I N V I T A T I O N Dear Brothers and Sisters, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394

I N V I T A T I O N Dear Brothers and Sisters, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394

*TESTAMENT OF GRACE GLOBAL ASSEMBLY (GRACE REVIVAL CENTRE)* *LIFELINES DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY,AUGUST 27, 2026* *TOPIC: RESTORED DOMINION* *BIBLE VERSE* “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”-Genesis 1:28 (KJV) *MEDITATION* From the beginning, God created humanity with a mandate of dominion. Genesis 1:28 reveals that dominion was not man's invention but God's gift and responsibility. To have dominion means to exercise responsible authority and stewardship under God's ultimate rule, bringing order, productivity, righteousness, and godly influence into the sphere entrusted to us. Sin, however, damaged humanity's relationship with God and disrupted the proper exercise of this mandate. When Adam disobeyed God, he surrendered himself to sin's power and opened the door to consequences that affected the entire human race (Genesis 3:6–19; Romans 5:12). Believers today can also experience a diminished exercise of their God-given authority when they live in persistent disobedience, surrender to fear, allow destructive habits to control them, or forget their identity and authority in Christ. Dominion is therefore not a license for pride or domination over other people; it is the responsibility to live under God's authority while exercising the authority He has entrusted to us. The good news is that Christ came to restore what sin had damaged. Jesus declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18), and He commissioned His followers to operate under that authority. When His disciples returned from ministry, Jesus told them, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). Through Christ, believers are no longer required to live as slaves to the dominion of sin, fear, or the devil. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” The restoration of dominion therefore begins with understanding what Christ has accomplished. We do not reclaim authority by human strength or spiritual bravado; we receive and exercise our authority through submission to Jesus Christ, whose victory becomes the foundation of our victory. One of the clearest biblical examples of restored dominion is found in the life of Samson, although his story also warns us about the consequences of careless living. God gave Samson extraordinary strength and a divine assignment, but his repeated compromise eventually weakened his effectiveness and resulted in his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:19–21). In his final moments, however, Samson turned his heart toward God and cried, “O Lord GOD, remember me” (Judges 16:28). God answered his prayer, and Samson's strength was restored for one final act of deliverance. His story demonstrates that spiritual compromise can severely damage the exercise of what God has entrusted to us, but it also shows that failure does not have to be the end. Restoration begins when we return to God in humility and allow Him to rebuild what disobedience has weakened. Restoring dominion therefore requires repentance, renewal, and a deliberate return to God's Word. James 4:7 gives a simple but powerful pattern: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice that submission to God comes before resistance to the devil. We cannot effectively exercise kingdom authority while deliberately resisting the authority of the King. The believer must therefore confess and forsake sin (1 John 1:9), renew the mind through God's Word (Romans 12:2), strengthen the spirit through prayer, and learn to distinguish God's will from personal ambition. Jesus demonstrated this principle when He resisted Satan in the wilderness by standing upon Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). Dominion is restored when our lives come back into alignment with the One who gave us the mandate in the first place. Restored dominion must also be expressed through responsible action and godly influence. Joseph exercised remarkable authority in Egypt, but he did not use his position for selfish domination; he used it to preserve lives during famine (Genesis 41:38–57). Daniel likewise exercised influence in Babylon without abandoning his loyalty to God (Daniel 6:3–5). These men demonstrate that kingdom dominion is not about controlling people but about bringing God's wisdom, righteousness, excellence, and order into the places where He has positioned us. A believer exercises restored dominion when he governs his own appetites, manages his resources wisely, leads his family responsibly, resists destructive influences, serves others, makes righteous decisions, and uses his opportunities to advance God's purposes. Proverbs 16:32 reminds us that ruling one's spirit is greater than conquering a city, showing that genuine dominion begins with self-government. If you have allowed sin, fear, failure, addiction, discouragement, or spiritual negligence to weaken your sense and exercise of God-given authority, do not accept defeat as your permanent condition. Return to Christ, because He is the source of your authority and the foundation of your restoration. Remember that your dominion does not mean that you will never encounter opposition or hardship; rather, it means that circumstances, sin, fear, and the enemy do not have the final authority over a believer who remains submitted to Christ. Scripture says that God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Therefore, rise again in the authority Christ has provided, rebuild your spiritual life upon God's Word, walk in obedience, and exercise your influence with humility and wisdom. What has been weakened can be strengthened, what has been surrendered can be reclaimed, and what has been neglected can be rebuilt. Through Christ, the believer can recover the confidence and capacity to live under God's authority and fulfil the dominion mandate for which he was created. *PRAYER* Heavenly Father, thank You for the authority and responsibility You have given me through Christ. Restore every area of my life where sin, fear, failure, or disobedience has weakened my dominion. Help me to submit completely to You, stand firmly upon Your Word, resist every work of the enemy, and exercise godly authority with wisdom and humility. Let my life bring order, fruitfulness, righteousness, and glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

MORNING DEVOTION | 27 AUGUST 2026 COMMIT YOUR PLANS TO GOD “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 Every morning is a new opportunity. We may have plans, responsibilities, businesses, families, and challenges ahead, but we don't have to carry everything by our own strength. Before you begin today, place your plans in God's hands. Ask Him for wisdom, direction, protection, and strength. Sometimes God may not give us exactly what we planned, but He can lead us toward something better than what we could see for ourselves. TODAY'S PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me another beautiful day. I commit my plans, work, family, decisions, and future into Your hands. Give me wisdom to make the right choices and courage to face every challenge. Bless the work of my hands and let everything I do bring glory to Your name. Guide my steps and keep me close to You. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. Have a blessed and productive day. Walk with God. Work faithfully. Trust His direction. If this devotion blessed you, share it with someone who needs encouragement this morning.

Thursday, 27th August, 2026 TITLE: "FAITHFUL IN LITTLE, TRUSTED WITH MUCH" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Luke 16:10 (KJV) "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." Psalm 75:6–7 (KJV) "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Faithfulness in small things prepares you for greater things." DAY'S REFLECTION Many people desire great opportunities, promotion, influence, wealth, and recognition. But God's Word teaches us that greatness is often preceded by faithfulness in small things. Jesus says in Luke 16:10, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." The word "faithful" means dependable, trustworthy, loyal, and consistent. "That which is least" refers to things that may appear small, ordinary, or insignificant in our eyes. God watches how we handle what we have before giving us responsibility for what we desire. A person who is careless with small responsibilities may also become careless when entrusted with greater ones. Sometimes people think, "When I get a better job, I will work harder," or "When God gives me more money, I will become generous." But biblical principles teach the opposite: be faithful now with what you already have. Be faithful with your time. Be faithful with your work. Be faithful with your relationships. Be faithful with money. Be faithful in serving God. Be faithful even when nobody is watching. Psalm 75:6–7 reminds us that promotion ultimately comes from God. The psalmist says that promotion does not come simply from geographical directions or human sources, but "God is the judge." He has the authority to "putteth down" one and "setteth up" another. This does not mean that effort, preparation, excellence, or wise relationships are unnecessary. Rather, it reminds us that human connections cannot replace God's sovereignty. We should work diligently while trusting God with the outcome. Life experience teaches us that small responsibilities often reveal a person's true character. Someone who cannot be trusted with a small assignment will struggle when given a greater one. Conversely, consistent faithfulness builds a reputation for reliability and prepares a person for greater responsibility. Therefore, do not despise your present season because it seems small. Your current assignment may be God's training ground for your future. If you are serving in a small capacity, serve faithfully. If your business is still growing, work honestly. If your opportunity seems insignificant, give it your best. If recognition has not yet come, continue doing what is right. God sees your faithfulness. Your responsibility is to be faithful; God's responsibility is to determine the time and manner of promotion. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Colossians 3:23–24 (KJV) "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. Faithfulness in small responsibilities reveals our readiness for greater responsibilities. 2. God values character more than outward recognition. 3. Promotion ultimately comes from God. 4. We should not despise humble beginnings or small opportunities. 5. Excellence and diligence should accompany prayer and faith. 6. God sees faithful service even when people do not recognise it. EVERYDAY ACTION Be faithful in one small responsibility today, doing it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. PRAYER Heavenly Father, make me faithful, trustworthy, and diligent in every responsibility You give me. Help me honour You in small things and trust You for promotion in Your perfect time. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am faithful in little and trustworthy with much. I will not despise small beginnings. I will work diligently, serve faithfully, and trust God, knowing that promotion comes from the Lord. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Seek God First (Matthew 6:33) What are you chasing? Success? Money? A better job? A relationship? Recognition? A bigger house? More followers? A better future? There is nothing wrong with having goals and dreams. God has given us abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities that we should use wisely. But there is a danger when the things we want become more important than the God who gave us the ability to pursue them. Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Notice the order: Seek God first. Not after your career. Not after your relationships. Not after you've achieved your goals. Not only when you are in trouble. First. The world tells us: “Build your career first.” “Make money first.” “Become successful first.” “Get everything you want first.” Then we can easily begin treating God as something we fit into the remaining space in our lives. But God doesn't want to be an afterthought. He wants to be at the centre. Think about your daily schedule. What receives your best attention? What occupies your thoughts? What determines your decisions? What do you spend most of your time pursuing? Your priorities reveal what matters most to you. You can say that God is first, but your life will eventually show whether that is true. Seeking God first means making Him central to your decisions. Before accepting an opportunity, ask: “Does this honour God?” Before entering a relationship, ask: “Will this relationship help me grow closer to Christ?” Before making a major financial decision, ask: “Am I handling what God has given me responsibly?” Before choosing how to use your time, ask: “What does God want me to do with this day?” Seeking God first doesn't mean abandoning your ambitions. It means surrendering your ambitions to Him. You can pursue a career and still honour God. You can build a business and still honour God. You can become successful and still remain humble. You can have financial goals and still put God first. The question isn't whether you have goals. The question is: Who is at the centre of those goals? Are you pursuing success so people will admire you? Or are you pursuing excellence so you can use your gifts to serve God and others? Are you chasing money because you believe it will finally make you happy? Or are you learning to manage resources faithfully and generously? Are you seeking recognition? Or are you content knowing that God sees your work even when people don't? Jesus also warned us about constantly worrying about material things. We worry about food. Clothing. Money. Tomorrow. Our future. And sometimes our pursuit of these things becomes so intense that we forget the God who sustains us. You don't have to ignore your responsibilities. Work hard. Plan wisely. Save. Learn. Build. Prepare. But don't let anxiety become your master. Trust God while you do your part. There will always be something else to chase. Another achievement. Another purchase. Another milestone. Another level. If your heart is always saying, “I'll be happy when I get that next thing,” you may spend your entire life waiting for happiness. But contentment begins when you recognize that God is enough. Paul learned this kind of contentment. He experienced abundance and hardship, yet his confidence wasn't ultimately based on his circumstances. His strength was found in Christ. And that's the kind of foundation we need. Because everything we own can disappear. Positions can change. Money can come and go. People can leave. Opportunities can close. But God remains. And if you have Jesus, you possess something far more valuable than anything this world can offer. Salvation. Forgiveness. Grace. A relationship with God. A hope that extends beyond this temporary life. So today, examine your priorities. Maybe you've been so busy building your future that you've neglected your relationship with God. Maybe your career has become your identity. Maybe money has become your security. Maybe your relationship has become your source of happiness. Maybe social media has become your source of validation. It's time to put things back in their proper place. Seek God first. Pray first. Read His Word. Listen to His voice. Obey Him. Serve Him. Love people. Work faithfully. And trust Him with the results. Don't build a successful life and discover later that you left God out of it. Build your life with God at the centre. When God is first, everything else can find its proper place. Today, ask yourself: “What has been competing with God for first place in my heart?” Then surrender it to Him. Not tomorrow. Today. #SeekGodFirst #Matthew633 #GodFirst #FaithOverMaterialism #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #KingdomOfGod #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD, PART 1 MEMORIZE: "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Hebrews 12:24 (KJV) BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 17:11, MATTHEW 26:27-29 LEVITICUS 17:11 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. MATTHEW 26:27-29 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. MESSAGE: God created man such that he would constantly need refuelling. That is why He made sure that every day would be followed by a night so that, if you have worked very hard during the day, you can sleep and refuel your energy at night. Also, after you have eaten breakfast and worked for some time, you are expected to take a break for lunch to refuel. The Almighty God created hunger to remind you that you are running low on energy, so you can go ahead and recharge by eating. In the same way batteries must be recharged from time to time so they can remain effective, you must constantly recharge yourself spiritually so that you will not become spiritually ineffective. Whenever you begin to run low on spiritual energy, there will be a hunger in your spirit, and you will feel the need to refill. When that hunger comes, please don't ignore it. Start fasting and praying immediately to recharge your spiritual energy. If you allow the hunger to persist, you will become weak, and this may cause you to faint in the day of adversity (Proverbs 24:10). God, in His infinite mercy, has also provided the Holy Communion as a very effective way for Christians to refuel spiritually. The wine of the Holy Communion represents the blood of Jesus, and since the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), then the life of Jesus is in His blood. You cannot drink the blood of Jesus worthily and remain weak. People who belong to occult groups understand the power of blood. When members of the occult want to receive more power, they are asked to make sacrifices that involve blood. The greater the power they seek, the greater the sacrifices required. In most cases, those who rise to the highest levels of such groups are asked to drink the blood of their victims for quicker and greater empowerment. As children of God, when we partake of the Holy Communion, we partake of the blood of our risen Lord. Today's memory verse tells us that the blood of Jesus speaks better things than that of Abel. When you are weak, the blood of Jesus will speak strength and might into you. Beloved, never wait until you are completely drained of your spiritual strength. Whenever you find yourself getting weak spiritually, partake of the Holy Communion to recharge yourself, and you will receive fresh energy from the endless life of Christ. KEY POINT: Partaking of the Holy Communion will refuel your spiritual energy. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 13 - 15 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. CHORUS: I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, stay thou near by; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. CHORUS: 3. I need thee every hour in joy or pain; come quickly and abide or life is vain. CHORUS: 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. CHORUS: 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! CHORUS: ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026 REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD I Prayer Point ‎ 1.Father, thank You for giving us the day, to work, and the night, for rest. Thank You for providing food and water to satisfy our hunger and thirst. 2.Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our weakness, and to fill us when we feel empty. 3.Father, please help me to constantly recharge myself spiritually, so I won't become spiritually ineffective, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me never to ignore the need to refill when I'm running low on spiritual energy, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me constantly recharge my spiritual batteries through regular fasting and prayers, in Jesus' name. 6.Holy Spirit, refuel my spiritual tank, and satisfy my hunger and thirst so I won't become weak and faint in the day of adversity, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, thank You for the power in the Holy Communion to refuel us spiritually; thank You for the life transforming power in the blood of Jesus, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me to constantly drink the blood of Jesus worthily, so I won't remain weak, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, by the reason of the blood of Jesus which is the greatest sacrifice, I receive power to rise to the very highest level of greater spiritual empowerment and exploit, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as I partake of the Holy Communion, let the blood of Jesus speak strength and might into me, in Jesus'name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Please grant him grace to remain spiritually refueled, recharged and reloaded for Your use, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) #GodBlessOurNation These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*ASK WISELY, SEEK GOD'S WILL*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” — Mark 6:25 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Not Every Desire Should Become a Request* Mark 6:25 is part of the tragic account of Herod's birthday celebration, when Herodias' daughter made a request for the head of John the Baptist. Her request was driven by hatred and manipulation, and it ultimately contributed to a terrible injustice. This passage reminds us that desire without wisdom can lead to destruction. Not everything we want is good for us, and not every opportunity to ask for something should be taken. As God's children, we must learn to bring our desires before Him and ask: “Lord, is this truly Your will for me?” Our prayers should not simply be about getting everything we want. They should also be about allowing God to shape what we want. Today, ask God for wisdom before opportunity, discernment before decision, and God's will before personal desire. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that God gives me wisdom to discern what is right, beneficial, and pleasing to Him. I shall not be controlled by impulsive desires or pressured into decisions that are contrary to God's will. I declare that before I make important requests, decisions, commitments, or promises, I shall seek God's wisdom and direction. Today, the Lord shall purify my desires. May He remove every ambition that would take me away from His purpose and replace it with desires that glorify His name. I declare that my words shall be guided by wisdom. I shall not use my words to destroy, manipulate, insult, discourage, or harm others. My mouth shall become an instrument of grace, truth, encouragement, and peace. I proclaim divine discernment over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May God help me recognize what is good, what is dangerous, what is timely, and what is not His will for me. I declare that I shall not allow anger, bitterness, envy, revenge, pride, or pressure to determine my actions. The Holy Spirit shall govern my heart and guide my decisions. Today, I receive grace to say “No” to opportunities that appear attractive but would compromise my values, character, or relationship with God. I declare that God shall give me the wisdom to recognize the difference between an open door and a tempting distraction. I will not pursue everything simply because it is available to me. I proclaim that my prayers shall increasingly align with God's purposes. Instead of demanding my own way, I will trust the Lord to give me what is truly best according to His wisdom. I declare that every decision I make today shall be guided by truth, wisdom, love, integrity, and prayer. May my life never become a source of harm to others through careless words or selfish desires. Instead, may I become a vessel through which God's goodness, compassion, and truth flow. I will ask wisely. I will speak carefully. I will choose prayerfully. I will act righteously. I will seek God's will above my own. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with prayer: Ask God for wisdom and discernment before making decisions today. 2️⃣ Read Mark 6:14–29: Reflect on the consequences of Herodias' bitterness, Herod's impulsiveness, and the misuse of power. 3️⃣ Declare: “Lord, purify my desires and guide my decisions according to Your perfect will.” 4️⃣ Think before speaking: Before making a request, promise, response, or commitment, pause and consider its consequences. 5️⃣ Examine your desires: Ask yourself, “Is what I want consistent with God's Word, love, wisdom, and righteousness?” 6️⃣ Reject destructive emotions: Refuse to allow anger, revenge, jealousy, pride, or bitterness to control your actions. 7️⃣ Seek godly counsel: When facing an important decision, pray and seek advice from mature and trustworthy believers. 8️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for His wisdom and ask Him to continue directing your steps. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word, which teaches me wisdom and helps me understand the consequences of my choices. Lord, give me a discerning heart. Teach me to distinguish between what I want and what You desire for me. Purify my motives and desires. Remove from me every ambition, anger, bitterness, pride, envy, or selfish desire that can lead me away from Your purpose. Guard my mouth. Let my words bring life rather than destruction, encouragement rather than discouragement, and peace rather than conflict. Give me wisdom in my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and every decision I make. Help me not to pursue every opportunity simply because it is available. Give me discernment to know which doors are from You and which ones I should leave closed. When I am under pressure, help me remain calm. When I am angry, help me exercise self-control. When I am uncertain, help me wait for Your direction. Lord, let my desires become aligned with Your will. May I never allow personal ambition to become more important than obedience to You. Give me the wisdom to ask wisely, speak carefully, and act righteously. May Your will be done in my life, above my own desires and plans. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord fill you with wisdom, discernment, self-control, and spiritual understanding. May He guide every request you make, every word you speak, and every decision you take. May God protect you from impulsive choices, destructive relationships, harmful influences, and opportunities that would take you away from His purpose. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny be governed by divine wisdom. May the Lord give you grace to recognize the right opportunities, courage to reject the wrong ones, and patience to wait for His perfect timing. 🌟May your desires be purified. 🕊️ May your words be gracious. 🔥 May your decisions be wise. 🙏 May your motives be pure. ✨ May God's will prevail in your life. 🌟 “I WILL THAT THOU GIVE ME…” — MARK 6:25 May the Lord teach you not only what to ask for, but also what is truly worth asking for. May His wisdom guide you today and always. Good morning beloved and have a blessed, wise, discerning, and purpose-driven 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

Lord, the work is Yours --

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