Good morning brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2O26. "WELCOME THIS CHANGE" ‘…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...’ Exodus 12:11 NCV. THE BOY Scout motto is ‘Be prepared,’ and it’s a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, ‘…eat…fully dressed as if you were going on a trip…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.’ In other words, ‘Be ready when I tell you to move!’ Maybe there’s an area in your life where God is telling you it’s time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don’t! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow’s recipe for failure. You can’t become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. John Patterson said, ‘Only fools and dead men don’t change…Fools won’t, and dead men can’t.’ Change isn’t the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies, and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Jim Penner says: ‘Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise…Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow and new opportunities come…friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away…While many changes become enjoyable new seasons…sometimes they’re painful. But no matter what season of change you’re experiencing…you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, ‘I am God…I haven’t changed…’ (TM). His mercies endure forever…and it’s an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you.’ Bible In A Year: Ezek 1-4, Matt 21:1-11, Ps 119:161-168, Pro 19:3-8. 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. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026. *EXPLOITS THROUGH CONQUERING FAITH* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 11:10-23. 10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. 11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. 12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. 13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. 14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. 15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; 17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them. 18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. 19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. 20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. 21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities. 22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. *Timeless Truth:*_"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions"_ (Hebrews 11:32-33). *INTRODUCTION* William C. Martin (1878) penned down this song relevant to the topic of discussion. "In the warfare that is raging For the truth and for the right, When the conflict, fierce, is raging With the powers of the night, God needs people brave and true: May He then depend on you? Refrain: May the Lord depend on you? Loyalty is but His due; Say, O spirit, brave and true, That He may depend on you". God's covenants to Israel were majorly earthly and therefore, their warfares to possess their promises were physical. For the New Testament, the covenant is mostly spiritual and heavenly and therefore the warfares of the New Testament saints are spiritual. *"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal..."* (2 Corinthians 10:4). Lessons on Old Testament physical warfares are meant to teach the New Testament saints some important features of spiritual warfare which is a major part of successful and victorious Christian living. Joshua and Israel faced formidable kings, fortified cities and numerous enemies, yet God gave them victory. Their exploits demonstrated that conquering faith rested on obedience to God's authority and instructions with perseverance until the battle was completely won. When faith is anchored in God, no enemy can ultimately withstand His purpose for His people. *1. Determined Destruction Accomplished* a. God had concluded from the time of Abraham that the Amorites would be obliterated when their iniquities reached the peak when God could no more tolerate them (Genesis 15:15,16; Exodus 34:11-13). The time now came to start possessing the land as promised, but they must fight for it, for it would not come on a platter of gold. All the promises of God have been paid for by the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. However, the adversary is always there to contest against those blessings and believers must be ready to contend and possess it as God has given us assurance of victory as legitimate owners of the blessings. Our Lord Himself said, *"the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force"* (Matthew 11:12). The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 were commended for their violence of faith, courage and determination as they fought spiritual warfares. The violence of believers is spiritual and had to do with violence and force of faith. Nobody will be able to possess his possessions here on earth and enter heaven eventually if he does not learn to be brave and violent in spiritual warfare against the flesh, fiends, faithlessness, fear and foolishness. b. Joshua did not leave unfinished what God had commanded him to accomplish. Hazor, the head of the northern kingdoms, was captured and destroyed and its king was put to death. The destruction was decisive because Joshua understood that partial obedience could jeopardize the victory God had promised. Conquering faith is determined faith—it does not retreat because the opposition is strong or the assignment is difficult. What God commands must be pursued with courage and perseverance. Joshua, with courageous faith, moved along the will and Word of God and destroyed those that God had condemned to destruction because they refused to repent. *Question* Are there areas of your life where God expects you to exercise determined faith and completely overcome persistent opposition? *2. Done According to the Divine Authority* a. The destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua in the text took about 7 years though it was recorded as if they all happened in rapidity. God had told them that they would conquer the land *"little by little"*. (Exodus 23:30, Deuteronomy 7:22). You don't expect those formidable enemies to be overcome without giving a strong fight and resistance. Spiritual wars, like the physical wars are at times protracted. In order to overcome the adversary, there is a need to maintain a persistent and untiring warfare disposition and attitude for Satan and his agents will not give up without a strong and persistent resistance. So, fight manfully onward and never give up but persist until you laugh last. God has destined and programmed you for total victory. The "little by little" approach also gave the Canaanites the opportunity to repent and seek for mercy like Rahab and her household and the Gibeonites did. Joshua acted according to the command of the LORD. Those who perished must have been adamant because it had been settled that Israel would destroy all of them just like Rahab confessed (Joshua 2:9-11). All those who perished perished because they chose to and not for lack of opportunity to repent. Rahab and her household, the Giebeonites and the Shechemites decided not to perish and they did not because they did the needful. Those people refused to repent, their hearts were hardened through rejection of mercy. This hardening of men’s hearts is when God gives man up to his sin after the person refused the mercy of God (Romans 1:24-28). b. How could Joshua have overcome? Israel was not trained in the art of warfare at the time. Second, Israel did not have horses and chariots to fight, whereas the Canaanites had in abundance. Yet, God told them that it was a battle of faith and therefore, they should not fear the better equipped and stronger adversaries. *"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire"*. It was like the case of little David versus the giant Goliath. Spiritual battles, while doing the needful, do not look at the size and the arrogance of the adversaries. With faith in God, their horses and chariots will be defeated. *"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God"* (Psalm 20:7). Can you imagine a poorly trained and inexperienced army of Israel defeating better trained coalition of nations in their multitudes with their horses and chariots? Obeying God's Word and instruction is always a guarantee of victory regardless of the might and the arsenal of the adversaries. Joshua did not depend on personal wisdom or military strength; he carried out God's instructions. Verse 15 emphasizes that Joshua did everything the LORD commanded Moses, and Moses had commanded Joshua. True exploits are accomplished under divine authority. Faith becomes powerful when it is joined with obedience. The victory was not merely Joshua's achievement; it was God's purpose being fulfilled through a yielded servant. We too must learn to follow God's Word even when His instructions challenge our natural reasoning. *Question* Are your decisions and actions being governed by God's Word and divine authority? *3. The Defeat of the Dreaded Adversaries* The Anakims were the most dreaded adversaries of Israel while they were in the wilderness. In fact, the spies (10 of them) sent said they were like grasshoppers compared to the Anakims (Numbers 13:27-33). It was the fear of those people that made Israel to be punished in the wilderness with 40 years of wandering and deaths. God delayed this fight to be their last fight so that Israel would have, from experience, learnt the art of warfare. They did not know that God had His own strategy of training them to be fit for the warfare against those terrorizing adversaries. When God gives a promise, don't look at your weakness and be asking how possible. God has His own plan to make you fit enough to deal with the enemy before He Himself takes over. "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is to follow" and victory is certain. b. The promise of Deuteronomy 9:1–3, which specifically predicts the defeat of the fearsome Anakites, is fulfilled(Joshua 11:21–23). Those who once appeared invincible were overcome by the power of God. Joshua's victory teaches us that yesterday's giants need not determine today's destiny. Through conquering faith, intimidating obstacles can become testimonies of God's faithfulness. Finally, the land had rest from war. When God's people trust Him, obey His commands and persevere in faith, victory and divine rest become possible. *Question* What “giant” or dreaded adversary are you allowing to intimidate you instead of confronting it through faith in God? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me conquering faith to overcome every persistent opposition standing against Your purpose for my life. 2.Father, help me to walk in complete obedience to Your Word and submit every decision to Your divine authority 🙏. 3.O Lord, bring down every giant and defeat every dreaded adversary confronting my progress, destiny and calling 🙏. 4.Father, grant Your children lasting victory and divine rest after every battle and let their lives become testimonies of Your mighty exploits 🙏. *HYMN:* May The Lord Depend On You. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 11-12. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BETWEEN JUDGMENT AND MERCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🆚🆘🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 11:10-23```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle" (JOSHUA 11:19).*_ *Mercy from God is that vital element that no one can earn, deserve or merit. It is an inalienable deed that underpins God's dealings with fallible humankind, saved or unsaved. When all else fails, God's mercies will never fail.* *The Canaanites and other nations in the Promised Land engaged in battle against Joshua and the Israelites without seeking a peace agreement, despite their unfavourable position. In this chapter, Joshua faced a coalition of Canaanite forces, defeating them before turning his attention to the northern region. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, with its spoils taken by the Israelites. Joshua then advanced towards the hills and southern territories, continuing the conflict until the entirety of the land was subdued and allocated to the tribes of Israel. The account raises challenging questions regarding the nature of a loving God permitting such violence, particularly the killing of women and children. This narrative has sparked criticism towards the Scripture, leading to inquiries about the justness of these holy wars and casting doubt on divine benevolence, consequently perplexing many readers.* *The text emphasises that the people in the land repeatedly heard about God's actions but chose to resist and did not seek mercy, with the Gibeonites being the only exception, although through deceit. Instead of pursuing peace, they relied on military might, having engaged in idol worship and iniquity for centuries, including horrific sacrifices. Ultimately, God's judgment deemed it necessary to cleanse the land of those viewed as rebels and enemies, as the people were prepared to oppose Him rather than embrace His ways.* *No one can fight against God and expect to win. It is an effort in futility when we roll out our battle gear instead of pleading and repenting. God delights in mercy. He's not interested in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn to Him in repentance and live. "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..."* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Entreaty secures favour faster than conflict.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 11-12*📜📜 Between Judgment And Mercy https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 155: LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART; GHS 158: COME BELIEVING; AND GHS 159: WHY DO YOU WAIT?* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE HOLY, GOD IS HOLY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🤍🥼✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 PETER 1:13-21```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 PETER 1:16).*_ *Dispute over paternity can be resolved through a DNA test and lay to rest such controversy. Likewise, holiness puts to silence every debate on who a child of God is. God is holy, and anyone who professes to be His child must possess this very nature of God - holiness. An unholy life has no resemblance to God and no usefulness to the world.* *"Be ye holy" is God's command. Heaven is a holy place. The God of heaven is a Holy Being. The angels are holy creatures. Everything in heaven is holiness. It is impossible to get to heaven if we die unholy. The Holy Bible clearly states that: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).* *Holiness is not optional; it is mandatory for all who desire to see God and live with Him in eternity. To be holy simply means to be purged from inward and outward sins. Consecration, strong thirst, and hunger for the experience in desperate prayer will allow God to accomplish it in your life.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Be purged.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*To get to heaven, holiness is non-negotiable.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to remain holy till the end.*_ Be Holy, God Is Holy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD MADE US SPECIAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😁🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 139:14-18```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:14).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Everything that God created is beautiful, and He made each of us uniquely special. Lily loved to look in the mirror and admire how she looked. One day, a friend at school teased her about her glasses and called her *"ugly".* Lily felt sad and wondered maybe she was not special after all. That night, her mom reminded her that God made her beautiful and unique. *God does not make mistakes,"* her mom said. *"You are wonderfully made, and He loves you just as you are!"* Lily smiled, realizing that she was special, just as God intended. She no longer felt the need to compare herself to others, understanding that God's love for her was unconditional. *God made you special too, and you do not need to measure your worth against anyone else. Embrace who you are, because you are wonderfully created, and God loves you just as you are!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, thank You for making me special. Help me to live for You always.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 1:4-7* God Made Us Special https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1 He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. ⏤ John Bunyan Almighty God, the Father of us all, in whom we live and move and have our being—we worship You and give thanks to Your great and holy name. Our hearts are full of memories of Sunday. May we be like those who have walked among fragrant flowers, carrying the scent on our very garments. May we be more joyful, more trusting, more holy, more loving, and more prayerful because of the holy influences that saturated our lives yesterday. You are the God of the evening and the morning. Every day reveals where You have walked in love. We thank You for this day that now shines upon us. We need Your presence with us through all its hours, for we don’t know what they hold for us: what duties, what problems that must be solved, what decisions that must be made, what responsibilities that must be met, what surprises of joy or sorrow, what temptations, what conflicts, what dangers. We don’t know—but You do, and we’re not afraid to leave it all in Your hands. Bless us with peace, wisdom, and strength for whatever lies ahead. Take our hands and guide us. We consecrate ourselves to You this day, O God, for life and service. We are Yours, and we present ourselves as a living sacrifice to You. We want to live only for You. Help us to renounce all claims on ourselves and truly be Yours. If we are called to any hard duty, task, or service—give us the grace to accept Your will cheerfully and to do what pleases You. Work deeply in us by Your Spirit, continuing the renewal of our nature, and building us up in holiness and righteousness, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/50/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

A brotherhood that tested every piece of my soul in combat never prepared me for the pain of having my family stuck in limbo. My name is Jesse Preston. I spent 14 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Army, Airborne and Air Assault qualified. I served three combat tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2010, and a tour in South Korea in 2007. I bled, sacrificed, and gave over a decade of my life in service to the United States because I believed in honor, loyalty, and standing up for what is right. Now, I am fighting the hardest battle of my life—and it isn’t on a battlefield. It’s for my own family. Since November 2023, I have been living abroad because I refuse to abandon my wife, Miheret Beksissa, and our baby daughter, Jessica. Imagine if I had listened to the system and waited back home in America alone, staring at an empty nursery, thousands of miles away from my infant child and the woman God gave me to protect. A combat veteran doesn’t leave his family behind. We did everything right. We followed every single law. We poured our hard-earned money—over $4,000 just to begin the I-130 and DS-260 with our lawyer, paid every required government fee, and paid another $1,500 for our daughter’s CRBA and U.S. passport. Jessica is a U.S. citizen. Miheret was approved for her immigrant visa through our marriage. Our journey started in January 2024, and we were so close to coming home. But because immigrant visas for Ethiopians were paused under the current administration policy, our life is on hold. The process is dragging out indefinitely, leaving us stranded in uncertainty. We are devout, faithful Christians who just want to raise our daughter in the country I wore the uniform to defend. Every day, I look at my daughter and my wife, and my heart breaks knowing that the very system I served is keeping us from starting our life together on American soil. Please, brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray that the doors are opened, that red tape is cut, and that our family can finally go home to America together. If this touches your heart, please share our story. Pray for us!

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Friday, August 21 📜 OLD TESTAMENT RUTH 1 — Naomi and Ruth 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Judges! Today we begin the book of Ruth. ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 JOHN 3 — Children of God & Love for One Another 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 32 — The Righteous King 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Ruth 1 Ruth chooses to remain with Naomi despite the uncertainty ahead. Her loyalty and commitment demonstrate the beauty of faithful love and trusting God even when the future is unclear. ✝️ 1 John 3 John reminds us of the incredible love God has shown by calling us His children. Genuine faith is demonstrated through righteousness, obedience, and practical love for others—not merely through words. 🌿 Isaiah 32 Isaiah looks forward to the reign of a righteous King and the transformation that comes with God's Spirit. It points us toward a life marked by justice, peace, righteousness, and security in God. ✨ KEY VERSE “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us Your children and showing us what true love looks like. Give us hearts like Ruth—faithful, loyal, and willing to trust You even when the road ahead is uncertain. Help us demonstrate our faith through our actions and live under Your righteous rule. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Show someone genuine love through your actions today. Be faithful in your commitments, trust God with your future, and let your life speak louder than your words.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 1:3-4 Throw Back 2020 😊

📖 WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM PSALM 45? Psalm 45 is more than a beautiful royal wedding song. It gives us a powerful picture of kingship, righteousness, devotion, and an everlasting throne. Three lessons stand out: 👑 Honor the King — Recognize the greatness and authority of Christ. ❤️ Live devoted to God — Leave behind what separates you from Him and pursue Him wholeheartedly. ✨ Remember the eternal kingdom — Earthly circumstances change, but Christ's reign does not. Psalm 45 reminds us that our ultimate hope is found in a King whose kingdom will never end. Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship, our loyalty, and our lives. #Psalm45 #Psalms #JesusChrist #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #KingOfKings #WordOfGod #Faith #ChristianEncouragement https://youtube.com/shorts/jieDS3WZN18?feature=share

Daily Bible Lesson. THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS — VICTORY WHERE ADAM FAILED Matthew 4:1–11 | Mark 1:12–13 | Luke 4:1–13 The temptation of Jesus was not merely a story about three conversations in the wilderness. It was a powerful revelation of how Satan attacks, how Christ responds, and how victory over temptation is possible. After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and nights. Then Satan came to tempt Him. «“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” — Matthew 4:1» Notice something important: Jesus was not tempted because He had sinned. He was tempted because He was righteous. 1️⃣ THE FIRST TEMPTATION — “COMMAND THAT THESE STONES BE MADE BREAD” Jesus was hungry. Satan attacked Him at His weakest physical moment. «“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” — Matthew 4:3» Satan was essentially saying, “Use your power to satisfy yourself. Put your physical desire before obedience to God.” But Jesus answered: «“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4» The lesson is simple: Your greatest need is not always the thing your flesh is demanding. Food is important, but obedience to God is more important. Jesus did not allow hunger to become an excuse for disobedience. 2️⃣ THE SECOND TEMPTATION — “CAST THYSELF DOWN” Satan then took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and quoted Scripture. «“If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down.” — Matthew 4:6» Notice carefully: Satan quoted Scripture! This teaches us something extremely important: Not everyone who quotes the Bible is teaching the truth. The devil quoted Psalm 91, but he twisted its meaning to encourage Jesus to test God. Jesus answered: «“Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” — Matthew 4:7» The lesson: Knowing Scripture is not enough. We must understand Scripture correctly and submit to its true meaning. The devil can use Bible words while promoting a message that contradicts God's will. 3️⃣ THE THIRD TEMPTATION — WORSHIP ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE KINGDOMS Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him. «“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9» What was Satan asking for? Worship. Jesus answered with absolute firmness: «“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10» Jesus would receive the kingdom—but not by compromising His loyalty to God. The lesson: Never exchange obedience to God for temporary success, popularity, money, power, pleasure, or worldly recognition. There are things Satan may offer that look attractive, but anything that requires disobedience to God is too expensive. JESUS WON WITH “IT IS WRITTEN” Look at Christ's weapon throughout the temptation: “It is written.” He did not answer Satan with human philosophy. He did not argue from emotion. He did not negotiate. He stood upon the Word of God. This is why Scripture says: «“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11» If the Word of God is not in your heart, what will you stand upon when temptation comes? JESUS SUCCEEDED WHERE ADAM FAILED There is a beautiful contrast here. Adam was tempted in a perfect garden, surrounded by abundance—and he fell. Jesus was tempted in a barren wilderness, weakened by forty days of fasting—and He remained faithful. Adam listened to the serpent. Jesus answered the serpent with God's Word. Adam disobeyed God. Jesus obeyed God. Where Adam failed, Christ stood victorious. And Hebrews gives us this encouragement: «“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15» Jesus understands temptation—not because He surrendered to it, but because He faced it and overcame it without sin. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? Temptation itself is not sin. Giving in to temptation is sin. When temptation comes, remember: When your flesh says, “Satisfy yourself,” remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone.” When Satan twists Scripture, remember: “It is written.” When the world offers you success in exchange for compromise, remember: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.” And when you feel weak, remember: «“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13» The Christian life is not about pretending temptation does not exist. It is about learning to stand when temptation comes. Jesus did not overcome temptation by compromising with Satan. He overcame by trusting His Father, standing upon Scripture, and refusing to disobey. THE FINAL LESSON Satan can tempt you, but he cannot force you to sin. The choice remains before you. When temptation comes, don't negotiate with it. Don't entertain it. Don't twist Scripture to justify it. Stand on the Word. Trust God. Choose obedience. Because the same Christ who overcame in the wilderness is able to strengthen those who follow Him today. «“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7» Jesus overcame. Jesus is our example. Jesus is our strength. And through Him, victory is possible. Amazing Love

Need to know. At the end, humanity is divided into two groups—and Scripture identifies them by their relationship to God’s law. The saved are described plainly: “Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12 “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life.” —Revelation 22:14 The lost are identified by the opposite condition. Jesus does not reject them because they failed to profess His name or perform religious works. He says: “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” —Matthew 7:23 John makes the distinction unmistakable: “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar.” —1 John 2:4 Obedience does not earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. But Scripture never separates saving faith from obedience. The faith of the saved produces loyalty to God; the rebellion of the lost produces lawlessness. One group keeps the commandments of God. The other does not. There is no third group.

Daily Bible Lesson. THE HIDDEN POWER OF SALT IN THE BIBLE: WHY GOD USED SALT SO OFTEN Have you ever wondered why salt appears over and over again in the Bible? It was never just a seasoning. From Genesis to the New Testament, salt carried deep spiritual meaning. It represented purity, preservation, faithfulness, covenant, wisdom, and even judgment. Let's explore what God was teaching through salt. 1. ELISHA USED SALT TO HEAL THE WATERS OF JERICHO 📖 2 Kings 2:19–22 After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha arrived in Jericho. The people said: «"The city is pleasant, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."» God instructed Elisha: «"Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it."» Elisha threw the salt into the spring and declared: «"Thus says the LORD, 'I have healed these waters; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from them.'" (2 Kings 2:21)» Immediately the waters became pure. Notice something important. The miracle was not in the salt. The salt was simply an act of obedience through which God demonstrated His power. Spiritual meaning: God can cleanse what sin has poisoned. He can restore what seemed permanently ruined. When God speaks, even bitter waters become life-giving. 2. EVERY GRAIN OFFERING HAD TO INCLUDE SALT 📖 Leviticus 2:13 God commanded Israel: «"Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings."» Why? Because salt preserves. It resists corruption. It symbolized that Israel's worship should never become spiritually corrupt. Spiritual meaning: God desires worship that remains pure, faithful, and sincere. Our devotion should not spoil with compromise. 3. GOD ESTABLISHED A "COVENANT OF SALT" 📖 Numbers 18:19 God told Aaron: «"It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD."» Again in: 📖 2 Chronicles 13:5 God declared that He gave David the kingdom by a covenant of salt forever. In the ancient world, salt was valuable and enduring. A covenant sealed with salt symbolized permanence, loyalty, and faithfulness. Spiritual meaning: God does not abandon His promises. What He establishes, He is faithful to keep. 4. JESUS CALLED BELIEVERS "THE SALT OF THE EARTH" 📖 Matthew 5:13 Jesus said: «"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"» Salt preserves food from decay. Likewise, believers are called to preserve truth in a corrupt world. We are meant to influence the world—not be influenced by it. Spiritual meaning: Christians should slow the spread of moral decay by living holy lives, speaking truth, and reflecting Christ's character. 5. JESUS SAID TO HAVE SALT IN YOURSELVES 📖 Mark 9:50 Jesus taught: «"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness... Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."» This points to inward spiritual character. Spiritual meaning: God desires hearts marked by wisdom, humility, holiness, and peace. 6. PAUL COMPARED OUR WORDS TO SALT 📖 Colossians 4:6 Paul wrote: «"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."» Our words should preserve life, bring wisdom, and point people toward Christ. Instead of spreading bitterness, believers should speak words that heal, encourage, and build others up. 7. SALT WAS ALSO A SIGN OF JUDGMENT The Bible also uses salt to represent desolation when people reject God. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: 📖 Genesis 19:26 Lot's wife looked back in disobedience and became a pillar of salt. Her story stands as a warning against longing for the sinful life God has called us to leave behind. Later, Scripture describes lands under God's judgment as barren and covered with salt. 📖 Deuteronomy 29:23 📖 Judges 9:45 These passages show that the same symbol could represent either blessing or judgment, depending on humanity's response to God. WHAT DOES SALT REPRESENT IN THE BIBLE? Salt symbolizes: • Purity • Preservation • Faithfulness • God's everlasting covenant • Holiness • Wisdom • Gracious speech • Healing through God's power • A warning against corruption and disobedience THE GREATEST LESSON Salt itself has no supernatural power. The Bible never teaches that salt possesses mystical or magical abilities. Whenever God used salt, it was because He chose it as a symbol or as part of an act of obedience. The power was always God's—not the salt. Today, God still heals bitter lives. He restores broken families. He renews weary hearts. He preserves those who remain faithful to Him. The same God who healed the waters of Jericho is still able to transform what seems impossible.

Gideon had no idea what God was purpose, Gideon feel small weak and unworthy and afraid but God saw, not what Gideon was but what he become through Him that's how God sees you. We live in a time when fear and doubt often hold people captive, but the message of Gideon story is clear. When God's calls Gideon means God saw something different, he didn't need to be the strongest or the bravest he just needed to trust obey. You may feel weak, afraid or insignificant you may think your past mistakes or failures have disqualified you from God's purpose but the Lord says "I am with you mighty warrior" Mighty warrior means showed extreme bravery in battle, skill in battle unwavering determination, valor loyalty and ability to inspire a soldier. When God is with you, you are never defeated He takes the ordinary and does the extraordinary. Remember your weakness is perfect place for God to show His strength, the Lord is with you! He will fight your battles, strengthen your heart and make you victorious in His name. The lesson God can achieve things great things through smallest effort all He ask is your faith and obedience, without faith it is impossible to please God, success in life comes from God and is marked by purity, peace and good fruit. #ToGodBeAllTheGlory #AllThingsArePossible

Daily Bible Lesson. TRUTH IS NOT POPULAR—WHY DO SO FEW FOLLOW JESUS IN HIS OWN SABBATH PATH? “As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day.” — Luke 4:16 Luke does not describe a rare visit. He reveals Christ’s custom. The Sabbath was not an accident in His life. It was part of His faithful walk with the Father. TRUTH IS NOT DECIDED BY THE CROWD Noah stood with God while the world laughed. Elijah stood for truth while a nation compromised. Jesus stood upon Scripture while religious leaders defended tradition. The crowd may be sincere— and still be wrong. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” — Exodus 23:2 Jesus did not ask: What is popular? What is comfortable? What does the majority practice? He answered: “It is written.” — Matthew 4:4 Truth is not settled by numbers. It is settled by God’s Word. JESUS LEFT AN EXAMPLE—NOT MERELY A MESSAGE Jesus did not only say: “Believe in Me.” He also said: “Follow Me.” — Matthew 4:19 The Savior who died for us also showed us how to live. “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” — 1 Peter 2:21 Many admire Jesus. Few imitate Him. Many call Him Lord. Few follow when obedience becomes unpopular. “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46 JESUS REVEALED TRUE SABBATH-KEEPING The same Jesus who created the Sabbath also kept it. “The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” — Mark 2:28 He stripped away man-made burdens and restored its true beauty: Worship. Mercy. Healing. Fellowship. Rest in God. “It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.” — Matthew 12:12 Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath. He rescued it from legalism and revealed its Christ-centered purpose. The Sabbath points to Him as: Creator. Redeemer. Lord. Rest for the weary soul. “Come unto Me… and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 THE SABBATH WILL OUTLIVE SIN The Sabbath did not begin with Israel. It began in Eden—before sin, before nations, and before denominations. “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” — Genesis 2:3 Jesus honored it during His earthly life. And Scripture reveals that the redeemed will worship from Sabbath to Sabbath in the new earth. “From one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me.” — Isaiah 66:23 The Sabbath began before sin, was exemplified by Christ during redemption, and will remain when sin is gone forever. What God sanctified in Eden, what Jesus honored on earth, and what the redeemed will celebrate eternally— should not be strange to Christ’s followers today. ONLY JESUS SAVES We are not saved by keeping a day. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. “By grace are ye saved through faith.” — Ephesians 2:8 But saving grace does not excuse rebellion. It forgives the sinner, transforms the heart, and writes God’s law within. “I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” — Hebrews 8:10 Obedience is not the price of salvation. It is the fruit of salvation. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15 Truth without Christ becomes cold. Obedience without love becomes legalism. But faith that beholds Calvary produces loving loyalty. THE REAL ISSUE IS AUTHORITY The deepest Sabbath question is not merely: Which day? It is: Who rules my conscience—Christ or tradition? Christ warned against worship built upon human commands. “In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” — Matthew 15:9 A tradition may be ancient. It may be popular. It may be defended by millions. But age cannot sanctify error. Popularity cannot replace divine authority. “To the law and to the testimony.” — Isaiah 8:20 CHRIST IS CALLING YOU CLOSER Perhaps you followed tradition sincerely. Jesus is not calling you to pride, bitterness, or argument. He is calling you to: Repentance. Faith. Surrender. Obedience. Repent of placing human authority above His Word. Believe—not in your obedience, but in His cleansing blood. Surrender to His transforming grace. Follow wherever His truth leads. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” — Revelation 14:4 “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” — The Ministry of Healing, p. 470 The narrow path has never been crowded. But Jesus walks there. The crowd cannot forgive you. Tradition cannot transform you. A denomination cannot save you. Only Christ can. Do not measure truth by the crowd. Measure everything by Christ and His Word. Prayer Lord Jesus, forgive my compromise. Cleanse me by Your blood, write Your law upon my heart, teach me to keep Your Sabbath as You did—with worship, mercy, love, and joy—and give me courage to follow You from this earth into eternity.