I’ve just seen that one of my friends has got their phone number, as mine!!! This is a HIGE breach in data protection as I don’t remember consenting to my phone number being displayed here only. I mean who in their right mind would do that!? Also, I have no way of contacting admin.!? Can someone PLEASE help me with this as a highly treasure phone number of mine is now out in public apparently being used by Bots for nefarious purposes. If you have the power to alert admins please do so. Thanks, In Jesus name.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* THURSDAY 4TH JUNE, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* EXAMPLES OF GOD'S AMAZING GRACE. *TOPIC:* THE PRODIGAL SON. *TEXT:* LUKE 15:11-32. 11. Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20. So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28. “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31. ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” *TOPIC:* THE PRODIGAL SON. *THE MESSAGE:* The story of the prodigal son is a touching example of God's grace. The younger son asked for a share of his father's estate. Although it is culturally wrong, the father obliged. The son left home and squandered his inheritance. While in abject poverty, he decided to return home to be a servant. However, his father embraced and restored this arrogant, disrespectful, greedy, and wayward son. What a demonstration of grace! Many families are grappling with prodigality on different levels, such as truancy, addiction, stubbornness, sexual perversion, and so on. Parents, forgive and restore your wayward children. Child, are you self-seeking and rebellious? Do not hit rock bottom before you return home. Rise and run to the open arms of God, who is willing to welcome you. *REFLECTION:* Do not lose sight of your heavenly home. *PRAYER:* Father, forgive my waywardness. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* JOHN 1:16. "From the fulness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* PSALM 19-24. ED.ii. Skip to content Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth Posted onJune 4, 2026 by Editor The Time Is Short Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals Now is the time and the hour to awake from our sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 Time is Short Every day that passes is a day closer to the return of the Lord Jesus for His church. The Lord’s return is imminent and each day it gets a little closer than the day before. Time is short and we need to be awake, alert, ready and prepared to meet our Saviour.. but should we try to work out the day of His return to take us to be with Himself? Date-Setting Should we search out a likely date of His coming on which to pin our expectations? Should we take note of the speculations, theories, dreams or visions of others? Are we to trawl biblical prophecy, extra-biblical writings or the news to discover a date? No! for lying prophets abound pretending to have additional revelation from God. We are not to try to date-set, but we are to recognise the season is fast approaching. Return of Christ For 2000 years the return of Christ for His saints has been imminent, and it still is. Christ’s return is fast approaching. Each day it gets a little closer than the day before. His return is closer than it was last year, last month, last week or even yesterday, The return of Jesus is nearer than the day on which we first trusted Him as Saviour. As Paul told the Romans, “now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.” Preparation But how should we prepare for the return of the Lord, what should we be doing? Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 Be Ready In this challenging verse, the writer uses the lovely word exhort, which is to encourage. We are to encourage others to be awake, alert, ready and prepared to meet our Lord – prepared all-day; any-day; every-day – for our salvation is drawing ever closer. Soon Return Just as God’s Spirit comes alongside to exhort us, we are to do the same for others.. we are to exhort, to encourage, to urge and become united in hope, one with another. When two or three are met together in His name, we should talk of His soon return. We are to draw near and meet with other believers, exhorting and encouraging, for we are in the season of His return – a season that has lasted 2000 years – and the Lord’s return is closer than when we first believed. Faithful Servant We are to be advocates one for the other – little comforters; trustworthy anchors. We are to draw alongside to support and steady, to balance and even to correct. We are exhorted to exhort other Christians when we meet together in fellowship – particularly in these evil days as the return of the Lord gets ever closer. What a privilege and honour – what a ministry and yet what a responsibility… we have been entrusted to be that good, faithful servant, toward other believers. Increasing Urgency This should also be a time when we examine our own relationship with Jesus. We can scarcely exhort others to be spiritual ready if we are ill-prepared ourselves. We can hardly encourage others towards preparedness if we have become careless. We cannot draw alongside others aright, unless we are in fellowship with the Lord – and the urgency increases as we see the day of His return approaching. Distinctive Period The imminency of Christ’s return for His saints has lasted 2000 years! This was an important fact for the early church; as it has been down the centuries, so why this emphasis on exhortation “..as ye see the day approaching?” Well, Scripture as always is its own best and unique interpreter.. We are instructed of the apostles, that the end is a distinctive period for the Body. The end is to be characterised by unusual pressures and strains for God’s children. Increasing Pressures There is to be a huge increase in satanic activity in the heavenly realms. The enemy knows he has only a short time to achieve his nefarious deeds. The enemy as a roaring lion prowls the earth, seeking whom he may devour. Scripture indicates that the saints of God will become abnormally weary. The Word shows that many believers will be unable to face the increasing pressures. The Spirit warns that Satan’s deliberate act is to wear out the saints. Hold Fast In our society, we recognise many of the attacks he uses to achieve this end. Education, politics, news – unrest, uncertainty disorder and chaos all combine.. and fear of the future and a loss of hope is the inevitable outcome – and lack of faith is the insidious bedfellow of hopelessness and despair… UNLESS… Unless we can hold fast that what is good – hold on to the promises of God. Unless we can trust His Word, which tells us this disorder is only for a season. Exhort and Encourage Oh yes – divide and conquer is a very successful satanic warfare strategy… yet we are instructed how to foil his tactic.. we are to gather together to exhort each other and encourage one another, and so much more, as we see the day approach. Spirit and Prayer Believers may be divided by thousands of miles – separated by land and sea… but we can gather together in love and encouragement – in spirit and in prayer, reminding each other that the time is short and we are to look up. Christ is returning soon and our redemption draws closer with each passing day. Post navigation Previous Post Previous End Time Famine Proudly powered by WordPress. 2. Evejing prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed. ⏤ James Montgomery Father, though it’s dark around us, it is always light with You. We come at nightfall to thank You for the day’s mercies and to confess our sins. Blot out every transgression. Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Accept what we bring to You tonight, and let Your blessing be upon it all. We ask You for Your special peace. We remember Your promise to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You. We desire to keep our minds stayed on You. You are an everlasting rock. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are the everlasting Father. Nothing ever disturbs Your security. We would lean . . . Our weakness on Your strength, Our ignorance on Your wisdom, Our trembling insecurity on Your unchangeableness. We would rest in You. Help us to rest in You as birds rest in their nests in the great rock, and not be afraid. Save us from all fear. We are only little children in this world of danger, but we are safe in You. Help us, therefore, to trust and never be afraid. Cover us with Your sheltering wings. Hold us in the clasp of Your hand—in the embrace of Your everlasting arms. Preserve us from . . . The fascinations of the world, The assaults of the tempter, The insidious wickedness of our own hearts. May You bless our mutual influence as a home. We love each other; may our love grow more tender. Sometimes we fail to show our love, even appearing cold, indifferent, and ungracious. Help us to be kindly affectionate in manner as well as loving in heart. We pray for our neighbors and friends. May Your grace be upon them. Comfort the sorrowful, Relieve the distressed, Have mercy upon the sinful. We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/60/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2026. "PRAYING JESUS' WAY (4)" ‘Give us each day our daily bread.’  Luke 11:3 NRV THE SECOND part of the Lord’s Prayer addresses our everyday concerns: ‘Give us each day our daily bread’ (v. 3). Your Father is willing to meet your physical and financial needs. The word Jesus used here meant literal ‘food’. God is more concerned about the necessities of your everyday life than you are. He multiplied food for five thousand hungry people. ‘…He…healed all who were sick’ (Matthew 8:16 NKJV). And He wants to meet your needs, too. ‘…Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”’ (Matthew 6:31 NIV). The ‘bread man’ delivers fresh bread daily! So trust Him for today’s needs, and tomorrow morning get up and do the same. ‘…Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors’ (Matthew 6:12 NKJV). The moment you enter God’s presence, you become aware of your sin. And Satan will try to bring condemnation on you. How does he do it? By making you feel unwelcome and uneasy in God’s presence. But Satan is a liar. ‘There is…no condemnation to  those who are in Christ Jesus…’ (Romans 8:1 NKJV). God’s Spirit brings your sins to light not to condemn you, but to motivate you to confess them and receive His forgiveness. God’s Word identifies several categories of sin that we need to recognise. There’s falling short of what’s required; the deliberate violation of a specific rule; unintentional and often passionately motivated slips; deliberate disobedience and rebellion; failure to fulfil your indebtedness; the sin of omission. Regardless of what your sin is, the moment you confess it and ask God for forgiveness, He restores you (1 John 1:9). Bible In A Year: Heb 5-8; Mark 6:30-44; Ps 18:30-50; Pro 11:22. 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. IT IS TIME TO CRY "We should not test Christ, as some of them did — and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did — and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us." - 1 Corinthians 10:9-11 God responds the same to a sinful generation today as He did with Israel in the past. Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:6: 'He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.' As a nation, you can backslide into sin for a long time until you cross a certain line and God puts an end to it. It should make you cry when you see what sins are allowed in our nations today. Just like Isaiah, you could cry when you hear and see all the horrors around you. 'Turn away from me; let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people' (Isaiah 22:4). There are few spiritual leaders today who see the judgment coming and therefore cry for sorrow and warn the people. It should make you cry that few government leaders consider the living God and His holy commandments. It should make you cry that the Netherlands aborts thousands of babies. It should make you cry that many young people are infected with all kinds of diseases because of free sex and that they are allowed to buy drugs to destroy themselves. Where are the children of God whose hearts break when we see the sin of our church and our nation? Where are the prophets who are crying to warn the people? Yet years ago, I prophesied that the Netherlands will be a lighthouse for Europe and the whole world. And I still believe this because God is a merciful and compassionate God, He is full of goodness and He likes to forgive. Where sin increases, His grace will increase as well. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer [It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23 The Christian life is one of gratitude. A heart that is constantly overflowing with thankfulness is a heart close to God. ⏤ A.W. Tozer O God, giver of all good and fountain of all mercy, we thank You for Your grace and the many ways You show Your care for us. Your faithfulness never fails. Your mercies are new every morning, fresh every moment, more than we can count. What can we give You in return for all Your goodness to us? We have nothing to offer but the poor love of our hearts, and we give that to You. Grant us more and more the spirit of praise and thanksgiving. Teach us to sing even when tears choke our songs. Give us songs in the night. Teach us how to rejoice, even in care and sorrow. We thank You for our home and all it means to us. You have filled our lives with countless blessings through the love that unites us as a family. Our home is a little bit of Your love poured into our hearts. We thank You for the shelter our home provides and for the gentle affections that bind us together. May our home grow sweeter as the days pass. Make our home life more loving, patient, and kind. May our love be less selfish and more like the love of Jesus. We ask for special blessings for this day. We will face dangers we are unaware of; protect us from them. We are vulnerable to accidents wherever we go; defend us from them. Grant us the grace to walk through the moral challenges around us without being harmed by them. Give Your angels charge over us to keep us in all Your ways. Lead us wherever we go so that we may not stumble. Make us strong for holy service. Let Your protection be over us all day, and give us strength for every duty. We ask all this in Jesus' precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion. Good evening, brethren. 1.Evening devotion fortoday. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 12TH MAY, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* RESPONSE TO GRACE. *TOPIC:* SACRIFICIAL LIVING. *TEXT:* LUKE 14:25-27. 25 Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus. He turned and told them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as his own life, he can’t be My disciple. Deu 13:6 Deu 33:9 Mat 10:37 27 Whoever doesn’t carry his cross and follow Me can’t be My disciple. Mat 10:38 Mat 16:24 Mar 8:34 Luk 9:23 *TOPIC:* SACRIFICIAL LIVING. *THE MESSAGE:* God's amazing grace requires supreme loyalty in following Christ. Jesus is not advocating literal hatred but is demanding that allegiance to Him must surpass all other attachments, even the most intimate ones. In a context where the cross was a symbol of brutal Roman execution, Jesus' words would have sounded radical and costly. Taking up one's cross speaks of a readiness to endure suffering, shame, and even death for His sake. In an age of convenience and compromise, Jesus' demand for total surrender is a call to prioritise Him above all else, including family, career, comfort, and personal ambition. It also reminds the Church that true discipleship is not about popularity or ease, but sacrificial living and unwavering loyalty, just as the disciples did when Christ called them. This is the path to true life and eternal reward. Do not waver! *REFLECTION:* What is hindering you from living wholly for God? *PRAYER:* Father, forgive me for not always making You first in my life. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* TITUS 2:12. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* ESTHER 1-2. ED.ii. Skip to content Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth Posted onMay 12, 2026 by Editor Satan’s Main Scheme Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals Satan’s Objective Satan is a defeated enemy. Satan is a conquered foe. Satan is a crushed antagonist. Satan is a subdued fiend. His final downfall is prerecorded but his present activity is viciously cruel. The god of this world system has one main objective – one goal – one aim, It is to prevent the Lord Christ Jesus, the anointed of God, to return as King of kings. The prince of the power of the air and the forces of evil seek to prevent Christ’s return. Great Adversary The principalities and powers of the devil attempt to do this by deceit and thievery. This great adversary of God is in a bloody battle – to scupper the hope of the glorious gospel of Christ’s glorious return. His main focus is to rob the spiritual believer of his or her true fighting power, He is not bothered by the strength of Christian ‘talking’ or Christian ‘working’.. Prayer Strength He’s not phased by Christian ‘advertising’, Christian ‘programs’, Christian ‘service’ He is not troubled by ‘lets-go-to-the-meeting’ power’ or ‘listen-to-the-teaching’ might! but he shudders at the genuine; fighting; Spirit-led ‘power-of-prayer’ strength. He is deeply impacted by the warrior that will resist and stand firm in the Spirit. Christ’s Cross And he trembles at the power of the victory of the Christ of Calvary, on His Cross. This is the area of spiritual work most feared by the principalities and power of evil. This is what the world’s dark rulers and wicked spirits in the heavenlies dread most. Nefarious Plan Down through the centuries evil’s plan has been to subdue true Christian witness, but it welcomes vain religiosity and pats the toothless jaws of a worldly Church Superficial spirituality in unspiritual believers contributes to his nefarious plans, The fluff of most religious work and worship is ineffective against his grand designs. Religious Games So many seek to do the work of God through natural forces and carnal power. Mind, intellect and reasoning power or the force of personality, acumen or training.. but influence, personality, constitution, diplomas are of no consequence, and Satan happily allows many to play their religious games in freedom and comfort. ‘Faithometer’ But few believers are truly prepared to stand against the wiles of the devil, and God will only work effectively through the one wholly committed to Christ, I wonder where we are on the ‘Faithometer’? Are e a fair-weather Christian that will only fight when the sun is shining. Does our faith only kick in when all is going well – “a tummy-touches-table”guy? Multitudes followed Jesus for what He would give them or do for them. Even some of His Own, trusted, hand-picked disciples did not believe in Him! How many really truly had faith in Him – one here and one there …? Bible Faith A few days ago I reflected on those that really truly had faith in the Son of Man – faith written about in the scriptures… A woman with an issue of blood – a blind-deaf mute– a dead girl’s mum and dad – and because of their faith in Jesus mountains were moved in their lives… Hope’s Extremity Yes, they had reached the very limit of their endurance. They had arrived at the extremity of their hope and then they trusted Him, but his own kith and kin restricted His power by their lack of faith in Him. True Trust Today there are multitudes that believe in Him for saving grace – and praise God, and hallelujah – many are born-again through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. But how few really trust Him – really, really trust in Him – often not until they reach their own breaking point in self-trust. One Example But there is one guy, a centurion with an ill servant who exemplified real faith. He believed the Word of God, He knew and trusted Jesus – and that was sufficient for all he needed. It is that sort of trust and that level of faith at which the devil trembles, The one that unswervingly says, I trust your Word without question or query. God’s Will It is the one that won’t balk at the enormity of the situations that crashes their lives. It is the one that resists all the sight and sounds of the enemy’s scheming wiles.. It is the one that steadfastly say “Thy will not mine be done” – That is the sort of believer from whom Satan flees and demons tremble. Defeated Enemy It’s not essential to be known of men or have a great ministry – but does the enemy tremble at your presence? Can the devil and His principalities say: “Jesus I know..” and “Paul I know.. and at your name say” I know”? Can they say that of you – and can they say it of me too? Satan is a defeated enemy Satan is a conquered foe. Satan is a crushed antagonist Satan is a subdued fiend. Satan’s Goal His final downfall is prerecorded but his present activity is viciously cruel. The god of this world system has one main objective, one goal, one aim – it is to prevent the Lord Christ Jesus, the anointed of God return as King of kings. His main focus is to rob the spiritual believer of his or her true fighting power. Resisting Satan Are we man enough or woman enough to stand to the end and have faith in Jesus? Will we resist the devil despite all that he does to trounce our faith in the Son or will we revert to being one of the multitude, that just looked from afar? Paul’s Words Let us stand before His throne of grace and say with Paul. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1Corinthians 15:10. Post navigation Previous Post Previous The Service of God Proudly powered by WordPress. 2. Evening Prayer fortoday. EP.i. Evening Prayer Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ⏤ Psalm 51:10 A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine. ⏤ D.L. Moody Almighty God, our most holy and eternal Father, whose eyes are too pure to look upon evil—let Your gracious Spirit descend upon us this evening. Grant that no impure thoughts may pollute the souls You have set apart for Yourself, that no unclean words may defile the lips You have consecrated to be organs of Your praise, and that no unholy acts may desecrate the hearts You have chosen as Your temples. Grant that our souls may be kept pure for You, that our lips may speak only for You, and that our hearts may always be worthy of Your presence. We pray for the spirit of watchfulness, for all around us are evils—subtle, insidious, and determined to lead us into sin. We cannot keep ourselves safe. We cannot guard our hearts against these dangers. Have mercy on us, strong Son of God, who knows all about these powers of sin. Have mercy on us; lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Keep us and grant that we may live in this present world in a way that will not prevent us from experiencing the glories of the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bring us safely home to Your heavenly glory. O Lord, most mighty and most merciful, we commend ourselves to You and to the word of Your grace, which can build us up and give us an inheritance among all who are sanctified. We ask You to keep our souls from sin, our eyes from tears, and our feet from falling, so that we may walk before You in the land of the living. And at the glorious appearing of Your Son, our Lord, may we be presented faultless before Your presence with exceeding joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/37/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

#spiritualwarfare #nefarious #jesus #crafttochrist

On Matters of Faith I often sit and read various church statements of faith. They vary depending on denomination, but all hold to a basic idea: their faith is grounded in a doctrine rooted in a deeply held spiritual understanding of life. Some testify to being Bible-based, others Apostolic, and still others locate their faith in the words of the church fathers. All churches – regardless of denomination or lack thereof—structure their foundational beliefs tightly around their statement of faith. It is so foundational that churches are more often called faith communities. I am Episcopalian by tradition. I love the smells and bells. But I understand that those things are for me—tools that help me express my faith more fully within a community I have found a home in. It is not the right way of worship. It is a way of worship. And for those of us within the community, our traditions of incense and bells help bring our communal celebration alive. I love Midnight Mass, with the nave so full of incense that eyes are tearing and inhalers are being emptied. And yet, if you ask any parishioner there, they will all say, “I think this year we may have had just enough incense.” There is a communal love of the tradition. And within these traditions – and every other tradition of the Episcopal Church – we carry our faith forward and openly display it in our weekly recitation of the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed during baptisms, weddings, and other events. These creeds state the foundational beliefs from which our faith is derived. But after years of studying this topic, I have come to understand faith in a much simpler and far more profound way. For me, at the core level, faith is the ability to live in the uncertainty of life. From that flows my entire understanding of doctrine, scripture, community, and the nature of Jesus and the Divine. Faith is not fact – because faith begins where certainty ends. When facts are treated as final answers rather than invitations into mystery, they do not strengthen faith; they replace it. And yet, faith does not float unmoored from reality. It is grounded. There are numerous writers within the first century who speak of Jesus outside of what we now call the Bible – enough to establish that Jesus was a historical figure, that he taught, and that he was crucified. These facts do not negate faith; they make faith possible. They set the table, but they do not eat the meal. What many call “strong faith” is often just fear that’s been armored. It needs absolutes because it cannot tolerate vulnerability. My faith does the opposite – it accepts vulnerability as the cost of being real. Systems built on control do not want a living Jesus walking around – teaching, healing, and unsettling the rules. A dead Jesus can be contained. A living one cannot. This is why an obsession with blood often coexists with: Indifference to present suffering Comfort with state violence Moralizing cruelty Resistance to questioning Because the cross, stripped from life, becomes a symbol that justifies suffering instead of confronting it. Certainty requires no trust. It requires only agreement. Once everything is settled, faith has nothing left to do. It becomes maintenance. Policing. Defense. But uncertainty demands something much harder and more honest: presence without guarantees. Uncertainty is honest faith because: It admits finitude – you don’t pretend to see the whole. It leaves room for correction – you expect to be taught by life. It resists idolatry – you don’t confuse your understanding with God. It keeps love primary – you choose a relationship over being right. A weak faith clings to certainty because it cannot survive tension. An honest faith stays in the tension without turning cruel. Uncertainty isn’t the absence of faith. It’s the environment faith actually lives in. There is a point at which fixation on the crucifixion stops being reverence and becomes repetition of violence – not consciously, not maliciously, but structurally. When a community centers its faith on blood, suffering, and payment, it risks internalizing the logic that violence is redemptive in itself. And once that logic takes root, it distorts everything downstream. We see this most often in the visualizations of the persecuted Christian. I am not saying there is no actual persecution – but far too often the image is hijacked for nefarious reasons, knowingly or not. It creates a disconnect from the life of Jesus. And the life is where the danger really is: The table fellowship The refusal to shame The disruption of purity systems The challenge to religious authority The insistence that love of neighbor reveals love of God Those things threaten power. They threaten certainty. They threaten hierarchy. The crucifixion, by contrast, can be made safe – because it’s over. It can be ritualized, aestheticized, turned into transactions. Blood can be theologized in a way that silences the voice that spoke before the nails. A clear example of this inversion comes from an NPR interview in August 2023 with Evangelical theologian Russell Moore. Dr. Moore described pastors coming to him expressing concern that their parishioners were enraged by sermons they perceived as promoting “liberal ideas.” Those ideas turned out to be the Beatitudes – Jesus’s own words. The congregants wanted only the blood. They had turned Jesus into an escape mechanism hanging on a cross. His life and teachings were no longer important. This inversion of the gospel message lies at the root of many problems within Christianity today. A fixation on the crucifixion at the expense of Jesus’s words distorts the message itself. There are some who, given the chance, would push the spear deeper so that more blood might wash over them. Their personal relationship is about them, not about community. We now have megachurches with tens of thousands of members, and instead of a community of one body, they have a crowd of thousands. They put on armor, wrap razor wire around their Bibles, and wage war against principalities and powers – yet strangely, in this battle, the only injuries are inflicted on fellow humans who simply disagree. Here is the truth they do not understand: truth that cannot be questioned cannot be trusted. They have trapped themselves so tightly within doctrine that they cannot examine it or look beyond it. Yes, I have doctrines. Chief among them is this: I could be wrong. I must have faith in that uncertainty. Others that shape my beliefs include: Love without conditions looks like danger – yet it is the only true love. Humility looks like weakness; it is silent strength that does not need to brag. God is larger than doctrine – mine or yours. Love outranks law. Love forms law. Without love, law becomes condemnation. Conscience matters. Why we act is just as important as how we act. Lives matter more than systems. When the church sins – and it will – the person harmed matters more than the institution’s health. Faith is more than individual. It is communal. The moment absolutes move into identity, worth, punishment, destiny, or exclusion, they stop pointing toward God and begin policing the human soul. Love becomes conditional. Mystery becomes dangerous. Faith becomes something to perform rather than inhabit. It is the difference between faith as shelter and faith as enclosure. One protects life. The other erodes it. What I am really saying is this: a faith rooted in love, uncertainty, and questions will always feel threatening to systems built on control, certainty, and fear – not because it is aggressive, but because it cannot be absorbed. The result of this incompatibility is often the accusation: “My faith is strong enough to be your demon.” I am not claiming malice. I am naming projection. To systems that survive on absolutes, questions look like rebellion. Unregulated love looks ungodly. And the meek are not supposed to inherit a thing. So the system does what it always does: it demonizes what it cannot dominate. And thus I – and many others – become demons. So for me, faith remains in the realm of uncertainty. Life is lived in uncertainty, and my faith must reflect that reality. This does not weaken faith. It directs my faith away from myself and toward God – exactly where faith should be anchored. -Richard ©

June 15th Strong and mighty Deliverer. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.—Psalm 32:7 I have been shown that we must be guarded on every side and perseveringly resist the insinuations and devices of Satan. He has transformed himself into an angel of light and is deceiving thousands and leading them captive. The advantage he takes of the science of the human mind, is tremendous. Here, serpent-like, he imperceptibly creeps in to corrupt the work of God. The miracles and works of Christ he would make appear as the result of human skill and power. If he should make an open, bold attack upon Christianity, it would bring the Christian in distress and agony to the feet of his Redeemer, and his strong and mighty Deliverer would put the bold adversary to flight. He therefore transforms himself into an angel of light and works upon the mind to allure from the only safe and right path.... I was directed to the power of God manifested through Moses when the Lord sent him in before Pharaoh. Satan understood his business and was upon the ground. He well knew that Moses was chosen of God to break the yoke of bondage upon the children of Israel, and that in his work he prefigured Christ’s first advent to break Satan’s power over the human family and deliver those who were made captives by his power. Satan knew that when Christ should appear, mighty works and miracles would be wrought by Him, that the world might know that the Father had sent Him. He trembled for his power. He consulted with his angels how to accomplish a work which should answer a twofold purpose: 1. To destroy the influence of the work wrought by God through His servant Moses, by working through his agents, and thus counterfeiting the true work of God; 2. To exert an influence by his work through the magicians which would reach down through all ages and destroy in the minds of many true faith in the mighty miracles and works to be performed by Christ when He should come to this world. He knew that his kingdom would suffer, for the power which he held over humanity would be subject to Christ.... Those signs and wonders were wrought through Moses to convince Pharaoh that the great “I AM” sent him to command Pharaoh to let Israel go that they might serve Him.—Testimonies for the Church 1:290-292. Further Reflection: How does the Holy Spirit help me prepare for Satan’s nefarious attacks?

The role of Artificial Intelligence in the End Times. Insights from the Book of Revelation. Introduction. Dear brothers and sisters, today I want to delve into a fascinating and thought-provoking topic - the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the end times. As technology continues to advance at an astonishing pace, it is only natural to wonder how these advancements align with the teachings of the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation. While the Bible does not explicitly mention AI, it does provide us with insights that can help us discern the potential implications of this technology in the last days. Let us explore this together and seek wisdom from God's Word. 1. A powerful Deception. In the book of Revelation, we find warnings of great deceptions that will arise in the end times. Revelation 13 speaks of a 'beast' that will deceive people with miraculous signs. It is interesting to consider how AI, with its ability to imitate human behaviour and intelligence, could be utilized to deceive the masses. We have already witnessed the development of deepfake technology, which can create convincing counterfeit video's. This raises concerns about the potential for AI-driven deception on a grand scale during the end times. 2. The Mark of the Beast. Revelation 13 : 16 - 18 describes the infamous mark of the beast that will be imposed upon humanity during the reign of the Antichrist. While the exact nature of this mark is not specified, it is plausible that AI and related technologies may play a role in its implementation. For instance, biometric identification systems, embedded microchips, or even neural implants could be connected to AI systems for monitoring and control. Such advancements raise ethical questions and remind us to be vigilant in discerning the potential dangers they pose. 3. The Battle of Good and Evil. Throughout the book of Revelation, we witness an ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil. The rise of AI presents a unique challenge in this regard. While technology itself is not inherently evil, it can be misused and manipulated by those with malicious intent. As AI continues to progress, we must remain alert to its potential to be exploited for nefarious purposes, as well as its potential to aid in the spreading of the gospel and advancing the Kingdom of God. 4. Trust in God's Sovereignty. While it is crucial to be aware of the potential implications of AI in the end times, we must never lose sight of God's sovereignty. Technology may advance, but God's plan remains unshakable. The book of Revelation ultimately reveals that Christ will return in glory to establish His eternal Kingdom. No matter how powerful or deceptive AI may become, it is ultimately subject to God's divine authority. Conclusion. As we consider the role of AI in the end times according to the book of Revelation, let us be discerning and prayerful. We should embrace the advancements of technology with caution and a firm foundation in God's Word. Our focus must remain on living faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return, spreading the good news of salvation, and abiding in God's love, grace and eternal hope that we find in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we trust in God's wisdom and find peace in Him as we navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world. Amen. https://youtu.be/ABHz5oZx-WA?si=nKPVKNYmvP30OP7P&sfnsn=scwspwa

People of the Bible Once, in the ancient kingdom of Persia, there lived a young woman who had been orphaned at a tender age. She was taken in by her older cousin, Mordecai, a wise and devout man who cared for her as his own. This young woman, known for her grace and beauty, became an integral part of Mordecai's life, and they shared a bond that went beyond familial ties. In the city of Susa, where the grand palace of King Xerxes stood, life continued with its hustle and bustle. Mordecai, a respected member of the Jewish community, would often sit by the city gate to catch up on the latest news and ensure the well-being of his people. Little did he know that the threads of fate were weaving a destiny for his beloved cousin, a destiny that would alter the course of history. The king, in a fit of extravagance, declared a grand banquet, inviting all the nobles and officials of his kingdom. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as preparations were made for the lavish event. Mordecai continued his routine at the city gate, keeping a watchful eye on the happenings around him. Amidst the preparations, the king's advisors suggested showcasing the beauty of the kingdom by presenting the most beautiful women before the king. The young woman, under Mordecai's care, found herself among those selected for this royal display. She was taken to the palace, where preparations for the encounter with the king began. Mordecai, though aware of the honor bestowed upon his cousin, couldn't shake a sense of foreboding. He knew that palace life held its own set of challenges and dangers. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he approached the palace gates daily, seeking news of the young woman. As time passed, the king's favor fell upon this woman of grace and beauty. She was crowned queen, a position that brought both honor and peril. Yet, Mordecai continued his vigilant watch from the city gate, praying for the safety and well-being of his cherished cousin. In the royal court, a sinister plot was unfolding. Haman, an influential and power-hungry official, harbored a deep-seated hatred for Mordecai. When Mordecai refused to bow before him due to his devotion to his faith, Haman's resentment grew into a vengeful scheme to annihilate not only Mordecai but the entire Jewish community. Upon learning of this nefarious plan, Mordecai urged his cousin, the queen, to intervene. He revealed the gravity of the situation and implored her to use her position to plead for the lives of her people. The young woman, though initially hesitant, understood the magnitude of the threat facing her people and the importance of her role. In an act of bravery, she approached the king, revealing her true identity and her plea for the safety of her people. The king, moved by her courage and love for her community, took decisive action against Haman's wicked plot. Haman faced the consequences of his treachery, and the Jewish people were spared from the impending disaster. As the city of Susa celebrated the thwarting of the evil plot, the true identity of the young woman, who had risen from an orphan to become the queen, was finally revealed. She was Esther, the instrument of God's providence and grace. The story of Esther became a beacon of hope, showcasing how faith, courage, and selflessness could triumph over adversity, ultimately fulfilling the divine plan woven into the tapestry of history.

Has someone deliberately tried to discredit you? Gone out of his way to tear you down? Persuaded others to believe something untrue about you? Then you can relate to Nehemiah. He must have scratched his head when his enemies tried five times to lure him outside the city, where certain death awaited. They tried rumors, coercion and bald-faced threats, but Nehemiah wasn’t fooled. He trusted God and knew that Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem’s claims weren’t true. These enemies were spreading rumors, trying to frighten Nehemiah and his men into stopping their work on Jerusalem’s walls. Instinctively, Nehemiah turned to prayer and asked God to provide strength for finishing the task. Next, Nehemiah had to be wary when his enemies sent a wolf in sheep’s clothing, inviting him to hide out in the temple for his own safety—an act that would have gone against God’s laws. Yet even when threatened with death, Nehemiah didn’t allow himself to fall into that trap. He had insight into the situation that reinforced his trust in God, rather than believing the bad reports of other men. Thankfully, you’ll probably never experience an assassination attempt. But you might face an enemy who wants to assassinate your character. Like Nehemiah’s enemies, people who are bent on opposing you can be very resourceful, even downright nefarious, in getting their way. Should you fight back? Or run away and hide? Remember that, like Nehemiah, you have a heavenly Father to whom you can always turn. As hard as Nehemiah’s enemies tried to attack him, through prayer he found the power to continue his work without fear. You can too. When you trust God for protection, he will fill you with strength to complete the unique tasks he gives you and the courage you need to withstand character assassination attempts.