❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 1 of 2. I would like to address one of the most puzzling and perplexing problems confronting the Christian today and that is why do the righteous suffer? In order to deal with this adequately, we're going to be looking at the book of Job. We read in Job Chapter 1:1f There was a man in the Land of Oz whose name is Job and that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and turned away from evil. We continue to read in the book of Job how he lost everything, his family, his property, his possessions, and then lost his health with a loathsome disease. The universal problem of whether or not suffering is a sign of divine displeasure, and thus presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer, is the theme of the book of Job. The central problem of the book of Job is the central problem of humanity. Why do men suffer the way they do, and especially, why do the righteous suffer? Why are not godly, righteous, faithful obedient men and women always blessed? Why does it seem many of the ungodly prosper and are never in trouble? A Christian wonders why must I suffer this or that, or why must I go through this trial, or why do I have to experience all of this pain and adversity? I'm a Christian, I study the Bible, I love the Lord. I feel that I'm obedient, so why do I go through such long trials, hardships, and personal attacks? To make things even worse, many times there is no immediate answer and it's a real test of your faith as with Job. Is all adversity and suffering the direct result of sin? What is the basis upon which prosperity and adversity, blessing and misfortune, affliction and health happen to people? What is the basis upon which these things are distributed to men in this life? The principal aim of the book of Job is to disprove the popular theory that was held by many of the Jews and it's still popular today, that all suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer. Inseparably related to the problem of suffering is the greater problem of evil and to consider one necessitates the consideration of the other. The problem of evil results from the clear fact that within the world that God created good according to Genesis 1, it was created very good! Within this world that God created good there is much that is now imperfect. It has become a world of suffering, sin, hate, warfare, oppression, evil and death. Now even a superficial observer will note that these two facts present somewhat of a dilemma. On the one hand Genesis 1 shows that God created all things good and he hates evil. On the other hand, we've seen the widespread evil and suffering that's in this world of imperfection. Now how can we explain this: what has happened? Some suggest that either God cannot remove evil nor could he have prevented its entrance into his world. Others say God does not will to prevent it and did not will to prevent its entrance into the Garden of Eden. Now the first conclusion will be rejected by all who believe in the Sovereign God of the Bible but neither is the second alternative any help in solving the apparent dilemma. It doesn't give us a satisfactory solution and so believers and Christians have always sought a third alternative to explain the problem of evil in a good universe. Now the book of Job is in reality the source material for a study of some of the most profound theological questions of the Bible- the problem of the righteous suffering adversity and the meaning of the presence of evil in a world God created good. It gives us the source of sickness and adversity. It's not God as some think and is often implied today. It's Satan who is behind the scenes doing this. No book in the Bible gives more insight into the problem of why the righteous suffer and the meaning and purpose of evil in the world. Now we will examine that question. There are three basic solutions that have been given to the problem of evil. First there's a denial of its existence. We're told all evil is only an illusion. This is fundamentally the doctrinal position of the Christian Scientists. All evil experienced, meaning sin, suffering, pain, and the like are purely subjective, existing only in the mind of the observer. They have no objective reality. Christian science teaches that since God is good, he could not permit evil to exist and therefore evil is not real. Suffering, evil, sin, and Satan and death are the imagination of man's finite mind. They're only an illusion. They have no reality and would disappear if man would by faith and self-discipline deny their existence. Of course, the objections to this hypothesis are almost self-evident. Even if this hypothesis were accepted as valid, which it isn't, one is still faced with the question of how the appearance of evil and suffering is to be explained. I mean what's the origin and meaning of the illusion of pain and suffering and death? The illusion of pain and suffering is as real to the sufferer as real pain and suffering. A world in which the majority of its inhabitants are deceived with respect to the presence of suffering needs as much explaining as one in which evil is a genuine reality. It doesn't solve the problem, it only changes the terminology from reality to illusion. The suffering and the evil remain. It is quite obvious that this view is unbiblical and is out of harmony with the facts of experience. I mean Christian Scientists yell just as loudly as anyone else when they mashed their finger with a hammer. They go right on dying like the rest of humanity. Another suggested solution is the error is finitism. We're told God's power is limited. The doctrine of the finite God is the solution that we must choose, we are told. The fact that God is not completely good and that he is not omnipotent is an unscriptural attempt to explain the presence of moral and natural evil. The limitation doctrine argues that God made the best kind of world that he could but that even God could not prevent the presence of evil. Finitism, we are told, preserves the goodness of God and recognizes that God is not the source of all things. He is the source of all that is good and He is an opposition to all that is evil. Finitism seems to be a solution to some people. But again, this theory is unbiblical. The doctrine of a finite God cannot stand in view of the testimony of Scripture. See Daniel 4:35 Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Romans 9, Job 1 and 2. We're told that God is in control of all events and governments in heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for God and with God nothing is impossible. As we read Job chapters 1 & 2 we see that Satan had to get God's permission to afflict Job. The concept of an eternal principle of evil against which God is engaged in some cosmic struggle and the outcome of which is by no means certain is platonic dualism pure and simple. It's not Biblical. The doctrine of finitism is no solution at all to the problem but simply a sophisticated shortcut to avoid what appears to be a dilemma. It results from the fallacy that one must either give up the goodness of God or His omnipotence and power since there appears to be an alleged conflict. The only solution seems to be to sacrifice his omnipotence according to this unscriptural view. Now a third solution which we believe to be the biblical one, is that a moral world involves the possibility of evil. In a moral universe of free creatures, the possibility of moral development involves the possibility of the entrance of moral evil and its consequences into the world. For example, we see in the narratives of Genesis that God did not intend to compel moral obedience, but that a holy moral character could only be developed by voluntary free choice on Adam's part. Hence, a world without the possibility of disobeying God would not present the necessary means of developing moral character. Adam was not born with a holy moral character, but he was innocent. He was pure, but you're not born with character. This must develop and grow as you respond to the experiences of life. Trials, adversities, and so forth are designed to shape one's character. Someone has pointed out that these sufferings sometimes crush the person who experiences it. There are times when the final result is more glorious than would be conceivable in any other kind of universe. Therefore, this view does give us a workable solution to the problem of evil and helps explain the purpose of suffering. It is the suffering of the righteous and the allowance of the entrance of sin into the world. This view involves a possibility of the entrance of evil and also helps explain God's self-imposed limitations. Now those terms are important. We see God is presented in Scripture as omnipotent and all-powerful. But it is also true that, at the moment He created something outside himself, man who is a free moral creature, who could have the power at least temporarily to say no to God, that there was to some degree a self-imposed limitation which God placed upon Himself. This does not mean that God has limited His sovereignty, power, or His rule by creating a being in his own image who had the power to rebel against him. But it does mean that God chose to exercise his sovereignty in a universe filled with creatures who could temporarily rebel against that sovereignty. Notice it's only temporary, and so we see a moral world involves the possibility of the entrance and presence of moral evil. This brings us to the basic question that we're going to discuss. The perplexing problem of why the righteous suffer and biblical solutions. It's not unusual that trials and sufferings of the child of God may involve several purposes. We shall explore these next. Part 2.) First, we see that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We will see from this study that the righteous suffering trial and affliction is not always evidence that they have sinned or evidence that God is displeased with them. There may be some deeper purpose in God allowing it and that is to bring them into conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Examining these purposes is necessary because the Christian goes through trials and sufferings of many kinds. Therefore, they need to know whether or not these are chastisements, are things to be resisted as from the devil, or if these things are from the hand of God! This way we will not be resisting when we should be submitting so we will benefit from our trials and testings. We mentioned that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We see Job's misfortunes and sufferings at first of all as a teaching and educational purpose. We see spiritual wisdom and discernment do not automatically come to the believer but they are gained through the times of hardship and suffering and of trial and testing. Job learned the meaning of an abiding faith in God. He received an education along the line of an abiding and steadfast faith. See chapter 13 in verses 15-18. Job said though he slay me yet will I trust him. He came to know what genuine faith was and he was willing to trust God in spite of circumstances and appearances. He came to know in a more meaningful way God as his Redeemer in chapter 19. He has come through a great valley of testing and trial and affliction and there's one thing he says. I don't understand all of this, but I do know my redeemer lives and then he became confident in his future of vindication. We see that in chapter 9 verses 32-35, chapter 16 verse 19, chapter 13 verse 18. He said I know that I will be justified and this suffering of mine is not the result of sin, but I will be vindicated. Almost beside himself from grief and suffering, he came into a deeper assurance of a future life beyond the grave and this present world of inequality, injustice, and affliction. He came into a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. In chapters 38 to 41 where the Lord addresses him in two discourses of speeches, Job said, I've heard of You in the hearing of the ear and now my eye has seen You. I abhor myself and I repent in dust and in ashes. He said, I lay my hand over my mouth and I'll not speak again. I've spoken once, I've spoken twice but now, he says I'll not speak again. God revealed to him his sovereignty. God doesn't answer job's perplexities or questions. He just reminds him that He is God and that whatever he does is righteous. So, the educational purpose and significance of suffering is evident throughout the Bible especially in the book of Job as Job progressively moves from one valley of doubt and mystery to another. Each time climbing to a mountain peak of faith as he conquers his fears and his doubts and he comes to a new understanding and appreciation of the promises of God. The meaning of suffering is first and foremost of all for the express purpose of developing within the heart of the saint the assurance and understanding of his trust in God. In psalm 119 verses 65-72. The psalmist said there that he praises the Lord for afflicting him because then he came to know how to obey the Lord as he should. He said I thank You for the correction of my affliction because now I've come to understand better how to obey your precepts and your law. Our trials and tests, persecutions and the like have an educational purpose. When Jesus saves you, he sends you to His school. That is the school of the trial of your faith. Sadly, most Christians have not been taught this. They do not profit from their lessons so they keep taking the same course over and over. This is because they're flunking the tests. They've not been taught to submit to the trials but instead resist them. They think trials are something to be avoided at all costs. The Bible says we are to rejoice in our trials, James 1, because it is working in us the steadfast endurance we need to mature. Jesus told us that trials are to be a cause of rejoicing in Matthew 5, because when we're persecuted he said, rejoice because great is your reward in heaven. We are not to resist these things. Again, in Acts 14:22, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. If you're trying to get off the pathway of trial and if you're trying to get out of that school, then you are on the wrong path. Realize you will not be able to graduate because you're flunking the course or you become a spiritual dropout from the school of the trial of your faith. Trials and sufferings are designed by God because He loves you and desires to educate you in an abiding faith in knowing that He is able to deliver and protect you keeping you to the end. You come to trust Him in spite of circumstances as Job. You come to the place where you can say though He slay me yet will I trust Him. That doesn't make any sense to your head or your intellect, but if you stay in God's school and learn your lessons as you should, it will make sense to your spirit and to your heart. Trials and sufferings of the believer for righteousness' sake have an educational purpose. Stay in God's school long enough for him to teach you something and you'll find you'll be blessed for it with a mature faith and trust in the plans and purposes of God in your life! Part 3.) Next, we see that sometimes sufferings and trials have a punitive purpose. This is the solution, by the way, to the problem suggested by Job's friends. You'll notice this as you read the book and although it is by no means the whole answer, yet it does have its place in the total picture. This is the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7 - for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. There are natural consequences of sin and so sometimes trials and sufferings have a punitive purpose. Punitive means punishment. Some of these things we endure and suffer are because we've not heeded the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7. We see this throughout the Bible that this works for the saint as well as the sinner. We have to obey this law. If we don't sow to the Spirit and sow to the flesh, we're going to reap the consequences. We see this in the case of David. He had to reap what he sowed in his sin with Bathsheba. We read the sword never departed from his house, although he did receive forgiveness. We also see this in the New Testament in 1st Corinthians 5 and 1st Corinthians 11. Some of the Christians were not partaking of the communion the Lord's Supper as they should. Therefore, Paul says you don't discern the Lord's body, you're not eating this supper worthily, and therefore some of you are sick and some of you are dying prematurely. This is the law of sowing and reaping. For example, if a Christian girl allows herself to get into trouble and becomes pregnant, she may repent of that sin and be forgiven but she'll still suffer the stigma of bearing an illegitimate child. She's still going to suffer the consequences of what she sowed, for whatsoever you sow you reap. Galatians 6:7. So there's no way to get around the fact that you're going to reap what you sow. This is why sometimes we suffer trials and afflictions. We should examine our lives to see whether or not God is judging us because of something we have disobeyed him about or not getting our lives corrected about some matter. Now what's the significance of Job's suffering in relation to the punitive purpose? Remember this is the suggested solution of Job's three friends. The principle upon which all suffering is based they said is this- that suffering is a direct result of sin and a just recompense for it. Job's sufferings, they insisted, were a sign of divine displeasure and presupposed sin on his part. Now of course the Bible does set forth this principle. It's the law of sowing and reaping where righteousness will bring prosperity and blessing, disobedience and wickedness will bring adversity. This is a principle set forth throughout the Bible as Deuteronomy 28 which is a good example of that. Psalm 1 is another example. But what of the righteous individual who often is the victim of misfortune and suffering, and why so often do the ungodly seem to prosper? What's the explanation for the suffering of the innocent and the prosperity of the wicked? Was the popular notion that the innocent do not suffer and the wicked are always afflicted contrary to the facts, even as Bildad and Zophar dogmatically insisted it was true? They insisted the principle was immutable and that Job, though outwardly righteous, nevertheless must be guilty of some heinous secret sins. Their philosophy was this, that all sin causes suffering. Job is suffering. The conclusion, Job must be a sinner! Job's sufferings, they argue, convict him implicitly of some grave sin and they plead with him to acknowledge it and repent. Job protests his innocence throughout the book and so we still are faced with the perplexing question. Why then is Job suffering? Remember he didn't have chapters 1 and 2 which give us the explanation. He had to endure this experience before the answer came. What then is the explanation for those instances which seemed by the Scriptures, show the moral principle of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, that they could not always be forced into a neat logical system? The laws governing society did not guarantee that in some individual cases the innocent might not suffer and that wickedness might not elude temporary judgment. No, throughout the scriptures we see that suffering is not necessarily the direct result of prior sins. This is proven in many passages as Jeremiah 19, Ezekiel 21, Amos chapter 2, In John 9, the case of the blind man, Jesus said this man was not blind because of his parent's sin or his own sin but that God might be glorified in his healing. So, also, in the case of Job, we see he suffered innocently. What the Scriptures do teach is this - that in the light of eternity it is the righteous who will be blessed and the wicked who will suffer. We should not judge too soon. The conclusion is this, suffering and adversity may sometimes be the result of sin and therefore the purpose is punitive, but this is not always the case. Don't follow Job's friends' rigid thinking in condemning someone when you do not have all the facts. Part 4.) Sometimes trials and suffering have a disciplinary purpose. There are times afflictions are the chastisements of a loving Father. This is in harmony with Hebrews 12, 1st Corinthians 5, 1st Corinthians 11 and proverbs 3 verses 11-12. Who the Lord loves He chastens. The Scriptures tell us in Job chapter 33, that God speaks to man and the purpose for that is he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. God chastens his children because he doesn't want His children going on a path of destruction from disobedience to His Word and will for their lives. We read in Hebrews 12 that who the Lord loves He chastens and He scourges every son He receives. Job 33 speaks of one form of chastisement being sickness. In Hebrews 12 it doesn't say anything about sickness being a form of chastisement. God has many ways to chasten His children. Sometimes he just withholds his blessings. Testing has a way of humbling man's pride. You see, many of Job's utterances under the weight of his afflictions gave indication that his trials had not yet fully accomplished their purpose. You will see this as you read the book of Job. Job sometimes questions God's purposes and in his questioning of God's purpose and his control of human affairs, it implied that Job knew more than God. Sometimes Christians, under the weight of their trials and afflictions, will cry out to God in such a way and try to use their logic and reason to such an extent that they even question God's wisdom in allowing them the trials and afflictions. To be Continued. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

Psalm 19:1-14 CEB Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. [2] One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. [3] Of course, there’s no speech, no words—their voices can’t be heard— [4] but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. [5] The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. [6] It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. [7] The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. [8] The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. [9] Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! [10] They are more desirable than gold—than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey—even dripping off the honeycomb! [11] No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. [12] But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin [13] and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Fear is a clever adversary. When we think of fear, the first things that come to mind are old, decrepit Victorian mansions or abandoned houses fueled by stories of stories of swinging chandeliers or doors that creak open on their own. Or we might think of less dramatic fears: heights or flying or small spaces. Unless you’re suffering from one of these or other phobias—or ghosts—it is rather easy to simply discard fear as something other people experience. But fear is not so simple. Most often, it sneaks into mind and festers and builds like a bacteria that, if untreated, to infection, sepsis, and even death. You can try preventative measures to keep it at bay, but bacteria can still get in. And you never know until you’re infected until the symptoms appear. This is the primary modus operandi of fear. It sneaks in, debilitates, and even paralyzes. Ultimately, it renders its victim completely helpless. This came to light during an unrelated discussion with my wife. We have been trying to put the finishing touches on my next manuscript, which frankly has been simmering on the backburner over the last several due to life distractions. Currently, it is coming down to fact-checking and formatting endnotes. It is especially nerve-racking because, unlike my previous book, we chose to self-publish this one. We have to get it right. It is all on us. It’s been difficult to release the manuscript. We’re haunted by the questions: is there more that can be done? Is the subject even all that relevant anymore? What am I missing? We check and recheck every detail. We don’t want to let go and send it into a very cruel world. We both recognized this paralysis after hearing ourselves begin everything with the phrase: “I’m afraid…” This realization suddenly made this year make sense. I have felt a bit off most of the year. I have become more subdued, resigned, troubled. I thought I was hiding it okay until a former (and very discerning) student came up to me recently and asked, “Mr. H., are you sad?” That simple, innocent question shook me into an awareness. I don’t necessarily think I am depressed, but something is not right. Since then, between that question and this recent epiphany with my wife, I realized that fear has crept into my life and is now controlling my psyche. The first part of 2026 has been difficult. Now, I won’t pretend that it was somehow more difficult than others. But it has been tough. The remainder of 2026 has been trying to recover from it. Last March, within days of the door slamming shut on my wife’s 25-year career, I lost my mom. In a way, I lost her over the last several years as she sank into dementia, but last March her battle ended. Add this to standard stresses associated with a second semester in a high school, which in and of itself is enough to deplete my tanks. Now I have to tap into mental and emotional resources that don’t exist. Fast forward to the present and I can see how God was with us in the storm. He gave me mental and emotionally resources, I never knew existed. He took care of us despite a huge income drop and being uninsured for a couple of month. Further, I know that my mom is now thinking more clearly than I could ever dream. God gets the glory. However, the enemy used a different tactic to paralyze me. Out of these hardship, fear crept in. And now I realize I am infected with it. Watching my mom sink into the darkness of dementia, I have become afraid that one day I might suffer from that myself. I am afraid of losing my mind. Unfortunately, once fear has a foothold, it doesn’t stop there. Fear escalated from fearing dementia to fearing getting old in general. I am only a few months away from leaving behind my fifties forever. I began to fear getting old. I fear my body slowing down. Simple things become a little harder. My back, my knees, and feet start to hurt a little more. I have a little more trouble hearing someone in a noisy room. I am doing that weird thing with my glasses when transitioning between reading close up and at a distance. It takes longer to get over a cold. Last July, I turned an ankle in Colorado that still aches today. The thought of not driving because driving in the winter or at night just isn’t worth the risk. I don’t want to give up the things that require the energy I had when I was young. How many summer road trips do I have left? What happens when I can no longer match the energy of a classroom of high school students? Fear takes that into a whole new direction. I really don’t want to stop teaching. I love the classroom. I love the cycle of the school calendar. But what happens when my body can’t keep up? Can my filters remain strong enough to keep me from saying something mean or stupid? Will I become tiresome, or in the way? Can I keep my teaching style and not turn into a grumpy old stooge? Worse yet, what happens when I become irrelevant? I have found myself somewhat paralyzed by this fear. And it has dragged me down. It has made me “look sad.” All of this came together with the recent discussion with my wife. Fear has overtaken me. It has taken control of me. But is it too late? Thankfully, no. The most used phrase in the entirety of scripture is: “do not be afraid.” However, one important observation that seems to be overlooked is that that phrase is almost always spoken from the supernatural point of view: God to human, Jesus to human, heavenly messenger to human. From a broader, heavenly perspective to a limited, natural one. “Do not be afraid.” I have thought about this constantly since that epiphany I had with my wife. I should not—must not—live in fear. Not as a child of the King. But how do you switch fear off? It is not as simple as a light switch. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” The enemy’s game plan is to always whisper thoughts into our head that will trigger fear. We have to be on guard always. When we get the sense of fear, we must be deliberate and take that thought captive and replace it with truth: “My God is bigger”; “He is my protector and comforter”; “This thought is not coming from him”. Fear does not sit on the throne, God does. Fear, by definition, is limited, God is infinite. Fear is merely a tool, God is the creator of everything, including us who are made in gis image. Only God can break through the paralysis fear brings and can heal us. Does that mean those things I fear will never happen? No. They likely will. But however the upcoming years pan out, he is with you, with me. And whatever the future brings, God is God. And he is good.

(long post ahead📖) There is a profound lesson I learned when I read this passage of Scripture: “said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬ This passage takes place during Jesus’ trial. He was falsely accused of many things, yet we know that He was completely innocent. He had no sin. Everything He taught was truth, and everything He did, reflected the will of the Father. Jesus could have defended Himself. After all, He possessed the very nature of God. He had every power and every right to prove His innocence. Yet He chose to remain silent and willingly submit Himself to the Father’s plan. Even Pilate declared before the crowd that he could find no fault in Jesus. Herod found no crime worthy of death either. Still, the people refused to listen. Instead, they shouted louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified. This reminds me of a sobering reality: 😔 Even if God Himself stands before people and speaks the truth, there will still be hearts that choose not to believe. Miracles, truth, and evidence alone cannot change a heart that refuses to surrender. Then came the moment of decision. The people were given a choice: ❓❓Jesus Christ or Barabbas. ❓❓ One was completely innocent. The other was a guilty criminal. Yet the crowd cried out for Barabbas to be released, while demanding that Jesus be condemned to die. 😢 As I reflected on this, something deeply touched my heart. I realized that Barabbas is a picture of us. We are the guilty ones. ✅ We are the sinners. ✅ Yet Jesus took our place. The punishment that should have fallen upon us was placed upon Him instead. The Son of God willingly exchanged His freedom for ours. He left the glory of heaven and humbled Himself to be born in a manger. Though He is the King of kings, He did not come to be served but to serve. He walked among the poor, healed the sick, showed mercy to sinners, comforted the brokenhearted, and lived a life of perfect holiness without sin. Finally, He gave His life on the cross. ✝️ The release of Barabbas beautifully illustrates the Gospel. Barabbas deserved the cross. Jesus did not. Yet Jesus took the cross that belonged to Barabbas. In the same way, we deserve the punishment for our sins…..eternal separation from God. But Jesus took our place. (Inangkin Niya ang ating mga kasalanan at pinasan Niya ang kaparusahang nararapat para sa atin upang tayo ay maligtas.) That is the greatest picture of God’s mercy. And above all, that is the greatest picture of love. It was never the nails that kept Jesus on the cross. 🙏🏻 It was His immeasurable, unconditional, and unfailing love for us. 💚💚💚 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) (HAVE A NICE DAY PIP’z) 😇

Let's talk about it. Deceiver Unmasked Why was Sin Permitted? Why did God not destroy the first evildoer, satan, even though He knew how he would harm countless innocent angels and humans? Revelation 12:7-9, 12 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. God permitted satan to carry forward his work until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been highly exalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. God's government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Lucifer had concluded that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also all the worlds. He had artfully presented his side of the question, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects. His power to deceive was very great. By disguising himself in a cloak of falsehood, he had gained an advantage. All his acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the true nature of his work. Until fully developed, it could not be made to appear the evil thing it was; his disaffection would not be seen to be rebellion. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character or see to what his work was leading. God could employ Only such means as were consistent with Truth and Righteousness. Satan could use what God could not— flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God and had misrepresented His plan of government, claiming that God was not just in imposing laws upon the angels; that in requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, He was seeking merely the exaltation of Himself. It was therefore necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God's government is just, His law perfect. satan had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper and his real object must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works. The discord which his own course had caused in heaven, Satan charged upon the government of God. All evil he declared to be the result of the divine administration. He claimed that it was his own object to improve upon the statutes of Jehovah. Therefore God permitted him to demonstrate the nature of his claims, to show the working out of his proposed changes in the divine law. His own work must condemn him. Satan had claimed from the first that he was not in rebellion. The whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked. Even when he was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of the worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted out of existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages, he must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, and that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His law might be forever placed beyond all question. Satan's rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages—a perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its [p. 43] terrible results. The working out of Satan's rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the existence of God's government is bound up the well-being of all the creatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings, to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression, to save them from committing sin, and suffering its penalty. He that ruleth in the heavens is the one who sees the end from the beginning—the one before whom the mysteries of the past and the future are alike outspread, and who, beyond the woe and darkness and ruin that sin has wrought, beholds the accomplishment of His own purposes of love and blessing. Though "clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne." Psalm 97:2, R.V. And this the inhabitants of the universe, both loyal and disloyal, will one day understand. "His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deuteronomy 32:4.

Daily Bible Lesson. WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22 We pray: “Lord, show me Your will.” Then His light touches something we love— our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue— and suddenly: “My situation is different.” “Everyone does it.” “I'm not convicted.” Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light. IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY. Jesus asks: “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46 So here is the question beneath every reform: ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS? --- ① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME? THE EXCUSES: “I have to work.” “Most Christians worship Sunday.” “God knows my heart.” Yes—God knows the heart. And Jesus says: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15 God's command still reads: “The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10 Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income. But faith asks something deeper: WHAT IS JESUS WORTH? “We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29 Do not merely argue for the Sabbath. KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps. --- ② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”? THE EXCUSES: “My body needs it.” “I've always eaten this way.” “We're all going to die anyway.” But this body is not ours to abuse. “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 Health reform is not salvation by menu. It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ. Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399 What a warning: APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS. Stop asking only: “Do I enjoy it?” Ask: “WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?” --- ③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE? THE EXCUSES: “It's only fashion.” “God only looks at the heart.” “I don't want to look different.” Yes: “The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 And Scripture also calls for: “Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9 The issue is not ugliness. Not neglect. Not a religious uniform. The question is: WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD? Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction. CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING. Let your appearance quietly testify: “I BELONG TO CHRIST.” --- ④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.” Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively. Anger becomes “my personality.” Pride becomes “confidence.” Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.” Then comes the universal shield: “Nobody is perfect.” True. But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5 Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life. HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW. “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69 Stop defending your defect with: “THAT'S WHO I AM.” Bring it to Jesus: “LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.” --- ⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”? Here excuses become painfully practical: “My job is here.” “My children's opportunities are here.” “I'll move when everything becomes convenient.” Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged: “Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29 Why? Not because soil saves souls. But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times. God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis. “The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8 Abraham lived as a pilgrim. Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12 Their stories remind us: LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT. Yet Inspiration also counseled: “Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26 So the message is not: PANIC AND RUN. It is: PRAY. PREPARE. SIMPLIFY. LEARN. WATCH PROVIDENCE. AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY. And remember: YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART. Christ's first relocation project is: SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT. --- ⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE? Here the excuses sound innocent: “I'm only joking.” “But it's true!” “I just needed to release my feelings.” Scripture answers: “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4 “Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2 And instead: “That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 Imagine that standard: WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE. No gossip. No slander. No degrading jesting. No cutting sarcasm. No dishonest flattery. No spreading bitterness from heart to heart. “Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14 This does not mean hiding wrongdoing. Jesus rebuked sin. Nathan confronted David. Paul corrected churches. Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals. But Scripture says: “Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15 Before speaking, ask: IS IT TRUE? IS IT NECESSARY? IS IT LOVING? WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON? WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS? “Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337 What a standard: **TRUTH ON THE LIPS. GRACE IN THE HEART.** --- ⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.” Sometimes that is sincere. Conscience must never be forced. But sometimes: “I'M NOT CONVICTED” really means: “I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.” Jesus reveals a searching principle: “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17 Notice the order: WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE. Before asking, “Is this really required?” ask: “LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?” That question exposes whether we want truth— or merely reassurance. --- ⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST Inspiration defines genuine reformation: “Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128 Truth must reach: the calendar, the kitchen, the wardrobe, the temper, the address, the tongue, and the choices nobody sees. “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22 But never miss this: REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE. You can keep Sabbath— and hate your brother. Eat perfectly— and feed on pride. Dress modestly— and advertise self-righteousness. Move to the country— and take worldliness with you. Guard your tongue publicly— while bitterness rules privately. Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits. HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 --- THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM When Christ touches your— TIME—will He be Lord? APPETITE—will He be Lord? APPEARANCE—will He be Lord? CHARACTER—will He be Lord? LOCATION—will He be Lord? TONGUE—will He be Lord? There it is. DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING? “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 Perhaps we do not need another argument. Perhaps we need another surrender. Instead of continually praying: “LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,” perhaps we need to pray: “LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.” Take my appetite. Take my pride. Take my temper. Take my tongue. Take my plans. Take my home. TAKE MY WHOLE HEART. “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6 NO MORE EXCUSES. NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT. NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD. CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE. FAITH BEFORE FEAR. TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION. SURRENDER BEFORE SELF. Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord— REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US. IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)" ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one: The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝 🌹. MD.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026. *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22. 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20). *INTRODUCTION* In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11). Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction. *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception* a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations. b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly. *Question* Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them? *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession* a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer. *Question* Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance? *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization* When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming. *Question* Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments 🙏. 2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will 🙏. 3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word 🙏. 4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only 🙏. *HYMN:* Lord speak to me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_ *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.* *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."* *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*📜📜 Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👶🏽👦🏽👨🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_ *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.* *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.* *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.* *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_ A Child With A Difference https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 23:25-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below: *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).* *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).* *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).* *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).* *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).* *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).* *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).* *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4* Profitable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You. We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways. Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us. Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful. O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)" ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one: The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝 🌹. MD.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026. *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22. 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20). *INTRODUCTION* In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11). Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction. *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception* a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations. b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly. *Question* Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them? *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession* a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer. *Question* Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance? *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization* When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming. *Question* Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments 🙏. 2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will 🙏. 3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word 🙏. 4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only 🙏. *HYMN:* Lord speak to me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_ *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.* *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."* *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*📜📜 Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👶🏽👦🏽👨🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_ *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.* *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.* *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.* *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_ A Child With A Difference https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 23:25-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below: *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).* *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).* *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).* *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).* *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).* *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).* *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).* *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4* Profitable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You. We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways. Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us. Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful. O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

THIS IS BAPHOMET This lesson will be a little different as we will address the urgency of this topic. Baphomet was one of the early child sacrificing gods of the Bible days. But here is the issue. The worship of Baphomet continues to this day. It is Satanism pure and simple. Worship entailed having sexual intercourse with temple priests and prostitutes. Baphomet is a creature with both male and female genitalia. Female breasts with male arms and legs. Baphomet worship is a fulfillment of base sexual desires and deviance. It is foundational homosexuality from the source that inspires homosexuality, Satan. It is necessary as a follower of Baphomet to sacrifice your children to him. In Bible days, that meant placing your infant to one year old child into the white-hot metal arms of a Baphomet idol and worshipping as your child writhes in excruciating pain before dying. Yes, to this day there are Captains of industry, government leaders and Hollywood elites who gather to offer the life of their children to Baphomet. Today's worship of Baphomet still accepts the human sacrifices, but an additional provision was added. “Sacrificing your child” could mean doing so and devoting their continued life in service as a priest of Baphomet. What did that entail? It required the forced removal of a male's sexual organs. The new “priest” would live out his remaining days as a neutered sex object accepting the offerings of others. Do you understand that the push for accepting homosexuality in this country was always headed here? That it wasn't tolerance they wanted, or acceptance. Do you understand now why so many on the left have transgendered children? How the transgendered lunacy has resulted in government leaders too afraid to even define the word, “woman”. Within the past decade there has been another shift in culture to demonize Biblical stances and adults nowadays refuse to define the word, ‘woman’ because to do so would go counter to their agenda. So the madness that it is allowing men into locker rooms or women's bathrooms, and insisting against all science that they are a different kind of woman is not a mental deficiency, it is part and parcel of their Satanic agenda. Does it begin to make more sense that liberal women now stand supporting a mentally ill woman who strangled her 3 children? Anything to support victimizing the innocent is front and center in todays world as a great thing. Statistically speaking transgendered individuals make up 1% of a population of 3 to 5% of homosexuals but celebrities have 4 children, all of whom are transgendered now. This is a combination of mental illness and a demonic intent. They cannot be reasoned with, they will not apply the simplest of logic or understand reality because they can't. Why? They told us. Earlier last year a parade of homosexuals marched through the streets chanting, “We're here. We're queer. And we're coming for your children. “ But to share the video or comment on it was somehow “phobic”. So they can openly admit to wanting to rape your children, but for us to point it out becomes problematic. And we look around now and what used to be considered common sense is now considered bigotry. The absolute hatred that is displayed against anyone calling into question allowing a male to compete unfairly against women in sports isn't about acceptance, or equality it is rooted in the worship of Satan. Look at the rage on the videos of the mentally ill men online screaming “It's she, I'm a she.” Or, “It's ma'am.” That is not rational. It is not natural, it is demonic. This is not political, the leftist devotion to all things anti-god has been an issue for decades. But when adults in a school charged with keeping our kids safe covers up a trans student raping a girl in the bathroom, transferring him to another school where it happens again, you know there's an evil behind it. They would rather girls get raped than to possibly offend a homosexual and will go to great lengths not only to cover it up, but to allow it to happen again. No, what we see with Britney Griner and Lea Thompson is lackluster mediocre male athletes who aren't capable of competing against men now “declaring themselves female” so they can steal scholarships and positions from females. These men are doing this out of greed and indifference but the people defending them have a clear Satanic agenda. Even though the individuals themselves may not be aware, this is not a rights issue, it started as and continues as pagan worship. It is a demonic stance that God has made clear He hates. When you realize that the whole effort to deny the most basic biological fact that there are only 2 genders is not about rights, not about acceptance, it is clear that any organization or church supporting this is of a Satanic origin. They've said as much. So when you see celebrities with multiple children who they've adopted and then altered to become transgendered ministers of Baphomet, now you understand. They've surrendered the future to Satan creating a generation of infertile devotees to a blood cult. They must be removed from power and influence but they won't be because this is where we were always headed with the issue of homosexuality. To a culture that is either too afraid to speak up when children are being cut from the womb to be eaten by Baphomet fanatics, or they will follow cultural norms and will do nothing to stop it. Pray, brothers and sisters in Christ. Because Jesus is coming to His own and these unbelievers will be tossed unceremoniously into the pit of eternal fire to suffer eternally. Along with every lukewarm Christian who didn't want to make a stand out of fear of consequences. Now is the time to make a stand.

Ellen G. White I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8. Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better. Never let amusements, or the companionship of others, come between you and Jesus, your best Friend.... When natural inclination draws you in the direction of fulfilling some selfish desire, set the Lord before you as your counselor... Christians have many sources of happiness at their command, and they may tell with unerring accuracy what pleasures are lawful and right...If they can take Jesus with them, and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly safe....An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but instructive....In all our seasons of recreation we may gather from the Divine Source of strength fresh courage and power, that we may the more successfully elevate our lives to purity, true goodness, and holiness....Those who really enjoy the love of God will have joy and peace. Religion was never designed to make one pleasureless. What can be productive of greater happiness than to enjoy the peace of Christ, the bright sunshine of His presence? [ FLB 237.]