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TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE. Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 «“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”» A Christian woman is not called to fit into the world; she is called to shine in the world without becoming part of its darkness. There will be pressure to compromise your convictions for a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, fashion, popularity, or social media approval. But remember this: What you compromise to gain today may become the very thing that destroys your testimony tomorrow. You can lose money and recover it. You can lose an opportunity and find another. You can lose popularity and still be fulfilled. But when you lose your character, convictions, and fellowship with God, the cost can be far greater. A godly woman must learn to say: “I would rather disappoint people than disappoint God.” 1. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matthew 6:33 «“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”» Before you are a wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur, student, minister, or friend, you are first a woman created by God. Your relationship with God must not become secondary because life becomes busy. Do not abandon prayer because you have entered a relationship. Do not abandon the Word because you have become successful. Do not stop attending fellowship because you have become comfortable. Do not allow a relationship to replace your relationship with Christ. Deep Spiritual Insight Anything that takes God's rightful place in your heart eventually becomes an idol. A Christian woman must be able to say: “God is not part of my life; God is the foundation of my life.” Practical Action - Maintain a consistent prayer life. - Study God's Word. - Fellowship with other believers. - Guard your spiritual environment. - Put God first in your decisions. 2. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURITY AND CHARACTER 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 «“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”» The world may tell you that purity is outdated. It is not. Holiness is not old-fashioned. Holiness is still God's standard. Your body is not merely an instrument for attracting attention. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. Therefore, do not allow desperation for marriage, money, attention, or acceptance to push you into sexual immorality or compromising situations. A woman of God must understand: Your value is not determined by who desires you. Your value is determined by the God who created you. Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph was tempted privately when nobody appeared to be watching. But Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9» Notice what Joseph considered most important. He did not say, “What will people say?” He said, “I cannot sin against God.” That must also be the conviction of every Christian woman. 3. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY AND GOD-GIVEN VALUE Psalm 139:14 «“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”» Social media can make women compare themselves with other women. One woman looks more beautiful. Another appears richer. Another has a successful marriage. Another has thousands of followers. Another seems to have everything together. But remember: Comparison can make you despise what God created. You don't have to become somebody else to become valuable. God created you intentionally. Your identity should not be built on: - Physical appearance - Relationship status - Wealth - Social media validation - People's opinions - Titles - Material possessions Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 You are part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Therefore, don't sell your identity cheaply for acceptance. You are God's workmanship before you are anybody's girlfriend, wife, employee, friend, or follower. 4. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES FOR MONEY OR SUCCESS Proverbs 11:1 «“A false balance is abomination to the LORD…”» There is nothing wrong with wanting success. There is nothing wrong with building a business. There is nothing wrong with becoming financially independent. But success without integrity is failure wearing expensive clothes. Never lie to make money. Never cheat to get ahead. Never sleep with someone to secure an opportunity. Never participate in corruption because “everybody is doing it.” Never allow financial pressure to destroy your principles. Biblical Example: The Virtuous Woman Proverbs 31:25 «“Strength and honour are her clothing…”» The woman described in Proverbs 31 was productive, hardworking, intelligent, business-minded, generous, and responsible. She was not weak. She was a woman of strength and honour. God does not require Christian women to be unsuccessful. He requires them to be faithful while pursuing success. 5. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURPOSE AND GODLY INFLUENCE Esther 4:14 «“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”» Esther was positioned in the palace for a purpose. Her position was not merely for comfort. It was an opportunity to influence history. Every Christian woman has influence somewhere. You may influence: - Your children - Your husband - Your workplace - Your church - Your community - Your generation - Your social media audience - Young people watching your life Never underestimate your influence. Titus 2:3-5 Older Christian women are instructed to teach and guide younger women. This means Christian women are not merely recipients of spiritual knowledge. They are also carriers and transmitters of godly wisdom. Your life is preaching something even when your mouth is closed. The question is: What is your life preaching? BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah experienced deep emotional pain because she had no child. She was mocked and misunderstood. Yet she took her pain to God. She did not allow her disappointment to destroy her faith. She prayed. She waited. She trusted. And eventually, God answered her with Samuel. Lesson for Christian Women Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter. You may be waiting for: - Marriage - Children - Financial breakthrough - Career advancement - Healing - Ministry growth - Restoration But don't compromise while waiting. Never exchange your destiny for temporary relief. Hannah waited before God, and her story changed. 5 QUESTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD ASK HERSELF 1. What am I tempted to compromise because I desperately want something? 2. Has any relationship become more important to me than God? 3. Does my private life agree with my public Christian testimony? 4. Am I allowing society or social media to determine my value? 5. If Jesus examined my decisions today, would I be proud of them? PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish non-negotiable convictions. Decide beforehand what you will and will not compromise. 2. Choose relationships wisely. Anyone who constantly pushes you away from God is not helping your destiny. 3. Protect your private life. Character is revealed by what you do when nobody is watching. 4. Build your identity in Christ. Know God's Word concerning who you are. 5. Find godly women to learn from. Don't walk alone. Learn from mature Christian women who have walked with God through different seasons of life. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to love You above everything else, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, strengthen me to stand for righteousness when I am under pressure to compromise. 3. Father, protect my heart, mind, body, and destiny from ungodly influences. 4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, insecurity, and the need for human approval. 5. Father, give me wisdom to recognize relationships and opportunities that are not from You. 6. Lord, help me to pursue success without sacrificing my integrity. 7. Father, let my life become a godly example to the generation coming after me. 8. Lord, restore every woman who has fallen through compromise and give her the grace to rise again. CALL TO ACTION Dear woman of God, you don't have to compromise to be accepted. You don't have to compromise to get married. You don't have to compromise to become successful. You don't have to compromise to become beautiful. You don't have to compromise to become influential. You don't have to compromise to survive. God is able to bless you without destroying you. The world may tell you: “Everybody is doing it.” But you must say: “I am not everybody. I belong to Christ.” When everybody is bowing, stand. When everybody is compromising, stand. When everybody is pursuing popularity, pursue holiness. When everybody is choosing temporary pleasure, choose eternal purpose. Your beauty will fade. Your possessions will pass away. Your popularity may disappear. But a life that honours God will leave an eternal testimony. Final Declaration I will not compromise my faith. I will not compromise my purity. I will not compromise my identity. I will not compromise my integrity. I will not compromise my purpose. I am a woman of God. I belong to Christ. My life has purpose. My body is God's temple. My character is my treasure. My faith is my foundation. And by the grace of God, I will stand! “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 Stand firm, woman of God. Your generation needs the woman God has called you to become. 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://amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

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GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF 16TH AUGUST 2026 Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed. But before we share the word of God, let us pray 🙏 ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE 👇👇👇 https://youtu.be/IHnZa2BylFo?si=rBUkpriqf33nSXLM PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS 🙏 LESSON: Matthew 7:16-20 As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is: TOPIC: WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I? TEXT: You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV) INTRODUCTION: It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question: What kind of Christian am I? Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him. The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce. Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name. EXPOSITION: With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points. 1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING? Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5 Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts. A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This gives us something practical to examine. Is there love in me? Is there patience in me? Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure? Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now? EXPOSITION: 2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK? Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us. Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching. Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life. What message are we communicating? Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way. This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility. Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle. EXPOSITION: 3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION? John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20 Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ. We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus. Jesus commanded us to love one another. He commanded us to forgive. He commanded us to serve. He commanded us to make disciples. He commanded us to preach the Gospel. He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world. The question therefore becomes: Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do? James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity. Knowledge is not the same as obedience. Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness. Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism. Knowing that we should love is not love. Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness. At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement. Somebody needs to hear the Gospel. Somebody needs to see forgiveness. Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love. Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real. So the question is not merely: “Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is: “What kind of Christian am I?” Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation? Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character? This brings us to the conclusion of the message. CONCLUSION: Today, the mirror is before us. Not before our neighbour. Not before another church member. Not before society. Before me. What kind of Christian am I? May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ. Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus. CLOSING PRAYER: Let us pray! Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. GOODWILL MESSAGE: This is my goodwill message for you this week: May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen. HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY, HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK. LIKE IT OR NOT! JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!! REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!! 🙋This wonderful message is brought to you With Love from Pastor M O Glorious, CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH , Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@ 08055646358: 09018952081 or peganmire[gmail].com #WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter #ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit #BeTheLight #ChristianFaith #WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist #LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine #KingdomLiving #JesusChrist

SERMON TITLE: "DON'T USE QURAN TO ANSWER QURAN BUT ONLY TRUTH TO ANSWER LIES OF QURAN" Key Warning Text: Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Theme Text: Amos 3:3 “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” Truth & Error Cannot Walk Together INTRO: JESUS’ METHOD IN THE WILDERNESS Matthew 4:4,7,10 - Satan quoted scripture-twisted. Jesus never debated him on his terms. He answered 3 times: “IT IS WRITTEN” John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We don’t go into darkness to fight it. We shine light. --- POINT 1: THE WARNING - PROVERBS 26:4 TO TEACHERS Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” What does this mean for teachers today? “DON'T USE QURAN TO ANSWER QURAN” Don’t fight error with error. Don’t use another book to prove another book. The moment a teacher of the Word picks up the enemy’s weapon, they risk “lest you be like him yourself.” 2 Corinthians 4:2 “we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word” Galatians 5:9 “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” “BUT ONLY TRUTH TO ANSWER LIES OF QURAN” What is Truth? John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Ephesians 5:11 “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 6:17 “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Jesus, Peter, Paul never quoted pagan books to win people. They preached “Christ crucified” 1 Cor 1:23 and “It is written”. DIRECT WARNING TO TEACHERS: Brother/Sister, if you are mixing the Bible with other books to "win arguments" or "reach Muslims" — STOP. James 3:1 “we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Truth and error cannot walk together Amos 3:3. You will corrupt the Gospel Gal 1:8-9. POINT 2: JESUS’ JUDGMENT ON CHURCHES WHO COMPROMISED Revelation 2:14-16 To Pergamum: “you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam... Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” Balaam’s sin? Compromise and mixing to get God’s people to sin Num 31:16. Jesus says He will WAR against teachers who mix. Revelation 2:5 To Ephesus: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will remove your lampstand.” You can lose your light as a church if you don’t abide in truth. POINT 3: WE WIN SOULS BY GRACE, NOT BY KNOWLEDGE OR EFFORTS This is why many teachers fall into mixing. They think: “If I master their book, I’ll win them.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 “my message was not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” The 144,000 Rev 14:4-5 overcame by: Blood RED7 🔴 + Testimony + Following the Lamb + No lie in their mouth. God saves. John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Our job: Faithfully preach the Word. The Spirit GREEN7 🌱 convicts. POINT 4: HOW TO ANSWER LIES - 3 BIBLICAL STEPS ANSWER WITH SCRIPTURE ONLY 2 Tim 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable” Example: Lie - “Jesus didn’t die.” Truth - Isaiah 53:5, 1 Cor 15:3-4 EXPOSE, DON’T EMBRACE Eph 5:11 - Shine light on the lie. Don’t study it to quote it. SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE Eph 4:15, 2 Tim 2:24-25 - Goal is repentance, not winning. CONCLUSION + ALTAR CALL: 2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not” Only the Gospel can open eyes 2 Cor 4:6. 3 COMMANDS FOR TEACHERS: STOP - Stop using error to fight error. Prov 26:4 REPENT - If you have compromised. Rev 2:5, 2:16 ABIDE - “If you abide in my word, you

"DON'T MIX GOSPEL WITH QURAN." TRUTH & ERROR CAN'T WALK TOGETHER! Sermon Title: "Let the Light Shine: Preaching in Truth, Not in Mixture" Text: John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 6:14, John 17:17 Beloved, I want to speak to you today about how we carry the Gospel. The screenshots you shared are a burden for truth. The heart of the message is this: The light of Christ is enough. Do not mix it with darkness. 1. THE BATTLE OF PREACHING: LIGHT VS DARKNESS John 1:5 — “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We are in a battle. The person in the message said it well: "I see your battle of preaching with unbelievers." But the battle is not won by compromise. It is won by light. Jesus is that Light. When we preach, we are not arguing opinions. We are bringing light into dark places. And John says the darkness has not overcome it. It cannot. It will not. The enemy’s strategy is to blind. 2 Corinthians 4:4 — “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” Satan is called "the father of lies" in John 8:44. His job is to keep people from seeing Christ. So our job as preachers is not to negotiate with darkness. It is to shine brighter. 2. NO FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The message warns: "avoid to mix gospel with Quran teachings." Why? Because truth and error cannot walk together. Truth sets free - John 8:32 Error confuses - Mixing truth + falsehood creates confusion in yourself and in those who hear you. The apostles never mixed the Gospel with other religions to "make it easier." Acts 4:12 — “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” God of the Bible is enough. His Word is enough. His Spirit is enough to draw men. We don’t need to add to it. Revelation 22:18 warns us not to add or subtract. 3. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD: OUR ONLY WEAPONS The message asks: "Why can't you only let your preaching be guided by Holy Spirit?" Because the Spirit and the Word never contradict. John 17:17 — “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” The Holy Spirit does not lead us to dilute the Gospel. He leads us to preach Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 — “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The apostles preached in the power of the Spirit, and thousands were saved. They did not need another book. They needed the Name of Jesus. 4. BE ROOTED, OR THE ENEMY WILL DECEIVE The message reminds us of Jesus in the wilderness. Satan quoted scripture too, but twisted it. Matthew 4:1-11 “Satan is cunning and can use scriptures if you are not steadfast in thy faith.” When we add to the Word, we give the enemy ground. Truth + false = false. But when we remain rooted in truth, we overcome him just like Jesus did: "It is written..." Ephesians 6:17 — “...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” That is our only offensive weapon. APPLICATION: 3 CALLS FOR US TODAY Be marked by God: Like Revelation 14:1, let the Father’s Name be on your forehead. Live holy so your preaching has authority. Preach the pure Gospel: Use Scripture only. Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing. John 16:8 Pray for unbelievers: The problem is not that the Bible is weak. The problem is blindness. So we pray 2 Corinthians 4:6 — “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” CLOSING PRAYER Father, sanctify us in Your truth. Your Word is truth. Forgive us for times we tried to help You by adding to Your Word. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we preach with boldness

Return to God and be Uplifted! Repentance brings a change of attitude concerning God. The sinner naturally vilifies God. Even when he speaks of His love, he has no conception of God’s justice and wrath. True repentance brings a sense of the Holy God who cannot look upon sin. It impacts a change of mind concerning sin itself upon a person. The unrepentant delight in sin. A child of God may be tempted to sin and even fall into sin, but his bosom aches when he does so. A true child of God who has repented cannot enjoy sin and continuously longs for deliverance. Before every child of God, there is a vision both of what he is and what he ought to be. He cries with the poet; “O that a man might arise in me that I might ease to be.” Repentance gives the sinners a change of mind concerning him. Before our salvation, we all had a good opinion of ourselves. Like the Pharisees, we often thanked God that, “we were not as other men, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican" (Luke 18:11). But, every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (Verse 14). Where there is true repentance, though, men often despair of themselves, and like the publication, their cry is, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. They echo Paul’s exasperated plea: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death" (Romans 7:24). For Christ came not to call the righteousness, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). Repentance affects the motions and will, and also creates a change of feeling. We must beware here lest we are deceived. The old time evangelist who specialized in death-bed stories often created mere human emotion filling the mourners' bench with weeping people. These mourners often had a remorse for their evil doings, deeply regretting they had not been better men and women when they were told about meeting their “mother” in heaven. But remorse in not repentance, though I must say remorse is a very common experience for those who commit sin. Someone has called remorse the “echo of lost virtue”. Remorse is the attitude of mind and heart for some evil done. Repentance, however, goes deeper. Repentance creates a sorrow for what we are rather that remorse for what we have done. Therefore says the Hebrews writer, “Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ (Messiah), let us go into perfection by not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). Christian repentance is not merely the pangs of an injured conscience. Christian repentance follows the Holy Spirit’s convicting work deep within our soul (John 16:7 and 8). It lays strong hold upon the human will and brings the sinners into conformity with the will of God. It is heeding God’s call from a life of destruction (Mark 1:15). Repentance does not mean merely shedding tears over our wrong doings. It ends in faith in Christ, the Saviour. The Church must preach and teach until these conditions are obtained in the ministries. Then our revival shall have come. For this is the will of God for all mankind (Acts 17:30). Today what the Church and the continents at large need is repentance. The call of the pulpit to the pew must be repentance. And that of the crusades to the nations must similarly be repentance, and this must eventuate in confession of sins. The scripture, therefore, tells us: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God” (Jeremiah3:13).That will move our God to come down and heal our many wounds. We are reminded that, “The Lord’s hands is not shortened, that it cannot save neither is His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquity have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah59:1 and 2). He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confess and forsake them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). “For as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens; be zealous therefore and repent!” (Revelation 3:19). The repentance must not only be among the lowly citizens but must spring from the governors trickling to the governed. “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand,” declares the Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:24 and 26). Almighty God is calling to the people today as He did to former Israel that, “Therefore also now, says the Lord, Turn even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent Him of the evil. Who knows if He will return and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bride-groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar and let them say: Spare your people O Lord and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then the Lord will be so jealous for His land and pity His people. Yes the Lord will answer and say unto His people, Behold I will send you corn, and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen but I will remove far off from you northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face towards the east sea and his hinder part towards the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up and his savor shall come up because he has done great things. Fear not O land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things. And I will restore to you the years that locusts has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmerworm my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:12-21: 25 and 26). The Lord’s northern army is the destruction God brings upon a people as a result of their wickedness. Indeed righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). For the Lord God of Israel, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves righteousness and judgement (Psalm 33:5). He stresses that judgement is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). The reason being that when his judgements are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). When a nation leaves wickedness and turns to the Lord, such a people receive pardon and sure favour from the Lord God Almighty. The psalmist thus wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12). The Lord delights in the humility of a people. This makes Him hear our plea and smile back at us with a pardon. And this humility must start in His sanctuary. He says: “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Therefore every Christian by and far, let us rally in repentance for the healing of our lands. For repentance turns away God’s wrath. Nineveh found itself in a similar situation many African nations are in today. Plagued with wickedness in diverse places and faced with imminent judgment, the Almighty God used Jonah to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Nineveh: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Unlike most of our folks who hear and turn the head the other way, the Ninevehs believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest-including the king-to the least of them. And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way, and God repented them of the evil that he had said He would bring upon them, and He did it not (Jonah 3). Repentance touches the core of God’s heart. Humble yourself and return to the Lord your Creator. Repentance automatically brings healing. The Lord says, “Wash you, and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, and judge the fatherless plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together; though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:16-19). The Living God is the healer of nations. The psalmist has declared of Him: “God be merciful to us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving health among all nations” (Psalm 67:1 and 2). Perhaps this ought to be the prayer on everyone’s lips now. Stay awake O Christian in the truth! The good LORD has always extended this gracious invitation to man over the millennia. And, therefore, if it is your desire to know Him as He truly is - the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Savior, and Redeemer of mankind, then pray this prayer of repentance unto salvation: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you with all the sins I have committed and I beg you to forgive me. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Please cleanse my body, soul, and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help Lord, and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you every day, please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Thank you, O Lord for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen!” Welcome now to this grand and mighty army of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on earth. Read the Bible often, and join a congregation near you where Christ Jesus is preached and the Almighty Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worshiped in Spirit and in Truth for your own spiritual growth and strength. The Almighty God make you the apple of His eyes as I solemnly declare of Him: “After He has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye - I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them” (Zachariah 2:8). The peace and love of Christ Jesus the Lord be with you now and forever.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2O26. "PROMISES, PROMISES!' (1)" ‘…when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36 NIV. MANY OF us remember singing in church, ‘Every promise in the Book is mine!’ Exciting words—but are they entirely true? If you’ve prayed for the fulfilment of a Bible promise that didn’t materialise, you may have wondered, felt disillusioned, or even stopped trusting. What’s true is that every promise in the Book intended for you, is yours! God is committed to keeping every promise He has made (Matthew 24:35). So how can you know which Bible promises are yours? Here are some scriptural guidelines to help you: 1) Be sure you understand the promise. God is committed to His Word, not to your interpretation of it. When Jesus said, ‘…Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’ (John 2:19 NKJV), His audience completely misunderstood Him, thinking He meant the literal temple when He meant His body. 2) Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, Peter received divine understanding of Christ’s deity. When Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘…this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father…’ (Matthew 16:15-17 NIV). Soon afterwards, walking in the flesh, the same man totally misunderstood Jesus and was severely rebuked by Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23). Why? Because ‘…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God…nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’ (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). So submit your thoughts to God; pray for His guidance, and in due course, you’ll get the insight you need. Bible In A Year: Judg 12-15, Matt 17:14-27, Ps 119:81-88, Pro 17:27-28. 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. [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *QUEST FOR REVIVAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:HABAKKUK 3:1-2```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy" (HABAKKUK 3:2).*_ *Reviewing the history of revivals in Christendom, English author and theologian, Os Guinness, states that these spontaneous supernatural acts occur during turbulent times. Examining the periods of the Christian Reformation, Revival, and Renaissance, he concludes that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn. Consequently, we should always be people of hope and prayer rather than gloom and defeatism. God can turn the situation around in a moment.* *The cleric took lessons from the experience of Habakkuk, the prophet who was struck with terror on learning from the Lord that the land of Judah would be attacked by the fierce Chaldean troops from Babylon. Already disturbed by the iniquities of injustice and impunity around him, on which he expected the Lord to act, Habakkuk was now informed that more disquietude was on the way. The prophet was made to understand that even the Chaldeans, who were to be used as an instrument of punishment, were themselves to face the wrath of God for their wickedness. His anxiety was relieved when he realised that the God of mercy he served was at the point of reviving His people in the process. He went on to intercede for precisely that.* *With humanity now also traumatised by sporadic assaults coming through technological inventions like Artificial Intelligence (AI), wars, insecurity, dysfunctional governance, threats of nuclear conflagration, there are fears that man is on the brink, looking into the bottomless abyss. Really? Not so. The Christian is challenged, rather, like Habakkuk, to plead for revival among the turmoil. It is the hour to ask for an unprecedented move of God's Spirit in the world, an event that should usher multitudes to repentance and turning to Christ for succour in trying times.* *The Lord's second coming is imminent, going by the signs we are witnessing. It is a timely call for vigilant heaven-seeking Christians to strengthen their commitment to holiness, evangelism, study of God's word, fellowship, and acts of kindness. We shouldn't be despondent as we observe the events that signal the end-time; instead, we should discern revival on the horizon.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Current global upheavals are not for our anxiety, but for our action.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 22-25*📜📜 Quest For Revival https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS; AND GHS 167: I MUST TELL JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TREASURE IN TIMOTHY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state" (PHILIPPIANS 2:19-20).*_ *Timothy was a youth and spiritual son of Apostle Paul. He possessed excellent qualities that are missing in the lives of many youths today.* *Timothy's life and work in the body of Christ was so remarkable that Paul confirmed that there was none that was like-minded like Timothy in following godly examples. Timothy was a selfless minister whom Paul trusted to take care of the church in Philippi.* *Many so-called Christian youths are selfish and only think about their comfort. The Lord expects us to live a sacrificial life to edify the body of Christ and to win sinners to the kingdom. As a student, you can share what you have with your friends as it is more blessed to give than to receive.* *You also need to share the gospel of Christ with your unbelieving friends to help them to see the need of surrendering their lives to Christ. We are talking about Timothy today because he had a good and godly treasure that helped to achieve much in his ministry. Are you trustworthy like Timothy?* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Timothy was a selfless minister.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be a selfless believer.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to be selfless and trustworthy.*_ The Treasure In Timothy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *TIME IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🕰️⏲️⏰⌚⏳🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Time is a gift from God to everyone. We have a lot of time on earth, but it won't last forever. Our time here will end at some point. Therefore, we must use our time wisely. That requires good planning. Proper use of your time will help you make the most of opportunities and succeed in life. There's a time for school, homework, play, house chores, and rest. Make time for prayer and Bible reading. Do the right thing when it is needed. Don't waste all your time on phones, television and games. Say no to procrastination. God does everything at the right time. He sent Jesus to die for your sins at the right time. Any time from now, the rapture will take place. The opportunity to repent and be saved won't last forever. Once the rapture happens, it will be too late. *If you are still living in disobedience, the right time for you to sincerely repent and be saved is now!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Father, help me to be wise and to do the right thing at the right time.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Corinthians 6:2* Time Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:11 am] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 15TH AUGUST, 2026. *PRAYER AND PASSION FOR REVIVAL* *TEXT:* HABAKKUK 3:1-2. 1.A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. 2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lotrd, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. *Timeless Truth:* _"My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word"_ (Psalm 119:25). *INTRODUCTION* Revival, in the Christian context, is the sovereign visitation of God that brings renewed spiritual life, deep repentance, holiness, restoration and fresh power to His people. There are many contemporary cases of revival in addition to the one in Bible days. Jonah was used by God to bring Revival to the people of Nineveh where all the 120,000 inhabitants got convicted and converted. There were revivals in Israel during the time of king Hezekiah and Josiah. The Early Church also experienced great revival immediately after the Pentecost. When there is spiritual coldness and indifference to spiritual things, when there is no clear distinction between the world and the Church, when saints are distracted from heavenly desire to earthly preoccupation, then revival is needed. When the saints are weak, powerless and fainting in scriptural conviction and consecration, then we need revival. When formalism and entertainment fill our worship instead of true and holy devotion to God and heavenly things, revival is needed. In order to experience revival, there must be deep concern and burden for prayer coupled with passion for revival. It takes a revived person to be an instrument of revival. *1. The Man of Prayer* a. The man God uses must be a man of bended knees with power of prayer. *"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.”* Habakkuk was not merely a prophet who preached; he was also a man who prayed. His direct communication with God was not clogged. God could express His mind and vision to him clearly and He also could hear from God and communicate with God effectively and fruitfully. He was a true servant of God that stood between God and man as mediator. He lived a life that was pleasing to God and God could speak to him about people. He dwelt in the midst of compromised and corrupted people without being defiled and with boldness to declare unto them their sins and evil as God had told him without fear or favour. His response to the difficult circumstances surrounding Judah was to seek God. The spiritual condition of a nation should drive God's servants to their knees. Revival begins when someone becomes sufficiently burdened to pray as he comes out of the cocoon of self seeking and self satisfaction. b. There is no revival that ever came in human history without people who had the passion and power of prayer from God. Habakkuk's prayer demonstrates that prayer is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of dependence upon the Almighty. The revival God wants to bring may begin with one person who is willing to stand before Him in persistent intercession. Churches need prayer warriors who will carry the burden of their generation before God. The praying saints or warriors that bring revival concentrate their prayers on heavenly things and not on earthly benefits and blessings. Earnest, consistent and persistent prayers by holy people with deep burden and passion for the glory of God, salvation of souls and perfection of saints are indispensable to a true God sent revival. *Question* Am I sufficiently burdened by the spiritual condition of my generation to become a man or woman of prayer? *2. The Manifestation of Passion* *"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid"*. Habakkuk's prayer reveals intense spiritual passion. Having heard God's Word and understood His dealings with His people, he was moved deeply. He was such a person that was not indifferent to the Word of God. The Word of God moved, burned and melted his heart. It became fire in his bones that only revival could quench. First he heard the voice of God. Second he was afraid. He was like Noah who, after hearing the Word of God, believed and *"being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house"* (Hebrews 11:7). True passion for God is not passive. It actively engages in things that will bring change and revival. b. Passion for revival means longing to see God glorified, sinners saved, believers renewed and righteousness restored. Habakkuk did not ask God merely to improve circumstances; he asked Him to revive His work. True revival passion is therefore God-centred rather than man-centred. We must pray until spiritual hunger replaces spiritual complacency. *Question* Does my prayer life demonstrate a genuine passion for God to revive His work in my generation? *3. The Mercy from the Potentate* a. What does this world need desperately from God? Mercy! The degree of worldliness and ungodliness are inexcusable. Man deliberately lives his life, spurning His Word and commandments as if God does not exist. Saints' lives are soiled with carnality, worldliness and corruption. Their focus has shifted from serving the Lord to what mundane things the Lord will give to them. b. Passionate prayer for the mercy of God is an indication that we accept that God has been offended and He is angry at us because of our coldness and carnality. It should always be a prayer point constantly. *“In the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”* Habakkuk recognized God as the sovereign Potentate who has authority to judge, revive, restore and show mercy. He therefore pleaded, *“in wrath remember mercy.”* Revival cannot be manufactured by human ability; it must come through divine mercy and sovereign intervention. The prophet understood that although God's people might deserve judgment, God's mercy could provide restoration. This should encourage us to approach God humbly and plead for mercy upon the Church, families, communities, and nations. When God shows mercy, dry bones can live again, cold hearts can burn again and His work can flourish again. *Question* Am I humbly pleading with the sovereign God to remember mercy and revive His work in our generation? What decision are you making to be an agent of revival in your church and community? *Prayer Points* 1.O Lord, make me a man/woman of prayer, burdened continually for revival and spiritual awakening🙏. 2.O Lord, ignite within me an unquenchable passion for Your glory and the advancement of Your work 🙏. 3.O Lord, the sovereign Potentate, revive Your work in the Church, in families and throughout our nation 🙏. 4 Lord, in wrath remember mercy; pour out Your Spirit, save the lost, restore the backslidden and let genuine revival come upon our generation 🙏. *HYMN:* Come Holy Spirit *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 22-25. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer [It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23 God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go. ⏤ Tony Evans Lord, You created us in Your own image so that we might truly be Your children. We come to You this morning seeking Your favor. Please take away anything that hinders us from fully experiencing Your love. Just as the rising sun drives away the darkness, may Your love drive away the shadows in our souls. As the morning light spreads across fields and valleys, may Your grace surround us and fill us with Your holy love. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We have not lived in a way that honors You. We want today to be the best day we’ve ever lived. Please give us special grace, a special measure of Your Spirit, so we can stay close to You. Help us to do our everyday work better—more skillfully, more neatly, and more quickly than ever before. Help us to keep You in our thoughts as we go about our tasks. Give us more of the mind of Christ so that we may be sweet-spirited and kind-hearted. May Your love shine through us so that we reflect You in everything we do and say. Sanctify our influence on others. Many of our friends need Your help and blessing today. Some will find their duties hard because they are discouraged. Life hasn’t been easy for them. They’ve faced setbacks and losses. Please remember them and bless them in their discouragement. Keep them from losing heart. Give them courage and hope, and sustain them with Your grace. There are homes in distress because loved ones are sick. Please bless those homes tenderly. Spare the lives of those who are ill if it is Your will. We ask for these mercies, confident in Your compassion, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/41/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: IS YOUR LIFE A STAGE OR AN ALTAR? Main Text: Romans 12:1 «“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”» WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING WITH YOUR LIFE? Every day, we stand before an audience. People watch what we do. People listen to what we say. People observe our success, relationships, appearance, ministry and lifestyle. But there is an audience greater than humanity: God. The question is not simply, “What do people think about me?” The deeper question is: “What does God see when He looks at my life?” A stage is where people perform to be seen. An altar is where a person surrenders to God. On a stage, the question is: «“How do I look?”» At an altar, the question is: «“Lord, what do You want from me?”» Many people are living on a stage while believing they are standing at an altar. They pray publicly but disobey privately. They appear spiritual before people but live differently when nobody is watching. They want the applause of men but have lost the approval of God. Today, God is calling us from performance to surrender, from appearance to authenticity, and from the stage to the altar. 1. THE STAGE SEEKS APPLAUSE; THE ALTAR SEEKS GOD'S APPROVAL Jesus warned about religious performance. Matthew 6:1 «“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.”» Jesus was not condemning good works. He was exposing the wrong motive. You can do the right thing for the wrong reason. You can preach because you want recognition. You can sing because you want applause. You can give because you want people to celebrate you. You can post Scripture because you want people to praise your spirituality. But God looks beyond the action and examines the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 «“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”» The stage asks: “Who is watching?” The altar asks: “Is God pleased?” A person living at the altar does not need human applause to remain faithful. Spiritual insight: If your Christianity only works when people are watching, you may be performing rather than worshipping. 2. THE STAGE DISPLAYS TALENT; THE ALTAR REVEALS CHARACTER Talent can put you on a platform. Character determines whether you can remain there without destroying yourself. David had musical ability. David had courage. David had leadership ability. But before David stood before kings, he learned to stand before God in the wilderness. The altar develops what the stage cannot produce. The stage can reveal your gift. The altar reveals your heart. A person can be gifted and still lack character. A person can preach powerfully and live carelessly. A person can sing beautifully and still have an uncontrolled heart. A person can be celebrated publicly and be broken privately. That is why God is more interested in who you are becoming than merely what you are doing. Galatians 5:22–23 The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Notice that Scripture calls these fruit, not performance. Fruit grows from a life connected to God. Ask yourself: What happens to my character when nobody is watching? That question can reveal whether your life is a stage or an altar. 3. THE STAGE WANTS TO RECEIVE; THE ALTAR IS WILLING TO SURRENDER An altar is a place of sacrifice. Romans 12:1 says: «“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”» God does not merely want your Sunday. He wants your Monday. He does not only want your voice in church. He wants your conversations at home. He does not only want your offering. He wants your heart. He does not only want your public ministry. He wants your private obedience. The stage says: “God, bless what I want to do.” The altar says: “God, I surrender what I want to do to Your will.” That is the difference. Jesus demonstrated this in Gethsemane. Luke 22:42 «“Not my will, but thine, be done.”» That is altar language. Sometimes the greatest worship you can give God is not a song. It is surrender. 4. THE STAGE CAN BE MAINTAINED BY APPEARANCE; THE ALTAR REQUIRES TRUTH A stage can be decorated. An altar cannot hide the condition of the sacrifice. God is calling His people back to authenticity. Psalm 51:6 «“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts…”» God wants truth in the hidden places. Who are you when the phone is off? Who are you when nobody is applauding? Who are you when you are angry? Who are you when you have money? Who are you when you have power? Who are you when temptation comes? Who are you when nobody can reward you? That is where character is tested. Christianity is not merely about looking holy. It is about becoming holy. 5. GOD DOES NOT WANT A PERFORMANCE; HE WANTS A LIVING SACRIFICE Romans 12:1 gives us the picture clearly: «“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”» Notice the word living. The Christian life is not a one-time emotional experience. It is daily surrender. Every morning, we should be able to say: “Lord, my life belongs to You.” My plans belong to You. My career belongs to You. My relationships belong to You. My finances belong to You. My gifts belong to You. My body belongs to You. My future belongs to You. That is life on the altar. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: SAUL AND DAVID Two men were anointed by God. Two men were given opportunities. But their responses to God were different. Saul became increasingly concerned about how he appeared before people. 1 Samuel 15:24 Saul admitted that he feared the people and obeyed their voice. David, despite his failures, repeatedly returned to God with a repentant heart. Psalm 51:10 «“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”» Saul was concerned about his image. David was concerned about his heart. One was more concerned about the stage. The other understood the altar. This does not mean David was perfect. He was not. It means that when confronted by God, David learned to return to Him. STAGE VS ALTAR THE STAGE| THE ALTAR Seeks applause| Seeks God's approval Focuses on appearance| Focuses on character Wants recognition| Wants obedience Performs before people| Surrenders before God Protects image| Pursues holiness Says “Look at me”| Says “Lord, use me” Lives for public approval| Lives for divine purpose PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Examine your motives Ask: “Why am I doing what I am doing?” 2. Build a private life with God Do not allow your public ministry to become larger than your private relationship with God. 3. Stop living for human applause People can praise you today and criticize you tomorrow. God's approval must become your anchor. 4. Repent where necessary If there are hidden areas of compromise, bring them before God. Do not protect what God is asking you to surrender. 5. Practice obedience when nobody is watching The secret place is where genuine Christianity is developed. 6. Make your whole life worship Your workplace can become worship. Your family life can become worship. Your business can become worship. Your ministry can become worship. Your private decisions can become worship. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. God is more interested in your heart than your platform. A bigger platform without a deeper heart can become dangerous. 2. Public success cannot compensate for private failure. You can impress thousands and still grieve God. 3. The altar comes before the platform. Before God uses a person publicly, He often works on that person privately. 4. Your greatest audience is God. People see moments. God sees the entire life. 5. The altar is where ambition dies and purpose is born. Sometimes God must remove our desire to be seen before He can trust us to be used. QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. Am I living to please God or to impress people? 2. Who am I when nobody is watching? 3. Is my private life consistent with my public confession? 4. Am I more interested in being celebrated or being transformed? 5. What have I refused to surrender to God? 6. Have I allowed social media to become my stage? 7. Is my ministry flowing from intimacy with God or the desire for recognition? 8. If God removed the applause, would I still serve Him? 9. What area of my life needs to return to the altar? 10. Can God trust me with a greater platform? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for a pure heart Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Let my private life please You. 2. Prayer against hypocrisy Lord, deliver me from every form of hypocrisy and spiritual performance. Let my public life agree with my private life. 3. Prayer for genuine surrender Father, I surrender my plans, ambitions, gifts, relationships and future to You. Have Your way in my life. 4. Prayer against the desire for human applause Lord, free me from the bondage of seeking human approval. Teach me to live for Your approval alone. 5. Prayer for character Holy Spirit, develop Christlike character in me. Let my character be greater than my platform. 6. Prayer for usefulness Lord, make my life an instrument in Your hands. Let everything You have placed in me bring glory to Your name. COME DOWN FROM THE STAGE. Perhaps the greatest question today is not: “How many people know me?” It is: “Does God know me?” Not: “How impressive is my life?” But: “How surrendered is my life?” The world says: “Build your platform.” God says: “Build your altar.” The world says: “Make people notice you.” God says: “Let your light shine so that people may glorify your Father.” The stage is temporary. The applause is temporary. Popularity is temporary. Titles are temporary. But what you do for God and who you become in Christ have eternal significance. So today, come down from the stage. Lay down the need to impress. Lay down the need to be celebrated. Lay down the hidden compromise. Lay down the pride. Lay down the fear of people's opinions. Lay down your plans. And say: «“Lord, here I am. My life is Yours.”» FINAL DECLARATION My life will not be a stage for human applause. My life will be an altar for God's glory. My gifts will serve His purpose. My character will reflect Christ. My private life will honor Him. My public life will glorify Him. And everything I am and everything I have will belong to Jesus. 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/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

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