Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 

This verse demonstrates the change of heart David had after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his affair with Bathsheba and for the murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). After confessing his sins, David vows to guide others to repentance and back to God. 

Not only do we see the changed David who is freed from the bloodguilt and extremely serious sins, but we see his desire to help others. He wants others to experience the renewed joy and forgiveness that he has received from the Lord. He did not let his failures define him. Instead, he used them as the basis for serving others and helping them to find reconciliation and forgiveness from God.

Our testimonies hold great power (Revelation 12:11). We can hold our experience close to ourselves and refuse to share it with others or we can let God use it as a tool for reaching souls. God can use our personal experiences to help them see they are not alone in their sinful ways and that there is a way out. 

This psalm is a personal prayer of David to God. It is him crying out to the Lord and repenting of his sins. He pleads to God to give him a clean heart and a renewed spirit. And he asks God not to banish him but to restore the joy of salvation. 

It is after he receives mercy and grace from God that he vows to teach others. He made the vow that his mouth and tongue would be used to sing of God’s righteousness and goodness. He wanted his personal experience to be the catalyst to helping others seek God and repent of their own sins. 

What about you? Do you hold your personal experiences close to your heart and hide them from others? Or do you use your transgressions as the means to helping people find forgiveness themselves? Many people try to hide their past sins, ashamed of what they have done. But as we already said, there is power in our personal stories and God can use them to help others repent and find forgiveness. 

Don’t hide your story. Be open to allowing God to use you. Let Him work in your heart and through you to touch the lives of others and help transform them. And His peace and joy will fill you, overflowing from deep within, extending out to others. 

#TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

Everyday the Messenger Of GOD comes one must take a vow on GOD that one is the Messenger Of GOD otherwise do not take or do not entertain...

#GOD #VowOnGOD #vow #ManOfGOD #WomanOfGOD #man #woman #MessengerOfGOD #Messenger #PersonOfGOD #person #DoNotTake #DoNotEntertain #DoNot #do #not #take #entertain

Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ 

For a lot of people, God is an uncaring, mean judge who takes no interest in the lives of people struggling to survive. But nothing is further from the truth. Today’s verse is a great example of just how much He cares for us. Our God does love us, even those people who are caught up in lives of sin and shame. And He wants what is best for us. 

God doesn’t want anyone to die, good or bad. He wants them to cease doing the bad things in their lives and instead repent and turn to Him. He told us in this verse just how He feels about the death of those who are wicked. He takes no pleasure in their deaths at all because He doesn’t want any to perish, but instead, for all to come to know Him and be saved. 

He made a vow to the Israelites, spoken through the prophet Ezekiel. He said “As surely as I live…” This was an undisputed fact for the Israelites. They knew God existed and for Him to make a vow, it was serious business. And God is always faithful, always following through with what He said He would do. In this case, He vowed that He took no pleasure in the punishing or death of the wicked and sin filled people. He wanted them to repent, to turn from their ways, and to live. 

He even said, “Turn! Turn…” The emphasis on the word turn, spoken twice, showed the Israelites that He was giving them the opportunity to change their behavior and transform their lives. This clearly demonstrated that He is a merciful God, giving grace when it is not deserved. Even when we feel weighed down by our mistakes, He offers us another chance. He extends His hand and pulls us back up, setting our feet on the ground once more.

He is truly a patient, waiting God who wants none to perish, but all to come to be redeemed and made righteous once again (2 Peter 3:8-9). Despite His grace and mercy and His long standing patience, we must also remember that He is a just God. He will judge people accordingly. If we are living in sin, He will bring judgement to us and it will not be pleasant. 

Turn from your sin today. Accept His grace and mercy and let your life be transformed and let yourself be made righteous. Don’t wait. There is no telling when He will return, when He will judge, or how long it might be in the meantime. Repent of your sins and seek His forgiveness. 

#TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

Daily devotion for August 20th
The Oath
In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.

Nehemiah 9:38
This verse includes a list of what might be termed the company of the committed. These people see a need for preserving and perpetuating the changes in their lifestyles so as to keep in step with God; thus, they sign this agreement to bind themselves to that end. This agreement represents a kind of universal urge found among humans to publicly pledge themselves to be loyal to a cause they feel is right.

When the Pilgrims were about to land at Plymouth, they formed what they called the Mayflower Compact. They drew up rules for living in the new land, and they all signed it as an agreement to live by these principles and laws.

But there is one other very important point here. Ultimately these people failed to follow through with their commitment. Subsequent history reveals that all the old habits returned. The nation once again lost the blessing of God upon it. Why? We discover the key in Nehemiah 10:29. They said, All these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses. They were depending on their own efforts to obey. They bound themselves with a curse and an oath. They were saying, We will do this or else. They were relying upon their own will power. They were gritting their teeth and swearing to perform. There is no expression of any need of help from God or of any provision for failure and return.

That is what the New Testament adds. It is right to vow. It is right to write it down for your own benefit and remind yourself frequently of your goal. But we must always add the words that Paul uses of himself, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). That is what makes the difference.

Lord, I can do nothing apart from You. I commit myself to You and what You desire for me, but I realize that even the desire to do that comes from You.

Guarding Your Words Before the Lord

Scripture

Judges 11:30–31 (NKJV)
And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the people of Ammon shall surely be the Lords and I will offer it up as a burnt offering

Trusting God Without Rash Promises

Judges chapter 11 introduces Jephthah, a man rejected by his family but later called to lead Israel in battle. Before the confrontation with the Ammonites, Jephthah makes a serious vow to the Lord. His words are spoken in intensity and pressure, but they are not commanded by God.

The chapter reveals a sobering lesson. Victory was already dependent on God’s power, not on Jephthah’s vow. God did not require a bargain. Yet Jephthah spoke hastily, and his vow brought deep sorrow. His story reminds us that God desires obedience and trust more than dramatic promises.

This chapter does not question Jephthah’s courage or leadership, but it highlights the importance of wisdom and restraint in speech. Words spoken before God carry weight. Faith does not need to manipulate outcomes through vows. It rests in God’s character and promises.

For believers today Judges 11 teaches us to approach God with reverence and wisdom. We do not need to bargain with God in moments of stress. He is faithful without being pressured. Trust honors God more than impulsive promises.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I speak carefully when making commitments before God

2. Have I ever tried to bargain with God instead of trusting Him

3. How can I grow in wise and disciplined speech

Prayer

Lord God teach me to trust You without making rash promises. Guard my words and give me wisdom when I speak. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness rather than trying to secure outcomes through my own vows. In Jesus name Amen.

Prophet Samuel was not circumcised since his mother had a vow with GOD that if I get a kid at this old age I will offer him directly to GOD and I will not circumcise the kid...

AUGUST 15
DAY 15 - Morning
Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES
Making Daily Decisions That Strengthen the Marriage

Morning Reflection
Choose Your Spouse Again

Good Morning!
There was a time when you chose each other with excitement.
You dressed up.
You made plans.
You dreamed about the future.
Then life happened.
Bills arrived. Children came. Responsibilities increased. Work became demanding. Some dreams changed.
But one of the beautiful things about marriage is that you don't only choose each other on the wedding day.
You keep choosing each other every day.
You choose patience when irritation would be easier.
You choose forgiveness when resentment feels justified.
You choose conversation instead of silence.
You choose faithfulness when temptation appears.
You choose love when feelings are tired.
Your wedding vow may have been spoken once, but its meaning is lived every day.

God's Word
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." — Colossians 3:12

Today's Love Action
Tell your spouse today:
"I still choose you."
Then mention one reason why.

Let's Talk
What made you choose your spouse in the beginning, and what makes you continue choosing them today?

Prayer
Lord, renew our commitment to one another. Help us choose love, faithfulness and grace even on difficult days. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair:
Feelings change with circumstances, but mature love learns to make faithful choices even when emotions fluctuate.

Marriage Nugget
"Marriage becomes stronger when choosing each other becomes a daily decision, not merely a past decision."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts

Acts 21:

"1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,"

Acts 18:

"1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ."

𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐂: 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘

BIBLICAL TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 1:6-12 KJV

“And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.” (2 Chronicles 1:6 KJV)

Solomon's offering was more than a financial transaction. It was an expression of honour, surrender, worship, and dependence upon God. After he offered those sacrifices, God appeared to him and said, “Ask what I shall give thee.” (2 Chronicles 1:7 KJV)

This teaches us that genuine giving can become an expression of faith that accompanies our prayers and worship. However, our giving does not buy God's presence or force Him to act. God responds according to His grace, wisdom, and purpose.

𝐀) 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝

Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings unto the Lord, and that night God appeared to him.

“And that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.” (2 Chronicles 1:7 KJV)

Solomon's sacrifice was followed by a divine encounter. He had the opportunity to ask for wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies, but he asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead God's people.

“And now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge.” (2 Chronicles 1:9-10 KJV)

His request revealed the condition of his heart.

𝐁) 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Giving should never be treated as a way of purchasing miracles. God cannot be bought. Our offerings are expressions of worship, gratitude, obedience, and honour.

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” (Proverbs 3:9 KJV)

When giving flows from a sincere heart, it becomes part of our worship. It can also position us to participate in God's work, bless others, and demonstrate our trust in His provision.

The greatest offering God desires is a surrendered life.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren... that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” (Romans 12:1 KJV)

Solomon's sacrifice was followed by an encounter, but the deeper lesson was his heart. He desired God's wisdom more than personal wealth.

𝐂) 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬

Solomon understood that leadership required divine wisdom. He did not ask merely for power to defeat his enemies. He asked for wisdom to discern what was right.

“And God said unto Solomon, Because this was in thine heart... wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12 KJV)

Some battles are not overcome by shouting louder. They are overcome by receiving divine wisdom.

There are people you should not fight, places you should not enter, opportunities you should not accept, and decisions you should not make. Divine wisdom can save you from traps that your physical strength cannot detect.

“For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12 KJV)

Ask God for wisdom. Before you confront every enemy, ask God for understanding. Before you make major decisions, seek His direction.

𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Your offering should not only leave your hand. Let it carry your heart toward God.

Give with thanksgiving. Give with sincerity. Give according to God's Word. Support the work of God. Honour those who labour in the Gospel. Fulfil your vows. Help the needy. But above all, give yourself completely to God.

Do not give because you are trying to manipulate God into giving you what you want. Give because He is worthy.

When your heart is surrendered, your giving becomes worship, your prayer becomes fellowship, and your life becomes an altar unto God.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

1. Father, give me a heart that honours You with my substance and with everything You have committed into my hands, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:9 KJV)

2. O Lord, let every sincere offering I give according to Your will produce fruit for Your kingdom and glory, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, appear in every situation where I need divine direction and intervention, in the name of Jesus Christ. (2 Chronicles 1:7 KJV)

4. O Lord, give me wisdom and knowledge to overcome every hidden trap and make righteous decisions, in Jesus' name. (2 Chronicles 1:10 KJV)

5. Every hidden strategy of the enemy against my life, let divine wisdom expose and overturn it, in the name of Jesus Christ.

6. Father, give me grace to support Your work faithfully and to fulfil every vow I make before You, in Jesus' name. (Ecclesiastes 5:4 KJV)

7. O Lord, make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto You, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1 KJV)

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

I declare that as you walk in obedience, worship, generosity, and faith, the Lord will give you wisdom for every difficult season. May God expose hidden traps, reveal hidden opportunities, and guide your steps into His purpose.

You will not be destroyed by what you cannot see. You will receive divine wisdom to discern, divine strength to overcome, and divine grace to fulfil your destiny, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

FOR QUESTIONS AND COUNSELLING:

Author: Pst Angel A. Onuche
Email: dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com
WhatsApp: +2348062343560

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SHALOM