To Live and Then Live --- Civilization is like a coin tossed in the air, waiting to fall to the ground. On one side, it promises progress. On the other, it crushes millions beneath its weight. Most of humanity comes from humble beginnings. For them, the universal basics—food, clothing, shelter—remain unmet. When your energy is consumed entirely by survival, there is little room left for anything else. The motivation to pursue higher callings doesn't even register. You're trapped in a relentless rat race, chasing what should be fundamental, yet experiencing unending failure and dissatisfaction. This is the tragedy of modern life: being too busy staying alive to actually live. But flip the coin. Once basic needs are met, once there is psychological comfort, something shifts. The desire to fulfill why we were created becomes the focus. The question transforms from "How will I survive?" to "What am I here for?" This is where civilization fulfills its noblest purpose—as a stepping stone for self-actualization. Civilization is an ongoing work in progress—the refining of ideas from generation to generation, adapting knowledge into daily life, forming a progressive paradigm. Yet here we are. The majority of people today are stranded in life. They find themselves: · Influenced · Lived (instead of living) · Controlled · Manipulated · Surrounded by the ideas of others So consumed are they by external voices that they lose the ability to focus on their own thoughts, their own ideas, their own lives. You were not born to merely survive. You were not born to be a vessel for someone else's vision. You were born to contribute your unique piece to this ongoing work of civilization. First, live—meet your needs, find your footing. Then, truly live—discover your purpose, nurture your ideas, and bring them into the world. The coin is still in the air. Which side will you choose to land on? What idea have you been neglecting? What thought have you buried beneath the noise of survival? Today might be the day to let it breathe. https://a.co/d/0dJqZ3x8https://

**Psalm 23:5 (NIV)** > **"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."** This verse reminds believers that God is not only our Shepherd but also our gracious Host. Even in difficult times, He provides, protects, honors, and blesses those who trust in Him. ### 1. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." A prepared table represents God's provision, peace, and care. David did not say God removed his enemies first. Instead, God gave him peace and blessing while they were still present. **Encouragement:** You may be surrounded by problems, criticism, or people who oppose you, but God is able to provide for you right in the middle of your circumstances. Your situation does not limit His faithfulness. **Supporting verses:** * **Romans 8:31 (NIV)** > "If God is for us, who can be against us?" * **Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)** > "No weapon forged against you will prevail..." * **John 16:33 (NIV)** > "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." These verses remind us that God's presence is greater than any opposition we face. --- ### 2. "You anoint my head with oil." In biblical times, oil symbolized blessing, honor, healing, refreshment, and God's favor. Shepherds also used oil to protect their sheep from insects and wounds, illustrating God's loving care. **Encouragement:** God knows your hurts, your fears, and your struggles. He refreshes weary hearts, heals broken spirits, and gives strength to continue. **Supporting verses:** * **Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)** > "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning..." * **James 1:17 (NIV)** > "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." * **2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (NIV)** > "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us..." God's anointing points to His sustaining grace and His work in the lives of His people. --- ### 3. "My cup overflows." An overflowing cup symbolizes abundant blessing. God's care is not merely enough to survive—it is abundant. His grace, mercy, and love exceed our deepest needs. **Encouragement:** Even when life feels empty, God can fill your heart with hope, peace, and joy. His blessings are not always material; they include His presence, forgiveness, strength, and eternal promises. **Supporting verses:** * **Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)** > "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." * **Philippians 4:19 (NIV)** > "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." * **John 10:10 (NIV)** > "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God delights in giving His children what they truly need according to His wisdom. --- ## A Message of Encouragement No matter what you're facing today, remember that God has not forgotten you. He can provide for you in the middle of your trials, strengthen you when you are weak, and fill your life with His peace and grace. Your enemies, difficulties, or fears do not have the final word—God does. Trust the Good Shepherd. Stay faithful, keep praying, and continue walking with Christ. His presence is your greatest blessing, and His promises never fail. > **"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."** — **Psalm 23:1 (NIV)** May your heart rest in the assurance that the Shepherd who prepared David's table is the same God who faithfully cares for His people today. #WordOfGod #encouragement Christian Worship #christianworship

**Psalm 23:5 (NIV)** > **"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."** This verse reminds believers that God is not only our Shepherd but also our gracious Host. Even in difficult times, He provides, protects, honors, and blesses those who trust in Him. ### 1. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." A prepared table represents God's provision, peace, and care. David did not say God removed his enemies first. Instead, God gave him peace and blessing while they were still present. **Encouragement:** You may be surrounded by problems, criticism, or people who oppose you, but God is able to provide for you right in the middle of your circumstances. Your situation does not limit His faithfulness. **Supporting verses:** * **Romans 8:31 (NIV)** > "If God is for us, who can be against us?" * **Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)** > "No weapon forged against you will prevail..." * **John 16:33 (NIV)** > "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." These verses remind us that God's presence is greater than any opposition we face. --- ### 2. "You anoint my head with oil." In biblical times, oil symbolized blessing, honor, healing, refreshment, and God's favor. Shepherds also used oil to protect their sheep from insects and wounds, illustrating God's loving care. **Encouragement:** God knows your hurts, your fears, and your struggles. He refreshes weary hearts, heals broken spirits, and gives strength to continue. **Supporting verses:** * **Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)** > "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning..." * **James 1:17 (NIV)** > "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." * **2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (NIV)** > "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us..." God's anointing points to His sustaining grace and His work in the lives of His people. --- ### 3. "My cup overflows." An overflowing cup symbolizes abundant blessing. God's care is not merely enough to survive—it is abundant. His grace, mercy, and love exceed our deepest needs. **Encouragement:** Even when life feels empty, God can fill your heart with hope, peace, and joy. His blessings are not always material; they include His presence, forgiveness, strength, and eternal promises. **Supporting verses:** * **Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)** > "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." * **Philippians 4:19 (NIV)** > "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." * **John 10:10 (NIV)** > "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God delights in giving His children what they truly need according to His wisdom. --- ## A Message of Encouragement No matter what you're facing today, remember that God has not forgotten you. He can provide for you in the middle of your trials, strengthen you when you are weak, and fill your life with His peace and grace. Your enemies, difficulties, or fears do not have the final word—God does. Trust the Good Shepherd. Stay faithful, keep praying, and continue walking with Christ. His presence is your greatest blessing, and His promises never fail. > **"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."** — **Psalm 23:1 (NIV)** May your heart rest in the assurance that the Shepherd who prepared David's table is the same God who faithfully cares for His people today. #WordOfGod #encouragement Christian Worship #christianworship

THE MONEY’S MIND The Economic Performance of the Word By Omodolapo Ogunye What if Scripture is not merely a book to be read, but a script containing economic performances waiting to be activated? This question takes us beyond reading Scripture as historical documentation or a collection of spiritual principles. It invites us to see Scripture as a divinely written script containing the intentions and performances of God. Revelation 1 gives us a remarkable description of the Word through His Body: feet like burnished bronze, eyes like blazing fire, a face shining like the sun and a hand holding seven stars. These descriptions reveal the Person of the Word. And some of these descriptions are explicitly economic. Proverbs 3:16 says: “In her left hand are riches and honor.” Song of Solomon 5:11 says: “His head is purest gold.” Gold speaks of value, wealth and monetary significance. Yet Scripture uses gold to describe the Person of the Word. This gives us the foundation of The Money’s Mind: The Money is a Person. The Money is the Word. The Money has a Mind. THE SCRIPTURE IS A SCRIPT 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” Scripture records what God has done, what He can do and what He intends to do. It is therefore more than historical documentation. It contains divine intentions waiting for performance. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern: what was spoken becomes what is performed. A prophecy is given. Then it is fulfilled. A promise is declared. Then reality responds. The Scripture therefore functions as a script for the performances of God. THE WORD PRODUCES PERFORMANCE John 5:39 gives us the key: “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” The Scriptures testify about the Person of the Word. The Body reveals the Person. The Person gives meaning to the Scriptures. The Scriptures carry the performances associated with the Person. This means the Word is not passive. The Word carries performance. And because the Word is economic and financial, the Scriptures can produce economic performances. The question therefore moves beyond: “How does money work?” to: “What does the Word perform economically?” What economic intentions are contained in Scripture? What financial realities does the Word reveal? What can the Word perform in an individual, an enterprise or a nation? THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE WORD The Body of the Word is described as burnished bronze. It is described through blazing fire. It is described through gold, riches and honor. When these revelations come together, we see: The Body of the Word, as the aggressive hunger of the Father, is the economic and financial way of the Lord. But the revelation goes further. The way produces performance. The Scriptures contain the script. The Body reveals the Person. The Person reveals the Mind. And the Mind reveals what the Word intends to perform. Therefore, we should not read Scripture merely to accumulate information. We should learn to recognise the performances contained in the Word. THE MONEY’S MIND The Money’s Mind is not simply a conversation about wealth. It is an investigation into the economic Mind of the Word. The Money is the Word. The Word has a Mind. And the Mind of the Word carries intentions, wisdom, ways and performances. So perhaps the deeper economic question is not: “How can I make money?” but: “What does the Money intend to perform?” Because when the Money is the Word, understanding the Mind of the Word becomes an economic investigation. The Money has a Mind. And the Mind of the Word carries economic performance. Omodolapo Ogunye The Money’s Mind — The Body of the Word as Finance & Economics

THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD TOPIC: O LORD, ARISE AND AVENGE ME FROM EVERY INJUSTICE Bible Reading: Psalm 72:12-14, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 35:1-10, Romans 12:19 Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily. 1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries be defended from every injustice, oppression, false accusation, and unjust treatment directed against this commission, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17) 2. O Lord, arise and defend every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries who is weak, vulnerable, or facing injustice. Let Your mercy and favour speak for them, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 72:12-14) 3. Let God avenge every injustice I have suffered because I lacked the strength, resources, connections, or influence to defend myself, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 72:14) 4. O Lord, arise and plead my cause against everyone who has oppressed me because they considered me helpless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 35:1) 5. Every advantage taken against me because of my weakness or lack of human support, let divine justice answer for me, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 82:3-4) 6. Father, remember every situation where I was treated unjustly and could not defend myself. Let Your mercy speak and let righteous judgment prevail, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 9:9) 7. Every person who has exploited my vulnerability, abused my trust, or taken what rightfully belongs to me, let God arise and settle the matter according to His righteousness, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 10:14) 8. O Lord, arise and restore whatever I lost through unjust treatment, oppression, deception, or exploitation, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25) 9. Every evil verdict, false accusation, or unjust judgment raised against me, be overturned by the righteous judgment of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17) 10. Father, let Your favour speak for me where my voice was ignored and let Your power defend me where human strength failed me, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12) 11. Every wicked counsel formed against me because my adversaries believed I had no one to defend me, be scattered by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 8:10) 12. O Lord, arise as my Advocate and Defender. Fight the battles I could not fight and answer the accusations I could not answer, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Exodus 14:14) 13. Every cycle of being exploited because of my vulnerability, be broken from my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 72:12) 14. Father, raise righteous helpers for me and connect me with people who will support Your purpose for my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 68:6) 15. Every evil expectation that I will remain helpless and suffer without justice, be disappointed by the intervention of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 27:2) 16. O Lord, let those who have wronged me encounter Your conviction and give them no peace until they turn away from injustice, in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 16:8) 17. I refuse to repay evil with evil. I commit every unresolved injustice into the hands of God and trust Him to avenge me according to His righteousness, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:19) 18. Father, turn every injustice I have suffered into a testimony of Your faithfulness. Let my shame become honour, my loss become restoration, and my weakness become a testimony of Your strength, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25) 19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Defend them from injustice, oppression, exploitation, and every attack against their legitimate interests, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4) 20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries never lack the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Defend this work from injustice and every opposition against its divine assignment, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19) 21. O Lord, arise and avenge every injustice I have suffered because I lacked strength, resources, connections, or influence to defend myself. Let every oppressor be restrained, every wrong be addressed by Your righteous judgment, and every loss that can be restored be restored. Let Your mercy, favour, and justice speak for me, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 72:12-14; Luke 18:7-8) TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospel[gmail].com WhatsApp: +2348062343560 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8Bf3wLikgIIimGNy2j SHALOM ✋

IT WAS LIKE A DREAM When God Turns Captivity Into a Testimony Key Scripture: Psalm 126:1–6 There are times when God transforms your life so profoundly that it feels almost surreal. Psalm 126:1 tells us, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” Some breakthroughs are so remarkable that the pain of yesterday fades into the background. God has the power to shift you from sorrow to joy, from being overlooked to being embraced, from feeling stuck to experiencing growth, and from a long wait to a season of fulfillment. Take Joseph’s story, for instance. He went from being thrown into a pit to becoming a slave, then from slavery to prison, and finally from prison to the palace (Genesis 37; Genesis 39–41). Just picture waking up one day as a prisoner and realizing that God has set you up to be second in command in Egypt. It must have felt like a dream come true. Similarly, David’s journey was nothing short of miraculous—he went from tending sheep in the fields to reigning as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11–13; 2 Samuel 5:3–4). When God intervenes in your life, He can elevate your status, transform your circumstances, and reshape your future in ways you never saw coming. Maybe you find yourself in a season where change feels elusive. Your prayers might seem unanswered, doors may appear firmly shut, and your dreams could feel out of reach. But remember, just because things are delayed doesn’t mean they’re denied. God can turn a situation around in an instant. Psalm 126:2 reminds us, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” The very mouth that once cried can become a source of testimony. The eyes that shed tears can become witnesses to God’s inYour current chapter isn’t the end of your story. Keep planting seeds of faith, keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God. Psalm 126:5 reminds us, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” One day, you might find yourself looking back at those moments of sorrow and saying, “Look at what the Lord has accomplished!” What God is about to do in your life could be so incredible that it’ll be hard to put into words. Your next testimony might be so amazing that all you can say is: IT WAS LIKE A DREAM! Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who changes our circumstances. We trust that You can turn our tears into laughter, our sadness into joy, and our bondage into freedom. Lord, please remember everyone who is waiting for a breakthrough. Shift their situations according to Your perfect plan. Open doors that no one can close, restore what has been lost, and bring hope where disappointment has taken root. Father, let our stories be so extraordinary that we will know for sure it was Your hand at work. May those who have seen our struggles also witness Your unwavering faithfulness. We declare that our season is shifting. Tears will transform into testimonies, waiting will lead to fulfillment, and what seems impossible will become a testament to Your power. Soon, we will look back and say, “It was like a dream!” In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*ONLY BELIEVE!*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.” — Mark 5:37 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Stay Close to Jesus When Faith Is Tested* Mark 5:37 comes in the middle of the story of Jairus, whose daughter was critically ill. Jairus had come to Jesus believing that Jesus could help. But as they journeyed, the situation became even worse. Jesus strategically chose only Peter, James, and John among the twelve disciples to accompany Him as He continued toward Jairus' house. You may what to ask why the three among the twelve? This Show us that even among the elected or selected there are favourites and disciples who are more closer to Jesus than the others. Are you among the inner circle of Jesus? Immediately after this, Jesus would challenge the atmosphere of fear and unbelief with the powerful command: “Be not afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36 The lesson is powerful: when circumstances become more difficult, stay close to Jesus. There will be moments when circumstances appear to contradict what you have prayed for. There may be voices telling you that your situation is finished, your opportunity is gone, or your dream is impossible. But Jesus is still present. Today, choose carefully whose voice you listen to. Stay close to Christ. Let faith speak louder than fear, and let God's promises speak louder than discouraging reports. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I will remain close to Jesus Christ regardless of what happens around me. I shall not allow fear, bad reports, disappointment, or the opinions of people to separate me from my faith in God. I declare that when circumstances become difficult, my faith shall become stronger. When the situation appears impossible, I will remember that nothing is impossible with God. I reject every voice of hopelessness, fear, confusion, and discouragement that tells me to give up. I choose to listen to the voice of Jesus, who calls me to trust Him. Today, I declare faith over fear in every area of my life. I proclaim faith over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, finances, plans, and destiny. May God's power and wisdom guide me through every difficult circumstance. I declare that no negative report shall become the final report over my life. I will not make permanent conclusions based on temporary circumstances. Today, I receive grace to wait for God's intervention even when I cannot see how He will make a way. I shall not run ahead of God because of fear, and I shall not abandon my faith because of delay. I declare that every situation that appears beyond human possibility is placed in the hands of the God who has ultimate authority over life and every circumstance. I proclaim that the Lord shall give me discernment concerning the voices I allow into my heart. May He surround me with people who strengthen my faith, encourage my walk with Christ, and speak wisdom into my life. I declare that my faith shall not be based merely on what I see. I shall walk by faith and trust God's character even when I do not understand His process. Today, I refuse to surrender my hope. I refuse to call dead what God has not called dead. I refuse to give up on what God has instructed me to continue pursuing. I will not be afraid. I will believe. I will remain close to Jesus. I will trust God's timing. I will wait for His word to prevail. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with faith: Thank God before you present your requests, remembering that He is greater than every challenge. 2️⃣ Read Mark 5:21–43: Pay particular attention to Jesus' words to Jairus in verse 36: “Be not afraid, only believe.” 3️⃣ Declare: “I will not be afraid. I will believe. Jesus has the final word over my situation.” 4️⃣ Guard your atmosphere: Be intentional about the voices, conversations, and content you allow to influence your faith. 5️⃣ Surrender one impossible situation: Give it completely to Jesus and refuse to carry it through anxiety. 6️⃣ Take one step of faith: Continue doing what God has placed in your hands, even if the final result is not yet visible. 7️⃣ End with worship: Thank God for His presence and trust Him with the outcome. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You because You are greater than every situation I may face. Lord Jesus, help me to remain close to You when my faith is tested. When I hear discouraging reports, remind me of Your promises. When fear rises, remind me of Your power. Deliver me from the fear of bad news, delay, disappointment, and uncertainty. Give me grace to believe You even when circumstances appear impossible. I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, plans, and future into Your hands. Lord, give me wisdom to know which voices to listen to and which ones to reject. Surround me with people who strengthen my faith and help me remain focused on You. Where I am tempted to give up, give me strength to continue. Where I am tempted to fear, give me courage to believe. Help me not to judge Your ability by my circumstances. Teach me to trust Your wisdom, Your power, and Your timing. I choose faith over fear. I choose hope over despair. I choose to remain close to Jesus. Let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen your faith today and silence every voice of fear and discouragement. May you remain close to Jesus through every season. When circumstances become difficult, may His presence give you courage; when the road becomes uncertain, may His Word give you direction. May the Lord protect your family, establish your ministry, bless your work and business, guide your studies, and order every step of your destiny according to His perfect will. May no temporary situation make you abandon your confidence in God. 🔥 Fear not. 🙏 Only believe. 🕊️ Stay close to Jesus. 🌟 Trust His timing. 🙌 Expect His faithfulness. 🌟 “BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE.” — MARK 5:36 May your faith remain strong, your heart remain peaceful, and your eyes remain fixed on Jesus today. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and victorious day🙏 Shalom!🔥🕊️ *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am reaching out to your ministry because I desperately need prayer. I have been going through a very deep spiritual struggle, and I feel lost, frightened, and spiritually exhausted. I love Jesus Christ and I sincerely want to follow Him, but I have become deeply afraid about my eternal salvation. Matthew 7:21–23 has been weighing extremely heavily upon me. When I read Jesus' warning about people saying, “Lord, Lord,” but being told that He never knew them, I become terrified that somehow I could be one of those people. I am deeply afraid of hell and of being separated from God forever. I examine my life and see so many weaknesses, failures, sins, inconsistencies, and areas where I struggle. I keep thinking that I am not doing enough, that I am not good enough, or that perhaps God does not truly accept me. Sometimes I struggle to believe that God is truly merciful and gracious toward me. His judgment and holiness can seem so overwhelming that I forget how enormous His love and grace are. I know intellectually that salvation is by grace through faith and not by my own works, but my heart struggles to rest in that truth. I feel as though I am constantly trying to make myself right with God, yet I know I cannot save myself. I need Jesus. I need His mercy. I need His grace. I need His forgiveness. I need the Holy Spirit to transform me. I need to know that I am truly loved and accepted by God through Christ. Please pray that God would take away this overwhelming condemnation and replace it with genuine biblical assurance. Please pray that I would understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly and not allow fear to destroy my relationship with Jesus. Please pray that I would truly know Jesus—not merely know about Him. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would search my heart, reveal anything that needs to change, lead me into genuine repentance, and give me a deeper love for God. Please pray that I would stop trying to save myself through my own efforts and learn to completely trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Please pray that Romans 8:1 would become deeply rooted in my heart: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Please also pray that I would truly believe the words of Jesus: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37 I don't want to run away from God because I am afraid of Him. I want to run toward Him. I want my relationship with Jesus to become real, deep, genuine, and unshakable. Please pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, renewed faith, spiritual discernment, freedom from condemnation, freedom from fear, genuine repentance, and a restored joy in my salvation. Please pray that God would help me surrender everything to Him and trust His character even when my emotions tell me otherwise. I am asking you to please stand with me in prayer. Please pray for my mind, heart, soul, faith, salvation, relationship with Jesus, and my entire life. I especially ask that you pray that I would come to understand the difference between Holy Spirit conviction that draws me toward Christ and condemnation that makes me believe I am hopeless and rejected. I don't want to be a fake Christian. I don't want to merely have religious words. I want to know Jesus Christ personally and sincerely. I want to love Him. I want to follow Him. I want to surrender my life to Him. And I want to spend eternity with Him. Please pray that God would meet me exactly where I am and lead me into a deep assurance that rests not in my ability to be perfect, but in the mercy, grace, righteousness, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to pray for me. May the Lord bless you and everyone in your ministry abundantly for standing in the gap for people who are struggling. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. With heartfelt gratitude and Christian love, Markus Klinger from London Ontario Canada

🛠️ Stay focused on the work God has called you to do. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to stay focused and keep building. #Nehemiah63 #StayFocused #GodsPurpose #KeepBuilding #Faithfulness #Persevere #WalkByFaith #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #Lordsbook

Daily devotion for August 25th How To Celebrate At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12:27 It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful. There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy. There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving. Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.