Guidelines for living. August 27, 2026 Why You Should Cultivate Excellence in Your Life Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 The greatest accomplishments in life - believe it or not - are made not by the smartest people in the world but by those who didn't know enough to quit. They were the ones who kept trying, kept plodding, kept practicing, who kept investigating until they stumbled onto success. That fact was driven home to me when I was studying in the university. There were two men in my classes who were geniuses. Their IQs were way up there. At the end of a class, they slapped their books shut and generally didn't open them. They were smart. Frankly, I was among those who had to dig it out. People thought I was really gifted; no, I just knew how to work and to study. My parents spent hard earned money and sent me to school to study, not party. I knew why I was there and I made the most of the opportunity. Learning to apply myself was something I happened to grow up with, but everybody didn't have a dad who cut the handles off of brooms, making them short enough for me to use as a kid, or has you work alongside him. But you can learn to work. You can develop discipline yourself. You can set goals and eventually reach them. One of my heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his Sherpa guide, Tensing, crested Mount Everest for the first time. Awesome achievement, and that before a lot of high-tech gear which climbers use today. When asked how he accomplished this when others had failed, he replied that when he was tempted to turn back, he took just one more step. William Carey, the father of modern missions, said that his greatest ability was to plod in the face of adversity. When Thomas Edison had tried 10,000 ways to produce an incandescent globe and hadn't succeeded, he was urged to quit. He responded that he had found 10,000 ways that wouldn't work. And he would eventually find one that did. He did! I've sometimes wondered how many determined, stubborn individuals we have today with that same tenacity. The foundation of our modern achievements was laid by thousands of unknown individuals who lived in obscurity and died unknown, who faithfully contributed to what has enabled us to send men to the moon, to circle the globe with communication, and to accomplish great and mighty things through technology and science. They laid the foundation; we have built upon their research, hard work, and trial and error. Their strength and energy, like a gradually falling barometer, were meted out in hard work, years of often-unrecognized service, and yes, blood, sweat and tears. But they did not quit. They did not look for something with less work and more money attached to it. I've been told that in an European Cathedral, high in the rafters where no one ever goes, are some intricate carvings of exquisite beauty, done by a master craftsman whose name has long since been lost to posterity. Why did he take time to do some of his finest work, using an abutment of wood that will never be seen by the public? He valued excellence. He took seriously the admonition of the Bible that instructs: "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Cultivate excellence. Make it a passion. Refuse to let the world and our culture shove you into the mold of mediocrity. Thank God for teachers who inspire excellence, for mothers who have the patience to bring the best out of their children, for dads who have the patience to teach a little boy how to do something. Do it, friend. Someday, you will be very glad you did. Resource Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0 A new study of daddy longlegs has revealed something you probably wouldn't expect: in some species, Dad spends days guarding his eggs, cleaning them and driving away threats. Researchers studied parental care across 165 species of daddy longlegs, also called harvestmen. These creatures are arachnids, but they aren't actually spiders. The researchers added 85 new records of parental behavior. Of those, 78 showed either male or female parental care, while only seven showed no care. But researchers interpreted these behaviors as having arisen multiple times through evolution. There's an important difference between what was observed and what was assumed about the past. Scientists observed daddy longlegs already caring for their offspring. They didn't observe parental care evolving. Instead, they placed those behaviors onto a proposed evolutionary family tree and used computer models to estimate how that care supposedly arose in ancestors no one observed. And think about what that care requires. A daddy longlegs must recognize and remain near its eggs, detect danger, process what's happening, and respond appropriately. Its senses, nervous system, instincts, and movements must work together. The biblical account gives us a very different starting point. Genesis tells us that God created living creatures “after their kind” and commanded them to “be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:21–22). These creatures were created with the abilities necessary to reproduce and survive from the beginning. Even a daddy longlegs guarding a tiny cluster of eggs points us back to the wisdom of its Creator. Psalm 104:24 says, “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all.”

Daily Bible Lesson. IF THE DEAD ARE ALREADY IN HEAVEN OR HELL… WHY IS THE RESURRECTION SO IMPORTANT? 1 Corinthians 15 is one of the clearest chapters in the Bible about the resurrection of the dead. Paul repeatedly points to a future resurrection when Jesus Christ returns. This raises an important question: If the dead are already consciously enjoying heaven—or suffering in hell—immediately after death, why does the Bible place such enormous emphasis on a future resurrection? Let’s examine the biblical picture. 1. THE RESURRECTION IS CONNECTED TO CHRIST'S SECOND COMING “Afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” — 1 Corinthians 15:23 Paul gives a clear sequence: Christ was raised first. Christ's people are raised at His coming. The resurrection is therefore connected with the Second Coming. “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” — 1 Corinthians 15:52 This points to a great future resurrection event—not something that happens individually every time a believer dies. 2. THE RESURRECTION IS CENTRAL TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH Paul does not treat the resurrection as a minor detail. “If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:14 “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul's message follows this powerful sequence: Christ died Christ was raised Believers will be raised Death will ultimately be destroyed “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” — 1 Corinthians 15:26 3. WHEN DO WE RECEIVE IMMORTALITY? Paul says: “This mortal must put on immortality.” — 1 Corinthians 15:53 Notice the context: immortality is associated with the resurrection. The Bible's emphasis is not simply that a person dies and immediately receives the final reward. Paul directs our attention toward the resurrection, when God's people are changed and receive immortality. The resurrection is not an afterthought—it is central to the Christian hope. 4. THE BIBLE DESCRIBES DEATH AS SLEEP The Bible repeatedly uses sleep as a description of death. Jesus and Lazarus “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.” — John 11:11 Jesus then made it unmistakably clear: “Lazarus is dead.” — John 11:14 Daniel 12:2 “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13–16 Paul speaks of those who are asleep and then describes their resurrection when Christ returns. Ecclesiastes 9:5 “The dead know not any thing.” Psalm 146:4 When a person dies, “his thoughts perish.” Together, these passages provide a biblical basis for understanding death as an unconscious state awaiting the resurrection. 5. THE BIBLICAL SEQUENCE BECOMES VERY CLEAR DEATH The person rests in the grave. CHRIST RETURNS The trumpet sounds. THE DEAD IN CHRIST RISE 1 Thessalonians 4:16 THEY ARE CHANGED 1 Corinthians 15:51–53 THEY RECEIVE IMMORTALITY 1 Corinthians 15:53–54 DEATH IS DEFEATED 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 This makes Paul's argument especially powerful: The Christian hope is not merely, “When I die, I go to heaven.” The great biblical hope is: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! THE DEAD IN CHRIST WILL RISE! 6. WHAT ABOUT PASSAGES THAT SEEM TO TEACH IMMEDIATE LIFE AFTER DEATH? There are passages that Christians interpret differently, including: Luke 23:43 — “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Philippians 1:23 — Paul speaks of departing and being with Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:8 — “Absent from the body… present with the Lord.” These passages should not be ignored. However, Christians who believe in the sleep of death understand these verses alongside the many passages that explicitly describe death as sleep and emphasize the future resurrection. Questions involving punctuation, translation, context, and the meaning of being “with Christ” have contributed to different interpretations. The safest approach is to study the whole Bible rather than build a doctrine on one verse. 7. WHY DOES THE TEACHING OF DEATH AS SLEEP MATTER? It keeps the resurrection central. Paul makes the resurrection absolutely essential to Christian faith. It teaches that immortality is God's gift. “This mortal must put on immortality.” — 1 Corinthians 15:53 It gives greater meaning to the Second Coming. “The dead in Christ shall rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 It warns against attempts to communicate with the dead. Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Isaiah 8:19 If the dead are unconscious, claims that deceased relatives are communicating with the living cannot automatically be accepted as genuine communication with the dead. It gives comfort through the resurrection hope. “Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Why? Because those who have died in Christ will rise again when Jesus returns! THE GREAT BIBLICAL HOPE The ultimate hope of Scripture is not death. It is not the grave. It is not merely an immortal soul escaping the body. The great hope is: JESUS CHRIST'S RETURN THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD THE GIFT OF IMMORTALITY THE DESTRUCTION OF DEATH ETERNAL LIFE WITH CHRIST “This mortal shall have put on immortality… then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54 IN SHORT If the dead are already enjoying the complete reward of heaven immediately after death, the resurrection remains important—but it raises a significant question: Why does Paul place such extraordinary emphasis on the future resurrection as the moment when the dead are raised, changed, receive immortality, and experience final victory over death? Understanding the biblical teaching of death as sleep makes Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 15 especially straightforward: The dead are resting. They are awaiting the voice of Christ. Jesus will return. The dead in Christ will awake. They will be changed. Death will be swallowed up in victory. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 THAT IS THE CHRISTIAN HOPE! Not merely that we die and go somewhere… But that JESUS IS COMING—AND THE DEAD WILL RISE!

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i.😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2O26. "THERE'S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (2)" ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...’ Proverbs 9:10 NKJV IN A world out of control, we like a god we can control: a comforting presence who blesses, provides, and advises. Kind of like ‘God in a box.’ But when it comes to Christ, no box works. His contemporaries designed an assortment of boxes for Him, but He didn’t fit in any of their boxes. They called Him a revolutionary, but He paid taxes. They labelled Him a country carpenter, but He confounded scholars. They came to see His miracles, but He refused to entertain them. He was a Jew who attracted Gentiles, a rabbi who gave up on synagogues, a holy man who hung around with prostitutes. In a male-dominated society, He recruited females. In an anti-Roman culture, He opted not to denounce Rome. He talked like a king yet lived like a pilgrim. People tried to put Him in a ‘box,’ but they couldn’t. And we can’t either; indeed we must not! ‘…Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God…’ (Proverbs 9:7-12TM). Most of our fears are unhealthy. They rob us of peace and joy. But the fear of the Lord does the opposite. One author writes: ‘There is nothing neurotic about fearing God. The neurotic thing is not to be afraid, or to be afraid of the wrong thing. That is why God chooses to be known to us, so that we may stop being afraid of the wrong thing. When God is fully revealed to us and we ‘get it,’ then we experience the conversion of our fear…‘fear of the Lord’ is the deeply sane recognition that we are not God.’ Bible In A Year: Ezek 10-13, Matt 21:18-32, Ps 84, Pro 19:11. 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. [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE DANGER OF RELAPSING INTO RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS WITHOUT THE TRANSFORMING GOSPEL* *TEXT:* GALATIANS 4:8-13. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. *Timeless Truth:*_"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?"_ (Galatians 4:9). *INTRODUCTION* Religious traditions, as described by D.E. Sherkat,  "are constellations of beliefs, practices and institutions used to describe a common type of religiosity. Religious traditions are broad understandings of the supernatural produced in societies and practiced by groups and individuals". For the sake of continuity, religious traditions are codified in texts considered sacred by individuals and institutions that adhere to and produce that form of religion. Once a conviction is formed on religious traditions, it is very difficult for adherents to give them up for another revelation even when common sense says it is wrong. It has a blinding effect especially, when it is wrong. For example, in the Christian faith, you can see some traditions that worship idols, but never see anything wrong with it, but only explain away such idol worship as traditions handed over by the "elders". Some of the Jews had that problem in the Early Church. The legalistic traditions of the law of Moses was so much built into their conviction that giving it up totally for the gospel was a problem to them. All explanations by enlightened and anointed Christ appointed Apostles fell into deaf ears. At best they were willing to believe the gospel subject to the legalistic tradition. They saw their legalistic traditions as more superior to the gospel and they were willing to continue in it in addition to the gospel. The Galatians believers were almost relapsing into the law of Moses and Paul the apostle had to set out the danger of exalting or mixing any religious traditions with or above the pure gospel. *1. The Past Graceless Life* a. There is always a clear inward and outward distinction between life before Christ and life after Christ. A reminder of this transformative experience in Christ is always needful so as not to lose faith. Paul the apostle reminded them that when they knew not God, they *"did service unto them which by nature are no gods"*. If you cannot see this transformational and supernatural distinction in your life, it is likely you are just practicing religion and have not experienced the new life in Christ. Before knowing Christ, the Galatians were enslaved to false gods and powerless spiritual systems. Apostle Paul reminded them that ignorance of the true God results in bondage. A life without Christ is a graceless life because no amount of religion can save the soul apart from the redeeming grace of Jesus. We too must never forget the pit from which God's mercy brought us out from, lest we become proud or drift into lifeless religion. b. The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ delivers sinners not only from the bondage of sin, but also from the bondage of empty religious traditions. The Galatian believers had received salvation by grace through faith, yet they were being tempted to return to legalistic practices as though human observances could perfect what Christ had accomplished. Paul the apostle lovingly warned them that abandoning the simplicity of the gospel for religious rituals is a dangerous spiritual relapse. Every believer must continually stand in the liberty of Christ and resist every tradition that replaces grace with legalism. There are also religious and denominational traditions that make the gospel of Christ of no effect in the life of a person. Inasmuch as you glue to those traditions that contradict the gospel message, the new life in Christ will continue to elude you. When the pure gospel is made to cohabit with denominational or religious traditions that do not put Christ in its rightful place, the gospel will lose its transforming power. *Question* What are some of the religious or denominational traditions that make salvation experience impossible in the life of a religious person? Have you remembered that it was God's grace, not religious performance, that brought you into salvation? *2. The Pure Gospel Lost* a. Apostle Paul expresses deep concern that those who had known God were turning again to weak and beggarly religious observances. Why call those traditions as religious and beggarly elements? They are weak because those Mosaic rules and rituals have zero power to save, justify or change a human heart. They are beggarly because they are "poverty-stricken" or bankrupt and offer no spiritual riches compared to Christ. They are called elements because they are merely elementary things given in the law of Moses to reveal the necessity of Christ without really maturing in Christ. b. They began emphasizing special days, months, seasons and years as though these could secure righteousness before God. The danger was not in observing days itself, but in trusting such practices as a means of acceptance with God. Whenever Christ is replaced by rituals, the purity of the gospel is compromised and spiritual growth is hindered. *Question* Is your confidence resting in Christ alone or in religious activities that cannot transform the heart? *3. The Persuasion to Part with Legalism* a. With tenderness, Paul the apostle pleads, *“Be as I am,”* calling the Galatians back to the freedom of grace. Apostle Paul was entrenched in *"the traditions of the elders"* which he even claimed to be more fanatical than all his equals. When he received Christ, he received Him solely and totally without adding the rudiments of the law of Moses or legalistic traditions. He parted ways with those things totally. He admonished them to do the same because it is in doing that, that they can enjoy the life of Christ to the fullest. Rather than condemning them harshly, he appeals through love and reminds them of the sacrificial relationship they once shared during his ministry among them. *"I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain"*. When you got saved by faith in Christ alone and you begin to attach some things as additions that will make salvation complete, your faith has shifted from Christ and you lose your salvation and the presence of Christ within. True spiritual leadership persuades people away from legalism and continually points them back to Christ. The transforming gospel produces loving obedience not compulsory religion. *Question* Are you willing to abandon every legalistic attitude and embrace the freedom and transforming power of the gospel? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, thank You for saving me by grace through the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ🙏. 2.Lord, deliver me from every form of empty religion and traditions with all its legalistic bondage🙏. 3.Father, help me to remain steadfast in the liberty and truth of the pure gospel and be not drifted away from Christ🙏. 4.Lord, deliver those who are deceived by religious traditions that are contrary to the pure gospel 🙏. *HYMN:* I have no other plea *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* ZEPHANIAH 1-3. [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BETWEEN JUDAIZERS AND THE JUSTIFIER* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🆚✝️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 4:8-13```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain" (GALATIANS 4:11).*_ *John Newton's conversion as his foundering, wreck-bound ship sailed into the eye of the storm on a turbulent, raging sea on the 10th of March 1748, and his unflinching adherence to the faith till death remains a classical model in the evangelical circle. Newton never forgot how God mercifully spared his life, saved his soul and delivered him from wasteful living and a blasphemous lifestyle. He lived the rest of his life juxtaposing what he had previously been with the transformation God had wrought in him. To keep this memory alive, he wrote out the fifteenth verse of the fifteenth chapter of Deuteronomy in bold letters and fastened it to the wall of his study.* *Had the Galatians exercised Newton's wisdom and spiritual intelligence, a thrilling testimony would have trailed their Christian walk. They had spent their lives, plumbing the depths of human sin and degradation of idolatry, before Paul reached them with the gospel. They responded positively to the gospel, became truly converted and free from an idolatrous lifestyle. Of them, Paul said they "received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus". But their experiences became short-lived. Glib-tongued Judaizers invaded the Galatian Church and swayed the nascent assembly off the pure New Testament faith Paul had laboured to teach and impart.* *Would Paul be cowed down, cave in or contend with the detractors of faith? It hurt him to see these Gentile Christians drawn into the spider-web of Judaizing Christians once again. Paul, after the manner of a passionate pastor, pleads with the Galatians in this letter not to return to their former spiritual slavery but rather break away from every Pharisaic bondage and enjoy the liberty Christ gave them freely. He wants them to understand their new identity - saints saved by grace, void of any allegiance to a race, culture or tradition.* *These are instructive scriptures for both shepherds and the flock in the fold. While shepherds and leaders of God's people diligently labour and watch over the flock, fencing out all modern Judaizers, every believer has the responsibility to resist the subtle penetration of the enemies of the cross and make an intelligent choice between Judaizers and the Justifier. We must, in the words of Christ, "Watch and pray" at all times to avoid being beguiled.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*You can never be deceived without your consent.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *ZEPHANIAH 1-3*📜📜 Between Judaizers And The Justifier https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; AND GHS 77: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *FORNICATION FORBIDDEN* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💋❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-5```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication" (1 THESSALONIANS 4:3).*_ *Despite the attendant shame, sorrow, and disgrace that fornication brings to those who indulge in it, some youths still engage in this heinous sin. Celebrities of note, kings, paupers, princes and professors have become objects of ridicule as a result of fornication. Fornication has brought many people from all societal strata to degradation and disrepute; from fame to folly, and from honour to dishonour.* *Believers must abstain from all appearances of evil. Fornication is evil. It is a deadly poison. Do not meddle with immorality. Abandon anything that has the tendency to inflame the sinful passion in you as a holy Christian. Amorous discussion, romantic literature, comics, posters, and videos must be avoided like leprosy.* *As you flee from fornication, you must be daring and resolute to resist it, no matter the person who is making the attempt to defile you, to avoid being consumed. Sinful body contact with the opposite gender is anathema. Never permit defiling behaviours like patting, caressing, hugging and kissing because they are booby traps. They are the crucible where fornication is bred. Avoid them like plagues.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Never permit defiling behaviours.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Dare to be another Joseph - flee fornication!*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to keep myself pure.*_ Fornication Forbidden https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JOCHEBED - A COURAGEOUS MOTHER* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽👩🏻‍🦳🧔🏻‍♂️👩🏻‍🦰👨🏽👱🏻‍♂️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 2:1-10;NUMBERS 26:59```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister" (Numbers 26:59).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jochebed was the mother of the great and courageous leader - Moses, in the Bible. She was the mother of three prominent children - Miriam, Aaron and Moses. She gave birth to Moses at a time when Pharaoh made a decree to kill every Hebrew male baby to stop their growth and expansion. In spite of the challenge, Jochebed was willing to risk everything for her child's safety. She hid him for the first three months and trusted God in the face of danger and uncertainty. She took another bold step of faith by placing him in a basket by the bank of River Nile. By divine arrangement, Moses was found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. He still ended up with his mother who taught him the values of faith, courage, selflessness, humility and resilience, thereby preparing him for his role as a future leader. *Jochebed knew her God, and because she did not give up too soon, God rewarded her courage with a son who did exploits for God. You too must be courageous to stand for the word of God, no matter the challenge. God will bless you in return.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, please give me the courage to see situations through the eye of faith and not walk by sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Exodus 6:20* Jochebed - A Courageous Mother https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE DANGER OF RELAPSING INTO RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS WITHOUT THE TRANSFORMING GOSPEL* *TEXT:* GALATIANS 4:8-13. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. *Timeless Truth:*_"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?"_ (Galatians 4:9). *INTRODUCTION* Religious traditions, as described by D.E. Sherkat,  "are constellations of beliefs, practices and institutions used to describe a common type of religiosity. Religious traditions are broad understandings of the supernatural produced in societies and practiced by groups and individuals". For the sake of continuity, religious traditions are codified in texts considered sacred by individuals and institutions that adhere to and produce that form of religion. Once a conviction is formed on religious traditions, it is very difficult for adherents to give them up for another revelation even when common sense says it is wrong. It has a blinding effect especially, when it is wrong. For example, in the Christian faith, you can see some traditions that worship idols, but never see anything wrong with it, but only explain away such idol worship as traditions handed over by the "elders". Some of the Jews had that problem in the Early Church. The legalistic traditions of the law of Moses was so much built into their conviction that giving it up totally for the gospel was a problem to them. All explanations by enlightened and anointed Christ appointed Apostles fell into deaf ears. At best they were willing to believe the gospel subject to the legalistic tradition. They saw their legalistic traditions as more superior to the gospel and they were willing to continue in it in addition to the gospel. The Galatians believers were almost relapsing into the law of Moses and Paul the apostle had to set out the danger of exalting or mixing any religious traditions with or above the pure gospel. *1. The Past Graceless Life* a. There is always a clear inward and outward distinction between life before Christ and life after Christ. A reminder of this transformative experience in Christ is always needful so as not to lose faith. Paul the apostle reminded them that when they knew not God, they *"did service unto them which by nature are no gods"*. If you cannot see this transformational and supernatural distinction in your life, it is likely you are just practicing religion and have not experienced the new life in Christ. Before knowing Christ, the Galatians were enslaved to false gods and powerless spiritual systems. Apostle Paul reminded them that ignorance of the true God results in bondage. A life without Christ is a graceless life because no amount of religion can save the soul apart from the redeeming grace of Jesus. We too must never forget the pit from which God's mercy brought us out from, lest we become proud or drift into lifeless religion. b. The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ delivers sinners not only from the bondage of sin, but also from the bondage of empty religious traditions. The Galatian believers had received salvation by grace through faith, yet they were being tempted to return to legalistic practices as though human observances could perfect what Christ had accomplished. Paul the apostle lovingly warned them that abandoning the simplicity of the gospel for religious rituals is a dangerous spiritual relapse. Every believer must continually stand in the liberty of Christ and resist every tradition that replaces grace with legalism. There are also religious and denominational traditions that make the gospel of Christ of no effect in the life of a person. Inasmuch as you glue to those traditions that contradict the gospel message, the new life in Christ will continue to elude you. When the pure gospel is made to cohabit with denominational or religious traditions that do not put Christ in its rightful place, the gospel will lose its transforming power. *Question* What are some of the religious or denominational traditions that make salvation experience impossible in the life of a religious person? Have you remembered that it was God's grace, not religious performance, that brought you into salvation? *2. The Pure Gospel Lost* a. Apostle Paul expresses deep concern that those who had known God were turning again to weak and beggarly religious observances. Why call those traditions as religious and beggarly elements? They are weak because those Mosaic rules and rituals have zero power to save, justify or change a human heart. They are beggarly because they are "poverty-stricken" or bankrupt and offer no spiritual riches compared to Christ. They are called elements because they are merely elementary things given in the law of Moses to reveal the necessity of Christ without really maturing in Christ. b. They began emphasizing special days, months, seasons and years as though these could secure righteousness before God. The danger was not in observing days itself, but in trusting such practices as a means of acceptance with God. Whenever Christ is replaced by rituals, the purity of the gospel is compromised and spiritual growth is hindered. *Question* Is your confidence resting in Christ alone or in religious activities that cannot transform the heart? *3. The Persuasion to Part with Legalism* a. With tenderness, Paul the apostle pleads, *“Be as I am,”* calling the Galatians back to the freedom of grace. Apostle Paul was entrenched in *"the traditions of the elders"* which he even claimed to be more fanatical than all his equals. When he received Christ, he received Him solely and totally without adding the rudiments of the law of Moses or legalistic traditions. He parted ways with those things totally. He admonished them to do the same because it is in doing that, that they can enjoy the life of Christ to the fullest. Rather than condemning them harshly, he appeals through love and reminds them of the sacrificial relationship they once shared during his ministry among them. *"I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain"*. When you got saved by faith in Christ alone and you begin to attach some things as additions that will make salvation complete, your faith has shifted from Christ and you lose your salvation and the presence of Christ within. True spiritual leadership persuades people away from legalism and continually points them back to Christ. The transforming gospel produces loving obedience not compulsory religion. *Question* Are you willing to abandon every legalistic attitude and embrace the freedom and transforming power of the gospel? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, thank You for saving me by grace through the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ🙏. 2.Lord, deliver me from every form of empty religion and traditions with all its legalistic bondage🙏. 3.Father, help me to remain steadfast in the liberty and truth of the pure gospel and be not drifted away from Christ🙏. 4.Lord, deliver those who are deceived by religious traditions that are contrary to the pure gospel 🙏. *HYMN:* I have no other plea *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* ZEPHANIAH 1-3. [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BETWEEN JUDAIZERS AND THE JUSTIFIER* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🆚✝️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 4:8-13```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain" (GALATIANS 4:11).*_ *John Newton's conversion as his foundering, wreck-bound ship sailed into the eye of the storm on a turbulent, raging sea on the 10th of March 1748, and his unflinching adherence to the faith till death remains a classical model in the evangelical circle. Newton never forgot how God mercifully spared his life, saved his soul and delivered him from wasteful living and a blasphemous lifestyle. He lived the rest of his life juxtaposing what he had previously been with the transformation God had wrought in him. To keep this memory alive, he wrote out the fifteenth verse of the fifteenth chapter of Deuteronomy in bold letters and fastened it to the wall of his study.* *Had the Galatians exercised Newton's wisdom and spiritual intelligence, a thrilling testimony would have trailed their Christian walk. They had spent their lives, plumbing the depths of human sin and degradation of idolatry, before Paul reached them with the gospel. They responded positively to the gospel, became truly converted and free from an idolatrous lifestyle. Of them, Paul said they "received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus". But their experiences became short-lived. Glib-tongued Judaizers invaded the Galatian Church and swayed the nascent assembly off the pure New Testament faith Paul had laboured to teach and impart.* *Would Paul be cowed down, cave in or contend with the detractors of faith? It hurt him to see these Gentile Christians drawn into the spider-web of Judaizing Christians once again. Paul, after the manner of a passionate pastor, pleads with the Galatians in this letter not to return to their former spiritual slavery but rather break away from every Pharisaic bondage and enjoy the liberty Christ gave them freely. He wants them to understand their new identity - saints saved by grace, void of any allegiance to a race, culture or tradition.* *These are instructive scriptures for both shepherds and the flock in the fold. While shepherds and leaders of God's people diligently labour and watch over the flock, fencing out all modern Judaizers, every believer has the responsibility to resist the subtle penetration of the enemies of the cross and make an intelligent choice between Judaizers and the Justifier. We must, in the words of Christ, "Watch and pray" at all times to avoid being beguiled.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*You can never be deceived without your consent.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *ZEPHANIAH 1-3*📜📜 Between Judaizers And The Justifier https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; AND GHS 77: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *FORNICATION FORBIDDEN* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💋❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-5```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication" (1 THESSALONIANS 4:3).*_ *Despite the attendant shame, sorrow, and disgrace that fornication brings to those who indulge in it, some youths still engage in this heinous sin. Celebrities of note, kings, paupers, princes and professors have become objects of ridicule as a result of fornication. Fornication has brought many people from all societal strata to degradation and disrepute; from fame to folly, and from honour to dishonour.* *Believers must abstain from all appearances of evil. Fornication is evil. It is a deadly poison. Do not meddle with immorality. Abandon anything that has the tendency to inflame the sinful passion in you as a holy Christian. Amorous discussion, romantic literature, comics, posters, and videos must be avoided like leprosy.* *As you flee from fornication, you must be daring and resolute to resist it, no matter the person who is making the attempt to defile you, to avoid being consumed. Sinful body contact with the opposite gender is anathema. Never permit defiling behaviours like patting, caressing, hugging and kissing because they are booby traps. They are the crucible where fornication is bred. Avoid them like plagues.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Never permit defiling behaviours.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Dare to be another Joseph - flee fornication!*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to keep myself pure.*_ Fornication Forbidden https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [26/08, 9:20 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JOCHEBED - A COURAGEOUS MOTHER* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽👩🏻‍🦳🧔🏻‍♂️👩🏻‍🦰👨🏽👱🏻‍♂️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 2:1-10;NUMBERS 26:59```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister" (Numbers 26:59).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jochebed was the mother of the great and courageous leader - Moses, in the Bible. She was the mother of three prominent children - Miriam, Aaron and Moses. She gave birth to Moses at a time when Pharaoh made a decree to kill every Hebrew male baby to stop their growth and expansion. In spite of the challenge, Jochebed was willing to risk everything for her child's safety. She hid him for the first three months and trusted God in the face of danger and uncertainty. She took another bold step of faith by placing him in a basket by the bank of River Nile. By divine arrangement, Moses was found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. He still ended up with his mother who taught him the values of faith, courage, selflessness, humility and resilience, thereby preparing him for his role as a future leader. *Jochebed knew her God, and because she did not give up too soon, God rewarded her courage with a son who did exploits for God. You too must be courageous to stand for the word of God, no matter the challenge. God will bless you in return.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, please give me the courage to see situations through the eye of faith and not walk by sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Exodus 6:20* Jochebed - A Courageous Mother https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk27thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS].

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. 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://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/14futvERWUD/

IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU HAVE LIFE ”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11).” Christianity is the unveiling of a present reality: Christ in you; His life, glory, righteousness, wisdom, dominion and grace unveiled and revealed in and through you. This is real. Christianity isn’t a religion. It’s the very life and nature of God imparted to you in Christ and lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. This life isn’t something you’re going to get when you get to heaven. The Apostle John states it as a present truth in our opening scripture: “...God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Then he continues in the 12th verse, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” This is absolute. You can’t have eternal life any other way. If you have Jesus, you have it. Read His words in John 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” He had said earlier in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Then He made a most profound declaration in the 26th verse, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” This helps to understand why Jesus is, Himself, eternal life and the only One who can give it: _*“…we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). Remember His words in John 14:6, _*“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Being born again, you’ve come to the Father through Jesus Christ and have received His life. Therefore, be ever conscious of His divine life in you (1 John 5:13). Let it go beyond doctrine to consciousness and experience. Eternal life is what makes you superior to Satan and the limitations of this world. It’s why you have the capacity to live above sin, sickness and death, and live from God instead of trying to reach Him. FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 5:11-13 (KJV) ”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Colossians 1:26-27 (NIV) ”the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 1 John 5:20 (NIV) ”We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Across the miles, the serpent king sat straight up, alarm going through him. But as it was information heavily guarded by heaven, all he knew was, someone, somewhere, had made a kingdom decision, and it meant people would be freed. His anger burned within him. It was time to up the game… The Serpent King wasn’t about to let that happen. Even as the bible study was wrapping up, he instructed his army to utilize every human wound, fear, and need, to find the tiniest crack in any of their armor. He’d long known the weak points in men and women, and those who served the creator were no exception. They never changed. Every man needed to feed his appetites, and with the right persuasion, or situation, he could reach them all. He knew too, that if you toppled the leaders, it took out the army. When men lost faith in the ones they followed, they almost always came straight to him. He laughed in glee, as he began to stoke the fan of Jake’s pain, desire, and long suppressed needs. He now had a chance to reach Maggie and several others, as years of determination to live for the one every fallen one hated, were wiped away by the devastation she’d endured the last few days. Her love for Jake, and his for her—within the confines of their pain—while given by the creator, was his area of attack. It gave him utmost pleasure to use the gifts of the Most-High to damage and turn His sons and daughters against Him. The battle had begun as the serpent king declared war on the children of the book… but the children were filled with His spirit… and His love… The guardians watched, concerned. Father had shown them what must be done… and Jake was about to be put in the crucible in a way he never had been. It would start tonight, when he’d have to face something he’d long repressed. They already knew the enemy would use it to the fullest, but Father had decreed the time was now, and his guardian had been given strict orders to see that it happened—while the rest of them had been instructed to make sure the enemy couldn’t stop it. They knew it was only the start of stripping him, and several others, down to the bone, so they could be strengthened and honed for the coming battle… a battle that wouldn’t stop until the end… Prepare For The End A saga of human resilience, and determination to fulfill their God-given tasks, and push back the powers of darkness to the very end. And the darkness’ desire to destroy them all. Find out what it’s all about today:

Wednesday evening Bible study. Bless us Lord. Continue The Book of Romans “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *God wants our hearts in this relationship. To daily grow and learn how to Live, pleasing To God. “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *it’s here we learn and grow how to Live. Trusting God. God gives us what we need to serve Him. “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *enthusiastically Rejoice. Keep on Praying. Honorable Peace. Kindness Do Good. “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *do what is right. Bless those in authority. Honor God do what is right. “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *don’t even allow it, give up sinning. Be Full of Christ. *All Jesus, no more of the flesh. *back to verse 2 Daily forever Transforming *Life being pleasing and perfect “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *people having issue with meat offered to idols. Still hung up on religious customs. *its all about the Heart. “Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *Jesus Standing in our Place. We’ve got to be assured of Living for Him. It’s about our Heart. “So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *be living and honorable. Goodness and Peace. Pleasing to God. “Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ *do what is Right. *Trust God… it’s about the Heart. Relationship with God, relationship with one another…

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Thursday, August 27 📜 OLD TESTAMENT 1 SAMUEL 3 — The Lord Calls Samuel ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT REVELATION 1 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Jude! Today we begin the book of Revelation. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 38 — Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 1 Samuel 3 Samuel hears God's voice and learns to respond with obedience: “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” God was preparing Samuel for his calling. We too must cultivate a heart that is willing to listen and obey. ✝️ Revelation 1 John receives a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ is revealed as the risen and glorified Lord who holds authority over His Church. The chapter reminds us that Jesus is with His people and remains Lord over everything. 🌿 Isaiah 38 Hezekiah becomes seriously ill and turns to God in prayer. God hears him and gives him additional years of life. His story reminds us that we can bring our deepest concerns honestly before God. ✨ KEY VERSE “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, give us hearts that are ready to hear and obey Your voice. Help us recognize Your leading and remain faithful to Your calling. Strengthen our faith as we study Revelation and remind us that Jesus Christ is Lord over all. Teach us, like Hezekiah, to bring every situation before You in prayer. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Create quiet time to listen to God today. Read His Word attentively, pray sincerely, and be willing to obey whatever He places on your heart. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

ANOTHER 5 STAR REVIEW russell tamicka Aug 16, 2026 Interesting book! It’s a bold, unique look at history through a spiritual lens When I first picked up Why The White Man Rules (An Apology) by Nathaniel Leonard Jackson Jr., I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. The title definitely catches your attention, but it tackles a huge, heavy question: why have Western and European nations held so much global power and wealth throughout history? Instead of giving a standard history lesson or political breakdown, Jackson approaches everything from a completely biblical angle. He argues that Western dominance isn't an accident or a matter of racial superiority, but rather God fulfilling His ancient promises to the lost tribes of Israel. The book is split into eight chapters, and Jackson walks you through his thoughts step by step. Right away in Chapter 1, "The Unsettling Truth," he clears up a big detail: he’s using the word "apology" in the old-school literary sense, meaning a formal defence rather than actually apologising for anything. The middle of the book really digs into scripture. "Promises, Promises...", was the part that kept me reading. Jackson traces the birthright blessings from Abraham, down through Isaac and Jacob, and eventually to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He points to passages like Deuteronomy 33, which describes Joseph's descendants as a "fruitful bough" pushed out to the ends of the earth. Seeing how he connects those Old Testament lines about becoming a "great nation" and a "multitude of nations" to the rise of modern Western powers was definitely a perspective I hadn't come across before. Toward the end, in chapters like "Nothing but the Blood" and "The Two Camps," he shifts to the New Testament, looking at how Jesus's sacrifice ties into all of this and asking the reader to focus on spiritual faith rather than worldly drama. Even if you don't agree with every conclusion he draws, Jackson puts a lot of detail into his scripture study. It’s a bold, unique look at history through a spiritual lens that gives you plenty to think about after you put it down.