Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *TEXT:* GENESIS 22:2, 16-18. 2 God said, “Please take your son, your unique son whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him as a burnt offering there on one of the mountains that I will point out to you.” Heb 11:17. 16 and said, “I have taken an oath to swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that since you have carried this out and have not withheld your only unique son, Luk 1:73 Heb 6:13 [Eze 16:8] [Heb 6:14] 17 I will certainly bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the gates of their enemies. Gen 24:60 [Gen 46:3] [Neh 9:23] [Heb 11:12] 18 Furthermore, through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my command.” Gen 12:3 Gen 18:18 Gen 26:4 Act 3:25 Gal 3:8 [Gen 28:14] [Jer 4:2] [Luk 1:55] [Luk 24:27] [Joh 1:45] [Joh 4:22] [Joh 5:46] [Act 10:43] [Act 13:32] [Act 26:6] [Act 28:23] [Rom 1:2]. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *THE MESSAGE:* In Christianity, being obedient means listening attentively to divine instruction and responding positively out of reverence for our Creator. When anything else occupies your heart, obeying God becomes difficult. Faithful obedience, as seen in Abraham's prompt response to God's command, requires trust and surrender, not rationalisation. Abraham obeyed God and was willing to sacrifice his only Son, the promised child. Like Jesus, our ultimate example, we must obey even when it is complex and costly. You must give up something of worth. Are you obeying God's instructions, or hesitating? Can you let go of a relationship that you hold so dearly to safeguard your faith? If you struggle, ask God for a heart that responds promptly and faithfully. *REFLECTION:* Obedience comes with blessings. *PRAYER:* Father, give me the grace to obey You promptly. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 24-28. ED.ii. WHEN WE COME TOGETHER "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." - 1 Corinthians 14:26 When we come together, we call it a church meeting or service. In a meeting there should be room for the ministry of God's servant, so the church is educated and grows. But it is also important that the entire congregation participates. If you are a member of a church, then you are not a visitor nor a guest, but a member of the Body of Christ. The intention is that every member participates in the meeting. As the congregation consists of several people, it could become hyperactive. When everyone participates at the same time, it then becomes chaotic. Order in church Paul gives us insights about these things in his letters to the Corinthian church. Corinth was a young church with many activities. That is why they needed help with the order during the church service. They had to learn how such a meeting should be because they had recently been born again. There were gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church, but they did not know which gift to give priority to. They also did not have much experience in dealing with new church members. They did not know how to resolve certain disagreements, etc. Paul wanted to help them. We have gained knowledge about these matters because Paul wrote and explained how everything should work. Paul says that 'the church may be built up' (1 Corinthians 14:26) and in 1 Corinthians 14:40 he says: 'but everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.' Nobody is to have a hidden agenda. Let us live like the first church did. 'They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer' (Acts 2:42). https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ⏤ Colossians 3:23 God does nothing except in response to believing prayer. ⏤ John Wesley O God, by the teaching and example of Your dear Son, You have warned us to work Your works while it is day, before the night comes. Give us the spirit of earnestness and diligence so that we may faithfully do the work You’ve given us. Save us from laziness and sloth. Help us to understand the true meaning of life. Enable us by Your grace to do everything with all our might, whatever tasks come our way. We ask Your forgiveness tonight for where we’ve failed to fulfill our duties. Give us grace and wisdom to use every talent You’ve entrusted to us, so that it may bring blessings and good into the world, and honor and glory to Your name. May we be faithful in every relationship in life. In our home, help us to fulfill our duties so that no part of our home life suffers. Help us to be faithful in all our business, social, church, state, and worldly responsibilities. We also ask that You teach us how to make all our work Christian work—business for Jesus. Teach us how to do everything for Your glory. Let not our worldly activities steal our hearts away from our heavenly Master. Don’t let us become worldly while we are busy with the things we must do to provide for our bodies. Make all our work a means of grace to us. May we learn to do everything for Jesus. Then we will find a blessing in every task and duty. Grant that in all things we may honor and glorify You, forgetting ourselves. We ask this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/48/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Daily Devotional Sing and pray with my neighbors. They sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped. 2 Chronicles 29:30 The presentation of the truth in love and sympathy, from house to house, is in harmony with the instruction that Christ gave to His disciples when He sent them out on their first missionary tour. By songs of praise to God, by humble, heartfelt prayers, by a simple presentation of Bible truth in the family circle, many will be reached. The divine [Worker] will be present to send conviction to hearts. “I am with you alway” is His promise. With the assurance of the abiding presence of such a Helper, we may labor with hope and faith and courage. Those who have the gift of song are needed. Song is one of the most effective means of impressing spiritual truth upon the heart. Often by the words of sacred songs the springs of penitence and faith have been unsealed.... Church members, young and old, should be educated to go forth to proclaim this last message to the world. If they go in humility, angels of God will go with them, teaching them how to lift up the voice in prayer, how to raise the voice in song, and how to proclaim the gospel message for this time. Learn to sing the simplest of songs. These will help you in house-to-house labor, and hearts will be touched by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Christ was often heard singing hymns of praise.... There was joy in His heart. We learn from the Word that there is joy among the angels of heaven over one repentant sinner and that the Lord rejoices over His church with singing. As, like the disciples, you go from place to place telling the story of the Saviour’s love, you will make friends and will see the fruit of your labor. [239]

Saturday, 22nd August, 2026 TITLE: "EQUIPPED BY GOD'S WORD, PERFECTED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." Hebrews 13:20–21 (KJV) "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "God's Word equips us, and God's grace enables us to fulfil His will." DAY'S REFLECTION God has not called us to live the Christian life without guidance or spiritual equipment. He has given us His Word and His grace to shape our character, direct our lives, and prepare us for good works. Paul declares in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." This means Scripture comes from God and carries divine authority. It is profitable—useful and beneficial—for every area of spiritual development. The Word provides doctrine, teaching us what is true. It brings reproof, showing us when we are going wrong. It brings correction, helping us get back on the right path. It provides instruction in righteousness, teaching us how to live in a way that pleases God. Verse 17 says that the purpose is that the servant of God may be "perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." Here, perfect carries the idea of being complete or mature, while throughly furnished means fully equipped or prepared. God does not give us His Word merely so that we can gain biblical knowledge; He gives it to prepare us for practical Christian living and service. Hebrews 13:20–21 adds another important truth. The God of peace is actively working in His people, making them ready "to do his will." The phrase "working in you" reminds us that spiritual growth is not achieved by human effort alone. God works within us through Christ, shaping our desires, strengthening our character, and enabling us to do what pleases Him. This gives us a beautiful partnership: God's Word teaches us what to do, and God's grace enables us to do it. Life experience shows that having instructions is not enough; we must apply them. A person can own a Bible and still fail to experience transformation if the Word is not read, believed, obeyed, and practised. Likewise, we may have good intentions but need God's strength to carry them out consistently. Therefore, make God's Word part of your daily life. Read it, meditate upon it, receive its correction, and practise its instructions. At the same time, depend on God's grace rather than your own strength. God is still working in you. He is equipping you for the assignment He has given you and preparing you for every good work. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 119:105 (KJV) "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Philippians 2:13 (KJV) "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God's Word is inspired and profitable for every aspect of Christian growth. 2. Scripture teaches, corrects, disciplines, and equips us for righteous living. 3. Spiritual maturity involves putting God's Word into practice. 4. God works within us to enable us to fulfil His will. 5. We should depend on God's grace rather than human strength alone. 6. Every believer is called and equipped for good works that glorify God. EVERYDAY ACTION Read God's Word today, obey one truth it teaches, and ask God to help you put it into practice. PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and Your grace. Teach me, correct me, equip me, and work in me so that I may fulfil Your will and abound in every good work. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am equipped by God's Word and strengthened by His grace. The Lord is working in me to fulfil His will. I am prepared for every good work, and my life will be pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: DOES READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR PHONE A SIN? A Powerful Sermon for Young and Mature Christians. The Phone Is Not the Problem. Imagine this: You wake up in the morning. Before your feet touch the floor, your hand reaches for your phone. You check WhatsApp. You scroll through Facebook. You watch a few videos. You check notifications. You laugh at a few posts. Then someone asks you: “Did you read your Bible today?” You say, “Yes, I read it on my phone.” But another person says, “Reading the Bible on your phone is not spiritual. You need a physical Bible!” So, who is right? Is reading the Bible on your phone a sin? The answer is NO. The Bible does not teach that reading God's Word from a phone is sinful. The issue is not whether the Bible is printed on paper or displayed on a screen. The greater issue is whether God's Word is entering your heart and transforming your life. Your phone can be a tool for temptation—or a tool for transformation. The same device that can carry pornography can carry Scripture. The same phone that can waste three hours can also help you spend thirty minutes with God. The question is not simply: “What device are you using?” The deeper question is: “What are you using the device for, and what is God's Word producing in your life?” 1. GOD'S WORD IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT THE MATERIAL IT IS PRINTED ON Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 «“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”» Paul does not say God's Word becomes powerful only when printed on paper. The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the material on which the words appear. Whether you read: - a physical Bible, - a Bible app, - an ebook, - a Bible website, - or listen to an audio Bible, the important question is whether you are receiving and obeying the truth of God's Word. Consider this: If you read Psalm 23 on paper, God can speak to you. If you read Psalm 23 on your phone, God can speak to you. The paper does not make the Word powerful. God makes His Word powerful. The Bible says: «“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12» The power is in the Word, not in the paper. 2. JESUS TAUGHT US TO CARRY GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS Key Scripture: Psalm 119:11 «“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”» Notice what the psalmist says: “I have hidden Your Word in my heart.” He doesn't say, “I have hidden Your Word in my leather Bible.” The ultimate goal of Bible reading is not merely to own a Bible. It is to allow the Bible to own your heart. You can carry a beautiful Bible everywhere and never obey it. You can have 20 Bible apps installed and never open one. You can underline hundreds of verses and still refuse to forgive somebody. You can listen to sermons every day and remain unchanged. Therefore, Bible possession is not the same as Bible transformation. Jesus said: «“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15» The real evidence that we are receiving God's Word is not merely that we read it. It is that we obey it. 3. YOUR PHONE CAN BECOME A TEMPLE OF DISTRACTION OR A TOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP This is where we need wisdom. Reading the Bible on your phone is not a sin. But allowing your phone to constantly distract you from God's Word is a spiritual problem. You open your Bible app to read Matthew 5. A notification appears. You check WhatsApp. Someone has posted something interesting. You open Facebook. Then you see a video. Then another video. Twenty minutes later, you have forgotten why you opened the phone. The problem was not the phone. The problem was lack of spiritual discipline. Jesus said: «“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41» We must learn to control our devices rather than allowing our devices to control us. Your phone can help you: - read Scripture every morning; - memorize Bible verses; - listen to Scripture while travelling; - study different Bible translations; - search for related passages; - take spiritual notes; - listen to Christian teaching; - share Scripture with others; - follow a Bible reading plan. But it can also become a major source of distraction. The same phone can take you closer to God or farther from Him. The difference is how you use it. 4. DON'T CONFUSE A PHYSICAL BIBLE WITH SPIRITUALITY There is nothing wrong with loving a physical Bible. In fact, many Christians find it easier to concentrate, underline passages, make notes, and remember where verses are located when using a printed Bible. That's wonderful. But we must be careful not to create spiritual rules that God did not create. If someone says: “You are sinning because you read the Bible on your phone,” ask respectfully: “Where does Scripture teach that?” We must distinguish between: Biblical commands Things God actually commands. Personal preferences Things that may help us spiritually but are not universal commands. A physical Bible can be an excellent spiritual tool. But it is not a requirement for salvation. It is not the paper that makes someone spiritual. It is their relationship with Christ and their submission to God's Word. 5. THE GOAL OF BIBLE READING IS TRANSFORMATION Key Scripture: James 1:22 «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”» This is one of the most important truths in this entire message. You can read the Bible on your phone and become spiritually mature. You can read the Bible from a physical Bible and remain spiritually immature. Why? Because reading is the beginning—not the destination. The Word should change: - how you speak; - how you think; - how you treat people; - how you handle money; - how you respond to temptation; - how you conduct relationships; - how you forgive; - how you work; - how you raise your children; - how you use technology. If your Bible reading does not affect your life, something is missing. The purpose of Scripture is not simply to fill your head with information but to transform your heart and direct your life. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS Consider Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4. When Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus responded repeatedly: “It is written…” Jesus knew the Word. He remembered the Word. He trusted the Word. He used the Word. And He obeyed the Word. The lesson is powerful: The Bible is not merely something we read during peaceful moments. It is truth we carry into spiritual battles. When temptation says: “You cannot overcome this.” The Word says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 When fear says: “You are alone.” The Word says: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 When anxiety says: “Everything is going to collapse.” The Word says: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…” — Philippians 4:6 When condemnation says: “You are finished.” The Word reminds you: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 That is why we must not merely read the Word. We must know the Word. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT Your phone is neither holy nor sinful by itself. It is a tool. A knife can prepare food or cause harm. Money can support ministry or become an idol. A car can take you to church or take you somewhere sinful. A phone can spread the Gospel or spread ungodliness. The issue is the heart of the user. Jesus taught: «“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21» Therefore, examine your heart. If you use your phone to read Scripture, praise God. If your phone constantly distracts you from Scripture, establish boundaries. If a particular app repeatedly pulls you into sin, have the courage to remove it. Don't protect an app at the expense of your spiritual life. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Choose a Bible-reading time Don't wait until you “feel spiritual.” Set a time and keep it. 2. Turn off notifications When studying Scripture, silence unnecessary notifications. Give God your attention. 3. Use your phone intentionally Before opening your phone, know why you are opening it. If you are reading Scripture, read Scripture. 4. Keep a physical Bible if it helps you There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a printed Bible. Use whatever helps you engage deeply with God's Word. 5. Don't only read—meditate Ask: What is God saying? What does this reveal about Him? What must I change? What must I obey? 6. Memorize Scripture A phone can disappear. A battery can die. A network can fail. But God's Word hidden in your heart remains with you. 7. Put Scripture into practice Forgive. Love. Serve. Give. Pray. Speak truth. Resist temptation. Live holy. That is when Scripture becomes visible in your life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I reading the Bible to know God or simply to complete a reading plan? 2. Does my phone help my spiritual life more than it harms it? 3. What usually distracts me when I try to read Scripture? 4. Do I obey the Bible or merely quote it? 5. Is there an app or online activity that is consistently pulling me away from God? 6. What Scripture am I currently hiding in my heart? 7. If someone observed my phone activity for one week, would they see evidence of Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Hunger Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Word. Let me desire Scripture more than entertainment, in Jesus' name. 2. Prayer for Understanding Lord, open my spiritual understanding. Help me not only to read Your Word but to understand what You are saying to me. 3. Prayer Against Distraction Father, deliver me from every distraction that steals my attention from You. Give me discipline and spiritual focus. 4. Prayer for Obedience Lord, give me grace to practice what I read. Let Your Word transform my thoughts, character, decisions, and relationships. 5. Prayer for Technology Father, teach me to use technology wisely. Let my phone become a tool for Your glory and not an instrument of spiritual destruction. 6. Prayer for Young People Lord, raise a generation of young people who love Your Word, understand Your truth, resist temptation, and boldly represent Christ in this digital age. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Growth Holy Spirit, make me spiritually mature. Let Scripture become deeply rooted in my heart and visible in my daily life. STRONG CLOSING: WHAT IS YOUR PHONE DOING TO YOUR SPIRIT? Let me leave you with this question: When you pick up your phone, what usually gets the first part of your attention? Social media? Entertainment? Messages? News? Or God? Your phone is not your master. Your notifications are not your master. Social media is not your master. Jesus Christ is Lord. So, if reading the Bible on your phone helps you encounter God, read it. If listening to an audio Bible helps you stay in God's Word, listen. If a physical Bible helps you concentrate, use it. The goal is not to worship the format. The goal is to know the Author. Don't become a Christian who owns a Bible but doesn't know the God of the Bible. Don't become someone who can quote Scripture but refuses to obey it. Don't allow a smartphone to become smarter than your spiritual life. Use technology—but don't let technology use you. Read the Word. Study the Word. Meditate on the Word. Memorize the Word. Obey the Word. Live the Word. And most importantly: Live for Jesus. Final Declaration My phone will not control me. My distractions will not control me. God's Word will guide me. The Holy Spirit will lead me. Jesus Christ will remain my Lord. And everything I use—including my technology—will be used for the glory of God. Amen! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - Whatsapp +2349024173027, +2349055447540, Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

🌿 A Future of Peace Under the Reign of God — Micah 4:1–5 Micah had just confronted corruption, injustice, and failed leadership. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/20/a-future-of-peace-under-the-reign-of-god/ Then, in Micah 4, the picture suddenly changes. He sees a day when people are drawn to God, nations seek His instruction, weapons of war are turned into tools of cultivation, and people live securely without fear. Why? Because God is reigning. Micah 4 reminds us that our ultimate hope is not found in better politics, stronger institutions, greater wealth, or humanity finally figuring everything out. Our hope is in the righteous reign of God and in Jesus Christ, the King who will make all things right. But this passage also challenges us today. If God’s kingdom is our future, then His ways should shape how we live in the present. We should seek His Word.
We should pursue peace.
We should practice justice.
We should resist fear.
 And even when the culture around us chooses another direction, we should continue walking with the Lord. 📖 Read the new blog: “A Future of Peace Under the Reign of God — Micah 4:1–5.” If we believe God’s kingdom is our future, are we allowing God’s King to rule our lives today? #Micah #Micah4 #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #KingdomOfGod #Faith #JesusChrist #BiblicalHope #WalkWithGod #AGuyAndHisBible

Kingdom Principles: Salt and Light As we continue meditating on the Kingdom principles that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to two powerful metaphors that directly speak to the life and witness of His disciples: salt and light. After teaching the Beatitudes, Jesus explained how citizens of God’s Kingdom should live in a way that influences the world and brings glory to our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Salt has a purpose: it gives flavor and preserves. If salt loses its distinctive quality, it becomes useless. In the same way, followers of Christ are called to live lives that demonstrate the character, truth, love, and holiness of Jesus. Our lives should make a spiritual difference in the world around us. Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Light has a purpose: it drives away darkness and makes things visible. A city on a hill cannot be hidden, and a lamp is not placed under a basket but on a lampstand so that it can give light to everyone in the house (Matthew 5:14–15). Jesus is teaching us not to hide the light He has placed within us. Therefore, Jesus gives us this powerful instruction: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our good works are not the reason for our salvation; rather, salvation through Jesus Christ produces good works in our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s character becomes visible in us. As we follow Jesus, His light is reflected through our words, actions, love, compassion, humility, and obedience. Our purpose is not to receive glory for ourselves, but to point people toward our Heavenly Father. May our lives truly be salt and light, so that others may see Christ in us and glorify God. Let your light shine, love God, and love people. Have a blessed day!

Give God Control (Proverbs 3:5–6) One of the hardest things to do is let go. We want to control our future. Our plans. Our relationships. Our careers. Our finances. Our reputation. Even the things we pray about. We often tell God what we want and then quietly expect Him to follow our plan. But trusting God means something deeper. It means being willing to say: “Lord, I trust You—even when Your plan is different from mine.” The Bible says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Notice the instruction: Trust. Not partially. Not only when everything makes sense. With all your heart. Sometimes we struggle to trust God because we want to know exactly what will happen next. But faith doesn't require knowing the entire future. Faith means trusting the One who already knows it. Think about Peter when Jesus called him to step out of the boat. The water was still there. The storm was still around him. But Peter had to decide whether he would trust Jesus enough to take the step. Sometimes God is asking you to take a step before you have all the answers. Maybe you need to start something. Maybe you need to stop something. Maybe you need to forgive. Maybe you need to wait. Maybe you need to surrender a dream. Maybe you need to give God control of a relationship, career decision, or future you have been trying desperately to manage yourself. Surrender doesn't mean giving up on life. It means giving up the illusion that you have to control everything. There are things you can control: Your choices. Your attitude. Your obedience. Your words. Your effort. Your response. But there are also things you cannot control: Other people's decisions. Tomorrow. The economy. Every outcome. Every opportunity. Every circumstance. Trying to control what belongs outside your control will eventually leave you exhausted. So give those things to God. Pray about them. Do your part faithfully. Then trust Him with the results. And remember: Surrender is not weakness. It is an expression of faith. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of surrender in the garden of Gethsemane. Facing the cross, He prayed to the Father and submitted to God's will. That obedience brought salvation to humanity. The cross reminds us that God's plan can accomplish something far greater than what we can see in the moment. Maybe you don't understand your current season. Maybe you're asking: “Why is this happening?” Instead of only asking God to change the situation, try asking: “Lord, what are You teaching me through this?” Sometimes God changes the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us. And sometimes He does both. Whatever you're facing today, don't carry it as though everything depends on you. Give God your fears. Give Him your plans. Give Him your mistakes. Give Him your future. Give Him your unanswered questions. And then trust Him one day at a time. You may not know what tomorrow holds. But you know who holds tomorrow. Release what you cannot control and trust the God who can. Today, take a quiet moment and pray: “Lord, I surrender my plans, my fears, and my future to You. Help me trust Your wisdom more than my own understanding. Lead me where You want me to go, and give me the courage to follow. Amen.” What is one thing you've been trying to control that you need to place completely in God's hands? #GiveGodControl #Proverbs3 #TrustGod #SurrenderToGod #FaithOverFear #WalkByFaith #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

Pray Always and Not Lose Heart Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow in direct response to a clear reality: that people lose heart in prayer before the answer arrives. The parable reveals God's heart towards the believer who refuses to give up. The widow's persistence was rewarded because she recognised the justice of her cause and refused to let time erode her confidence. The one who presses forward without prayer is a soldier advancing without communication with headquarters. Strategy, supplies, and specific orders all come through that essential, maintained line. Jesus knows that prolonged prayer without a visible answer can tempt one to loosen one's grip on faith. His instruction: do not let go. Keep praying. Keep knocking. Keep asking. Press forward in prayer as the primary fuel for sustained, enduring, faith-filled progress. PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, teach me to pray with the persistence of the widow, not in doubt but in confidence in Your justice and Your love. I will not lose heart. I will keep pressing forward in prayer. In Jesus' name! Hallelujah! Amen!

Building Blocks To Growing In Jesus… SENSITIVITY AND SUBMISSION TO GOD’s WORD Proverbs 3:1-2 — "My son, don't forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands, because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being." Psalm 119:105 — "Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey." Walking the path of faith requires a steady anchor and a discerning heart. In a world full of shifting opinions, loud voices, and subtle spiritual errors, God has not left us to guess. He has given us His living, active Word as a reliable standard to guide our steps, protect our minds, and draw us closer to Him. True spiritual sensitivity begins when we approach the Scriptures with a humble and teachable spirit. Instead of forcing our own desires onto the text, we allow the Bible to search our hearts, correct our motives, and shape our character unfolding a life of genuine obedience and daily renewal. This kind of submission is not a burden; it is an act of deep trust in a loving Father who knows what is best for us. When we hide God's truth in our hearts, we build a natural defense against deception arming our minds with discernment and anchoring our souls against the shifting tides of the world. We learn to spot the counterfeits—messages that flatter human pride, promise cheap grace, or distort the character of Jesus Christ. Grounded in Scripture, we can test every teaching against the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Ultimately, submitting to God's Word transforms how we live each day. It moves us from merely hearing spiritual truths to actively putting them into practice through love, obedience, and service. As we let His word be a lamp to our feet, we walk with confidence, knowing we are anchored in the truth that never fails. The key to having true sensitivity to God’s Word involves our having true discernment working in our lives on a daily basis: True discernment always uses the Bible as the final authority. It is not based on gut feelings, cultural trends, or personal intuition. How it works: Just as a bank teller is trained to spot counterfeit bills by studying real currency exhaustively, a believer sharpens discernment by deeply knowing the absolute truth of God's Word. Discernment is not merely an intellectual skill; it is a spiritual fruit made possible by a close walk with God. How it works: The Holy Spirit actively lives inside every believer to act as an internal compass, giving a sense of spiritual alignment or warning when something contradicts God's character. Truth always produces godliness, humility, love, and a high view of Jesus Christ. Error eventually produces pride, division, exploitation, or unrepentant sin. How it works: When evaluating a teaching, movement, or leader, look past the initial presentation or emotional appeal to examine the long-term character and spiritual fruit it leaves behind. CLOSING PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me a discerning heart anchored deeply in Your unchanging Word. Protect my mind from deception, and let Your Holy Spirit guide my every step. Help me to test all things with your wisdom Lord, walk in humble obedience, and reflect the love of Jesus Christ in a world so easily lost in the dark. Amen.

Conflict and Courage. Jeremiah 35:1-19 And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, ... Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, ... therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Jeremiah 35:18, 19. God commanded Jeremiah to gather the Rechabites into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and set wine before them and invite them to drink. Jeremiah did as the Lord commanded him. “But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever.” “Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, ... Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the Lord. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment.” Here God contrasts the obedience of the Rechabites with the disobedience and rebellion of His people, who will not receive His words of reproof and warning.... The Rechabites were commended for their ready and willing obedience, while God's people refused to be reproved by their prophets.29Testimonies for the Church 4:174, 175.