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. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https:/selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/14futvERWUD/

I pray for you trusting the Lord for healing, that sickness is healed right now in Jesus name.

James 5:14-16 King James Version 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 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.

BE GRATEFUL TO GOD Ten lepers were healed but only one returned to give thanks; don't be like the nine lepers; be like the one who, after being healed, went to Jesus and gave thanks. (Sharing your testim is also a way to thank God) BY: PROPHET ELIJAH

Let's talk about it. WHAT GRACE IS LIKE Imagine a government makes a law saying, “If you drive above 120 km/h, you will go to prison.” You break the law, you are caught, and you are taken to court. When the judge asks you to plead, you will not plead for justice—you will plead for mercy. Why? Because you know you have broken the law. This helps us understand Grace. Imagine a father establishes rules in his home and makes clear the consequences of disobedience. His children disobey. The mother knows what they deserve, so she pleads with the father to forgive them. The father chooses to forgive them. Then the mother tells the children, “You have been forgiven. Now stop disobeying your father.” That is a picture of grace. Grace does not cancel the law. Grace gives the guilty person mercy and an opportunity to change. The Bible says, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” — Ecclesiastes 8:11. God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval. When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda, He did not tell him, “You are under grace, so continue living however you want.” Jesus said: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” — John 5:14. Grace gave that man another opportunity—not an opportunity to continue in sin, but an opportunity to live differently. My friends, do not reject God's commandments simply because you are uncomfortable with the Sabbath commandment. And do not teach people that God's commandments are no longer binding simply because you want to defend a tradition. The Pharisees had a similar problem. They knew the evidence concerning John the Baptist, but they were more concerned about protecting their position than accepting the truth. They reasoned among themselves and finally said, “We cannot tell.” Don't be like them. Don't be like the people before the Flood who mocked Noah's warning while the ark was being prepared. Don't be like the scoffers Peter warned about, saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” — 2 Peter 3:4. God's delay is not God's denial. Grace is God's mercy giving you time to repent. But that time will not last forever. Ecclesiastes gives us the final warning: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13–14. So don't abuse grace. Grace forgives the sinner, but grace never gives us permission to love sin. Grace does not destroy God's law; grace leads us back to obedience. Today, while mercy is still being offered, choose repentance. Choose truth. Choose obedience. Do not mistake God's patience for God's permission. Amazing Love

TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER! “Lord, Cover Our Family, Heal Our Bodies, Save Our Souls, and Supply Our Needs!” Heavenly Father, On this Tuesday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for life, strength, grace, mercy, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name. Your Word declares: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) Father, this morning we place our entire family into Your hands. Every mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member—we cover them in prayer. Lord, go where we cannot go. Touch those we cannot reach. Speak to hearts when our words are not enough. Protect our families from dangers seen and unseen, and let Your presence rest upon every household represented in our family. Your Word says: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV) Father, be our strong tower! LORD, HEAL OUR FAMILY! Father, we lift before You every family member who is struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Some are dealing with sickness in their bodies. Some are carrying pain that others cannot see. Some are fighting battles in their minds. Some are exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained. But God, You know exactly where they are and exactly what they need! You declared: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) So, Father, we ask You to restore health! Touch minds that are troubled. Touch bodies that are hurting. Touch hearts that are broken. Strengthen those who are weak. Comfort those who are grieving. Encourage those who feel discouraged. Give rest to those who are weary. Lord Jesus, heal, deliver, restore, and set free! Your Word declares: “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20 (KJV) Father, send Your Word into every situation! Where there is sickness, send healing. Where there is bondage, send deliverance. Where there is confusion, send clarity. Where there is fear, send peace. Where there is despair, send hope. Where there is weakness, send strength. We stand upon Your Word and believe that nothing is too hard for You! LORD, SAVE OUR FAMILY! Father, our prayer is not only for physical healing—we are crying out for souls to be saved! We lift every family member who does not yet know Jesus Christ personally. Lord, draw them to You. Remove spiritual blindness. Break down hardened hearts. Remove every distraction, excuse, false teaching, and influence that keeps them from surrendering completely to Christ. Jesus said: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44 (KJV) Father, draw our family! Let somebody become hungry for Your Word. Let somebody become tired of living without You. Let somebody realize that possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and money cannot fill the place that belongs to Jesus. Let the question rise within their hearts: “What must I do to be saved?” And just as Paul and Silas answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:30–31 (KJV) Father, let salvation come into our households! Your Word declares: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV) Let our family members call upon Jesus! Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them surrender. Let them be transformed. We are praying not merely that they will know about Jesus, but that they will know Jesus and develop a genuine relationship with Him. Lord, save our sons and daughters. Save our grandchildren. Save our siblings. Save our extended family. Let there be a spiritual awakening throughout our bloodline. LORD, OPEN DOORS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL PROVISION! Father, we lift every family member searching for employment. Some have submitted applications and are waiting. Some are looking for better opportunities. Some need promotions. Some need pay increases. Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet. Some are carrying financial burdens that nobody else knows about. Father, open doors that no man can shut! Your Word says: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” — Revelation 3:8 (KJV) Lord, send the right opportunities. Give favor during interviews. Give wisdom when making career decisions. Give courage to walk through new doors. Let résumés reach the right people. Let applications receive favorable responses. Let promotions come. Let increases come. Let opportunities come that exceed expectations. And Father, for every family member struggling financially, remind us that You are our Source. Your Word declares: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) We stand on that promise! Provide food. Provide shelter. Provide transportation. Provide employment. Provide resources. Provide wisdom to manage what You place into our hands. And Father, teach us not only to pray for provision but to walk in wisdom concerning our finances. Your Word says: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) We declare that lack will not destroy our faith! We trust You as our Provider. LORD, BRING LOVE AND UNITY INTO OUR FAMILY! Father, strengthen our marriages. Strengthen relationships between parents and children. Restore broken relationships between brothers and sisters. Heal old wounds, misunderstandings, disappointments, and offenses. Where pride has entered, bring humility. Where anger has entered, bring forgiveness. Where communication has broken down, bring understanding. Where distance has developed, bring reconciliation according to Your will. Your Word declares: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV) Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ. But Father, above everything else, teach our family to love YOU FIRST! Jesus said: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” — Mark 12:30 (KJV) May our homes be places where You are honored. May prayer live in our homes. May Your Word live in our homes. May forgiveness live in our homes. May peace live in our homes. May love live in our homes. And may Jesus Christ always remain at the center of our families. Father, as we go throughout this Tuesday, order our steps. Protect us traveling to work, school, appointments, and wherever this day may take us. Keep Your hand upon our children and grandchildren. Watch over our elderly family members. Strengthen our caregivers. Comfort those who are grieving. Encourage those who are discouraged. Restore those who have fallen. Save those who are lost. Heal those who are sick. Provide for those who are struggling. And unite our families through the love of Jesus Christ. We declare the words of Psalm 133:1 (KJV): “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION... Today, we declare that our family belongs to God! We declare healing over the sick, peace over troubled minds, deliverance over those in bondage, salvation over the lost, employment for those seeking work, increase for those needing provision, and restoration over our relationships. We declare that Jesus Christ will be lifted up in our homes. We will love God first and love one another. We declare that God is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Savior, our Provider, our Protector, and our Keeper! And we believe that the God who began a good work in our family is faithful to complete it! In the mighty, matchless, healing, saving, delivering, and providing name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

Morning Prayer for Healing and Restoration 🙏 If you are carrying pain in your body, heaviness in your heart, troubling thoughts, or wounds from the past, this prayer is for you. Today, we come before God honestly, without pretending to be strong, and simply ask: “Father, please heal me.” This is a prayer for healing and restoration—for your body, heart, mind, and every area of life where you need God's comfort and strength. Scripture for Today: "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise." — Jeremiah 17:14 As you pray, ask God to: 🙏 Bring comfort where you are hurting 🙏 Strengthen you when you feel weak 🙏 Bring peace to your troubled mind 🙏 Heal the wounds in your heart 🙏 Restore your joy, hope, and strength 🙏 Help you through grief, disappointment, and painful experiences 🙏 Give wisdom to those caring for you 🙏 Give you grace and hope through your healing journey You do not have to hide your pain from God. He knows what you are going through, including the things you have never been able to explain to anyone else. If this prayer speaks to your heart, comment: “Father, I trust You with my healing.” 🙏 May God bring you comfort, renew your strength, restore your hope, and walk with you through every step of your healing journey. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. #MorningPrayer #PrayerForHealing #HealingPrayer #HealingAndRestoration #ChristianPrayer #DailyPrayer #Faith #TrustGod #GodHeals #PrayerForStrength #MorningDevotion #Jeremiah1714 #JesusChrist

Just because I post about God doesn’t mean I have everything figured out. It doesn’t mean I’m healed, perfect, or somehow better than anyone else. I’m still human. I’m still a sinner. I still struggle with things I don’t always talk about. I still have days when my faith feels stronger and days when I feel tired, lost, confused, or distant. I make mistakes. I fall back into old habits. I overthink. I doubt. I get frustrated. I have moments where I don’t understand what God is doing in my life. But that’s exactly why I talk about Him. My faith isn’t a declaration that I’ve arrived. It’s a reminder that I’m still being carried. Every day, His grace meets me where I am. Not where I think I should be. Not where everyone expects me to be. Right where I am. Sometimes God doesn’t change the situation immediately. Sometimes He changes the strength I have to face it. Sometimes the miracle is simply getting through another day without giving up. So if you see me posting about God, don’t assume my life is perfect. I’m not preaching from a place of perfection. I’m sharing from a place of dependence. I need grace too. And honestly, that’s the beautiful part. I don’t have to be perfect to come back to God. I just have to keep coming back. Every time I fall, His grace reminds me that falling isn’t the end of my story. I’m still learning. Still growing. Still struggling. Still believing. And every day, somehow, His grace picks me back up. 💜 #quotes #relatable #inspiration #SpiritualGrowth #TrustGod #fyp

Matthew 21:1-17 Now Jesus has determined to enter the final phase of his earthly ministry, elsewhere in Luke in the King James vernacular He “set His face toward Jerusalem”. It is here that in Matthew's own style to point to Jesus as the prophecied Messiah using the verse from Zechariah while describing Jesus's actions. Zechariah 9:9 [9] Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah is writing a list of things to come while addressing the situation with the rebuilding of the walls and temple to replace the first destroyed Solomons temple. Don't forget that the first hearers and readers of Zechariah had no king. Both the northern and southern kingdoms have been destroyed and there is no king in either. So when Zechariah says a King is coming, there is no doubt Zechariah anticipated this King to be the Messiah. The Jews understood this, so when Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem they clearly understood this to be the receiving of the Messiah. Now here's the part where my ADHD brain begins asking, was there some supernatural knowledge that this colts owner was privy to regarding this or did he just faithfully accept, “The Lord has need of this” as a valid reason? We will never know for sure but it is fun to think about. The actions of the crowd are those of a city welcoming a king after a great victory or anointing. The laying out of cloaks, palm leaves and more were to not allow this arriving king to soil the feet of even the animal he's riding in on. The children are calling out, “Hosanna” which means “God save us”. Let's make this clear, there was NO confusion about Jesus's claim here. The Jewish Leaders were well aware of the Messianic claim here. So when He dismounts in Jerusalem and begins what is considered the second cleansing of the temple there is no debate, Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah in no uncertain terms. So when the leaders approach Him with the question, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response. Psalm 8:2 [2] From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful. In the Hebrew, the word used means strength from the root word for stronghold. Here, Jesus is quoting the Septuagint or Greek version where the word ‘praise’ is used. It's this praise that acts as a source of strength against God's enemies. Yes, Jesus is calling the Jewish leaders the enemies of God. And without even attempting a debate with them, Jesus turns his attention to healings amidst the destruction. Some Jews believed He was there to act as King and they were ready and willing to go to war against Rome to have a king back. They were willing to die for this new king. But He didn't take a throne they could see, didn't receive a crown of a king and simply continued preaching. And this event took place roughly a week prior to the cross. So the calls took a week to devolve from Hosanna to “Crucify Him” because the Kingdom Jesus ushered in was the Kingdom of Heaven, not Israel. How many times in our lives do we go from thanking and praising Him to neglecting Him, because the answer to our praise and prayers isn't the answer we expected? It doesn't take much to turn someone from God. A week? God, please give us the strength to continue in faith. [1] When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” [4] Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [6] The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, [7] and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. [9] Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” [10] When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” [12] And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. [13] And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” [14] And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, [16] and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” [17] And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*FAITH THAT REACHES OUT TO JESUS*🌟 📖 Scripture: “For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” — Mark 5:28–29 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – One Touch Can Change Everything.* In Mark 5, we meet a woman who had suffered for twelve years. She had endured a painful and exhausting situation, but she refused to allow her circumstances to destroy her hope. When she heard about Jesus, she said within herself, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” She moved toward Jesus in faith, reached out, touched His garment, and immediately experienced a change. Her story teaches us that faith takes action. She did not merely hear about Jesus; she moved toward Him. She did not allow the crowd, her past, or the length of her struggle to stop her. Today, you may have been waiting for an answer for a long time. You may have prayed repeatedly and wondered when your situation would change. Do not give up. Keep reaching out to Jesus. Your breakthrough may come in a way you did not expect, but your confidence must remain in Christ. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my faith is alive and active. I will not allow the length of my struggle to destroy my expectation. I will continue to reach out to Jesus Christ. I declare that every situation that has resisted human solutions is surrendered into the hands of the Almighty God. The Lord shall intervene according to His perfect will and timing. Today, I receive fresh faith to believe God again. Where disappointment has weakened my expectation, may the Lord renew my confidence. Where delay has made me tired, may He strengthen my heart. I declare divine intervention over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May the Lord touch every area that needs His transforming power. I proclaim that no crowd, obstacle, discouragement, or past experience shall prevent me from pursuing Jesus. I will keep praying. I will keep believing. I will keep trusting. I will keep moving forward. I declare that every legitimate expectation according to God's will shall receive divine attention. The Lord shall make a way where He has ordained a way, and He shall give me grace to trust Him where I must wait. Today, I reject hopelessness. I reject the belief that nothing can change. I reject the voice that tells me to give up. I declare that my faith shall overcome fear, my hope shall overcome discouragement, and my trust in God shall overcome uncertainty. I proclaim restoration over every area of my life that has experienced loss, weakness, stagnation, or disappointment. May God restore my joy, renew my strength, and establish me according to His purpose. I declare that my testimony shall encourage others. What God does in my life shall become evidence that faith in Christ is never misplaced. Today, I reach out to Jesus with confidence. I will not give up. I will not turn back. I will keep believing. I will keep trusting. I will keep reaching for Jesus. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥✝️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with faith: Thank Jesus because He is still able to intervene in every situation. 2️⃣ Read Mark 5:25–34: Meditate on the faith and determination of the woman who reached out to Jesus. 3️⃣ Declare: “By faith, I reach out to Jesus. My hope is in Him, and I will not give up.” 4️⃣ Bring one long-standing concern to God: Pray about it again—not from desperation, but from renewed faith. 5️⃣ Take a faith-filled step: Do something constructive today toward a God-honoring goal you have been postponing. 6️⃣ Encourage someone: Remind someone who has been waiting for a breakthrough that they should continue trusting God. 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for what He has already done and trust Him for what is still to come. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I thank You for the example of the woman who reached out to Jesus in faith. Lord Jesus, today I reach out to You with every need, burden, desire, and expectation in my heart. Give me faith that refuses to give up. Where I have been discouraged, renew my hope. Where I have experienced disappointment, restore my confidence. Where I have waited for a long time, give me patience and strength. Touch every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Touch my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and future. Lord, I surrender my timeline to You. Help me to trust Your wisdom and Your perfect timing. Give me courage to keep moving toward You even when the journey is difficult. Let my faith become stronger through every challenge. May my life become a testimony of Your faithfulness, and may my testimony encourage others to trust You. Jesus, I reach out to You today. Let Your grace be sufficient for me and let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen your faith today. May He give you courage to keep reaching toward Him even when circumstances appear difficult. May divine intervention come into every area of your life that needs God's touch. May the Lord renew your hope, restore your joy, strengthen your family, establish your work, bless your ministry, and guide your steps. May every season of waiting produce deeper faith and greater dependence on God. May your faith produce a testimony that will encourage many others to seek Jesus. 🔥 Your faith shall not fail. 🙏 Your hope shall remain alive. 🕊️ Christ shall sustain you. ✨ Your testimony shall come according to God's perfect will. 🌟 “IF I MAY TOUCH BUT HIS CLOTHES, I SHALL BE WHOLE.” — MARK 5:28 Keep reaching out to Jesus. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Your story is still in God's hands. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, faith-filled, peaceful, and testimony-producing 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