The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB) THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2026 HE IS COMING LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 KJV Leaders, there is no announcement date on heaven’s calendar. Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. Sudden. Unexpected. Without warning to the world. Peter said the day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.”_ 2 Peter 3:10. That means this world as we know it will end abruptly. And every leader will give account. Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” This truth is not given to scare us. It is given to sober us. Because when a thief is expected, the wise owner stays awake. Luke 12:39-40 - “And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched... Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” The danger for leaders is not unbelief. It is slumber. It is doing Kingdom work with a casual heart. It is building with wood, hay and stubble because we assume we have time. 1 Corinthians 3:13. But the day is approaching like a thief, and it will test every work. So how do we live when the coming is sudden? Walk in constant readiness. Not fear, but readiness. Keep short accounts with God. Confess quickly. Forgive quickly. Walk in the light. 1 John 1:7. Let your lamp be full of oil. Matthew 25:4. A thief does not wait for you to get ready. He meets you as you are. Guard your heart against surprise and sin. The reason people are caught off guard is because they are distracted. Luke 21:34 _“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”_ Watch what you watch. Watch what you feed on. Watch who you follow. A thief enters through open doors. Stay faithful in your assignment. The faithful servant is the one found _“so doing”_ when the master returns. Matthew 24:46. Keep preaching. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep building people. Don’t drop your post because the night is long. The trumpet could sound on an ordinary Thursday. Leaders, our people are watching us. If we are careless, they will be careless. If we are awake, they will be awake. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief... Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” We don’t know the day or the hour. Matthew 24:36. But we do know the Master. And He said He is coming. So we live every day like it could be today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVatb11ulKTDXcjL3X Prayer For Today Father, thank You for the warning in Your word. I refuse to be caught sleeping. Wake my spirit. Purify my heart. Help me to walk in readiness every day. Keep me faithful in my assignment, sober in my walk, and passionate for souls. Let the day of the Lord not overtake me as a thief. Prepare me and prepare the people You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today's Declaration The Lord is coming like a thief in the night and I am ready. I walk in the light. I keep my lamp full. I am faithful in my assignment. I watch and I pray. I will not be overtaken by darkness. Bible Reading Plan 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 24:42-51, Luke 12:35-40, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Revelation 16:15, Mark 13:32-37 Today’s Action Leaders, do a “thief audit” today. Ask: “If Jesus came tonight, what would I regret?” Deal with it now. Repent, reconcile, or reset. Then check one area of your life or ministry that has become casual. Tighten it. Set the standard again. Teach your team: We don’t live in fear of His coming. We live in faithfulness because of His coming. Remember: A thief comes without notice. So we live every day with notice in our spirit.

🎤🔥 You will not taste death Mark 9 Jesus spoke to His disciples, and prepared them for what was going to happen. Some of them would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God come with power. ° Later, after his resurrection, the writer of Hebrews gave us a powerful announcement: that Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man! ° 🔥🎤 Ⓜ️🅰️RK Ⓜ️🅰️NIA The Tree of Life 🌳 20th August 2026 Lunch Hour Preaching Messages Rick Gold Ministries ° 👇🎧 30mins https://t.me/LunchHourPreaching/12319 ° Be Blessed TNT & HG🕊 °

SERMON: GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH HIS SON NOW IN THIS LAST AGE - TO ALL FLESH Text: Hebrews 1:1-2, Acts 2:17 Hebrews 1:1-2 — “Long ago God spoke by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Acts 2:17 — “In the last days... I will pour out my Spirit on ALL FLESH... your young men shall see visions.” Brothers and sisters, the last days began on Pentecost Day. Acts 2:1-4 Pentecost came 1-4 years BEFORE Paul's conversion. So Paul's vision in Acts 9 was already a last-days vision. That proves God still gives visions today. We are now in that same last age, and God is still speaking through His Son in two ways: 1. Through Visions - Red 7, Green 7, Skeleton God showed His servant Kasule Reagan visions - Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, Skeleton visions that vanished. The message: Time is complete, choose Life or Death. Matt 25:46 2. Through Personal Appearance of the Son - Sheikh Uthman Wambuzi THE PROOF TO UNBELIEVERS: This is a true story from our own nation, Uganda. Sheikh Wambuzi Maka Uthman, 39 years, a former Islamic teacher from Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda. Date: August 1, 2025, after Friday prayers. He stayed to rest in a corner of the mosque and fell asleep. He saw a figure dressed in white, long clothing, surrounded by four angels. The figure called his name three times: “Uthman, Uthman, Uthman.” Overwhelmed with fear, Uthman knelt down and worshipped Him. The figure instructed him: “Go to your people and tell them to repent and turn to the living God.” Leaving the mosque around 5 p.m., he met a church pastor and shared the message of repentance. Through the pastor's guidance, Uthman understood the figure was Jesus (Isa) calling him and others to faith. When he obeyed, from August 4, 2025, persecution came. His relatives viewed it as betrayal. They beat him severely, demolished his home, and took his wife and six children. He narrowly escaped through a thick bush to a Christian neighbor, who rushed him to a hospital in Mayuge town. [Source: christiandaily.com] Why would a respected Sheikh lose everything for a lie? He saw the son. Mark 9:3, Luke 9:29, matt28:3 This is Acts 26:16-18 happening again: “I have appeared to you to appoint you as servant and witness... to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.” 3. TO ALL FLESH - REGARDLESS OF TRIBE, NATION, LANGUAGE, CULTURE, RELIGION This is the key. Acts 2:17 says ALL FLESH. Acts 10:34-35 — God shows no partiality, in every nation. Revelation 5:9 — Jesus ransomed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Revelation 7:9 — A multitude no one can number, from all nations. God poured His Spirit on a Christian youth in Kampala with visions, and on a Muslim Sheikh in a mosque in Mayuge with a personal appearance. Same Spirit. Same Jesus. Same message. THE MESSAGE FOR THIS LAST AGE: God is alarming us: Spiritual awakening, renewal, revival, repentance, and obedience. John 8:12 — Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 3:16 — Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Matt 25:46 — The choice is eternal life or eternal punishment. Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without hearing what God is showing now, people will perish in sin/darkness. 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not slow... but is patient, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” FINAL CALL: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE Hebrews 3:15 — “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Habakkuk 2:3 — The vision awaits its appointed time, it will surely come. Sheikh Uthman heard his name called. You are hearing your name called today. God is speaking through His Son NOW to all nations. Will you embrace His will through faith in Christ and be saved? If you refuse, you will perish in sin. Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God who came to destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8, open our eyes. We repent.

Ellen G. White THE SABBATH IS THE LORD’S DAY — NOT SUNDAY There is a phrase in Scripture that deserves our careful attention: “MY DAY.” God does not speak of the Sabbath as merely a Jewish tradition or a human religious custom. He claims it as His own day. Isaiah 58:13 “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day…” Notice the language: “MY holy day.” God says: “My sabbath” — Ezekiel 20:12 “My sabbaths” — Ezekiel 20:20 “The sabbath of the LORD thy God” — Exodus 20:10 “My holy day” — Isaiah 58:13 And who is the Lord of the Sabbath? Mark 2:28 “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” Jesus did not say He was Lord of Sunday. He identified Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. Go back even further—to Creation. Genesis 2:2–3 “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made… And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” The seventh day was blessed and sanctified before there was a Jew, before there was Moses, and before there was Mount Sinai. Then God placed it in the heart of His moral law: Exodus 20:8–11 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy… But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” The question is therefore not simply, “What day do I prefer?” The deeper question is: “What day has God Himself claimed as His?” Scripture answers: the seventh-day Sabbath. Sunday may be widely observed by tradition, culture, or religious practice, but we must distinguish between what God commanded and what human tradition established. Jesus warned: Mark 7:7–9 “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” The Sabbath is not presented in Scripture as something God casually gave and later abandoned. Isaiah points forward to the new earth: Isaiah 66:22–23 “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” From Creation, through the Ten Commandments, through the ministry of Christ, and into the new earth, Scripture consistently gives the seventh day a unique place. So let us not allow tradition to speak louder than Scripture. The Sabbath is not my day. It is not your day. It is God’s day. “The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10 If God calls it “MY holy day,” shouldn't we be willing to honor what He has claimed? AMAZING LOVE

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

Amazing Facts Daily Devotionals. Are there any Bible verses that say Joseph was previously married or had children before he married Mary? August 20, 2026 Read Time: 2 min No Scripture says that Joseph had children before Mary, but we can come to that conclusion through some simple detective work. For instance, the Bible tells us in several places that Jesus had brothers and sisters. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He committed the care of His mother to the apostle John (John 19:25–27). That would have been a very unusual act if the other children had been her offspring. She would have automatically been under their care if that were the case. Furthermore, during the time of Jesus, it was the duty of the oldest son in a family to stay home and work with the father to eventually take over his business. If Jesus had been the eldest, it would have been an insult to leave Joseph in the carpenter shop and go off preaching. But because Jesus was one of the younger sons, it wasn’t a problem. When we put these things together, it makes sense that Jesus was not Joseph’s first son. You typically hear about Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ brothers and sisters. However, it seems Joseph had died by the time Christ began His ministry, so scholars conclude that he was older than Mary and had already had a family before marrying her. His first wife had evidently passed away, and Joseph himself is never mentioned as being alive when Christ began His ministry. A lot of this comes from simple deduction. Joseph died from old age and/or hard work by the time Jesus began His ministry. The older brothers of Christ continued working in the carpenter shop in Nazareth, and Jesus was Mary’s only biological son as far as we can tell. What is most important is that we know and believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Our passage today suggests the people in His hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. Will you receive Him? Key Bible Texts Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3 KJV)

Mark 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*TAKE HEED WHAT YOU HEAR*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” — Mark 4:24 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Be Careful What You Allow Into Your Heart* Jesus teaches us in Mark 4:24 to pay careful attention to what we hear. Not every voice deserves our attention, and not every message deserves a place in our hearts. What we repeatedly hear can influence our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, faith, and ultimately our lives. Therefore, Christ calls us to become intentional listeners—people who listen to God's Word, receive it with faith, and put it into practice. The second part of the verse reminds us that spiritual understanding grows when we faithfully respond to what God has already revealed. When we value God's truth and live by it, He gives us greater understanding and deeper spiritual maturity. Today, let us ask: What voices are shaping my life? Am I listening more to fear or faith? To discouragement or God's promises? To human opinions or the truth of Scripture? 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my ears are attentive to the voice of God. I shall hear His Word with understanding, receive it with faith, and obey it with a willing heart. I declare that every voice of fear, discouragement, confusion, negativity, and deception that seeks to weaken my faith shall not control me. I choose to listen to the voice of truth, wisdom, faith, hope, and righteousness. Today, I receive grace to discern what I should hear and what I should reject. The Holy Spirit shall sharpen my spiritual discernment and protect my heart from influences that are contrary to God's will. I declare that God's Word shall take root deeply within me. It shall shape my thoughts, guide my decisions, influence my relationships, and direct my actions. I proclaim that as I faithfully apply God's Word, greater wisdom and understanding shall be given to me. I shall grow spiritually, mature in faith, and become more effective in fulfilling my God-given purpose. Today, I declare God's wisdom over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. I shall hear the right counsel, recognize the right opportunities, and make decisions that align with God's purpose. I declare that I shall not allow negative words spoken about me to define my identity. My identity is rooted in Christ, and my confidence comes from God's Word. I proclaim that my mouth shall also become a source of life. I will be careful not only about what I hear but also about what I speak. My words shall encourage, strengthen, heal, and point people toward Christ. Today, I receive grace to become a doer of God's Word and not merely a hearer. What God teaches me shall produce visible transformation in my character and conduct. I declare that every good seed of God's Word planted in my heart shall produce fruit. My faith shall grow, my wisdom shall increase, my discernment shall deepen, and my life shall become increasingly fruitful. I will hear God's Word. I will receive God's Word. I will obey God's Word. I will grow through God's Word. And I will become a blessing to others through God's Word. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥📖 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with God's Word: Spend time reading Scripture before filling your mind with social media, news, or other voices. 2️⃣ Read Mark 4:1–25: Meditate especially on Jesus' teaching about hearing and receiving God's Word. 3️⃣ Declare: “I take heed to what I hear. My ears are open to God's truth, and my heart is ready to obey His Word.” 4️⃣ Check your influences: Identify one negative voice, habit, or source of information that has been affecting your faith and reduce its influence. 5️⃣ Speak life: Intentionally encourage at least one person today with words of faith, hope, and love. 6️⃣ Apply what you hear: Ask yourself, “What is God asking me to do with what I have learned?” Then take one practical step. 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for His Word and ask Him for greater wisdom and understanding. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Word to guide, correct, strengthen, and transform my life. Lord Jesus, help me to take heed to what I hear. Give me discernment to recognize Your voice and wisdom to reject every voice that is contrary to Your truth. Guard my heart from fear, confusion, discouragement, bitterness, gossip, deception, and every negative influence that can weaken my faith. Let Your Word take deep root in my heart. Give me understanding as I read Scripture and grace to put what I learn into practice. Give me wisdom concerning my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and future. Help me hear the right counsel and make decisions that honor You. Let the words of my mouth also bring life and encouragement to others. Make me a faithful hearer and a committed doer of Your Word. As I faithfully receive and apply Your truth, give me greater wisdom, deeper understanding, stronger faith, and greater spiritual maturity. Lord, open my ears to hear You, my heart to receive You, and my life to obey You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord open your spiritual ears to hear His voice clearly. May He give you discernment to recognize truth, wisdom to reject harmful influences, and grace to obey His Word. May God's Word take deep root in your heart and produce abundant fruit in your family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May your understanding increase, your faith grow stronger, and your life become a powerful testimony of what happens when God's Word is heard, believed, and obeyed. 📖 May you hear wisely. 🕊️ May you discern accurately. 🔥 May you obey faithfully. 🌱 May you grow continually. ✨ May your life bear much fruit. 🌟 “TAKE HEED WHAT YE HEAR.” — MARK 4:24. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, discerning, fruitful, and spiritually enriching day🙏 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

Wednesday 18 August 2026 Bible Study Take up your cross and follow Jesus Getting Started: What does the title of this Bible Study mean to you? Has Jesus called every Christian to take up their cross and follow Him? Bible Exploration: 1. Mark 8:34-37. Jesus used the image of carrying the cross to set the example of what ultimate submission He would require of His followers. Jesus is not against pleasure, and He wasn't saying we should seek needless pain. He was talking about the heroic effort needed to follow Him every moment and do His work, even when it's difficult, and even when there were no tangible rewards. Jesus didn't teach self-denial so we would be miserable, but for His Name and Kingdom. Taking up your cross will require sacrifice and possible pain, but it will lead to a life of service to God and to others, and rewards that are out of this world. Taking up your cross is an act of sacrifice, surrender, and submission to whatever God asks of you. 2. The taking up of our cross, and the laying down of our lives, is for Jesus and His Gospel. We should not just be willing to lay down our lives - we should be constantly laying down our lives for Jesus and His Gospel. Nothing can compare to what we gain when we follow Jesus. 3. Romans 6:12,13. How does God help us to not let sin reign in our lives, and be an instrument of righteousness? 1st Peter 4:1,2. How do we arm ourselves with the same mind as Jesus? How does suffering in the flesh help us to stop sinning? How do we stop living in the flesh controlled by lusts, but for the will of God? 4. 2nd Corinthians 10:4,5. How are we supposed to handle spiritual warfare? How do we pull down strongholds, cast down arguments, and bring every thought into obedience to Christ? 5. John 15:18. How does God help us handle the hate and ridicule of the world that is against God? John 16:2. How does God help us handle the fear of people and what they might do? John 7:7. Why does the world hate Jesus and you? 6. Matthew 5:11,12. What are some important things to remember about the persecution of Christians? Galatians 1:8. What is the message of this verse? 2 Timothy 3:1. What will happen in the last days? 2nd Timothy 3:12. How do we know we will be persecuted? 2 Timothy 3:13. What will be happening in the last days? 2nTimothy 3:16,17. What tools has God given us to prepare us for our ministry, for taking up our cross, and for following Jesus?