philippians 4:11 Notice the word learned. Contentment is learned. Nobody automatically becomes content. It requires spiritual maturity. 3. KEY BIBLE VERSES A. 1 Timothy 6:6–8 — GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN Paul says: > “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Paul does not say money is evil. The Bible says: > “The love of money is the root of all evil.” — 1 Timothy 6:10 The problem is not having possessions. The problem is possessions having you. Money is a useful servant but a terrible master. When money becomes your identity, you become its slave. B. Hebrews 13:5 — GOD'S PRESENCE IS GREATER THAN POSSESSIONS > “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Notice God's solution to covetousness: His presence. Why should I not destroy myself trying to possess everything? Because I already possess something greater: God is with me. If God is with you, you are not empty. C. Matthew 6:33 — SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM > “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus did not say: “Seek possessions first.” He said: “Seek the Kingdom first.” When priorities are right, possessions find their proper place. 4. FOUR DANGERS OF MATERIALISM POINT ONE: MATERIALISM MAKES US CONFUSE POSSESSIONS WITH PURPOSE Some people spend their entire lives acquiring things without discovering why God gave them life. They know what they want to own, but they don't know what they were created to accomplish. Your purpose is bigger than your possessions. You were not born merely to: Buy a car Build a house Wear expensive clothes Travel around the world Accumulate wealth You were created to know God, serve Him, love people, fulfill your assignment, and leave an impact. Jesus asked: > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 Never exchange your soul for things that will eventually perish. POINT TWO: MATERIALISM CREATES THE NEVER-ENOUGH SYNDROME Materialism says: “Just one more.” You buy one phone. Then another model comes out. You want it. You buy one car. Then you see another one. You want it. You get one house. Then you start comparing your house with somebody else's. This produces a dangerous cycle: Desire → acquisition → temporary satisfaction → comparison → dissatisfaction → another desire. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says: > “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver.” There is a level of wealth that money cannot solve. If your heart is empty, increasing your possessions will not automatically fill it. Only God can satisfy the deepest hunger of the human soul. POINT THREE: CONTENTMENT PROTECTS US FROM COMPARISON Social media has made comparison easier than ever. You see someone's wedding. Someone else's car. Someone's ministry. Someone's business. Someone's vacation. Someone's new house. Someone's achievement. And suddenly you look at your own life and say: “I am behind.” But remember: You are comparing your real life with someone else's public presentation. You don't know their struggles. You don't know their sacrifices. You don't know what happens behind the camera. The Bible says: > “But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” — 2 Corinthians 10:12 Comparison can make you despise a blessing because it does not look like somebody else's blessing. Thank God for what He has given you. Improve where you can. Grow where you must. But don't allow comparison to steal your gratitude. POINT FOUR: CONTENTMENT TEACHES US TO SEE POSSESSIONS AS STEWARDSHIP Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 says: > “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof.” Your money belongs to God. Your house belongs to God. Your talents belong to God. Your time belongs to God. Your influence belongs to God. Your opportunities belong to God. Therefore, the question is not merely: “How much do I have?” The greater question is: “What am I doing with what God has placed in my hands?” God does not bless us merely to make us comfortable. He blesses us so that we can become channels of blessing. 5. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY — THE RICH FOOL. Jesus told the story in Luke 12:13–21. A rich man's land produced abundantly. He said: > “I will pull down my barns, and build greater.” His entire conversation was about my crops, my barns, my goods, my soul. But God said: > “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." What was the man's problem? He had possessions but no eternal perspective. He had storage for his wealth but no preparation for his soul. He planned for retirement but failed to prepare for eternity. He accumulated things but neglected God. Jesus concluded: > “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” The lesson: It is possible to be rich toward the world and poor toward God. 6. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. CONTENTMENT IS NOT LAZINESS A contented Christian can still be hardworking. Joseph was content in God's presence even in prison, yet he eventually became a ruler. Paul worked. David worked. Proverbs praises diligence. Contentment does not kill ambition. It purifies ambition. 2. GRATITUDE IS THE ANTIDOTE TO GREED When you constantly focus on what you don't have, you become blind to what God has already done. Start counting your blessings. You may discover that you have been complaining about things you once prayed for. 3. YOUR VALUE DOES NOT COME FROM WHAT YOU OWN You are valuable because you were created in God's image. Your worth is not determined by your bank balance. Not by your clothes. Not by your followers. Not by your car. Not by your academic qualifications. Not by your social status. Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 4. GOD CAN GIVE YOU MORE WITHOUT ALLOWING MORE TO DESTROY YOU God is not against prosperity. But God wants prosperity with purpose. He wants blessing without bondage. Increase without idolatry. Wealth without wickedness. Success without losing your soul. The blessing is dangerous when the blessing becomes more important than the Blesser. 7. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Practice daily gratitude Every day, intentionally thank God for at least three things. 2. Stop unnecessary comparison You don't need to compete with everybody. 3. Live within your means Don't destroy your financial future trying to impress people. 4. Learn to distinguish NEEDS from WANTS Ask yourself: “Do I need this, or do I simply desire this because somebody else has it?” 5. Give generously Giving breaks the grip of materialism. 6. Invest in eternal things Invest in: God's Kingdom People Your character Your family Your spiritual growth Your God-given assignment 7. Enjoy what God has given you Contentment means appreciating today's blessing while preparing responsibly for tomorrow. 8. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. What possession occupies my thoughts more than God does? 2. Am I pursuing success or worshipping success? 3. Do I compare my life with others? 4. If God does not give me everything I desire, will I still worship Him? 5. Am I grateful for what I already have? 6. Does my money serve God's purpose or merely my pleasure? 7. If everything I owned disappeared tomorrow, would Christ still be enough for me? That last question deserves serious reflection. 9. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1 Father, deliver my heart from greed, covetousness, and unhealthy materialism, in Jesus' name. 2 Lord, teach me to appreciate what You have given me without losing my desire to fulfill my purpose. 3 Father, remove every spirit of comparison from my heart. Help me to celebrate Your work in my life. 4 Lord, let money never become my master. Give me wisdom to use every blessing for Your glory. 5 Father, give me the grace to seek Your Kingdom above material possessions. 6 Lord, make me rich toward You and useful to humanity. 7 Father, give me contentment in every season—when I have much and when I have little. 10. STRONG CLOSING — WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED? Beloved, the world will never stop telling you: “You need more.” But the Holy Spirit is asking: “Do you have Me?” You may not have everything you want. But if you have Christ, you have the greatest treasure. You may not live in the biggest house. But you can have the presence of God in your home. You may not drive the most expensive car. But you can walk in God's purpose. You may not have millions in your account. But you can possess something money cannot buy: peace with God, joy in your heart, purpose in your life, and hope for eternity. So pursue excellence. Work hard. Build. Create. Dream. Invest. Grow. Prosper. But never allow material things to become your master. Have possessions, but don't let possessions have you. Seek success, but don't sacrifice your soul for it. Desire increase, but remain grateful in the process. And above everything else: > “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33 FINAL DECLARATION I will not be controlled by materialism. I will not measure my worth by what I possess. I will not allow comparison to steal my joy. I will be grateful for what God has given me. I will pursue God's purpose for my life. I will use my resources to bless others. And whether I have much or little, Christ will remain my greatest treasure. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/14jvL7GbGrc/ #UMOHEDEM

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2O26. "WHERE’S YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY?" ‘…riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generation Proverbs 27:24 NIV ONE LARGE insurance company advertises itself as ‘the Rock,’ claiming to be the foundation of your financial security. Remember when we trusted these strap lines? Not anymore; it’s not the same world. Financial uncertainty characterises today’s world of failing banks, crumbling investment giants, shrinking multinational corporations, swelling queues of the under-employed and unemployed, plus an epidemic of fear plaguing the hearts of the currently-employed. For the young, the joy of graduation has become the stress of university debts and a shrinking job market. Many older people are trading in their retirement dreams for a new twenty-first century reality: ‘work till you drop.’ In such times, where can we turn? To politicians? To government? To the next get-rich-quick guru? The Bible says, ‘...riches do not endure forever, and a crown [human government] is not secure for all generations.’ (Proverbs 27:24 NIV) What’s the answer? Turn to the only reliable source of security: God! There’s no financial crisis in His kingdom! Israel hungered and thirsted and He sent them fresh manna, and water from the rock. He assigned ravens to feed Elijah, multiplied oil and flour to sustain a destitute widow’s family, fed thousands from a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. And He asks us: ‘…is anything too difficult for Me?’ (Jeremiah 32:27 NAS). No! So: 1) Trust God to provide for you. 2) Do what He tells you to do. 3) Believe that God ‘will.’ ‘The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty…to feed you and your family…’ (Proverbs 27:26-27 NIV). Bible In A Year: Ruth: 1-4; Matt 15: 15- 28; Ps 119: 41-48; Pro 17:17. 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. [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2026. *AND THE LEADERS ALSO?* *TEXT:* MICAH 3:1-12. 1And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? 2 Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; 3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. 4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. 5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. 6 Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. 7 Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. 8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. 9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. 10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. 11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. 12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. *Timeless Truth:*_"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of your paths"_ (Isaiah 3:12). *INTRODUCTION* Leadership has a vital role in the social, family and spiritual well being of a society that cannot be substituted with any other institution. Divine messages, no matter how powerful and impactful, will have its impact short-lived when there is a weak leadership in place. Speaking the truth wisely, humbly and lovingly to power is part of the responsibilities of saints and true ministers of the Gospel. The text records the prophet Micah's fierce condemnation of the corrupt leaders, judges, priests and false prophets of Israel and Judah, culminating in the prophecy that Jerusalem and the Temple mount would be completely destroyed and plowed like a field. Unlike the case of many prophets, the people at the time of Hezekiah listened to Micah and this caused a revival as a result of the godly leadership of Hezekiah. 100 years later, the people still remembered the revival effect of his speaking to power. It is not all the time leaders will be rebellious against the Word of God. This was what they said when people wanted to put Jeremiah to death about 100 years later: *"Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him (Micah) at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls"* (Jeremiah 26:18-19). Preachers and saints should preach and proclaim the Word of God with hope, faith, love and optimism. *1. The Evil-Loving Princes* a. The princes and judges were expected to enforce the truth in the land. So they were expected to know the truth in the first place. *"O heads of Jacob. Is it not for you to know judgment?"*. But what happened in reality, they hated the good and loved evil? Can you imagine how they would reign? *"Who hate the good, and love the evil"*. Such was the terrible state of Israel and Judah. They became oppressors and predators who made life unbearable for the sheep. *"Who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones"*. They exploited the innocent and the poor. Those who do evil and are able to bribe their ways are justified while the innocent and the poor are cheated and oppressed as guilty. While they may profess and pretend that they love good and are enforcing justice, their secret heart and actions do the opposite. As a result, the law for the poor is different, in operation, from the law for the rich and the great. They make life difficult and painful for the vulnerable. b. They are not going to escape divine judgments though it appears they live large and all is going on well with them and their families. Their end will always be full of regrets, with their families, except there is total and full repentance. On the day of their calamities, *"they shall cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings"*. What a great disgrace in spite of the glowing the gowns of the godly and the great when God is not with them and neither hear their prayers when they in turn are oppressed by the oppressors that are greater than them. The oppressors may be stronger humans, demons, incurable sicknesses and diseases among others. *Question* Are you an oppressive leader or a just and true godly leader? *2. The Error Launching Prophets* a. The next set of leaders Micah prophesied to were religious leaders. *"Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace"*. These prophets never preach of judgment or hell fire. They feign to be more compassionate and loving than God that they are scared from preaching on the coming and certain judgment coming on the evil doers. They want people to be happy though they are doing evil. They specialize only in preaching love, comfort and things that make people happy. They don't want to offend or see the frown of the wicked. Are these religious leaders Christlike? Jesus Christ preached about hell fire more than any preacher in the Bible. He did not preach to condemn, but to warn the hearers to repent from their sins. So after preaching about Judgment, He showed them the way of escape. After preaching about the judgment to come, Micah, as a balanced prophet, used the Word of God to prophesy mercy, comfort and forgiveness to those who were sincerely repentant. *"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort"*. Edification, exhortation and comfort are for the repentant who have decided to count the cost and burn the bridge behind them and follow Christ. b. There is also judgment for those backsliding prophets. They cannot escape. God strikes where it pains most. The prophets pride themselves in being close to God and receiving the visions of God. But God will ensure that they lose spiritual insight, spiritual authority and cease to have real visions of God from the altar. Their backslidings shall be visible to all those who are discerning. *"Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine"*. When there is loss of fresh spiritual power and vision coupled with spiritual dryness, what is the result? *"Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God"*. *Question* Are you still enjoying spiritual freshness, visions and anointing? *3. The End-time Living Proclaimers* a. Micah proved himself to be a true and uncompromising proclaimer of the truth. His effectiveness was clearly manifested through the revival that happened during the reign of Hezekiah when he ministered. Furthermore, his work was so enduring that 100 years later his ministry, his messages remained a reference point. What was the secret of a successful end-time proclaimer of the truth? *"But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin"*. He did not just have the power of the Holy Ghost, he was full of it. Man does not want his evil to be revealed. In most cases they hide under the curtain to do their evil. The person who will declare their sins and bring it to open needs uncommon boldness and courage. This cannot be overemphasized when people are deep and hardened in their sins with the tendency to do violence against the Word of God and against the proclaimers. Fullness of the Holy Spirit is the answer to courageous and fearless declaration of the sins and evils of the people. He condemned the injustice of the kings and princes: *"Princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity"*. The practices of their judges were also perverted and were condemnable. *"The heads thereof judge for reward"*. What of the religious leaders? They have commercialized their spiritual assignments. *"And the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money"*. They made their sins difficult to detect by camouflaging with ecclesiastical appearance to deceive that they were close to God and acceptable by God. *"They lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us"*. Their confessions of faith turned out to be self confidence and deception. b. Micah was clear about the judgment that would follow though it was not palatable: Zion and Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed. The truth from the godly proclaimer brought conviction of sin and produced repentance and revival under the reign of King Hezekiah. Nothing but the truth is the hope of mankind today. *Question* Are you a non-compromising proclaimer of the truth of the Word of God? *Prayer Points* 1.Ask for forgiveness where you have failed God and promise to be another Micah for Christ🙏. 2.Pray that God will visit and restore all our compromised and backslidden children and ministers of God 🙏. 3.Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to declare and expose sins to fill all our ministers of the Gospel afresh 🙏. 4.Pray that our messages will bear the expected fruit of repentance and our leaders and rulers will love good and hate evil and be awakened to righteousness 🙏. *HYMN:* Is your life a channel of Blessing? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOHN 18-20. [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *LEADERS OR RINGLEADERS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚠️‼️🛑❌⁉️❓⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MICAH 3:1-12```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us" (MICAH 3:11).*_ *Captain John Hawkins Simpson once built a house on the Canford Cliffs, near Bournemouth, England. He chose a sight that was too close to the edge of the cliff. Concerned friends and neighbours warned him of the danger of siting the building there, considering that landslides frequently occurred along the coast, and the weight of the house would cause a disaster. Mr. Simpson ignored the warnings and went ahead to erect a beautiful building there. He enjoyed it for a while. Then came the inevitable catastrophe he was warned about. What remains of that house now is known as "Simpson's Folly" - a heap of ruins on the beach.* *In today's text, the obstinate attitude of the Jewish leaders - both the princes and the prophets - is similar to that of Simpson. Prophet Micah decried, in the strongest terms, the egregious sins of these leaders who had actually become ringleaders. The princes or governors of the people had become so callous, covetous and corrupt that they were compared to ravenous animals. They shunned divine counsel and sued for wickedness, and God resolved that He would ignore their prayers. The so-called prophets in the land had become exploitative, fleecing, yet flattering the people. They chose to walk in darkness, and God decided He would keep them in the dark, shutting them out of divine revelation and inspiration. This terrible scenario provoked a holy zeal in Prophet Micah, who, full of power by the spirit of the LORD, denounced the people's transgressions, in contrast to the flattering prophets.* *The impunity of the ringleaders of Micah's day is not different from the prevailing disturbing carriage of today's greedy leaders and desperately materialistic and flattering so-called gospel ministers. These self-styled "prophets" are leading multitudes of ignorant people away to perdition. However, like the case of the corrupt prophets and seers of Micah's time, they will not escape God's righteous judgment, their self-deluding confidence notwithstanding.* *As you reflect on this matter, it is only fitting for you to examine your position on it. Are you part of the ringleaders? Are you deceived because of your penchant for flatteries? Why not learn from "Simpson's Folly"? On the other hand, are you spirit-filled and bold, like Micah, to declare the truth? Do you have ears for the sound word of God?* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Refine it as you may, stubbornness against God will never produce gain.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOHN 19-21*📜📜 Leaders Or Ringleaders? https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 208: THE GREAT JUDGMENT MORNING; AND GHS 205: HAVE YOU COUNTED THE COST?* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *IT IS WELL!* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:2 KINGS 4:25-35```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well" (2 KINGS 4:26).*_ *Life is full of uncertainties and requires the believer's absolute faith in God for sustenance. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."* *'It is well' are not just mere words, they are an affirmation of absolute faith in the God who can never fail. You might be going through a very difficult phase in life - a time it seems all hope is lost! This is a timely message to remind you that it is well with you.* *The lad in our text received divine healing: giving us the assurance that God is never late. He is always right in time - yes, He would definitely show up for you in your difficult time.* *Friend, it is not a time to put on a garment of fear when the devil tries to raise his ugly head, for it is well with you. It is certainly not the time to entertain negativity and demonstrate faithlessness.* *Look at your challenge with the eyes of faith and say, 'It is well with me' loudly to the hearing of the devil.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God is never late.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't allow situations to break you.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to Your promises.*_ It Is Well! https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *WATCH OVER YOUR HEART* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️❤️💓🧐👀🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```PROVERBS 4:20-23```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The heart is an important organ of the body. It is like an engine room where life-giving blood is pumped to all parts of the body. When the heart is well taken care of and healthy, the body is well, but if the heart is unhealthy, the body will be sick. Mr. Larry Biggie was warned severally by his family doctor to watch carefully over his heart's health by avoiding a bad lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Doing this will help him to keep his heart healthy and avoid a heart attack. However, Mr. Larry refused to stop eating junk food and smoking cigarettes. He kept a very bad and unhealthy lifestyle. One evening, he was just back from work when he suddenly grabbed his chest in pain and collapsed. He was admitted to a hospital's Intensive Care Unit where he spent about six months. After he was discharged, he stopped all the bad habits. He had learnt his lesson in a hard way. If it is so with the physical heart, it is much more important to keep our spiritual heart healthy. Everyone has the spiritual heart, of which the Bible warns that we should watch over and keep it with all diligence. Why? Because out of it comes every thought, decision, desire and purpose of life, whether good or bad. *You must therefore watch over your heart. Never allow bad and filthy thoughts and actions. Surrender your heart to Jesus for thorough cleansing with His precious blood. Daily read and meditate on God's word to keep your heart sound and healthy.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Lord, I bring my heart to you today, please cleanse it and make me clean.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 6:45* Watch Over Your Heart https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ⏤ 1 John 1:7 He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law The day is Yours, O God, as is the night. We have come out of the night, where we were with You, for darkness and light are both alike to You. Now we enter a new day, and You are here with us in the light. We want to spend this day with You, just as we spent the night. Light has its dangers, just as darkness does. Evil can appear even in the brightness of day. Temptation comes in our busy hours. Sin is always around us and within us. We need You in the day as much as in the night. Keep our feet from stumbling. Let no sin have control over us. Keep us from presumptuous sins. May we truly live as children of the light. May we be clothed in Your righteousness. Let us stand before You dressed in the garments Jesus Christ has provided—the garments of redemption and salvation. And as we stand before the world, may we be robed in the righteousness that Your grace provides. Help us to put off the old, sinful nature. Let us put on the new self, created in righteousness and true holiness. May we embrace whatever is pure, true, and lovely. Let our light shine so brightly that others see our good works and glorify You, our Father in Heaven. We ask for the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Only when You live in us can we be clothed in the garments of light. May we be glorious within, renewed by Your Spirit; then may our outward lives reflect the beauty of Your holiness. Breathe upon us this morning and fill us with Your Spirit as we go forth. We ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/34/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2O26. "WHERE’S YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY?" ‘…riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generation Proverbs 27:24 NIV ONE LARGE insurance company advertises itself as ‘the Rock,’ claiming to be the foundation of your financial security. Remember when we trusted these strap lines? Not anymore; it’s not the same world. Financial uncertainty characterises today’s world of failing banks, crumbling investment giants, shrinking multinational corporations, swelling queues of the under-employed and unemployed, plus an epidemic of fear plaguing the hearts of the currently-employed. For the young, the joy of graduation has become the stress of university debts and a shrinking job market. Many older people are trading in their retirement dreams for a new twenty-first century reality: ‘work till you drop.’ In such times, where can we turn? To politicians? To government? To the next get-rich-quick guru? The Bible says, ‘...riches do not endure forever, and a crown [human government] is not secure for all generations.’ (Proverbs 27:24 NIV) What’s the answer? Turn to the only reliable source of security: God! There’s no financial crisis in His kingdom! Israel hungered and thirsted and He sent them fresh manna, and water from the rock. He assigned ravens to feed Elijah, multiplied oil and flour to sustain a destitute widow’s family, fed thousands from a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. And He asks us: ‘…is anything too difficult for Me?’ (Jeremiah 32:27 NAS). No! So: 1) Trust God to provide for you. 2) Do what He tells you to do. 3) Believe that God ‘will.’ ‘The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty…to feed you and your family…’ (Proverbs 27:26-27 NIV). Bible In A Year: Ruth: 1-4; Matt 15: 15- 28; Ps 119: 41-48; Pro 17:17. 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. [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2026. *AND THE LEADERS ALSO?* *TEXT:* MICAH 3:1-12. 1And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? 2 Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; 3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. 4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. 5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. 6 Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. 7 Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. 8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. 9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. 10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. 11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. 12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. *Timeless Truth:*_"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of your paths"_ (Isaiah 3:12). *INTRODUCTION* Leadership has a vital role in the social, family and spiritual well being of a society that cannot be substituted with any other institution. Divine messages, no matter how powerful and impactful, will have its impact short-lived when there is a weak leadership in place. Speaking the truth wisely, humbly and lovingly to power is part of the responsibilities of saints and true ministers of the Gospel. The text records the prophet Micah's fierce condemnation of the corrupt leaders, judges, priests and false prophets of Israel and Judah, culminating in the prophecy that Jerusalem and the Temple mount would be completely destroyed and plowed like a field. Unlike the case of many prophets, the people at the time of Hezekiah listened to Micah and this caused a revival as a result of the godly leadership of Hezekiah. 100 years later, the people still remembered the revival effect of his speaking to power. It is not all the time leaders will be rebellious against the Word of God. This was what they said when people wanted to put Jeremiah to death about 100 years later: *"Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him (Micah) at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls"* (Jeremiah 26:18-19). Preachers and saints should preach and proclaim the Word of God with hope, faith, love and optimism. *1. The Evil-Loving Princes* a. The princes and judges were expected to enforce the truth in the land. So they were expected to know the truth in the first place. *"O heads of Jacob. Is it not for you to know judgment?"*. But what happened in reality, they hated the good and loved evil? Can you imagine how they would reign? *"Who hate the good, and love the evil"*. Such was the terrible state of Israel and Judah. They became oppressors and predators who made life unbearable for the sheep. *"Who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones"*. They exploited the innocent and the poor. Those who do evil and are able to bribe their ways are justified while the innocent and the poor are cheated and oppressed as guilty. While they may profess and pretend that they love good and are enforcing justice, their secret heart and actions do the opposite. As a result, the law for the poor is different, in operation, from the law for the rich and the great. They make life difficult and painful for the vulnerable. b. They are not going to escape divine judgments though it appears they live large and all is going on well with them and their families. Their end will always be full of regrets, with their families, except there is total and full repentance. On the day of their calamities, *"they shall cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings"*. What a great disgrace in spite of the glowing the gowns of the godly and the great when God is not with them and neither hear their prayers when they in turn are oppressed by the oppressors that are greater than them. The oppressors may be stronger humans, demons, incurable sicknesses and diseases among others. *Question* Are you an oppressive leader or a just and true godly leader? *2. The Error Launching Prophets* a. The next set of leaders Micah prophesied to were religious leaders. *"Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace"*. These prophets never preach of judgment or hell fire. They feign to be more compassionate and loving than God that they are scared from preaching on the coming and certain judgment coming on the evil doers. They want people to be happy though they are doing evil. They specialize only in preaching love, comfort and things that make people happy. They don't want to offend or see the frown of the wicked. Are these religious leaders Christlike? Jesus Christ preached about hell fire more than any preacher in the Bible. He did not preach to condemn, but to warn the hearers to repent from their sins. So after preaching about Judgment, He showed them the way of escape. After preaching about the judgment to come, Micah, as a balanced prophet, used the Word of God to prophesy mercy, comfort and forgiveness to those who were sincerely repentant. *"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort"*. Edification, exhortation and comfort are for the repentant who have decided to count the cost and burn the bridge behind them and follow Christ. b. There is also judgment for those backsliding prophets. They cannot escape. God strikes where it pains most. The prophets pride themselves in being close to God and receiving the visions of God. But God will ensure that they lose spiritual insight, spiritual authority and cease to have real visions of God from the altar. Their backslidings shall be visible to all those who are discerning. *"Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine"*. When there is loss of fresh spiritual power and vision coupled with spiritual dryness, what is the result? *"Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God"*. *Question* Are you still enjoying spiritual freshness, visions and anointing? *3. The End-time Living Proclaimers* a. Micah proved himself to be a true and uncompromising proclaimer of the truth. His effectiveness was clearly manifested through the revival that happened during the reign of Hezekiah when he ministered. Furthermore, his work was so enduring that 100 years later his ministry, his messages remained a reference point. What was the secret of a successful end-time proclaimer of the truth? *"But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin"*. He did not just have the power of the Holy Ghost, he was full of it. Man does not want his evil to be revealed. In most cases they hide under the curtain to do their evil. The person who will declare their sins and bring it to open needs uncommon boldness and courage. This cannot be overemphasized when people are deep and hardened in their sins with the tendency to do violence against the Word of God and against the proclaimers. Fullness of the Holy Spirit is the answer to courageous and fearless declaration of the sins and evils of the people. He condemned the injustice of the kings and princes: *"Princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity"*. The practices of their judges were also perverted and were condemnable. *"The heads thereof judge for reward"*. What of the religious leaders? They have commercialized their spiritual assignments. *"And the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money"*. They made their sins difficult to detect by camouflaging with ecclesiastical appearance to deceive that they were close to God and acceptable by God. *"They lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us"*. Their confessions of faith turned out to be self confidence and deception. b. Micah was clear about the judgment that would follow though it was not palatable: Zion and Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed. The truth from the godly proclaimer brought conviction of sin and produced repentance and revival under the reign of King Hezekiah. Nothing but the truth is the hope of mankind today. *Question* Are you a non-compromising proclaimer of the truth of the Word of God? *Prayer Points* 1.Ask for forgiveness where you have failed God and promise to be another Micah for Christ🙏. 2.Pray that God will visit and restore all our compromised and backslidden children and ministers of God 🙏. 3.Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to declare and expose sins to fill all our ministers of the Gospel afresh 🙏. 4.Pray that our messages will bear the expected fruit of repentance and our leaders and rulers will love good and hate evil and be awakened to righteousness 🙏. *HYMN:* Is your life a channel of Blessing? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOHN 18-20. [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *LEADERS OR RINGLEADERS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚠️‼️🛑❌⁉️❓⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MICAH 3:1-12```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us" (MICAH 3:11).*_ *Captain John Hawkins Simpson once built a house on the Canford Cliffs, near Bournemouth, England. He chose a sight that was too close to the edge of the cliff. Concerned friends and neighbours warned him of the danger of siting the building there, considering that landslides frequently occurred along the coast, and the weight of the house would cause a disaster. Mr. Simpson ignored the warnings and went ahead to erect a beautiful building there. He enjoyed it for a while. Then came the inevitable catastrophe he was warned about. What remains of that house now is known as "Simpson's Folly" - a heap of ruins on the beach.* *In today's text, the obstinate attitude of the Jewish leaders - both the princes and the prophets - is similar to that of Simpson. Prophet Micah decried, in the strongest terms, the egregious sins of these leaders who had actually become ringleaders. The princes or governors of the people had become so callous, covetous and corrupt that they were compared to ravenous animals. They shunned divine counsel and sued for wickedness, and God resolved that He would ignore their prayers. The so-called prophets in the land had become exploitative, fleecing, yet flattering the people. They chose to walk in darkness, and God decided He would keep them in the dark, shutting them out of divine revelation and inspiration. This terrible scenario provoked a holy zeal in Prophet Micah, who, full of power by the spirit of the LORD, denounced the people's transgressions, in contrast to the flattering prophets.* *The impunity of the ringleaders of Micah's day is not different from the prevailing disturbing carriage of today's greedy leaders and desperately materialistic and flattering so-called gospel ministers. These self-styled "prophets" are leading multitudes of ignorant people away to perdition. However, like the case of the corrupt prophets and seers of Micah's time, they will not escape God's righteous judgment, their self-deluding confidence notwithstanding.* *As you reflect on this matter, it is only fitting for you to examine your position on it. Are you part of the ringleaders? Are you deceived because of your penchant for flatteries? Why not learn from "Simpson's Folly"? On the other hand, are you spirit-filled and bold, like Micah, to declare the truth? Do you have ears for the sound word of God?* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Refine it as you may, stubbornness against God will never produce gain.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOHN 19-21*📜📜 Leaders Or Ringleaders? https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 208: THE GREAT JUDGMENT MORNING; AND GHS 205: HAVE YOU COUNTED THE COST?* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *IT IS WELL!* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:2 KINGS 4:25-35```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well" (2 KINGS 4:26).*_ *Life is full of uncertainties and requires the believer's absolute faith in God for sustenance. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."* *'It is well' are not just mere words, they are an affirmation of absolute faith in the God who can never fail. You might be going through a very difficult phase in life - a time it seems all hope is lost! This is a timely message to remind you that it is well with you.* *The lad in our text received divine healing: giving us the assurance that God is never late. He is always right in time - yes, He would definitely show up for you in your difficult time.* *Friend, it is not a time to put on a garment of fear when the devil tries to raise his ugly head, for it is well with you. It is certainly not the time to entertain negativity and demonstrate faithlessness.* *Look at your challenge with the eyes of faith and say, 'It is well with me' loudly to the hearing of the devil.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God is never late.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't allow situations to break you.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to Your promises.*_ It Is Well! https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [07/08, 10:13 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2026``` *WATCH OVER YOUR HEART* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️❤️💓🧐👀🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```PROVERBS 4:20-23```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The heart is an important organ of the body. It is like an engine room where life-giving blood is pumped to all parts of the body. When the heart is well taken care of and healthy, the body is well, but if the heart is unhealthy, the body will be sick. Mr. Larry Biggie was warned severally by his family doctor to watch carefully over his heart's health by avoiding a bad lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Doing this will help him to keep his heart healthy and avoid a heart attack. However, Mr. Larry refused to stop eating junk food and smoking cigarettes. He kept a very bad and unhealthy lifestyle. One evening, he was just back from work when he suddenly grabbed his chest in pain and collapsed. He was admitted to a hospital's Intensive Care Unit where he spent about six months. After he was discharged, he stopped all the bad habits. He had learnt his lesson in a hard way. If it is so with the physical heart, it is much more important to keep our spiritual heart healthy. Everyone has the spiritual heart, of which the Bible warns that we should watch over and keep it with all diligence. Why? Because out of it comes every thought, decision, desire and purpose of life, whether good or bad. *You must therefore watch over your heart. Never allow bad and filthy thoughts and actions. Surrender your heart to Jesus for thorough cleansing with His precious blood. Daily read and meditate on God's word to keep your heart sound and healthy.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Lord, I bring my heart to you today, please cleanse it and make me clean.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 6:45* Watch Over Your Heart https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk8thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ⏤ 1 John 1:7 He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life. ⏤ William Law The day is Yours, O God, as is the night. We have come out of the night, where we were with You, for darkness and light are both alike to You. Now we enter a new day, and You are here with us in the light. We want to spend this day with You, just as we spent the night. Light has its dangers, just as darkness does. Evil can appear even in the brightness of day. Temptation comes in our busy hours. Sin is always around us and within us. We need You in the day as much as in the night. Keep our feet from stumbling. Let no sin have control over us. Keep us from presumptuous sins. May we truly live as children of the light. May we be clothed in Your righteousness. Let us stand before You dressed in the garments Jesus Christ has provided—the garments of redemption and salvation. And as we stand before the world, may we be robed in the righteousness that Your grace provides. Help us to put off the old, sinful nature. Let us put on the new self, created in righteousness and true holiness. May we embrace whatever is pure, true, and lovely. Let our light shine so brightly that others see our good works and glorify You, our Father in Heaven. We ask for the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Only when You live in us can we be clothed in the garments of light. May we be glorious within, renewed by Your Spirit; then may our outward lives reflect the beauty of Your holiness. Breathe upon us this morning and fill us with Your Spirit as we go forth. We ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/34/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.