• The Key to Breakthrough

    Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
    James 5:16

    Did you know over 70% of Messiah’ ministry focused on healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing miracles? In Acts 10:38, Luke beautifully summarizes His work, “Yahwah anointed Messiah of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for Yahwah was with Him.”

    Messiah went around healing how many? All who were oppressed! The wonderful news is He continues to heal today. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

    You may be wondering—why don’t we witness more miracles in our lives? why don’t we witness more miracles and healings in our lives? The answer could be simple—we often don’t ask. James 4:2 states, “...Ye have not because you ask not.” In Matthew 7:7, Messiah encourages us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

    You might say I’ve asked and asked and still have not received my miracle or healing!” Please remember Yahwah is not on our time clock. If I had my way when found out I had hepatitis C I would have been healed immediately. But my eventual healing was not on my time but Yahwah’s!

    We also have to remember what it says in the end of Matthew 5:45 “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

    Friend, in walking with Messiah for 36 years, I’ve learned Yahwah delights in answering our prayers! Is there something you’re believing Yahwah for right now? Does it feel like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged - Yahwah’s Word assures us that through faith and patience, we will inherit His promises.

    If you stay in faith and keep seeking, your breakthrough is on the horizon!
    The Key to Breakthrough Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 Did you know over 70% of Messiah’ ministry focused on healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing miracles? In Acts 10:38, Luke beautifully summarizes His work, “Yahwah anointed Messiah of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for Yahwah was with Him.” Messiah went around healing how many? All who were oppressed! The wonderful news is He continues to heal today. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” You may be wondering—why don’t we witness more miracles in our lives? why don’t we witness more miracles and healings in our lives? The answer could be simple—we often don’t ask. James 4:2 states, “...Ye have not because you ask not.” In Matthew 7:7, Messiah encourages us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." You might say I’ve asked and asked and still have not received my miracle or healing!” Please remember Yahwah is not on our time clock. If I had my way when found out I had hepatitis C I would have been healed immediately. But my eventual healing was not on my time but Yahwah’s! We also have to remember what it says in the end of Matthew 5:45 “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Friend, in walking with Messiah for 36 years, I’ve learned Yahwah delights in answering our prayers! Is there something you’re believing Yahwah for right now? Does it feel like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged - Yahwah’s Word assures us that through faith and patience, we will inherit His promises. If you stay in faith and keep seeking, your breakthrough is on the horizon!
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  • THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 2026

    Topic: You Are Not Behind

    Bible Reference

    “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

    A Short Story

    Samuel was twenty seven, and he had started wondering whether he was already too late.

    Some of his friends had built successful businesses. Others had secured good jobs, bought cars, travelled to different countries, or started families. Whenever he opened social media, it seemed as though everyone was moving forward except him.

    Samuel had a small business that was barely growing. He was also learning a new skill, but the progress felt painfully slow.

    One afternoon, he sat with a friend and said, “I think I have wasted too much time. Maybe I should have achieved more by now.”

    His friend looked at him and asked, “Who told you that your life must follow their timetable?”

    Samuel became quiet.

    He realized that most of his frustration was not coming from his actual situation. It was coming from constantly comparing his journey with other people's journeys.

    That evening, he returned home and looked at the small notebook where he had written his goals months earlier. He noticed something he had forgotten.

    He had actually made progress.

    It was not dramatic. It was not something he could proudly display on social media. But he had learned new skills, become more disciplined, grown spiritually, and taken steps he had once been afraid to take.

    For the first time in a long while, Samuel thanked God for the little he had.

    He decided that instead of spending his energy asking why he was not where someone else was, he would focus on becoming faithful with where God had placed him.

    Today's Message

    Comparison can make you despise your own journey.

    You look at someone else's finished product and compare it with your beginning. You see their achievement but do not see the years of preparation, sacrifice, failure, and waiting behind it.

    God does not measure your life by another person's timeline.

    The Bible tells us not to despise small beginnings. Something may look small today and still become significant tomorrow.

    Do not be ashamed of starting small. Do not be discouraged because your progress is not yet visible to everyone.

    Your responsibility is to be faithful with what God has placed in your hands today.

    You are not behind simply because someone else arrived before you.

    Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep trusting God.

    Your journey is your journey.

    What To Do Today

    1. Stop comparing your progress with what you see on social media.

    2. Write down three areas where you have genuinely grown.

    3. Identify one small step you can take toward your goal today.

    4. Thank God for where you are while trusting Him for where you are going.

    Prayer

    Lord, deliver me from the pressure of comparison. Help me to appreciate my journey and remain faithful in small beginnings. Give me patience, discipline, and confidence to keep moving forward with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Daily Challenge

    Write down three things you have accomplished or improved in the past year, no matter how small they may seem. Thank God for each one.

    Anthony Ijere
    Christian Author and Revivalist

    https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

    https://t.me/anthonyijere
    THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 2026 Topic: You Are Not Behind Bible Reference “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) A Short Story Samuel was twenty seven, and he had started wondering whether he was already too late. Some of his friends had built successful businesses. Others had secured good jobs, bought cars, travelled to different countries, or started families. Whenever he opened social media, it seemed as though everyone was moving forward except him. Samuel had a small business that was barely growing. He was also learning a new skill, but the progress felt painfully slow. One afternoon, he sat with a friend and said, “I think I have wasted too much time. Maybe I should have achieved more by now.” His friend looked at him and asked, “Who told you that your life must follow their timetable?” Samuel became quiet. He realized that most of his frustration was not coming from his actual situation. It was coming from constantly comparing his journey with other people's journeys. That evening, he returned home and looked at the small notebook where he had written his goals months earlier. He noticed something he had forgotten. He had actually made progress. It was not dramatic. It was not something he could proudly display on social media. But he had learned new skills, become more disciplined, grown spiritually, and taken steps he had once been afraid to take. For the first time in a long while, Samuel thanked God for the little he had. He decided that instead of spending his energy asking why he was not where someone else was, he would focus on becoming faithful with where God had placed him. Today's Message Comparison can make you despise your own journey. You look at someone else's finished product and compare it with your beginning. You see their achievement but do not see the years of preparation, sacrifice, failure, and waiting behind it. God does not measure your life by another person's timeline. The Bible tells us not to despise small beginnings. Something may look small today and still become significant tomorrow. Do not be ashamed of starting small. Do not be discouraged because your progress is not yet visible to everyone. Your responsibility is to be faithful with what God has placed in your hands today. You are not behind simply because someone else arrived before you. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep trusting God. Your journey is your journey. What To Do Today 1. Stop comparing your progress with what you see on social media. 2. Write down three areas where you have genuinely grown. 3. Identify one small step you can take toward your goal today. 4. Thank God for where you are while trusting Him for where you are going. Prayer Lord, deliver me from the pressure of comparison. Help me to appreciate my journey and remain faithful in small beginnings. Give me patience, discipline, and confidence to keep moving forward with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Write down three things you have accomplished or improved in the past year, no matter how small they may seem. Thank God for each one. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0 https://t.me/anthonyijere
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  • Mystical Gardens Tale

    The Empty Chair

    Mary had friends, technically she wasn't alone. That was what she always told herself. She had people she could call. People who would answer a message. People she could talk to about the weather, the latest news, or something funny that had happened during the day. What she didn't have was someone to do things with.

    She wasn't completely alone, but there was a difference between having people she could talk to and having a companion to spend time with. Mary knew there was a difference. She knew it every evening when she came home. She knew it when she made dinner and automatically put two plates on the counter before realizing there was only one person eating.

    She knew it when something funny happened on television and she turned toward the other side of the couch to share the joke, only to find an empty cushion. She knew it when she poured herself a glass of tea and, without thinking, reached for another glass. Then stopped. There was no one to pour it for.

    One evening, Mary sat on the couch with her dinner untouched beside her. The television was playing, but she wasn't watching it. Her eyes kept drifting toward the empty chair across the room. It wasn't anything special. Just an old chair with a cushion that had lost some of its shape, but tonight, it seemed to be extra empty.

    Mary stared at it for a long time. Then she whispered, “I wish somebody was here.”

    The words surprised her. She had spent years teaching herself not to say things like that. Whenever she admitted she was lonely, someone would remind her that she already had friends. Whenever she said she wanted companionship, someone would tell her she needed to learn to be happy alone. Whenever she complained about having no one to do things with, someone would say, “You just have to get out there.”

    Mary knew they meant well, but sometimes she wanted more than advice. She wanted someone to sit beside her. Someone to go places with. Someone to call and say, “Want to grab a coffee?” Someone who would watch a terrible movie with her and laugh at how terrible it was. Someone who would notice when she was quiet. Someone who didn't have to be invited because they were already there.

    Mary leaned back against the couch. “I don't want to be needy,” she whispered. The room offered no answer. The loneliness tightened around her heart. The loneliness engulfed her and tears formed in her eyes.

    Mary closed her eyes, curled into a fetal ball, and allowed herself to cry. When she opened them again, she wasn't in her living room. She was sitting in a beautiful garden beneath a giant tree. The mystical garden stretched around her in the soft evening light. Flowers moved gently in a breeze she couldn't feel. Somewhere nearby, water trickled over smooth stones.

    Mary didn't know how she had gotten there, but she wasn't frightened. She had been to this garden before. Some people claimed it was magical. She looked up at the giant tree. “You know why I'm here, don't you?”

    The leaves rustled. Mary smiled sadly. “I'm so lonely.” The tree remained silent.

    Mary pulled her knees toward herself. “I know what everyone says. I know I do have people in my life. I do have friends. I know I should be grateful. I really am grateful.” She swallowed. “But I want someone...” The words finally came out. “I want someone to share my life with.”

    A breeze moved through the branches. Mary looked up. “Can you help me?” The tree did not answer.

    Mary waited. “Can you find someone for me?” Still nothing. Her smile disappeared. “It's silly, but I thought that since I just appeared here, maybe you had some magic that could help me.”

    The branches swayed gently. Mary looked away. “Apparently not.” She stood and began walking through the garden. At first, she noticed all the companionship around her.

    She saw two birds that sat together on a branch. A pair of rabbits chased one another through the flowers. A butterfly rested on another butterfly's wings. Even the bees seemed to have somewhere to go and someone waiting for them.

    Mary stopped beside the pond. “Even the animals have someone.” Her voice cracked. “And I don't.”

    She sat beside the water. For a long time, she didn't notice anything different. Then something strange began. The garden seemed to change.

    Mary watched as a bee landed on a flower. The flower gave it the nectar that it searched for. A bird flew down to the pond where it found a worm in the soft soil and water to quench is thirst. A fruit fell from one of the branches and disappeared into the soil where the seed would grow.

    Mary watched quietly. She finally began to understand. The garden wasn't showing her perfect lives. This wasn't exactly the companionship she longed for. What it was showing her was a different kind of companionship. It showed her the connections that are made in all life. Little ones. Simple ones. Necessary ones.

    Then its leaves shimmered and Mary heard a whisper in her heart. "You are not wrong for wanting companionship.'' Mary's eyes filled with tears. People had told her it was good to be independent. They had told her to enjoy her own company. They had told her she didn't need anyone, but nobody had told her that wanting someone beside her wasn't a weakness.

    Mary rested her hand against the tree. “I don't want someone to rescue me.” The leaves rustled. “I just don't want to do everything alone. I just need a friend to do things with.”

    The tree remained silent, but somehow Mary understood. There was a difference between being incomplete and being lonely. She could be whole and still want someone to share some of the things in her life with. She could be grateful and still wish for a little companionship. She could love herself and still want someone sitting in the empty chair.

    Mary wiped her eyes. “Then why can't you find someone for me?” The tree's branches slowly moved toward the ground. One small branch pointed toward the garden gate. Mary frowned. “You want me to leave?” At first she was hurt, but then she understood.

    The garden couldn't choose another person's heart. It couldn't manufacture friendship. It couldn't make someone walk into her life. It couldn't promise that tomorrow she would meet the person she'd been waiting for. But it could give her somewhere to come back to when the loneliness became too heavy.

    It could remind her that loneliness wasn't proof that she was forgotten. Companionship had many different forms. Perhaps most importantly, it reminded her not to close her heart simply because she had been disappointed before.

    Mary stood. The tree's leaves shimmered.
    “I guess I just stopped trying.” She looked toward the garden gate. “Because every time I tried, I got hurt.”

    The garden grew very still. Mary took a deep breath. “Maybe I decided it was easier to do things alone, preferring to be lonely than to be hurt. That's not the same thing as being okay, is it?”

    The tree answered with a gentle shower of golden leaves. Mary laughed through her tears. “No,” she whispered. “It isn't.”

    When Mary returned home, the television was still playing. The empty chair was still there. Nothing about her house had changed. But Mary had.

    She looked at the chair. For years, she had thought the empty chair was proof that nobody was coming, no one wanted to be with her. Tonight, she saw it differently. It was simply an empty chair waiting to be filled.

    The next morning, Mary picked up her phone. She stared at the screen for several minutes. If she wanted a friend, she should make an effort. There was a woman she occasionally talked to. They had always talked easily, but Mary had never asked her to do anything outside their usual conversations.

    Her finger hovered over the call button.
    Then she pressed it. “Hi,” Mary said when the woman answered. “I was wondering…”
    She almost stopped. She fears that the woman would be too busy. That she would think Mary was being strange. But Mary continued. “Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?”

    There was a pause. Then came the answer. “I'd love to.”

    Mary smiled. It wasn't a miracle. It wasn't the end of her loneliness. It wasn't the person she had dreamed about finding for a relationship. It was simply coffee and the beginning of a new friendship.

    Sometimes the beginnings of any kind of relationship are very small. Sometimes they sound like: Would you like to come with me? Would you want to watch a movie? Do you want to get coffee?
    Would you like to sit here?

    Mary still visited the garden. She still had lonely evenings. There were still nights when she looked at the empty chair and wished someone were sitting in it, but now she wouldn't allow the loneliness to tightened around her heart. She knew she could ask for simple companionship when she felt lonely and she could always come here for comfort and peace.

    Wanting someone beside you does not make you weak. Being lonely does not mean you are forgotten. An empty chair is not a threat that no one will ever come. Sometimes… It is simply a chair waiting for a story that hasn't been written yet.

    Seed from the Garden
    “God setteth the solitary in families.” — Psalm 68:6
    Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two people are better than one because they can help each other up.

    God sees the lonely places we don't always know how to explain. He doesn't shame us for wanting companionship. While He may not answer that longing in the way or timing we expect, we can trust that our loneliness does not mean we have been forgotten. Sometimes the first step isn't finding the person we've been waiting for. Sometimes it's simply finding the courage to open the door to allow people in.

    #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #stacyfrantz #MysticalGardens
    🌿 Mystical Gardens Tale 🌿 🪑 The Empty Chair Mary had friends, technically she wasn't alone. That was what she always told herself. She had people she could call. People who would answer a message. People she could talk to about the weather, the latest news, or something funny that had happened during the day. What she didn't have was someone to do things with. She wasn't completely alone, but there was a difference between having people she could talk to and having a companion to spend time with. Mary knew there was a difference. She knew it every evening when she came home. She knew it when she made dinner and automatically put two plates on the counter before realizing there was only one person eating. She knew it when something funny happened on television and she turned toward the other side of the couch to share the joke, only to find an empty cushion. She knew it when she poured herself a glass of tea and, without thinking, reached for another glass. Then stopped. There was no one to pour it for. One evening, Mary sat on the couch with her dinner untouched beside her. The television was playing, but she wasn't watching it. Her eyes kept drifting toward the empty chair across the room. It wasn't anything special. Just an old chair with a cushion that had lost some of its shape, but tonight, it seemed to be extra empty. Mary stared at it for a long time. Then she whispered, “I wish somebody was here.” The words surprised her. She had spent years teaching herself not to say things like that. Whenever she admitted she was lonely, someone would remind her that she already had friends. Whenever she said she wanted companionship, someone would tell her she needed to learn to be happy alone. Whenever she complained about having no one to do things with, someone would say, “You just have to get out there.” Mary knew they meant well, but sometimes she wanted more than advice. She wanted someone to sit beside her. Someone to go places with. Someone to call and say, “Want to grab a coffee?” Someone who would watch a terrible movie with her and laugh at how terrible it was. Someone who would notice when she was quiet. Someone who didn't have to be invited because they were already there. Mary leaned back against the couch. “I don't want to be needy,” she whispered. The room offered no answer. The loneliness tightened around her heart. The loneliness engulfed her and tears formed in her eyes. Mary closed her eyes, curled into a fetal ball, and allowed herself to cry. When she opened them again, she wasn't in her living room. She was sitting in a beautiful garden beneath a giant tree. The mystical garden stretched around her in the soft evening light. Flowers moved gently in a breeze she couldn't feel. Somewhere nearby, water trickled over smooth stones. Mary didn't know how she had gotten there, but she wasn't frightened. She had been to this garden before. Some people claimed it was magical. She looked up at the giant tree. “You know why I'm here, don't you?” The leaves rustled. Mary smiled sadly. “I'm so lonely.” The tree remained silent. Mary pulled her knees toward herself. “I know what everyone says. I know I do have people in my life. I do have friends. I know I should be grateful. I really am grateful.” She swallowed. “But I want someone...” The words finally came out. “I want someone to share my life with.” A breeze moved through the branches. Mary looked up. “Can you help me?” The tree did not answer. Mary waited. “Can you find someone for me?” Still nothing. Her smile disappeared. “It's silly, but I thought that since I just appeared here, maybe you had some magic that could help me.” The branches swayed gently. Mary looked away. “Apparently not.” She stood and began walking through the garden. At first, she noticed all the companionship around her. She saw two birds that sat together on a branch. A pair of rabbits chased one another through the flowers. A butterfly rested on another butterfly's wings. Even the bees seemed to have somewhere to go and someone waiting for them. Mary stopped beside the pond. “Even the animals have someone.” Her voice cracked. “And I don't.” She sat beside the water. For a long time, she didn't notice anything different. Then something strange began. The garden seemed to change. Mary watched as a bee landed on a flower. The flower gave it the nectar that it searched for. A bird flew down to the pond where it found a worm in the soft soil and water to quench is thirst. A fruit fell from one of the branches and disappeared into the soil where the seed would grow. Mary watched quietly. She finally began to understand. The garden wasn't showing her perfect lives. This wasn't exactly the companionship she longed for. What it was showing her was a different kind of companionship. It showed her the connections that are made in all life. Little ones. Simple ones. Necessary ones. Then its leaves shimmered and Mary heard a whisper in her heart. "You are not wrong for wanting companionship.'' Mary's eyes filled with tears. People had told her it was good to be independent. They had told her to enjoy her own company. They had told her she didn't need anyone, but nobody had told her that wanting someone beside her wasn't a weakness. Mary rested her hand against the tree. “I don't want someone to rescue me.” The leaves rustled. “I just don't want to do everything alone. I just need a friend to do things with.” The tree remained silent, but somehow Mary understood. There was a difference between being incomplete and being lonely. She could be whole and still want someone to share some of the things in her life with. She could be grateful and still wish for a little companionship. She could love herself and still want someone sitting in the empty chair. Mary wiped her eyes. “Then why can't you find someone for me?” The tree's branches slowly moved toward the ground. One small branch pointed toward the garden gate. Mary frowned. “You want me to leave?” At first she was hurt, but then she understood. The garden couldn't choose another person's heart. It couldn't manufacture friendship. It couldn't make someone walk into her life. It couldn't promise that tomorrow she would meet the person she'd been waiting for. But it could give her somewhere to come back to when the loneliness became too heavy. It could remind her that loneliness wasn't proof that she was forgotten. Companionship had many different forms. Perhaps most importantly, it reminded her not to close her heart simply because she had been disappointed before. Mary stood. The tree's leaves shimmered. “I guess I just stopped trying.” She looked toward the garden gate. “Because every time I tried, I got hurt.” The garden grew very still. Mary took a deep breath. “Maybe I decided it was easier to do things alone, preferring to be lonely than to be hurt. That's not the same thing as being okay, is it?” The tree answered with a gentle shower of golden leaves. Mary laughed through her tears. “No,” she whispered. “It isn't.” When Mary returned home, the television was still playing. The empty chair was still there. Nothing about her house had changed. But Mary had. She looked at the chair. For years, she had thought the empty chair was proof that nobody was coming, no one wanted to be with her. Tonight, she saw it differently. It was simply an empty chair waiting to be filled. The next morning, Mary picked up her phone. She stared at the screen for several minutes. If she wanted a friend, she should make an effort. There was a woman she occasionally talked to. They had always talked easily, but Mary had never asked her to do anything outside their usual conversations. Her finger hovered over the call button. Then she pressed it. “Hi,” Mary said when the woman answered. “I was wondering…” She almost stopped. She fears that the woman would be too busy. That she would think Mary was being strange. But Mary continued. “Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?” There was a pause. Then came the answer. “I'd love to.” Mary smiled. It wasn't a miracle. It wasn't the end of her loneliness. It wasn't the person she had dreamed about finding for a relationship. It was simply coffee and the beginning of a new friendship. Sometimes the beginnings of any kind of relationship are very small. Sometimes they sound like: Would you like to come with me? Would you want to watch a movie? Do you want to get coffee? Would you like to sit here? Mary still visited the garden. She still had lonely evenings. There were still nights when she looked at the empty chair and wished someone were sitting in it, but now she wouldn't allow the loneliness to tightened around her heart. She knew she could ask for simple companionship when she felt lonely and she could always come here for comfort and peace. Wanting someone beside you does not make you weak. Being lonely does not mean you are forgotten. An empty chair is not a threat that no one will ever come. Sometimes… It is simply a chair waiting for a story that hasn't been written yet. Seed from the Garden “God setteth the solitary in families.” — Psalm 68:6 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two people are better than one because they can help each other up. God sees the lonely places we don't always know how to explain. He doesn't shame us for wanting companionship. While He may not answer that longing in the way or timing we expect, we can trust that our loneliness does not mean we have been forgotten. Sometimes the first step isn't finding the person we've been waiting for. Sometimes it's simply finding the courage to open the door to allow people in. #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #stacyfrantz #MysticalGardens
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  • This is how it is in the morning at Vision complex orphanage. I am wondering how is it looks like there in the morning!!
    This is how it is in the morning at Vision complex orphanage. I am wondering how is it looks like there in the morning!!
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  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    It appears that the rain monster is headed back our way. Perhaps today. I have one more yard to mow/bale, and hopefully I can get that done before it gets here. If I recall, the rain is supposed to start this afternoon around 3. We kind of made a plan for today, so…fingers crossed that the monster stays away for the right amount of time.

    This year has been a wild year for my yard. I do not recall a year where it felt like a cloud just passed over my place and the grass grew six inches. It is crazy how fast my yard is growing this year. I don’t even think that it has to rain a tiny bit for my yard to keep growing. It is crazy. You know, I always thought a balance of water and sun was the formula for a good growing yard. Apparently, my yard has an attitude and has said, “Give me rain, or not; give me sun or not; give me cold or not; I will grow and will not rot.” I guess it is its version of ‘hold my beer’.

    The wonderful part of it is that my yard actually looks like a fluffy pillow of beautiful grass. Not sure how that happened, but it did. There are not a lot of thistles or weeds; even in the back part of the yard, it is beautiful grass.

    The way that the grass is growing so quickly and fully is a reminder of how quickly sin can manifest in our lives. Now you are wondering, how did I just turn my beautiful pillow grass into sin? Stick with me; I think you will like this. Some of you who are used to my brain are trying to see my vision first. Haha.

    In one of the parables that Jesus taught, the farmer planted bountiful seeds and had a great crop. However, one day one of his servants told him of how the weeds were growing up in the plants and should they pull the weeds. The farmer told them no; they would worry about the weeds at harvest.

    My nice and quick-growing yard is just like the weeds in the parable, in that the weeds sprung up quickly and became noticeable to the servants. They did not need attention, but they were trying to take over the crop to the point that the servant wanted to rid the field of them.

    Sin works the same way. It finds its way into our lives, usually with logic. Such as, Jesus sat with sinners, so why can’t I? The problem with that example is that Jesus was perfect and without blemish. He did not succumb to the sin from which he was trying to save them from. He simply sat with them and told them the truth in love. WE on the other hand, are sinners who are saved by grace. WE are still human and are susceptible to the temptation of the same sins that we are sitting with. Meaning, a drug addict should not move into a drug-infested area to witness because the temptation could become too strong for them to resist.

    Once sin has planted itself in our minds, it festers and grows quickly. It uses logic and ‘common sense’ ideas to justify its existence. Soon, and it does not take long, for those around you to see how the sin has manifested and grew in your/our lives. And the bad part of it all is that many times we either do not see it and still try to justify our actions with the ‘Jesus sat with sinners’ or we do not see it at all.

    Today I encourage you to go to Him in prayer and ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that you may be lying to yourself about as a witness opportunity to allow for your sin. When He reveals it to you, go to Him and ask Him to forgive you. If He had sent anyone to open your eyes, ask them to forgive you for not listening to His servant. As you do that, you are telling the enemy to kick rocks and that will give him a headache for sure.

    Be blessed.

    **Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:17
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. It appears that the rain monster is headed back our way. Perhaps today. I have one more yard to mow/bale, and hopefully I can get that done before it gets here. If I recall, the rain is supposed to start this afternoon around 3. We kind of made a plan for today, so…fingers crossed that the monster stays away for the right amount of time. This year has been a wild year for my yard. I do not recall a year where it felt like a cloud just passed over my place and the grass grew six inches. It is crazy how fast my yard is growing this year. I don’t even think that it has to rain a tiny bit for my yard to keep growing. It is crazy. You know, I always thought a balance of water and sun was the formula for a good growing yard. Apparently, my yard has an attitude and has said, “Give me rain, or not; give me sun or not; give me cold or not; I will grow and will not rot.” I guess it is its version of ‘hold my beer’. The wonderful part of it is that my yard actually looks like a fluffy pillow of beautiful grass. Not sure how that happened, but it did. There are not a lot of thistles or weeds; even in the back part of the yard, it is beautiful grass. The way that the grass is growing so quickly and fully is a reminder of how quickly sin can manifest in our lives. Now you are wondering, how did I just turn my beautiful pillow grass into sin? Stick with me; I think you will like this. Some of you who are used to my brain are trying to see my vision first. Haha. In one of the parables that Jesus taught, the farmer planted bountiful seeds and had a great crop. However, one day one of his servants told him of how the weeds were growing up in the plants and should they pull the weeds. The farmer told them no; they would worry about the weeds at harvest. My nice and quick-growing yard is just like the weeds in the parable, in that the weeds sprung up quickly and became noticeable to the servants. They did not need attention, but they were trying to take over the crop to the point that the servant wanted to rid the field of them. Sin works the same way. It finds its way into our lives, usually with logic. Such as, Jesus sat with sinners, so why can’t I? The problem with that example is that Jesus was perfect and without blemish. He did not succumb to the sin from which he was trying to save them from. He simply sat with them and told them the truth in love. WE on the other hand, are sinners who are saved by grace. WE are still human and are susceptible to the temptation of the same sins that we are sitting with. Meaning, a drug addict should not move into a drug-infested area to witness because the temptation could become too strong for them to resist. Once sin has planted itself in our minds, it festers and grows quickly. It uses logic and ‘common sense’ ideas to justify its existence. Soon, and it does not take long, for those around you to see how the sin has manifested and grew in your/our lives. And the bad part of it all is that many times we either do not see it and still try to justify our actions with the ‘Jesus sat with sinners’ or we do not see it at all. Today I encourage you to go to Him in prayer and ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that you may be lying to yourself about as a witness opportunity to allow for your sin. When He reveals it to you, go to Him and ask Him to forgive you. If He had sent anyone to open your eyes, ask them to forgive you for not listening to His servant. As you do that, you are telling the enemy to kick rocks and that will give him a headache for sure. Be blessed. **Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:17
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  • FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD
    Believe, Come, and Diligently Seek Him

    Key Scripture:
    “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

    Thought Of The Day...
    There are many things we desire from God—healing, provision, direction, protection, restoration, peace, deliverance, and breakthrough. But Hebrews 11:6 turns our attention from what we want God to do for us to what pleases God.
    And Scripture gives us the answer:
    FAITH PLEASES GOD.
    Not perfect circumstances.
    Not having every answer.
    Not knowing how everything will work out.
    Faith.
    Faith says, “God, I may not understand what You are doing, but I still believe You.”

    • WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD
    The Scripture does not say it is difficult to please God without faith. It says:
    “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”
    Why is faith so important?
    Because faith reveals where our confidence rests.
    When everything is going well, it can be easy to say, “I trust God.” But genuine faith is revealed when the diagnosis is uncertain, the money is tight, the family is struggling, the door has not opened, the prayer has not yet been answered, and you cannot see what God is doing.
    Faith says:
    “Even here, I trust You.”
    Job declared:
    “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” — Job 13:15 (KJV)
    There will be seasons when you cannot trace God's hand. But you can still trust His heart.
    Your circumstances may change, but God has not changed.

    • YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT GOD IS!
    Hebrews says:
    “…he that cometh to God must believe that he is…”
    Before believing God for something, we must believe God is.
    He is God when you understand Him.
    He is God when you don't.
    He is God when the door opens.
    He is still God when the door closes.
    He is God when the answer comes immediately.
    He is still God when He makes you wait.
    Sometimes our faith becomes focused primarily on God's gifts: “Lord, give me this. Lord, change that. Lord, open this door.”
    But mature faith says:
    “Lord, even if You don't give me what I requested when I requested it, I still want You.”
    Remember the three Hebrew men standing before the fiery furnace:
    “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV)
    But then they declared:
    “But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV)
    That's powerful faith.
    God can.
    God is able.
    I believe God will.
    But even if He chooses another way, HE IS STILL GOD!

    • FAITH COMES TO GOD
    Notice the wording:
    “…he that cometh to God…”
    Faith doesn't run away from God during trouble.
    Faith runs toward God.
    When you're hurting—come.
    When you're confused—come.
    When you're disappointed—come.
    When you're weary—come.
    When you've made mistakes—come.
    When you don't know what tomorrow holds—COME TO GOD!
    David said:
    “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV)
    Your feelings may tell you to withdraw.
    Your disappointment may tell you God has forgotten you.
    Your circumstances may tell you prayer isn't working.
    But faith says:
    “I'm going back into His presence.”

    • DILIGENT FAITH DOESN'T QUIT SEEKING!
    The verse concludes:
    “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
    There is a difference between casually seeking God and diligently seeking God.
    Diligence means persistence.
    It means you keep praying.
    You keep believing.
    You keep worshiping.
    You keep reading His Word.
    You keep serving.
    You keep showing up.
    You keep trusting God even when nothing appears to be changing.
    Jesus taught:
    “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1 (KJV)
    Some answers require faith that refuses to quit.
    You prayed yesterday?
    Pray again.
    You worshiped yesterday?
    Worship again.
    You believed yesterday?
    Believe again today.
    Don't allow God's silence to convince you that God is absent.
    Silence does not mean abandonment.
    Waiting does not mean denial.
    Delay does not mean God has forgotten you.

    • GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM!
    God promises that He is:
    “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
    But we must understand the greatest reward of seeking God.
    The greatest reward is not merely receiving something from His hand—it is experiencing more of His presence.
    Sometimes the reward is an open door.
    Sometimes it is healing.
    Sometimes it is provision.
    Sometimes it is restoration.
    But sometimes the reward is strength to endure what God has not yet removed.
    Paul prayed three times for his thorn to be removed, but God's response was:
    “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
    Paul asked for removal.
    God gave him sustaining grace.
    Never limit God's reward to one particular answer.
    Sometimes God changes the situation.
    Sometimes God changes you while you're walking through the situation.
    Either way, God remains faithful.
    DON'T STOP BELIEVING!
    Perhaps you have been praying about something for a long time.
    You've asked.
    You've waited.
    You've cried.
    You've prayed again.
    And you're wondering:
    “God, when will You answer me?”
    Hebrews 11:6 speaks directly into that season:
    KEEP BELIEVING.
    KEEP COMING.
    KEEP SEEKING.
    KEEP TRUSTING.
    Your faith is not wasted.
    Your prayers are not wasted.
    Your worship is not wasted.
    Your obedience is not wasted.
    God sees every moment you choose faith instead of fear.
    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
    You don't need to see everything God is doing to believe God is still working.

    PRAYER...
    Heavenly Father,
    We come before You today declaring that You are God, and besides You there is none other.
    Lord, increase our faith.
    When we cannot see the way, help us trust You.
    When we don't understand what You're doing, help us trust You.
    When our prayers seem unanswered, help us trust You.
    When our bodies are hurting, our finances are strained, our families are struggling, our hearts are heavy, and our minds are weary—help us trust You!
    Father, forgive us for the times we allowed fear to speak louder than faith.
    Forgive us for the times we doubted Your goodness because we could not understand Your plan.
    Today we declare:
    YOU ARE STILL GOD!
    We believe that You are.
    We believe You are faithful.
    We believe You are able.
    We believe You are our Provider.
    We believe You are our Healer.
    We believe You are our Deliverer.
    We believe You are our Keeper.
    And we believe You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You.
    So we will seek You when life is good, and we will seek You when life is difficult.
    We will seek You when doors open, and we will seek You when doors close.
    We will seek You when we understand, and we will seek You when we don't.
    Give us faith that refuses to quit.
    Let our lives declare:
    “I DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I KNOW THE GOD IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED!”
    We trust Your timing.
    We trust Your wisdom.
    We trust Your Word.
    We trust Your plan.
    And most importantly, we trust You.
    In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
    Amen and Amen!

    DECLARATION OF FAITH...
    Today I declare:
    I WILL WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT!
    I believe God is.
    I believe God can.
    I believe God is able.
    I believe God is faithful.
    I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken.
    I will diligently seek Him.
    I will keep praying.
    I will keep worshiping.
    I will keep trusting.
    I will keep believing.
    And even while I am waiting, MY FAITH WILL STILL PLEASE GOD!
    BELIEVE. COME. SEEK. TRUST.
    GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL!
    “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
    FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Believe, Come, and Diligently Seek Him Key Scripture: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) Thought Of The Day... There are many things we desire from God—healing, provision, direction, protection, restoration, peace, deliverance, and breakthrough. But Hebrews 11:6 turns our attention from what we want God to do for us to what pleases God. And Scripture gives us the answer: FAITH PLEASES GOD. Not perfect circumstances. Not having every answer. Not knowing how everything will work out. Faith. Faith says, “God, I may not understand what You are doing, but I still believe You.” • WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD The Scripture does not say it is difficult to please God without faith. It says: “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Why is faith so important? Because faith reveals where our confidence rests. When everything is going well, it can be easy to say, “I trust God.” But genuine faith is revealed when the diagnosis is uncertain, the money is tight, the family is struggling, the door has not opened, the prayer has not yet been answered, and you cannot see what God is doing. Faith says: “Even here, I trust You.” Job declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” — Job 13:15 (KJV) There will be seasons when you cannot trace God's hand. But you can still trust His heart. Your circumstances may change, but God has not changed. • YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT GOD IS! Hebrews says: “…he that cometh to God must believe that he is…” Before believing God for something, we must believe God is. He is God when you understand Him. He is God when you don't. He is God when the door opens. He is still God when the door closes. He is God when the answer comes immediately. He is still God when He makes you wait. Sometimes our faith becomes focused primarily on God's gifts: “Lord, give me this. Lord, change that. Lord, open this door.” But mature faith says: “Lord, even if You don't give me what I requested when I requested it, I still want You.” Remember the three Hebrew men standing before the fiery furnace: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV) But then they declared: “But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV) That's powerful faith. God can. God is able. I believe God will. But even if He chooses another way, HE IS STILL GOD! • FAITH COMES TO GOD Notice the wording: “…he that cometh to God…” Faith doesn't run away from God during trouble. Faith runs toward God. When you're hurting—come. When you're confused—come. When you're disappointed—come. When you're weary—come. When you've made mistakes—come. When you don't know what tomorrow holds—COME TO GOD! David said: “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV) Your feelings may tell you to withdraw. Your disappointment may tell you God has forgotten you. Your circumstances may tell you prayer isn't working. But faith says: “I'm going back into His presence.” • DILIGENT FAITH DOESN'T QUIT SEEKING! The verse concludes: “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” There is a difference between casually seeking God and diligently seeking God. Diligence means persistence. It means you keep praying. You keep believing. You keep worshiping. You keep reading His Word. You keep serving. You keep showing up. You keep trusting God even when nothing appears to be changing. Jesus taught: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1 (KJV) Some answers require faith that refuses to quit. You prayed yesterday? Pray again. You worshiped yesterday? Worship again. You believed yesterday? Believe again today. Don't allow God's silence to convince you that God is absent. Silence does not mean abandonment. Waiting does not mean denial. Delay does not mean God has forgotten you. • GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM! God promises that He is: “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” But we must understand the greatest reward of seeking God. The greatest reward is not merely receiving something from His hand—it is experiencing more of His presence. Sometimes the reward is an open door. Sometimes it is healing. Sometimes it is provision. Sometimes it is restoration. But sometimes the reward is strength to endure what God has not yet removed. Paul prayed three times for his thorn to be removed, but God's response was: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) Paul asked for removal. God gave him sustaining grace. Never limit God's reward to one particular answer. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes God changes you while you're walking through the situation. Either way, God remains faithful. DON'T STOP BELIEVING! Perhaps you have been praying about something for a long time. You've asked. You've waited. You've cried. You've prayed again. And you're wondering: “God, when will You answer me?” Hebrews 11:6 speaks directly into that season: KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP COMING. KEEP SEEKING. KEEP TRUSTING. Your faith is not wasted. Your prayers are not wasted. Your worship is not wasted. Your obedience is not wasted. God sees every moment you choose faith instead of fear. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) You don't need to see everything God is doing to believe God is still working. PRAYER... Heavenly Father, We come before You today declaring that You are God, and besides You there is none other. Lord, increase our faith. When we cannot see the way, help us trust You. When we don't understand what You're doing, help us trust You. When our prayers seem unanswered, help us trust You. When our bodies are hurting, our finances are strained, our families are struggling, our hearts are heavy, and our minds are weary—help us trust You! Father, forgive us for the times we allowed fear to speak louder than faith. Forgive us for the times we doubted Your goodness because we could not understand Your plan. Today we declare: YOU ARE STILL GOD! We believe that You are. We believe You are faithful. We believe You are able. We believe You are our Provider. We believe You are our Healer. We believe You are our Deliverer. We believe You are our Keeper. And we believe You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. So we will seek You when life is good, and we will seek You when life is difficult. We will seek You when doors open, and we will seek You when doors close. We will seek You when we understand, and we will seek You when we don't. Give us faith that refuses to quit. Let our lives declare: “I DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I KNOW THE GOD IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED!” We trust Your timing. We trust Your wisdom. We trust Your Word. We trust Your plan. And most importantly, we trust You. In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen and Amen! DECLARATION OF FAITH... Today I declare: I WILL WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT! I believe God is. I believe God can. I believe God is able. I believe God is faithful. I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken. I will diligently seek Him. I will keep praying. I will keep worshiping. I will keep trusting. I will keep believing. And even while I am waiting, MY FAITH WILL STILL PLEASE GOD! BELIEVE. COME. SEEK. TRUST. GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL! “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
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  • I built an audience of over 8,000 people who trusted me with their tech journey, real transitions, real results, real proof.
    I shared roadmaps, resources, opportunities and practical advice, and most importantly, I saw people actually use them to make progress.

    Then one day, it was gone. Facebook dißbled the account without warning.

    I could have quit. Instead, I'm starting again this time, smarter.

    A little about me:

    I have a degree in Industrial Chemistry, I'm pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, I'm currently pursuing a professional certification with Google PWAN, and I'm also the founder of PornBlock.

    But honestly, the credentials aren't what I'm most proud of.

    I'm proud of the 2,000+ beginners I've helped with tech roadmaps, people who came to me confused about where to start, what to learn and how to move from.

    And that's why I don't believe in telling everyone to learn the same skill.
    Someone might be better suited for UI/UX.
    Someone else might thrive in Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Product Design or another path entirely.

    My job is to help beginners understand their options, choose a realistic path and know what to do next.

    I also wrote Win the Job Toolkit — a practical guide for beginners who are tired of applying without knowing what they're doing wrong. It covers things like building a stronger CV, preparing for interviews, positioning yourself properly and understanding how to pursue remote and freelance opportunities.

    I'm not starting again with nothing.
    I'm starting again with everything I've learned along the way.

    And if you're trying to figure out your own path into tech, you're welcome to be my friend.
    If you knew me before and wondering where I went, follow me now or you might not see my profile again.
    I built an audience of over 8,000 people who trusted me with their tech journey, real transitions, real results, real proof. I shared roadmaps, resources, opportunities and practical advice, and most importantly, I saw people actually use them to make progress. Then one day, it was gone. Facebook dißbled the account without warning. I could have quit. Instead, I'm starting again this time, smarter. A little about me: I have a degree in Industrial Chemistry, I'm pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, I'm currently pursuing a professional certification with Google PWAN, and I'm also the founder of PornBlock. But honestly, the credentials aren't what I'm most proud of. I'm proud of the 2,000+ beginners I've helped with tech roadmaps, people who came to me confused about where to start, what to learn and how to move from. And that's why I don't believe in telling everyone to learn the same skill. Someone might be better suited for UI/UX. Someone else might thrive in Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Product Design or another path entirely. My job is to help beginners understand their options, choose a realistic path and know what to do next. I also wrote Win the Job Toolkit — a practical guide for beginners who are tired of applying without knowing what they're doing wrong. It covers things like building a stronger CV, preparing for interviews, positioning yourself properly and understanding how to pursue remote and freelance opportunities. I'm not starting again with nothing. I'm starting again with everything I've learned along the way. And if you're trying to figure out your own path into tech, you're welcome to be my friend. If you knew me before and wondering where I went, follow me now or you might not see my profile again.
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 17 Views
  • People want the law. It's natural for us. It just seems, to our reasoning, that we need it. We think it might be good for us. We think it's a good medicine. Legalism seems like a pill we should take, but the law is a big pill. In fact, it's too big for us to swallow. "Oh well," our logic comes up with the solution, "I know. I'll cut it up into smaller pieces. Pieces that will still be good for me, but pieces I'm able to take."

    So, religious people sliced and diced the law up in their pill cutter-like brains and came up with sections that they labeled "civil law," "ceremonial law" and "moral law." God gave the law. All 613 commandments. It was people who cut it up.

    𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗽.

    Even the most legalistic people though think that they don't have to take the ceremonial lump. To them, all they need is the moral part. It only has ten commandments, after all.

    Oh, maybe they sort through the bigger pieces they sliced off and pick out some other small bits they can take off of one of the big chunks. Some think that they should still abide by the dietary laws, and they decide that they shouldn't eat "unclean foods." Some think they should still honor feast days. Some cut off a little of the regulations for daily living as something they can swallow.

    The pill of the law brings with it some negative side effects. It causes bitterness and divisiveness and pride. People on the pill of the law can be angry and out of their mouths comes vitriol and disgust, especially to those that disagree with their doctrine. I’m left wondering … where is the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated here? Where at least is Christian love and compassion?

    Praise God we believers are free and no longer burdened like those under the law.

    The weight of their own guilt and condemnation causes them to be disgruntled, angry, hostile, and unable to show the love that believers ought to demonstrate. You see? If you're going to take the pill, you need the entire dose... not smaller, more palitable, easier to take sections. If you even miss one crumb of it, you are completely in the wrong and will experience the negative side effects.
    People want the law. It's natural for us. It just seems, to our reasoning, that we need it. We think it might be good for us. We think it's a good medicine. Legalism seems like a pill we should take, but the law is a big pill. In fact, it's too big for us to swallow. "Oh well," our logic comes up with the solution, "I know. I'll cut it up into smaller pieces. Pieces that will still be good for me, but pieces I'm able to take." So, religious people sliced and diced the law up in their pill cutter-like brains and came up with sections that they labeled "civil law," "ceremonial law" and "moral law." God gave the law. All 613 commandments. It was people who cut it up. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗽. Even the most legalistic people though think that they don't have to take the ceremonial lump. To them, all they need is the moral part. It only has ten commandments, after all. Oh, maybe they sort through the bigger pieces they sliced off and pick out some other small bits they can take off of one of the big chunks. Some think that they should still abide by the dietary laws, and they decide that they shouldn't eat "unclean foods." Some think they should still honor feast days. Some cut off a little of the regulations for daily living as something they can swallow. The pill of the law brings with it some negative side effects. It causes bitterness and divisiveness and pride. People on the pill of the law can be angry and out of their mouths comes vitriol and disgust, especially to those that disagree with their doctrine. I’m left wondering … where is the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated here? Where at least is Christian love and compassion? Praise God we believers are free and no longer burdened like those under the law. The weight of their own guilt and condemnation causes them to be disgruntled, angry, hostile, and unable to show the love that believers ought to demonstrate. You see? If you're going to take the pill, you need the entire dose... not smaller, more palitable, easier to take sections. If you even miss one crumb of it, you are completely in the wrong and will experience the negative side effects.
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  • 17th August 2026

    Today was actually a really good day.

    Some days the orders are really good, and today was one of those days. I worked for about one hour in the early afternoon and then around three hours at night, from 6 to 9. So, just four hours in total, and I made around ₹1,200. I honestly wish every day was like this!

    But that's not even the highlight of my day. The highlight was what happened tonight.

    I was waiting for an order near my home when I got one where the pickup was very close by, but the drop was a little towards the outskirts. The drop location was St. Anthony's Church.

    That church is actually special to me because it's one of the churches I had visited before. My brother and I completed our Sacrament of Confirmation there a few years ago.

    Since the place was a little far out, I thought there was a chance I might not get an order back home after dropping the passenger. But then I thought, "It's been almost 6–7 months since I've gone to church. If I don't get another order, I'll just stop there, pray for a few minutes and come home."

    So I picked up this girl and took her there. And when we reached, I realized the drop was literally right in front of the church!

    After I dropped her, she asked me if I could wait for 10–15 minutes because she wanted to take a ride back with me to the same place where I picked her up.

    I asked her what she was going to do there, and she said she was going to the church and would probably take about 10 minutes.

    It was already around 7:30 at night, so I told her that the church was probably closed. She said she didn't know it was closed and didn't know what to do.

    I told her that maybe the gate would still be open and that she could at least go in front of the church and pray, even if she couldn't go inside. And I told her, "If you're going to the church, I'll come with you."

    So both of us went inside the church campus. Just as I thought, the church was closed, but we stood outside the church and prayed together.

    After that, she booked another ride back, and I got the order and accepted it.

    While we were coming back, she started telling me her story.

    She had come to Bangalore from Chennai only about a week ago for a job. She doesn't really know anyone here except a couple of girls who are staying with her in her PG.

    She told me that she had been feeling really low that day. She just wanted to go somewhere and pray, so she searched on Google for a church. St. Anthony's Church came up, and she simply booked a Rapido to go there. She hadn't even checked properly where the church was or how far it was.

    And while coming there, she actually got scared because the area was quite far out. There were farms and very few people around, it was dark, and there weren't many streetlights. She was wondering where we were going and whether she had somehow ended up going to a completely different place.

    She kept telling me how happy and grateful she was that she got me as her rider. She started calling me "Akka" and was really comfortable talking to me.

    I was able to give her some advice, share some godly wisdom and also share a few of my testimonies with her. Most importantly, I got the opportunity to talk to her about Jesus.

    I told her that I genuinely believe it was God's plan that we met today.

    Because of her, I ended up going to a church after almost 6–7 months. I had been thinking about going to church for a long time, and today, without even planning it, I actually stepped into a church campus and prayed.

    While we were coming back, she was telling me more about herself, and I noticed that she had a speech difficulty. She was stuttering while talking. After a while, she actually told me herself, "I have stuttering, that's why I talk like this."

    So while I was encouraging her, I told her that God has great plans for her and that she should always walk in obedience to Him, listen to His guidance, and follow His will for her life. I told her that there will always be things and people that try to take us away from God's path, but we should keep listening to God and choose His way.

    Then I told her about Moses.

    I told her that Moses also had difficulty speaking. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses himself felt that he wasn't capable and didn't know how he could do it. But God still chose him and used him to do something incredibly great.

    I told her, "God doesn't need us to be perfect for Him to use us. He can use people who feel broken, weak, unworthy or inadequate, and He can use them in mighty ways so that His glory can be seen through their lives."

    When I told her that, she was actually quite amazed. I don't think she knew much about the story of Moses, because she was really surprised to hear it.

    I felt that this was something she really needed to hear at that moment. I wanted her to understand that whatever she may see as a weakness in herself doesn't mean that God cannot use her. God has a purpose for her, and He can still do great things through her life.

    I also gave her my number and told her that if she ever needs any help or gets stuck with anything, she can call me and I'll help her if I can.

    When I dropped her back, I also told her that she doesn't have to travel so far just to go to church. I showed her a few churches closer to where she stays.

    I even invited her for future Bible reading and Bible studies, and she said she'd be interested. So let's see how that goes.

    Honestly, this was the highlight of my entire day.

    I truly believe this wasn't just a random Rapido ride. I believe God brought our paths together for a reason.

    I went out today thinking I was just going to work and earn some money, but God gave me an opportunity to meet someone, encourage her, talk to her about Jesus, and even get myself back into a church after so many months.

    So yeah… this is what happened today.
    17th August 2026 Today was actually a really good day. 😊 Some days the orders are really good, and today was one of those days. I worked for about one hour in the early afternoon and then around three hours at night, from 6 to 9. So, just four hours in total, and I made around ₹1,200. I honestly wish every day was like this! 😂 But that's not even the highlight of my day. The highlight was what happened tonight. I was waiting for an order near my home when I got one where the pickup was very close by, but the drop was a little towards the outskirts. The drop location was St. Anthony's Church. That church is actually special to me because it's one of the churches I had visited before. My brother and I completed our Sacrament of Confirmation there a few years ago. Since the place was a little far out, I thought there was a chance I might not get an order back home after dropping the passenger. But then I thought, "It's been almost 6–7 months since I've gone to church. If I don't get another order, I'll just stop there, pray for a few minutes and come home." So I picked up this girl and took her there. And when we reached, I realized the drop was literally right in front of the church! After I dropped her, she asked me if I could wait for 10–15 minutes because she wanted to take a ride back with me to the same place where I picked her up. I asked her what she was going to do there, and she said she was going to the church and would probably take about 10 minutes. It was already around 7:30 at night, so I told her that the church was probably closed. She said she didn't know it was closed and didn't know what to do. I told her that maybe the gate would still be open and that she could at least go in front of the church and pray, even if she couldn't go inside. And I told her, "If you're going to the church, I'll come with you." So both of us went inside the church campus. Just as I thought, the church was closed, but we stood outside the church and prayed together. After that, she booked another ride back, and I got the order and accepted it. While we were coming back, she started telling me her story. She had come to Bangalore from Chennai only about a week ago for a job. She doesn't really know anyone here except a couple of girls who are staying with her in her PG. She told me that she had been feeling really low that day. She just wanted to go somewhere and pray, so she searched on Google for a church. St. Anthony's Church came up, and she simply booked a Rapido to go there. She hadn't even checked properly where the church was or how far it was. And while coming there, she actually got scared because the area was quite far out. There were farms and very few people around, it was dark, and there weren't many streetlights. She was wondering where we were going and whether she had somehow ended up going to a completely different place. 😂 She kept telling me how happy and grateful she was that she got me as her rider. She started calling me "Akka" and was really comfortable talking to me. I was able to give her some advice, share some godly wisdom and also share a few of my testimonies with her. Most importantly, I got the opportunity to talk to her about Jesus. I told her that I genuinely believe it was God's plan that we met today. Because of her, I ended up going to a church after almost 6–7 months. I had been thinking about going to church for a long time, and today, without even planning it, I actually stepped into a church campus and prayed. While we were coming back, she was telling me more about herself, and I noticed that she had a speech difficulty. She was stuttering while talking. After a while, she actually told me herself, "I have stuttering, that's why I talk like this." So while I was encouraging her, I told her that God has great plans for her and that she should always walk in obedience to Him, listen to His guidance, and follow His will for her life. I told her that there will always be things and people that try to take us away from God's path, but we should keep listening to God and choose His way. Then I told her about Moses. I told her that Moses also had difficulty speaking. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses himself felt that he wasn't capable and didn't know how he could do it. But God still chose him and used him to do something incredibly great. I told her, "God doesn't need us to be perfect for Him to use us. He can use people who feel broken, weak, unworthy or inadequate, and He can use them in mighty ways so that His glory can be seen through their lives." When I told her that, she was actually quite amazed. I don't think she knew much about the story of Moses, because she was really surprised to hear it. I felt that this was something she really needed to hear at that moment. I wanted her to understand that whatever she may see as a weakness in herself doesn't mean that God cannot use her. God has a purpose for her, and He can still do great things through her life. I also gave her my number and told her that if she ever needs any help or gets stuck with anything, she can call me and I'll help her if I can. When I dropped her back, I also told her that she doesn't have to travel so far just to go to church. I showed her a few churches closer to where she stays. I even invited her for future Bible reading and Bible studies, and she said she'd be interested. So let's see how that goes. 😊 Honestly, this was the highlight of my entire day. I truly believe this wasn't just a random Rapido ride. I believe God brought our paths together for a reason. ❤️ I went out today thinking I was just going to work and earn some money, but God gave me an opportunity to meet someone, encourage her, talk to her about Jesus, and even get myself back into a church after so many months. So yeah… this is what happened today. ❤️
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  • Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    The Lord is Near

    By Vera Malova

    August 17th, 2026

    I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

    Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again.

    In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went.

    I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized.

    On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up.

    “Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead!

    Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me.

    Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?”

    “Yes, I think I will,” I answered.

    “Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted.

    When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!”

    His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!”

    Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you!

    Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.

    As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.”

    Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word!

    Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.”

    He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down.

    One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.”

    Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness.

    It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again.

    Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood!

    Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

    Seek the Lord, for He is near.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. The Lord is Near By Vera Malova August 17th, 2026 I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again. In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went. I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized. On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up. “Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead! Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me. Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?” “Yes, I think I will,” I answered. “Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted. When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!” His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!” Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you! Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11. As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.” Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word! Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.” He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down. One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.” Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness. It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again. Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood! Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Seek the Lord, for He is near.
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