1 Corinthians 15:28 (ASV) "And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." Here is the consummation of the entire plan of redemption. Yeshua HaMashiach, the one to whom all authority has been given, the one before whom every knee will bow, the one who will reign until all enemies are under His feet—this same Son will, at the end, subject Himself to the Father. Not as a defeated enemy. Not reluctantly. But as the obedient, loving Son returning the kingdom to the One who gave it. This verse shatters every notion of a co-equal, co-eternal trinity. The Son is not the Father's equal in position. He is the Father's agent, the Father's appointed ruler, the Father's only begotten. He reigns because the Father gave Him the kingdom. And when the work is finished, He hands it back. The Father alone remains supreme. Yahuah is all in all. But it also shatters something else: the fear that Yeshua's kingdom is about His own glory. It is not. It never was. From the beginning, His entire mission was to glorify the Father. He came to do the Father's will. He lived to reveal the Father's character. He died to satisfy the Father's justice. He rose to complete the Father's plan. And at the end, He will lay everything at the Father's feet and take His place as the eternal Son, forever subject to the One who is all in all. This is not a demotion. It is the perfection of love. It is the Son showing the universe, for all eternity, what true submission looks like. It is the Son's delight to honor the Father, now and forever. And in that eternal act of loving surrender, we see the very character of Yahuah reflected perfectly. That door is worth walking through. What lies beyond it is the beautiful, biblical truth of the Father and the Son—two distinct beings, perfectly united in love, with the Father supreme and the Son exalted. Not a trinity. A family. A Father and His only begotten Son, who loves the Father so completely that He will be subject to Him forever. That is the gospel in its final, glorified form. #Christ #Yahuah #Yeshua #victory #trinity #Father #OneGod

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION MEMORIZE: "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:5 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 91:1-16 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. MESSAGE: The devil lures many people into evil covenants with the promise of protection; however, complete protection only exists in God. Romans 8:31 says, "... If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:37 further says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. This means that, if you are in a covenant with God, you will not have to fight any battle, because He will always fight for you. Many times, you would have won the battle before you even realise that someone was trying to attack you. I ran away from my village after some people threatened that they were going to 'eat me for breakfast,' and for 13 years, I could not return. However, after I met the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to visit my village, and I even attended a wedding where I saw many of the people who had threatened to kill me through diabolical means. I was much younger in the faith at the time, so I had a lot of zeal but not much wisdom. I was asked to preach at the wedding, and I delivered a powerful sermon that hit them hard with the word of God. Some months later, those people went to the mother of the lady who got married and told her that it was her daughter's wedding that provided a platform for me to insult them. They further said that they had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and the opportunity had presented itself now that her daughter was pregnant. They told her, "We will see if your daughter will give birth, unless we are not the ones in charge here on earth." The lady's mother became frightened and came to me. I told her not to worry and assured her that on the day her daughter would give birth, all those who had threatened her would fall asleep. To the glory of God, things turned out exactly as I said; her daughter gave birth while those who threatened her were sleeping. The baby they swore would not be born is now a medical doctor. Beloved, God said that He will be a wall of fire around you in today's memory verse, and anyone who chooses to confront the Consuming Fire will not live to tell the story. Never be afraid of any force, person, or situation that threatens to harm you. Cry out to God in such cases, and He will show up to defend you and give you victory. KEY POINT: God is a wall of fire around those who are in a covenant with Him. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 5 - BLESSED ASSURANCE 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood. CHORUS: This is my story; this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day. Long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. CHORUS: 3. Perfect submission, perfect all is rest, I in my saviour am happy and blest watching waiting looking above filled with his goodness lost in his love. CHORUS: PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026 *GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION* 1.Father, thank You for being my protection in all situations, for in You is my protection complete. 2.Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror; through the love of Jesus, I have victory without a fight because You are always fighting for me 3.Father, please keep me forever in Your covenant of protection, so I won't have to fight in battle with anyone trying to attack me, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your word, and under the shadow of Your presence, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence; cover me with Your feathers, and hide me under Your wings, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please save me from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; and from the destruction that wasteth at noonday; let no evil come near me and my household, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones, let them keep us in all our ways, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, as many that are into covenant with the devil against my well-being, send them on errands they will never recover from; let their waiting be in vain over my life, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, thank You for Your promise to be a wall of fire round about me, please help me never to go out of Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please show up to defend me from those that are after my soul, and give me victory, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎13.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎14.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:1315:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date!

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Resist the Devil and He Will Flee In Greek, "Resist" means to set oneself against, to actively oppose, to stand against. This is not passive avoidance; it is active, deliberate opposition. Resisting the devil is not pretending he does not exist or hoping he goes away. It is confronting his advances with the authority of Christ, the power of the blood, and the bold declaration of the Word of God. "He will flee", this is the guarantee. The enemy does not stand and fight against a fully submitted, actively resisting believer. He flees. The one who runs is not the believer; it is the enemy. Press forward knowing that the enemy you resist in submission to God will not stand his ground but will flee. PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, let my submission to You be the foundation of every act of spiritual resistance. I resist the enemy in Your name and by Your authority. As he flees, I press forward. In Jesus' name! Hallelujah! Amen!

Now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6–7 ɴᴋᴊᴠ For our comfort we are reminded of three definite truths in connection with trials. First, we learn that our trials are only for a “little while.” If the pleasures of the sinner are only for a season, so too the sorrows of the saints are but for a season (cf. Heb. 11:25). Secondly, we are reminded that there is a need for these sorrows, for these trials are for “a little while, if need be.” The Father does not cause His children a needless tear. The “need” is to prove our faith. This does not mean to prove whether we have faith, but rather to make manifest the preciousness of the faith we have. Gold is not put into the fire to prove that it is gold, but to bring out the precious qualities of the metal. So God proves our faith by various trials to bring out the precious qualities of our faith. Faith, counting upon God in the trial, leads to submission to what God allows. Faith in God enables the soul to wait in patience (Jas. 1:3). The soul may have true faith, but when the trial comes these blessed qualities of faith become manifest: submission, patience, steadfastness, confidence, and dependence upon God. Thirdly, we learn that trials have a blessed answer in the coming day of glory. The manifestation of these qualities in the day of trial will lead to praise and honor and glory in the day of Jesus Christ. We are apt to think that a time of deep trial, which may prevent us from taking part in active service for the Lord, is all lost time. No, says God, it will be “found to praise” at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Hamilton Smith https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-18

When Leadership Is Driven by Ambition Scripture Judges 9:23 (NKJV) Then God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech God Does Not Bless Ungodly Authority Judges chapter 9 tells a tragic story of ambition power and betrayal. Abimelech seeks leadership not through God’s calling but through manipulation violence and self promotion. He kills his brothers secures power through fear and rules without regard for God or people. Verse 23 reveals a sobering truth. God allows division and conflict to expose unrighteous leadership. Abimelech’s rule was built on bloodshed and deceit and it could not stand. The same treachery he used to gain power eventually turned against him. This chapter shows that leadership without God leads to destruction. Authority gained without righteousness cannot produce peace or stability. God is not silent when injustice rules. In time He allows the consequences of sin to surface and brings judgment on prideful ambition. For believers today Judges 9 is a warning against seeking position influence or control apart from God. God values humility obedience and servant leadership. When ambition replaces submission to God chaos follows. True authority comes from God and is sustained only by faithfulness to Him. Reflection Questions 1. Do I seek influence through humility or through self promotion 2. Am I willing to wait for God’s timing rather than forcing outcomes 3. How do I respond when God exposes wrong motives or attitudes Prayer Lord God guard my heart from pride ambition and selfish desire. Teach me to seek Your will rather than my own advancement. Help me to walk humbly before You and trust that true authority and influence come from You alone. In Jesus name Amen.

*YOU ARE NOT THE LIGHT* One of the reasons David fell was because he was not where he was supposed to be. The Bible says it was the season when kings went out to war. (2 Samuel 11:1) David stayed home. He had begun believing his own importance. The reasoning sounded noble. "Let the light of Israel not be extinguished." (2 Samuel 21:17) But David was never the light. He was only a lamp. There is a difference. A lamp carries light. A lamp is useful because of the light that burns in it. But the lamp is not the source. Jesus is the Light. (John 8:12) No matter how greatly God uses you, you never become the source. The moment you begin to think you are indispensable, you have stepped into dangerous ground. God may use you mightily. People may be blessed through your ministry. You may preach, teach, lead, or serve faithfully. None of that changes who you are. You are still a vessel. You are still carrying what belongs to another. The greatest danger is not success. It is forgetting where the success came from. Pride quietly builds an exaggerated image of yourself. Outwardly, you may appear humble. Inwardly, you are sitting on a throne. You begin comparing yourself with others. You think you are above them because you know more, perform better, or achieve more. A person may have achievements and still be bound by lust, bitterness, fear, or pride. Meanwhile, another person may never have your achievements while obeying God, yet they walk in peace, contentment, and freedom. So, who is truly successful? True success is not measured by results alone. It is measured by submission to God. Never mistake the lamp for the Light. Never allow your usefulness to become your identity. Everything you have came from God. Remain a faithful lamp. Keep pointing people to the Light. Good evening!

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DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-019 Today’s Scripture John 1:49 (ESV) “Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” Opening the Scriptures Only moments earlier, Nathanael was skeptical. When Philip told him about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Now everything has changed. Nathanael stands before Jesus and declares: “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” What changed? Jesus revealed that He knew Nathanael in a way no ordinary man could. Nathanael began to understand that the One standing before him was far greater than he had first imagined. His skepticism was giving way to faith. This is one of the great truths we repeatedly encounter in Scripture: we must not judge Jesus according to our assumptions. We must allow God’s Word to reveal who He truly is. Living God’s Word Today Many people are willing to accept Jesus as a good teacher, an inspiring religious leader, or an important historical figure. But Scripture does not permit us to stop there. Nathanael confessed Jesus as “the Son of God” and “the King of Israel.” Jesus Christ is not merely someone from whom we seek advice when life becomes difficult. He is the Son of God and the rightful King. That truth demands more than admiration. It demands faith, submission, and obedience. We must therefore ask ourselves whether our daily lives agree with what our lips say about Jesus. If we call Him Lord but continually reject His Word, something is wrong. If we call Him King while insisting upon ruling our own lives, something is wrong. True faith does not merely recognize who Jesus is. True faith bows before Him. Nathanael began with doubt, but when confronted with Christ, he confessed the truth. Today, make that confession personally: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus Christ is King. And because He is King, He has the rightful authority over every part of our lives. Question for Today: Is Jesus merely part of your life, or is He truly your King? Respond: “Jesus Christ is my King.”

HiTODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? Understanding Their Nature, Influence, and the Believer’s Victory. Main Text: Mark 1:23–27 Supporting Texts: Matthew 12:43–45; Luke 8:26–39; Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7 There are battles that the human eye cannot see. A person can look healthy on the outside and yet be fighting a spiritual battle within. A home can look beautiful while confusion fills it. A person can have education, money, connections, and opportunities, yet experience strange patterns that seem difficult to explain. The Bible teaches us that the spiritual realm is real. But we must be careful: not every problem is caused by a demon, and not every unusual experience should be labeled as spiritual warfare. Christians must combine spiritual discernment with wisdom, prayer, sound doctrine, and appropriate practical help. So, what exactly are foul spirits? A foul spirit is an unclean or evil spirit—a spiritual being opposed to God and associated with evil, deception, bondage, oppression, and defilement. But here is the good news: The believer does not need to live in fear of foul spirits. Jesus Christ has authority over them. 1. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? The expression “foul spirit” is used in some Bible translations to describe what is also called an “unclean spirit.” Mark 1:23–24 > “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit…” The spirit recognized Jesus and said, in effect, “I know who You are.” This teaches us something important: A. Foul spirits are spiritual beings They are not human beings, psychological conditions, or imaginary personalities. Scripture presents them as part of the spiritual opposition against God's purposes. B. They are called “unclean” The word speaks of something morally and spiritually polluted. Their purpose is contrary to the holiness of God. C. They oppose God's work Where God brings truth, they promote deception. Where God desires freedom, they seek bondage. Where God desires holiness, they encourage defilement. Where God desires peace, they seek confusion and destruction. But their activity does not mean they possess unlimited power. God remains sovereign. 2. FOUL SPIRITS SEEK TO DECEIVE, OPPRESS AND DESTROY Jesus warned about the activity of evil spirits. John 10:10 > “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” The devil's purpose is destructive. However, notice the second half: > “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus is greater than the enemy! Foul spirits may seek to influence: Thoughts Attitudes Temptations Destructive behavior Fear Deception Hatred Occult practices Spiritual bondage Opposition to God's truth But we must maintain biblical balance. Temptation is not automatically demonic possession. Mental or emotional distress is not automatically demonic activity. A difficult season is not automatically an attack from an evil spirit. Sometimes a person needs prayer. Sometimes a person needs repentance. Sometimes a person needs wise counsel. And sometimes a person needs medical or mental-health support. Spiritual maturity knows the difference. 3. JESUS CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY OVER FOUL SPIRITS This is where the message becomes powerful. Mark 1:27 > “For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” Notice the phrase: “They do obey Him.” Jesus did not negotiate with the spirit. He did not panic. He did not run away. He exercised divine authority. Luke 10:19 Jesus told His disciples: > “Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.” The authority belongs to Christ. Therefore, Christian spiritual warfare is not about shouting the loudest. It is not about dramatic performances. It is not about trying to impress people. It is about standing in Christ, submitting to God, knowing His Word, and resisting the enemy. James 4:7 > “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice the order: Submit → Resist → Victory. You cannot successfully resist the devil while deliberately refusing to submit to God. 4. HOW DO WE GUARD OUR LIVES AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS? Ephesians 6:11 > “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Paul does not tell Christians to become obsessed with demons. He tells them to put on the armour of God. The armour includes: Truth — Don't build your life on lies. Righteousness — Guard your heart and conduct. The Gospel of peace — Walk in peace with God. Faith — Trust God when circumstances are frightening. Salvation — Remember who you belong to. The Word of God — Know and speak God's truth. Prayer — Maintain communion with God. The answer to spiritual darkness is not fear. The answer is deeper relationship with Christ. 5. DO NOT OPEN DOORS TO DARKNESS The Bible repeatedly warns God's people against involvement with occult practices and spiritual darkness. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 Scripture warns against practices such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and consulting spiritual mediums. Why? Because God wants His people to seek Him, not supernatural power from forbidden sources. Some people want spiritual power without spiritual submission. They want protection without holiness. They want miracles without Christ. They want supernatural experiences without discernment. That is dangerous. Ephesians 5:11 > “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” If something belongs to darkness, don't entertain it simply because it appears powerful. Not everything supernatural is from God. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE MAN OF GADARA Mark 5:1–20 Jesus encountered a man who was severely oppressed by unclean spirits. His life had become completely broken. He lived among the tombs. He was isolated. He harmed himself. He could not be controlled by ordinary human means. But when Jesus arrived, everything changed. Jesus confronted the spiritual bondage, and the man was eventually found: > “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.” Mark 5:15 Look at the transformation: Before Jesus: Broken. After Jesus: Restored. Before Jesus: Isolated. After Jesus: Reconnected. Before Jesus: Tormented. After Jesus: In his right mind. This is the power of Christ. And Jesus gave the man a mission: > “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.” Jesus doesn't only deliver people from bondage; He gives them a testimony and a purpose. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Don't become more conscious of demons than you are conscious of Jesus. Some Christians can talk about demons for hours but barely talk about Christ. That is unhealthy. Jesus must remain the center. 2. Spiritual warfare begins with spiritual alignment. Before fighting external battles, examine your relationship with God. Is there deliberate disobedience? Unforgiveness? Secret sin? Occult involvement? Compromise? Repentance is not weakness. Repentance closes doors that compromise opens. 3. The devil is real, but he is not equal to God. Christianity does not teach two equal powers fighting for supremacy. God is Creator. Satan is a created being. Therefore, never place Satan on God's level. There is no divine competition. 4. Deliverance should lead to discipleship. A person may experience deliverance and still need spiritual growth. Jesus did not call us merely to be delivered. He called us to follow Him. 5. Freedom must be maintained through Christ-centered living. Matthew 12:43–45 gives a serious warning about an “empty” house. The lesson is powerful: Don't merely remove darkness; fill your life with Christ. Fill your mind with God's Word. Fill your heart with prayer. Fill your life with fellowship. Fill your days with obedience. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Give your life completely to Jesus Christ. 2. Renounce occult and spiritually compromising practices. 3. Study Scripture consistently. 4. Develop a strong prayer life. 5. Guard what you watch, listen to, and celebrate. 6. Refuse to live in fear. 7. Seek mature Christian counsel when facing serious spiritual concerns. 8. Don't automatically interpret every physical or psychological problem as demonic. Seek appropriate professional help when necessary while continuing in prayer. 9. Stay connected to a healthy, Bible-believing Christian community. 10. Make Jesus the center of your spiritual life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I more fascinated by spiritual manifestations than by Jesus Christ? 2. Is there anything in my life that compromises my walk with God? 3. Am I feeding my spirit with God's Word? 4. Do I respond to spiritual challenges with faith or fear? 5. Have I opened myself to practices Scripture forbids? 6. Is my home and personal life centered on Christ? 7. Do I understand my authority in Christ without becoming spiritually arrogant? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from every influence of darkness and establish me firmly in Your truth. 2. Lord Jesus, let every area of my life that has been under spiritual oppression experience Your freedom and peace. 3. Every influence contrary to the will of God operating against my spiritual growth, be broken in Jesus' name. 4. Father, give me spiritual discernment to distinguish between truth and deception, in Jesus' name. 5. Lord, close every door that I have opened through disobedience, ignorance, compromise, or ungodly practices. 6. I renounce every practice that dishonors Christ, and I surrender myself completely to Jesus. 7. Father, fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, Your peace, and Your righteousness. 8. I refuse to live in fear. I choose faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in the power of God's Word. 9. Lord, protect my family and establish our home in Your presence and truth. 10. Father, make my life a testimony of the victory, freedom, and transforming power of Jesus Christ. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, foul spirits are real, but Jesus is greater. Don't spend your life looking for demons behind every problem. Don't become obsessed with darkness. Don't live in fear. And don't play with spiritual things that God has forbidden. Instead, know Jesus. Know His Word. Walk in holiness. Pray. Exercise discernment. Stand in faith. And when the enemy attacks, remember who you belong to. You belong to Jesus Christ. The darkness may be real, but the Light is greater. The enemy may oppose you, but Christ has overcome. The battle may be intense, but your victory is found in Jesus. > “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 So arise in faith. Stand in Christ. Guard your heart. Reject darkness. Walk in holiness. And let your life become a testimony that Jesus Christ still saves, delivers, restores, and sets captives free. JESUS IS LORD! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/19WFeQkFUN/ Please get the full message from my book "RECOGNIZING AND FIGHTING FOUL SPIRITS"