Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26. "RESPONDING TO FAILURE" ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’ Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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.ii. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026. *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN* *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8. 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10). *INTRODUCTION* When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*. *1. Prepared Heaven* a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal. b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity. *Question* Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven. *2. Pacification with Happiness* a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity. b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations? *Question* What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary? *3. Punishment of Hell* What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*. *Question* Are you transparently free from all sins? *Prayer Points* 1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace 🙏. 2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits 🙏. 3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things 🙏. 4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously 🙏. *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_ *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."* *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.* *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.* *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*📜📜 Short Shelf-Life Of Pain https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS SETS FREE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⛓️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽⛓️‍💥🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_ *A song writer wrote:* _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_ _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_ *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.* *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.* *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.* *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_ Jesus Sets Free https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 35:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped! While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued. In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability. *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18* God Is In Charge https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ⏤ Galatians 5:13 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name. We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls. So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day. We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good. Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

TODAY'S MESSAGE. SERMON TOPIC: A NATION UNDER PRESSURE NEEDS GOD. Beloved, we live in a time when many nations are under tremendous pressure. Families are mourning. Communities are living in fear. Kidnappings, terrorism, banditry, economic hardship, corruption, and moral decline have placed enormous burdens upon society. When a nation is under pressure, human wisdom alone is not enough. Political strategies alone are not enough. Military strength alone is not enough. A nation under pressure needs God. History and Scripture reveal that whenever people turned back to God, He intervened and brought healing, restoration, and peace. Key Texts Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." A nation becomes truly blessed when it acknowledges God's authority and follows His principles. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God's prescription for national healing begins with repentance and prayer. Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." National greatness is built upon righteousness. POINT 1: NATIONAL CRISES ARE A CALL TO SEEK GOD Whenever a nation experiences severe pressure, it should be a wake-up call to return to God. Many people seek God only when trouble comes. Yet God allows challenges to remind humanity that without Him we can do nothing. Bible Example During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, enemies gathered against Judah. The king did not depend solely on military power. He proclaimed a national fast and sought God. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 When the nation prayed, God fought for them and gave them victory. Lesson National crises should drive us toward God, not away from Him. POINT 2: GOD RAISES RIGHTEOUS LEADERS FOR TROUBLED NATIONS Leadership matters greatly. A nation under pressure needs leaders who fear God, love justice, and value human life. Bible Verse Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Corruption, greed, and selfish leadership bring suffering. God is able to raise men and women of integrity who will serve for the common good. Lesson Pray continually for leaders at every level of government. POINT 3: GOD EXPECTS HIS PEOPLE TO STAND IN THE GAP God often looks for intercessors when a nation is in trouble. Bible Verse Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land." The church must not be silent. Prayer changes situations. Revival begins when believers take responsibility for the spiritual condition of their nation. Lesson Never underestimate the power of consistent intercession. POINT 4: GOD CAN BRING PEACE WHERE FEAR REIGNS Fear may dominate the headlines, but God remains sovereign. Bible Verse Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." God specializes in bringing peace to troubled environments. When God steps into a situation, confusion gives way to order, fear gives way to courage, and despair gives way to hope. Lesson Trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming. CASE STUDY: NINEVEH'S NATIONAL REPENTANCE One of the greatest examples of national transformation is found in the Book of Jonah. God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh of impending judgment because of its wickedness. The king, leaders, and citizens humbled themselves before God. They fasted, prayed, and repented. Jonah 3:5-10 As a result, God showed mercy and spared the city. Lessons from Nineveh 1. No nation is beyond God's mercy. 2. Genuine repentance attracts divine intervention. 3. God responds when people humble themselves. 4. National transformation begins with spiritual transformation. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Pray Daily for Your Nation Make intercession for peace, security, and righteous leadership. 2. Live Righteously National change begins with personal transformation. 3. Support Justice and Truth Refuse corruption and dishonesty in every form. 4. Encourage Unity Promote peace among tribes, regions, and communities. 5. Share Hope Be a voice of faith instead of spreading fear. 6. Participate Responsibly Contribute positively to community development and national progress. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I praying regularly for my nation? 2. What role am I playing in promoting peace? 3. Am I living according to God's standards? 4. How can I become an agent of national transformation? 5. Am I contributing hope or fear to those around me? PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, have mercy upon our nation and forgive our sins. 2. Lord, heal every troubled region and restore peace. 3. Father, rescue every kidnapped victim and comfort grieving families. 4. Lord, frustrate every plan of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent criminals. 5. Father, strengthen and protect our security agencies. 6. Lord, raise leaders of integrity, wisdom, and compassion. 7. Father, let righteousness prevail in our land. 8. Lord, bring economic restoration and opportunities for our people. 9. Father, unite our nation and remove every spirit of division. 10. Lord, let a mighty revival sweep across our nation and turn hearts back to You. Conclusion A nation under pressure does not need despair; it needs God. The answer to insecurity is not only stronger institutions but also spiritual renewal. The answer to fear is faith. The answer to corruption is righteousness. The answer to national pressure is divine intervention. Let us pray, repent, trust God, and become instruments of peace. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12) May God heal our land, restore our peace, and grant us a future filled with hope. In Jesus' Name. 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 shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com Join our Facebook page for more messages below https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1krPZ6nX/ #UMOHEDEM

Hello beautiful people of God🖐️. I am from Nigeria where you are hearing of the horrible things happening. actually from North Central, Benue State precisely. (the epicenter of jihad). I want you to know that although we are been heavily persecuted, our kids kidnapped and our daughters abducted and abused by illiterate irridentis Fulani bandit, we are nevertheless more than ever determined to follow Christ. Reason? We see what is going on as signs that the return of Jesus is at the corner. So, whatever you're doing today, keep that at the back of your mind, pls.

Dear Father, In Nigeria, forty six children were kidnapped, and even more terrifying is that they showed no mercy to the children between the ages of two and seven. They are beaten and treated like criminals--innocent young minds who can barely distinguish evil from good. I wonder if they are old enough for questions to linger in their minds, or if, according to their nature, they forgive the kidnappers each time they are mistreated. I also wonder how long this traumatic experience will linger after they are finally free. After praying, I dreamt that the nation needs to come together as one, build unwavering strategies, and fight for the change we desire to see. When men built a tower to reach heaven, You Yourself affirmed: “Behold, the people is one, and nothing will be restrained from them...” For a long while, our desire for change has remained trapped in webs of intention and conversations, and we experience no change because we employ similar strategies--none that fully honor the power of speaking with one voice. When all businesses shut down operations and we deny ourselves comfort, stepping right into the streets--both rich, poor, small and great, with no taxes paid and no future election honored until we see change...I believe the united voice of the people is capable of overcoming the terror that has gripped the nation. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #justice #unity #change #Nigeria

Dear Father, In Nigeria, forty six children were kidnapped, and even more terrifying is that they showed no mercy to the children between the ages of two and seven. They are beaten and treated like criminals--innocent young minds who can barely distinguish evil from good. I wonder if they are old enough for questions to linger in their minds, or if, according to their nature, they forgive the kidnappers each time they are mistreated. I also wonder how long this traumatic experience will linger after they are finally free. After praying, I dreamt that the nation needs to come together as one, build unwavering strategies, and fight for the change we desire to see. When men built a tower to reach heaven, You Yourself affirmed: “Behold, the people is one, and nothing will be restrained from them...” For a long while, our desire for change has remained trapped in webs of intention and conversations, and we experience no change because we employ similar strategies--none that fully honor the power of speaking with one voice. When all businesses shut down operations and we deny ourselves comfort, stepping right into the streets--both rich, poor, small and great, with no taxes paid and no future election honored until we see change...I believe the united voice of the people is capable of overcoming the terror that has gripped the nation. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #justice #unity #change #Nigeria

A Little Light Reading. Who are the sons of God. Doug Bachelor. October 30, 1938. It was the night just before Halloween, and many Americans were tuning their radios to the Columbia Broadcasting System, which had just finished reporting on the weather and began playing music. Within moments, the broadcast was interrupted by a news flash about strange explosions on Mars. The an- nouncer reassured the audience that as more information became available, more an- nouncements would be made. Then the mu- sic continued. As the night progressed, the music was interrupted frequently, now with terrifying reports of an invasion. Aliens from Mars had landed in New Jersey and in cities around the world. The Earth was under a full-scale attack. Many listening to the broadcast pan- icked, and some even fled their homes for the hills. But it was all fiction. A young Orson Wells had adapted the H.G. Wells book War of the Worlds for broadcast and modified the script to present the story as though it were happening in real time. Many listeners took the fiction to be real. Those who panicked were operating with incomplete information. They had failed to hear the station announce at the beginning and the end of the broadcast that it was all mere drama. Coming in at the middle, hear- ing only part of the story, they had no context and ran off thinking the sky was falling. Similarly, there is a passage in the book of Genesis that, when read out of context, has caused many to believe the Earth has been in- vaded by aliens from outer space. Let’s take a look at that puzzling verse: And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that Who Are the Sons of God? 3 the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose (Genesis 6:1, 2, emphasis added). It’s a phrase that runs all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation: “sons of God.” So I think it is important to make sure we understand what it is really saying, don’t you? Some believe that the term “sons of God” refers to extraterrestrial invaders. They be- lieve that these beings are fallen angels or evil aliens from space who took female humans as wives and produced some notable offspring. They rationalize this belief by saying that this is the only explanation for why the progeny produced by these unions were “giants” (v. 4). They also believe these unholy unions were ultimately responsible for the increased wick- edness of man that led to the Flood. Some Bible translations flat-out say, “Some of their daughters were so beauti- ful that supernatural beings came down and married the ones they wanted” (CEV). This translation, however, doesn’t line up very well 4 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: with the original Hebrew. Around the time of Christ, moreover, a lot of apocryphal books were in circulation; some of these works also have these kinds of strange interpretations in them. For instance, have you heard of the book of Enoch? It’s not in the Bible, but it is briefly mentioned in the book of Jude. The writer of Jude actually quotes a few lines from Enoch, which was a popular apocryphal work from the time of Christ. (It wasn’t actually written by Enoch.) It was a book of fables, similar to the more modern The Pilgrim’s Progress. Jude pulled a kernel of truth from the book of Enoch, but it should not be viewed as an endorsement for the veracity of every- thing else in the book of Enoch. Likewise, one could preach a Spirit-filled sermon while giv- ing a quote or two from John Bunyan, sharing a small kernel of truth from his allegories. It doesn’t mean the stories are true. Remember, no Christian religious author- ity—the Catholics nor the Protestants—chose to put the book of Enoch into the final canon of their faiths. They recognized it was more mythological than truth, and it certainly was Who Are the Sons of God? 5 not inspired on an equal level with the Bible, if at all. Now that you understand its place, here’s what the book of Enoch says about the sons of God: It happened after the sons of men had multiplied in those days and daughters were born to them elegant and beau- tiful and when the angels, the sons of heaven beheld them, they became en- amored of them and they said to each other, come, let us select ourselves wives from the prodigy of men and let us beget children (7:1). Some of the early church leaders read this line, blinked twice, and figured it might have indeed happened that way. As a result, some of God’s people have never totally shaken this fable from their set of beliefs. However, it is a fanciful interpretation that, if taken seriously, actually causes enormous problems with a lot of other Bible teachings. In fact, there is another important reason to understand this passage. The things that 6 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: happen in Genesis 6, the first few verses espe- cially, reflect the conditions of the world that led to the destruction of the Earth by a flood in the time of Noah. And these things are be- ing repeated in our day. So it is good for us to understand what the Bible is really saying here and what it is not saying. On the surface, claiming that the “sons of God” refers to fallen angels might seem to be an intriguing conclusion. But as we shall see, without understanding the context that surrounds this passage, you can actually be confused into believing that certain myths are real. If there’s ever any confusion about what Scripture tells us, it’s generally due to a lack of information. When the religious leaders were confused about marriage in heaven, Jesus said to them, “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?” (Mark 12:24). In other words, Jesus is saying here, “You don’t un- derstand what I’m saying because you don’t know the Word of God.” Fortunately, we can clear up any confusion regarding the sons of God quite easily by gathering a little more Who Are the Sons of God? 7 information from the Bible and comparing Scripture with Scripture. Angels Are Spirits The King James Bible uses the term “sons of God” 11 times in two primary ways. However, it never uses the term to refer to an angelic being. “Who maketh his angels spirits” (Psalm 104:4). Angels are spirits; they are not flesh. They are all around us now, but we cannot see them. They generally remain in their spiritual form and have very little physical integration in our world—they don’t go to school, get jobs, or raise families. They are here to “minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Even if they wanted to marry and have babies, they couldn’t; they don’t have human DNA. It would be easier for a jellyfish to mar- ry a mountain goat than for angels to marry people. Thus, it doesn’t make any practical sense to believe that our passage in Genesis refers to the marriage of angels, fallen or holy, to humans. Angels are not born; they are created. If God wanted more angels, He wouldn’t need 8 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: to marry them off to humans or other an- gels to reproduce. He could create them from scratch. Speaking of Lucifer, God said, “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created (Ezekiel 28:13 NKJV, emphasis added). Moreover, Jesus tells us plainly that angels do not marry. Marriage is a uniquely human institution, reserved for mankind. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are giv- en in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). Mark and Luke suggest the same thing: “Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God” (Luke 20:36; some translations render it “sons of God”). Notice here that Jesus makes a distinction be- tween angels and sons of God. They are classi- fied separately, which means they are not the same thing. So if the sons of God are not angels, then who or what are they? Cosmic Life? While the sons of God in our passage were not space invaders, the Bible does appear to Who Are the Sons of God? 9 teach that there is other life out there in the cosmos. It is clear in Scripture that Jesus made other planets: God “has in these last days spo- ken to us by His Son, whom He has appoint- ed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2 NKJV). In the parable of the lost sheep, the Earth represents the one lost sheep, a wandering world that went astray, the one Christ came to save. It’s easy to imagine that God, in His infinite existence, created other worlds with other physical beings. Of course, we know He had seraphim and cherubim and other angels prior to our world, so at a minimum we know there are at least those extrater- restrial creatures. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth” (Colossians 1:16 NKJV). “And ev- ery creature which is in heaven and on the earth … I heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13 NKJV). However, it is more than likely that most of these other created beings do not visit this world. You might say that the Earth is infected 10 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: with a deadly contagious disease called sin, and we are quarantined. The only ones al- lowed to go into a quarantined hospital ward are the hospital staff; in this case, God is the head physician, and His angels are the minis- tering spirits. Princes of Planets Thousands of years ago, an intriguing “out of this world” meeting took place in heaven. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them” (Job 1:6). In attendance at this meeting are sons of God, as well as Satan himself. Satan says that he has come from the Earth. The sons of God were there representing their unfallen worlds in God’s universe. Satan was there to repre- sent the Earth. Why would Satan be representing our world? Originally, Adam had dominion over the Earth. He was created by God to subdue and manage it. God said to Adam and Eve, “Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). Who Are the Sons of God? 11 While Adam was in obedience to God, he enjoyed headship over the world. But once Adam sinned and obeyed Satan, that domin- ion was forfeited to the enemy. “To whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness” (Romans 6:16 NKJV). Even Jesus referred to Satan as “the prince of this world” (John 12:31). In fact, in Matthew 4:8–10, Satan offers to transfer dominion of the Earth to Jesus—if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. It makes sense that Satan could not give away dominion of the Earth if it wasn’t his to give. So when God calls a meeting of world governors, or “sons of God,” Satan attends to represent the Earth. In the Gospel of Luke, the genealogy of Jesus is traced all the way back to Adam. Notice what Luke says about this lineage: “the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God” (Luke 3:38, emphasis added). The difference between Seth and Adam is the bellybutton. Adam was created by the hand of God; Seth was born of Eve. Adam 12 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: was the son of God, created to have dominion over the Earth. Thus, one definition for sons of God is those beings God Himself created to have dominion over the worlds He made. These beings were not born but were created directly by God. Job 38:7 tells us that when our world was created, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” The “morning stars” are angels, whereas “the sons of God” are the leaders of other worlds. (See Revelation 1:20.) With that cleared up, let’s talk about the second way the term “sons of God” is used. Heirs of Righteousness The other meaning of sons of God refers to human beings who have been recreated by God’s Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Matthew 5:9 adds, “Blessed are the peace- makers, for they shall be called sons of God” (NKJV). Here Jesus is obviously referring to human beings, but not just any human beings; these are peacemakers, the righteous children Who Are the Sons of God? 13 of God. In no way should this be construed to refer to angels or aliens. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Notice that there were those who were not sons of God, but that through receiving Him became sons of God. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). It should be mentioned that “sons of God” doesn’t mean just males. Many Bible trans- lations render the phrase “children of God.” Galatians 3:26 says, “For ye are all the chil- dren of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” It is by faith that a man or woman becomes a “child of God.” And, of course, some verses do men- tion God’s adopted sons and daughters. “Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off ” (Isaiah 56:5 NKJV). To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption 14 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a ser- vant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through of God through Christ (Galatians 4:5–7; see also Isaiah 56:5; Philippians 2:15). The inescapable conclusion from these verses and others is that “the sons of God” in Genesis 6 refers to the righteous children of God. Daughters of Men This would mean the term “daughters of men,” used in Genesis 6, refers to the daugh- ters of the unrighteous children of men, or those human beings who do not call on the name of the Lord. In the context of our Bible passage, “daughters of men” refers to the off- spring of Cain and his wife. Before moving on, I’d like to tackle one of the most popular questions skeptics enjoy posing about the Bible; that is, “Where did Cain’s wife come from?” This is yet another Who Are the Sons of God? 15 example where you just need to keep reading to get your answer. Genesis 5:4 tells us that Adam and Eve had many sons and daugh- ters. If you lived 930 years, like Adam, and if you were healthy, fertile, and reproductive for only 20 percent of your life, you would still have around 200 childbearing years. With God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, no doubt Adam and Eve’s progeny became quite numerous. Considering the near perfect vitality and health experienced by the first genera- tions … well, they probably had throngs of children. So Cain undoubtedly took one of his many sisters as his wife. At this point in Bible history, when man’s genetic vitality was at its peak, there was nothing forbidding the practice. Abraham married his half-sister (Genesis 20:2). Isaac married his cousin. It was not until the time of Moses that mar- rying a sister was forbidden, likely because of the greater risk of genetic weakness and health complications with the offspring (Deuteronomy 27:22). At first, Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain murdered Abel, so God gave 16 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: Adam and Eve another son, Seth. He began to have children of his own, and they “began to call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:25,26 NKJV). And from what we’ve seen in the Bible, those who call on the name of the Lord are called the sons of God. “But as many as re- ceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). Now Cain had been banished from God’s presence after he murdered his brother. He settled “in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she con- ceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch” (Genesis 4:16–18). Here, before the Flood, we have the de- scendants of Cain living in cities and the de- scendants of Seth living in the country. As long as they remained separate, the sons of God remained pure in their religious beliefs and practices. However, eventually they began to in- termingle. Maybe the sons of God needed Who Are the Sons of God? 17 supplies that could be more easily obtained in the cities where the daughters of men resided. The sons of God and daughters of men became familiar with each other, even friendly. Whatever the case, soon the godly sons of Seth, or sons of God, captivated by the beautiful daughters of Cain, began to marry these “daughters of men,” the descen- dants of Cain. In other words, the sons of God chose to take wives as they desired—women who were pleasing to the flesh—without regard to their moral character. They ignored good advice and likely did not receive the consent of their parents, nor did they consult with God and consider His will in the matter. Mixed Marriages It’s even quite possible the sons of God went into this situation with good intentions. Maybe they believed they could convert these daughters of Cain, introducing them to the Lord their God. It’s also possible the daugh- ters of Cain enticed the sons of God with promises, saying they would eventually fol- low the Lord. 18 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: However, the counsel of God could not be clearer: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteous- ness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14–18). God does not want His children marrying the unconverted or the unbelieving, even if they have a pretty face, the nicest disposition, Who Are the Sons of God? 19 or a passionate belief in regarding the spiri- tual realm. It makes no difference; God says that relationship will have problems. Praise be to God that He is merciful. Sometimes He blesses us in spite of our rebel- lion and bad decisions. There have been situa- tions in which believers marry unbelievers and the unbeliever eventually comes around. It was still wrong to get married. The words of God are unmistakable: Do not be unequally yoked. But with repentance and submission, God forgives. If that weren’t true, there would be no hope for most of us. God sometimes alleviates the con- sequences of our bad choices, but it is unwise to knowingly ignore His counsel. You become part of the problem that will lead to great wick- edness in the world when all the thoughts of men’s hearts are only evil continually. So the results of these intermarriages were not only giants, but sorrow. Instead of the sons of God influencing the daughters of men, the daughters of men influenced the sons of God. Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter 20 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; emphasis added). The Bible is filled with stories about the sons of God mingling with the daughters of men and the disasters that follow as a result. Samson, chosen by God, was derailed by the Philistine women. His parents pled with him to avoid marrying a pagan bride, but he insist- ed on having what he wanted. “Then his father and mother said to him, ‘Is there no woman among the daughters of your brethren, or among all my people, that you must go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?’ And Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she pleases me well’ ” (Judges 14:3). Likewise, King Solomon no doubt be- lieved that he could marry the daughters from pagan nations and, with his unsurpassed wis- dom, convert them. However, those pagan daughters drew away Solomon’s heart. This is why God is so adamant about His children Who Are the Sons of God? 21 not marrying unbelievers. It is almost al- ways the case that the believer is gradually transformed by the unbeliever, not the other way around. Jesus likewise has a warning for us in these end-times: But as the days of [Noah] were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, un- til the day that [Noah] entered into the ark (Matthew 24:37, 38). Jesus here is likely referring to the mixed marriages of Genesis 6 that brought on the universal wickedness leading to the Flood. As in Noah’s day, before the Flood, things that led to the destruction of the world with a deluge by water are going to happen again. The pre-Flood events are a preview of what’s going to happen before the destruction of the world by a flood of fire when Jesus comes again. History is going to repeat itself, but we don’t have to be among the repeat offenders. 22 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: Polygamy Mixed marriages between the sons of God and daughters of men were not the only re- sult of disobedience. In Genesis 6:2, we read that “they took them wives of all which they chose.” This is also where polygamy began. “And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah” (Genesis 4:19). Lamech was one of the sons of Cain, and he took two wives. So it wasn’t just marrying out of one’s faith that went against God’s will, it was mar- rying more than one person. The sanctity of marriage was being lost, even at the begin- ning of time. This sounds like what’s happening in our world today. It’s only gotten worse! For instance, a popular American reality television program, called Sister Wives, docu- ments the life of a polygamist family living in Lehi, Utah, which includes the man, Kody Brown, his four wives, and their 16 children. The Brown family sued the state of Utah be- cause of its bigamy laws, claiming they’re a violation of their rights based on the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The whole nation Who Are the Sons of God? 23 was watching because the same arguments are being used for people who say they’re in love with a person of the same gender; with that objection out of the way, a person could easily claim they are in love with two or three or four people. When the sons of God rejected the sanc- tity of their wedding vows, the peculiarity of their faith, the importance of the distinc- tion between men and women—one mom, one dad, God’s design for a family—violence soon filled the land and the thoughts of men’s hearts were only evil continually. Jesus says this will happen again at the end of time, right before the “coming of the Son of man.” That time has very much arrived. Turn on the television and flip to almost any sta- tion; you’re going to see promiscuity, perver- sion, divorce, deception, and a whole lot of violence. So many programs are built around killing and murder, while the sanctity of mar- riage is constantly being ridiculed. But God says, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years” (Genesis 6:3). God looked into the future and 24 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: saw where all this wickedness was leading men and determined that it would have to end. Christ said later, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:22). In the end times, God will have to do it again for the elect’s sake. For 120 years, the Spirit of God, through the preaching and example of Noah and his family, strove with that generation that was imprisoned by sin. They refused to listen. When Noah and his family entered the ark and the door was shut, there were only eight people inside that still believed God. Probation was closed for the rest. For seven more days life went on outside the ark for that amalgamated race of Cain and Seth, whose descendants had sacrificed their purity and had given themselves over to evil. Are you pure today? God says to you, “My spirit will not … always strive with man.” Will you listen? A Giant Problem You might be thinking that I have forgot- ten to address the “giants” who were born as a Who Are the Sons of God? 25 result of the sons of God marrying the daugh- ters of men. If the sons of God were merely the righteous offspring of Seth and the daughters of men were the female descendants of Cain, then why were the children of these unions giants and mighty men? How do we explain the offspring of these unfortunate but human marriages? Well, I believe it’s a simple law of genetics in play called “genetic vitality.” First, giants have always been around. For example, take Robert Wadlow, born in Alton, Illinois, in 1918. At birth he weighed a normal eight pounds, six ounces. At six months, he weighed 30 pounds. A year lat- er, at 18 months, he weighed 62 pounds. He wasn’t fat; he was tall. He continued to grow at an astounding rate, reaching 6 feet, 2 inch- es and 195 pounds by the time he was eight. When he was 13, he became the world’s tall- est Boy Scout. At 13, he was 7 feet, 4 inches tall. Eventually, Robert reached a height of nearly 9 feet! (In comparison, Goliath was about 9 feet, 6 inches.) Robert’s height ac- tually qualified him as the tallest person in modern history. 26 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: But this oversize fame wasn’t always easy for him. His clothing required three times the normal amount of cloth, and his size 37 shoes cost thousands of dollars a pair—and that was back during the Great Depression. When Robert turned 20, the International Shoe Company provided his shoes for free and hired him to promote the company. That’s all he did for an income. He visited more than 800 towns in 41 states and trav- eled 300,000 miles on his goodwill tour. The shoe company had to modify a car so he could get in, removing the front seat so he could sit in the back and stretch out his long legs. Even though he was of enormous size, he was very good natured, intelligent, and gen- tle. People were always giving him shocked stares. They would ask him, “Does it bother you when everyone stares at you?” He would reply, “Oh, I just look above it all.” He tried to maintain a normal life, enjoying stamp collecting and photography. He’d even take pictures of people taking pictures of him. Robert was a modern-day giant, with no need of fallen angels nor aliens to produce Who Are the Sons of God? 27 him or explain his existence. The giant off- spring of the sons of God and daughters of men likely resulted from genetic vitality. When a people group is isolated for years and only intermarry with one another, like some Pacific Islanders do, the gene pool be- comes restricted and more prone to birth defects and genetic abnormalities. After several generations of this kind of isolation, when they finally marry outside their island or tribe, the children of those unions tend to be more healthy, robust, and, yes, even big- ger. The biggest cats in the world are ligers, a hybrid between tigers and lions. Adoption Choices Not everyone who thinks he or she is a son or daughter of God really is. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day, boasted to Jesus that they were the chil- dren of Abraham. Jesus corrected them. “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (John 8:39). You might not get a real sense of how scandalous this statement was for Jesus to say when you read it at first—but it so publicly embarrassed the 28 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: Pharisees that they eagerly began seeking His death. But Jesus didn’t stop there … Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceed- ed forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do (John 8:42–44). This is a simple principle to test our true heritage. Which “father” do we follow in our actions? The Pharisees were leaders in the church, yet that did not give them security. Just being a member of a synagogue or just being Jewish did not make them children of God. Today, just by being on the books in your church does not make you a son or a daughter of God. Instead, we are the children of the one whom we obey. Whose desires we do, that is our father, whether of righteous- ness or of sin (Romans 6:16). That’s pretty serious. So whose child are you? Are you a child of God? Who Are the Sons of God? 29 When we are born again and are adopted into the family of God, we will want to imitate our heavenly Father. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6 NKJV). If you are not a son or daughter of God now, the wonderful news is that you can choose a new family. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing plea- sures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward (Hebrews 11:24–26 NKJV). When called by God, Moses traded in his Egyptian adoption for a heavenly one. Through Jesus, you can too. When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to 30 Aliens, Angels, or Adopted: redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adop- tion as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:4–7 NKJV). Jaycee Lee Dugard was 11 years old when she was kidnapped at a bus stop on June 10, 1991, by Phillip Garrido and his wife Nancy. She was kept in a soundproof shack that was isolated from public view. Cruelly held as a slave, she also fathered children for the Garridos for 18 years. After a while, this circumstance became normal for her. It be- came ordinary. She had come to believe that she was part of the Garrido family, but she later found out what kind of fiends Phillip and Nancy really were. Fortunately, she was eventually discovered and delivered from that terrible condition and was reintroduced to her real family. Talk about a total change of a life! Who Are the Sons of God? 31 Similarly, the devil has kidnapped a lot of people in this world who should be children of God. He’s taken them and abused them, and he has manipulated them into thinking they are with their true family. They are con- vinced that the lies of the devil are the truth, that he is their friend. Phillip Garrido made that claim over Jaycee. Perhaps even you have gotten so used to the devil, you think you are part of his family. You have become comfort- able having him around. But he’s a kidnapper, an abuser. You’ve got to wake up and hear Jesus saying that you can be free. Phillip Garrido was sentenced to 431 years in prison. His wife was sentenced to 36 years. Jaycee received a $20 million settlement from the state, plus a big book deal. She’ll probably be okay financially if she manages her money well for the rest of her life. What a change of fortune from living in a hovel in some per- vert’s backyard—to being liberated, finding your real family, living a clean life, living a normal life, and suddenly going from poverty to riches. What a radical transformation! That’s what the Lord wants to do for us. Right now, you can choose to be a child of the King, an heir of eternal life, and become a son or daughter of God in whom He is well pleased! Just ask Him.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST — Persecuted Christian Girls in Pakistan Please read, share, and pray. These are REAL cases happening RIGHT NOW in 2026. 📌 CASE 1 — Maria Shahbaz (Age 13) | Lahore, Punjab A 13-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped from her home in July 2025 by a 30-year-old Muslim man named Shehryar Ahmad. She was forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Her parents fought for months in court to bring her home — but on March 25, 2026, Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court ruled the marriage LEGAL and allowed her to remain with her kidnapper. The court rejected her official birth certificate and accepted a statement — which her family says was made under fear and coercion — that she converted willingly. Catholic bishops organized protest rallies. A 37-member national committee has been formed to review the case. Maria has not been returned to her family. 📌 CASE 2 — Sidra Bibi (Age 15) | Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Punjab At 3:00 AM on March 27, 2026, three armed men climbed the wall of the family home and abducted 15-year-old Sidra at gunpoint. Her father, a poor scrap collector, immediately reported the crime — but police falsely recorded Sidra's age as 17 instead of 15 on the official report. Later, fake documents appeared claiming Sidra had "converted to Islam after watching religious content on social media" — a claim her father called impossible since the family cannot afford a smartphone. The marriage certificate presented by the abductor does not even include Sidra's national ID number, which is required by law. Police have refused to take action to recover her. 📌 CASE 3 — Neha Bibi (Age 16) | Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur, Punjab Neha had been attending sewing classes at a center run by the family of a 45-year-old Muslim prayer leader named Sajid Ibrahim. On March 24, 2026, she went to class and never came home. When her father — a brick kiln worker — went to find her, Ibrahim's wives said she had already left. Police delayed registering a case for over a week. When they finally did act, the family was told Neha had appeared before a court in Lahore and "voluntarily" stated she had converted to Islam. Her father believes she was coached or coerced. No one has been arrested. Neha has not been found. ⚠️ THE BIGGER PICTURE These are not isolated incidents. Human rights organizations documented over 100 forced conversions in 2023 alone. In 2026, the United Nations formally condemned Pakistan, calling this a "relentless practice" fueled by impunity. Police routinely ignore complaints. Courts accept fake documents. Abductors walk free. These girls are daughters of brick kiln workers, sanitation workers, and scrap collectors — among Pakistan's most vulnerable and poorest families who have no power, no voice, and no protection. 🙏 PLEASE PRAY FOR: Maria, Sidra, and Neha — for their safety, strength, and return to their families The grieving parents fighting an unjust system Justice and legal reform in Pakistan The global Church to raise its voice 🙏 فوری دعا کی درخواست — پاکستان میں مظلوم مسیحی بچیاں 🇵🇰براہ کرم پڑھیں، شیئر کریں اور دعا کریں۔ یہ 2026 میں ابھی ہو رہے حقیقی واقعات ہیں۔ 📌 کیس 1 — ماریہ شہباز (عمر 13 سال) | لاہور، پنجاب13 سالہ مسیحی بچی ماریہ شہباز کو جولائی 2025 میں 30 سالہ مسلمان شخص شہریار احمد نے اس کے گھر سے اغوا کیا۔ اسے زبردستی اسلام قبول کروایا گیا اور اس کی مرضی کے خلاف اس سے شادی کر لی گئی۔ اس کے والدین نے مہینوں عدالت میں لڑائی لڑی — لیکن 25 مارچ 2026 کو پاکستان کی وفاقی آئینی عدالت نے یہ شادی قانونی قرار دے دی اور بچی کو اغواکار کے پاس رہنے کی اجازت دے دی۔ عدالت نے اس کا اصل پیدائشی سرٹیفکیٹ مسترد کر دیا اور وہ بیان قبول کر لیا جو خاندان کے مطابق خوف اور دباؤ میں دیا گیا تھا۔ کیتھولک بشپوں نے احتجاجی ریلیاں نکالیں۔ ایک 37 رکنی قومی کمیٹی اس کیس کا جائزہ لے رہی ہے۔ ماریہ ابھی تک اپنے خاندان کو واپس نہیں ملی۔ 📌 کیس 2 — صدرہ بی بی (عمر 15 سال) | جڑانوالہ، فیصل آباد، پنجاب27 مارچ 2026 کو رات 3 بجے تین مسلح افراد نے گھر کی دیوار پھاند کر 15 سالہ صدرہ کو بندوق کی نوک پر اغوا کر لیا۔ اس کے والد، ایک غریب کباڑی، نے فوری طور پر مقدمہ درج کروایا — لیکن پولیس نے سرکاری رپورٹ میں صدرہ کی عمر 15 کی بجائے 17 سال لکھ دی۔ بعد میں جعلی کاغذات سامنے آئے جن میں لکھا تھا کہ صدرہ نے "سوشل میڈیا پر مذہبی مواد دیکھ کر اسلام قبول کیا" — حالانکہ اس کے والد نے اسے ناممکن قرار دیا کیونکہ خاندان کے پاس اسمارٹ فون خریدنے کی بھی سکت نہیں۔ اغواکار کا پیش کردہ نکاح نامہ بھی قانونی طور پر نامکمل ہے۔ پولیس نے صدرہ کو واپس لانے سے انکار کر دیا ہے۔ 📌 کیس 3 — نہا بی بی (عمر 16 سال) | کوٹ رادھا کشن، قصور، پنجابنہا پچھلے چھ مہینوں سے 45 سالہ مسلمان امام سجید ابراہیم کی بیویوں کے چلائے گئے سلائی سینٹر میں کلاسیں لے رہی تھی۔ 24 مارچ 2026 کو وہ کلاس گئی اور واپس نہ آئی۔ اس کے والد، ایک اینٹ بھٹے پر مزدوری کرنے والے، جب تلاش کرنے گئے تو ابراہیم کی بیویوں نے کہا وہ گھر جا چکی ہے۔ پولیس نے ایک ہفتے سے زیادہ دیر بعد مقدمہ درج کیا۔ پھر خاندان کو بتایا گیا کہ نہا لاہور کی ایک عدالت میں پیش ہو کر "اپنی مرضی سے" اسلام قبول کرنے کا بیان دے چکی ہے۔ اس کے والد کو یقین ہے کہ بیان زبردستی یا دھوکے سے دلوایا گیا۔ کوئی گرفتاری نہیں ہوئی۔ نہا ابھی تک نہیں ملی۔⚠️ بڑی تصویریہ الگ تھلگ واقعات نہیں ہیں۔ انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں نے صرف 2023 میں 100 سے زیادہ جبری تبدیلیِ مذہب کے واقعات درج کیے۔ 2026 میں اقوامِ متحدہ نے باضابطہ طور پر پاکستان کی مذمت کی اور اسے "بے سزا جاری رہنے والا سلسلہ" قرار دیا۔ پولیس شکایات نظرانداز کرتی ہے۔ عدالتیں جعلی دستاویزات قبول کر لیتی ہیں۔ اغواکار آزاد گھومتے ہیں۔یہ بچیاں اینٹ بھٹوں، صفائی اور کباڑ اٹھانے والے مزدوروں کی بیٹیاں ہیں — پاکستان کے سب سے غریب اور بے بس خاندانوں سے تعلق رکھتی ہیں جن کے پاس نہ طاقت ہے، نہ آواز، اور نہ کوئی تحفظ۔🙏 ان کے لیے دعا کریں: ماریہ، صدرہ اور نہا — ان کی حفاظت، حوصلے اور اپنے خاندانوں سے واپسی کے لیے وہ غمزدہ والدین جو ایک ناانصاف نظام سے لڑ رہے ہیں پاکستان میں انصاف اور قانونی اصلاحات کے لیے عالمی کلیسیا کے لیے کہ وہ اپنی آواز بلند کرے #prayerrequest #prayer #safegirls #Christian #PakistanChristianGirlsAreNotSafe

Please Help to Save Adan – A Brave Christian Girl in Pakistan Fighting for Her Life Imagine being a young Christian girl like Adan, kidnapped from your home, raped, forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint, and "married" off to your attacker. She somehow escaped, but now they're calling her an apostate and sending death threats. All because she was born Christian in a place where girls like her are seen as easy prey. Adan's begging for help—her only "crime" is surviving. This isn't just her story; it's happening to so many others. The heartbreaking truth: Every year, around 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan are abducted, forcibly converted, and married to their captors. From 2021–2025, the Centre for Social Justice documented 515 cases—160 involving Christian girls like Adan, and 72% of victims are minors (over 20% under 14). It hits hardest in Punjab and Sindh, targeting poor families from brick kilns or servant communities. Courts often buy the fake "conversion certificates" and send girls back to their abusers. Christians are just 2% of Pakistan's population, yet this persecution is relentless. Adan needs safe shelter, real legal help, and global pressure before she's killed or forced back. We can't look away. Share her story, tag human rights groups, authorities, and your reps. Demand justice for Adan and an end to these forced conversions and child marriages. #SaveAdan #StopForcedConversions #JusticeForPakistaniMinorities #ReligiousFreedom

Please Help to Save Adan – A Brave Christian Girl in Pakistan Fighting for Her Life Imagine being a young Christian girl like Adan, kidnapped from your home, raped, forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint, and "married" off to your attacker. She somehow escaped, but now they're calling her an apostate and sending death threats. All because she was born Christian in a place where girls like her are seen as easy prey. Adan's begging for help—her only "crime" is surviving. This isn't just her story; it's happening to so many others. The heartbreaking truth: Every year, around 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan are abducted, forcibly converted, and married to their captors. From 2021–2025, the Centre for Social Justice documented 515 cases—160 involving Christian girls like Adan, and 72% of victims are minors (over 20% under 14). It hits hardest in Punjab and Sindh, targeting poor families from brick kilns or servant communities. Courts often buy the fake "conversion certificates" and send girls back to their abusers. Christians are just 2% of Pakistan's population, yet this persecution is relentless. Adan needs safe shelter, real legal help, and global pressure before she's killed or forced back. We can't look away. Share her story, tag human rights groups, authorities, and your reps. Demand justice for Adan and an end to these forced conversions and child marriages. #SaveAdan #StopForcedConversions #JusticeForPakistaniMinorities #ReligiousFreedom