WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026

Topic: Protect Your Heart

Bible Reference

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

A Short Story

Ruth began talking to someone she met online. At first, their conversations were simple. They talked about school, work, family, and their plans for the future. He always seemed to know what to say, especially when she was having a difficult day.

After some time, Ruth became emotionally attached to him. She began checking her phone constantly, waiting for his messages. When he did not reply, her mood changed. When he was happy with her, she felt happy too.

Her prayer life slowly began to suffer. She spent more time talking to him than talking to God. She started hiding some of their conversations because she knew her parents and trusted spiritual leaders would not be comfortable with what was happening.

One evening, after an argument between them, Ruth sat on her bed and cried.

She suddenly realized how much control the relationship had gained over her heart.

She remembered something her mother had told her months earlier: “Not everyone who gains access to your heart has the right to remain there.”

Ruth picked up her Bible and began to pray.

She understood that protecting her heart did not mean refusing to love people. It meant being careful about who she allowed to influence her emotions, decisions, values, and relationship with God.

It was difficult, but Ruth decided to create boundaries and step away from the relationship.

Today's Message

Your heart is valuable. What you repeatedly allow into it will eventually influence how you think, what you desire, and the decisions you make.

This is why Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts with diligence. You cannot allow everyone to have unrestricted access to your emotions and expect your spiritual life to remain unaffected.

This applies to friendships, relationships, social media, entertainment, conversations, and even the thoughts you repeatedly entertain.

Someone may make you feel good and still be taking you away from God's purpose for your life. Something may be popular and still be harmful to your spirit.

Guarding your heart is not weakness. It is wisdom.

Ask yourself regularly, “What is this relationship, habit, conversation, or content producing in me?”

If it is consistently drawing you away from God, you need the courage to create boundaries.

What To Do Today

1. Examine the people and influences that have the strongest effect on your decisions.

2. Set boundaries where necessary.

3. Stop entertaining anything that repeatedly weakens your relationship with God.

4. Choose friends who encourage you to become better, not those who constantly pull you backward.

Prayer

Lord, help me to guard my heart wisely. Give me discernment to recognize influences that are not good for me. Help me to establish healthy boundaries and keep my heart focused on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Challenge

Examine one relationship or influence in your life today and honestly ask yourself whether it is drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him.

Anthony Ijere
Christian Author and Revivalist

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

https://t.me/anthonyijere

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.

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

Introduction

We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society.

Yet, the Christian is called to live differently.

Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone.

A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them.

1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS

One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity.

The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society.

1 Peter 2:9 says:

«“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”»

You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession.

When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable.

Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you.

You belong to Christ.

2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD

A changing world needs an unchanging standard.

Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging.

The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world.

We must therefore become students of the Word.

Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said.

People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change.

But the Word of our God stands forever.

3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM

Romans 12:2 says:

«“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”»

There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world.

Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it.

This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society.

We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions.

You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt.

You can live among people who compromise without compromising.

You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light.

4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

A challenging world requires spiritual strength.

Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience.

There are battles that human strength cannot win.

Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience.

A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise.

Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father.

We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him.

5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH

Challenges are part of the journey.

James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity.

This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us.

Sometimes God changes the situation.

Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it.

Sometimes He uses the situation to change us.

Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith.

Your trial is not the end of your story.

The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you.

David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence.

Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him.

The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone.

God remains faithful in the fire.

6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART

Proverbs 4:23 says:

«“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”»

The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism.

If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us.

That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate.

Not everything that is popular is profitable.

Not everything that is trending is godly.

Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.

A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary.

7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14:

“You are the light of the world.”

Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.”

He said, “You are the light.”

Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines.

The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ.

Your workplace should experience your integrity.

Your family should experience your love.

Your community should experience your kindness.

Your generation should see Christ through your character.

We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives.

8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD

A challenging world is also a hurting world.

People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion.

The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love.

Jesus said in John 13:35:

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities.

We must love.

We must forgive.

We must encourage.

We must help.

We must show compassion.

Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting.

9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY

One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal.

This world is not our final destination.

Our possessions are temporary.

Our positions are temporary.

Our earthly achievements are temporary.

But eternity is forever.

Therefore, we must live with eternity in view.

Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul.

Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure.

Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause.

10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP

Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit.

Galatians 6:9 says:

«“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”»

There may be moments when you feel tired.

There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered.

There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle.

But keep going.

Keep praying.

Keep believing.

Keep serving.

Keep loving.

Keep trusting God.

Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life.

CONCLUSION

The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God.

We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him.

We are called to stand when others fall.

To shine when others walk in darkness.

To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular.

To demonstrate love when hatred increases.

To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult.

And to remain faithful until the end.

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful.

The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed.

The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient.

The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine.

Therefore, stand firm.

Stay prayerful.

Stay in the Word.

Stay holy.

Stay humble.

Stay faithful.

And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.

— Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
#LifeofaChristian
#PJCares

DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Tuesday,18th August, 2026.
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Tuesday, 18th August, 2026

TITLE: "FORGETTING THE PAST, PRESSING TOWARD THE PRIZE"

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV) "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV) "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

"Do not let yesterday hold you back from what God has prepared for tomorrow."

DAY'S REFLECTION

Life is a journey, and every journey has a past, a present, and a future. Some people remain trapped by past failures, disappointments, regrets, or even past successes. But Paul teaches us an important principle in Philippians 3:13–14: keep moving forward.

Paul says, "forgetting those things which are behind." This does not mean literally erasing the past from our memory. Rather, it means refusing to allow the past to control our present or determine our future. Past failures should teach us, not imprison us. Past successes should encourage us, not make us complacent.

The phrase "reaching forth" speaks of stretching forward with determination. Paul was focused on what was before him. He understood that spiritual growth requires continual progress. The Christian life is not about becoming comfortable with yesterday's achievements; it is about continually pursuing God's purpose.

Paul says, "I press toward the mark." To press means to pursue with determination despite difficulties. The mark is the goal or destination toward which he was moving. This teaches us that reaching God's purpose requires focus, perseverance, and discipline.

Hebrews 12:1 uses the picture of a race. Runners cannot successfully complete a race while carrying unnecessary weights. Likewise, there are attitudes, habits, relationships, distractions, and sins that can slow our spiritual progress. We must be willing to lay them aside.

The writer then gives us the secret of endurance: "Looking unto Jesus." Our eyes must remain fixed on Christ. People can disappoint us, circumstances can change, and our own strength can fail, but Jesus remains the author and finisher of our faith.

Jesus Himself endured the cross because He focused on the joy that was set before Him. In the same way, we must look beyond temporary difficulties toward the eternal purpose God has prepared for us.

Today, do not allow yesterday's failure to cancel tomorrow's opportunity. Learn from the past, release what must be released, remove every unnecessary weight, and keep your eyes on Jesus.

The race is not over. Keep running. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward.

MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV) "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

1. The past should be a lesson, not a prison.

2. Spiritual progress requires letting go of unnecessary weights.

3. God's purpose requires determination and perseverance.

4. We must keep our eyes on Jesus rather than becoming distracted by circumstances.

5. The Christian journey is a race that requires patience and endurance.

6. There is a God-given prize ahead for those who faithfully continue.

EVERYDAY ACTION

Release one past burden, remove one distraction, and take one purposeful step toward God's will today.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me release the past and press forward with faith. Remove every weight that slows me down and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus until I fulfil Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DECLARATION

I will not be controlled by my past. I press forward toward God's purpose and keep my eyes on Jesus. Every weight is removed, my faith is strengthened, and I will finish my race faithfully and receive the prize in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Devotion by

Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
+233 544 295 158

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DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Sunday,16th August, 2026.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/deborah-chinedu-65600963_daily-spring-devotional-by-deborah-chinedu-ugcPost-7494657164804866048-c8Lt/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAA1ZcGIB97LM8hmE5sj3arEDwGqaEIyajE8&utm_campaign=share_via

DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Saturday,15th August, 2026.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/deborah-chinedu-65600963_daily-spring-devotional-by-deborah-chinedu-ugcPost-7494373326295883776-kT_2/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAA1ZcGIB97LM8hmE5sj3arEDwGqaEIyajE8&utm_campaign=share_via

Return to God and be Uplifted!
Repentance brings a change of attitude concerning God. The sinner naturally vilifies God. Even when he speaks of His love, he has no conception of God’s justice and wrath. True repentance brings a sense of the Holy God who cannot look upon sin. It impacts a change of mind concerning sin itself upon a person.
The unrepentant delight in sin. A child of God may be tempted to sin and even fall into sin, but his bosom aches when he does so. A true child of God who has repented cannot enjoy sin and continuously longs for deliverance. Before every child of God, there is a vision both of what he is and what he ought to be. He cries with the poet; “O that a man might arise in me that I might ease to be.”
Repentance gives the sinners a change of mind concerning him. Before our salvation, we all had a good opinion of ourselves. Like the Pharisees, we often thanked God that, “we were not as other men, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican" (Luke 18:11). But, every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (Verse 14). Where there is true repentance, though, men often despair of themselves, and like the publication, their cry is, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. They echo Paul’s exasperated plea: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death" (Romans 7:24). For Christ came not to call the righteousness, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).
Repentance affects the motions and will, and also creates a change of feeling. We must beware here lest we are deceived. The old time evangelist who specialized in death-bed stories often created mere human emotion filling the mourners' bench with weeping people. These mourners often had a remorse for their evil doings, deeply regretting they had not been better men and women when they were told about meeting their “mother” in heaven. But remorse in not repentance, though I must say remorse is a very common experience for those who commit sin. Someone has called remorse the “echo of lost virtue”.
Remorse is the attitude of mind and heart for some evil done. Repentance, however, goes deeper. Repentance creates a sorrow for what we are rather that remorse for what we have done. Therefore says the Hebrews writer, “Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ (Messiah), let us go into perfection by not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1).
Christian repentance is not merely the pangs of an injured conscience. Christian repentance follows the Holy Spirit’s convicting work deep within our soul (John 16:7 and 8). It lays strong hold upon the human will and brings the sinners into conformity with the will of God. It is heeding God’s call from a life of destruction (Mark 1:15). Repentance does not mean merely shedding tears over our wrong doings. It ends in faith in Christ, the Saviour. The Church must preach and teach until these conditions are obtained in the ministries. Then our revival shall have come. For this is the will of God for all mankind (Acts 17:30).
Today what the Church and the continents at large need is repentance. The call of the pulpit to the pew must be repentance. And that of the crusades to the nations must similarly be repentance, and this must eventuate in confession of sins. The scripture, therefore, tells us: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God” (Jeremiah3:13).That will move our God to come down and heal our many wounds. We are reminded that, “The Lord’s hands is not shortened, that it cannot save neither is His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquity have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah59:1 and 2). He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confess and forsake them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). “For as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens; be zealous therefore and repent!” (Revelation 3:19).
The repentance must not only be among the lowly citizens but must spring from the governors trickling to the governed. “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand,” declares the Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:24 and 26).
Almighty God is calling to the people today as He did to former Israel that, “Therefore also now, says the Lord, Turn even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent Him of the evil. Who knows if He will return and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bride-groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar and let them say: Spare your people O Lord and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then the Lord will be so jealous for His land and pity His people. Yes the Lord will answer and say unto His people, Behold I will send you corn, and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen but I will remove far off from you northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face towards the east sea and his hinder part towards the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up and his savor shall come up because he has done great things. Fear not O land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things. And I will restore to you the years that locusts has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmerworm my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:12-21: 25 and 26).
The Lord’s northern army is the destruction God brings upon a people as a result of their wickedness. Indeed righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). For the Lord God of Israel, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves righteousness and judgement (Psalm 33:5). He stresses that judgement is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). The reason being that when his judgements are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). When a nation leaves wickedness and turns to the Lord, such a people receive pardon and sure favour from the Lord God Almighty. The psalmist thus wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12).
The Lord delights in the humility of a people. This makes Him hear our plea and smile back at us with a pardon. And this humility must start in His sanctuary. He says: “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Therefore every Christian by and far, let us rally in repentance for the healing of our lands. For repentance turns away God’s wrath.
Nineveh found itself in a similar situation many African nations are in today. Plagued with wickedness in diverse places and faced with imminent judgment, the Almighty God used Jonah to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Nineveh: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Unlike most of our folks who hear and turn the head the other way, the Ninevehs believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest-including the king-to the least of them. And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way, and God repented them of the evil that he had said He would bring upon them, and He did it not (Jonah 3).
Repentance touches the core of God’s heart. Humble yourself and return to the Lord your Creator. Repentance automatically brings healing. The Lord says, “Wash you, and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, and judge the fatherless plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together; though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:16-19).
The Living God is the healer of nations. The psalmist has declared of Him: “God be merciful to us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving health among all nations” (Psalm 67:1 and 2). Perhaps this ought to be the prayer on everyone’s lips now.
Stay awake O Christian in the truth!
The good LORD has always extended this gracious invitation to man over the millennia. And, therefore, if it is your desire to know Him as He truly is - the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Savior, and Redeemer of mankind, then pray this prayer of repentance unto salvation: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you with all the sins I have committed and I beg you to forgive me. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Please cleanse my body, soul, and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help Lord, and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you every day, please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Thank you, O Lord for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen!”
Welcome now to this grand and mighty army of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on earth. Read the Bible often, and join a congregation near you where Christ Jesus is preached and the Almighty Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worshiped in Spirit and in Truth for your own spiritual growth and strength.
The Almighty God make you the apple of His eyes as I solemnly declare of Him: “After He has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye - I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them” (Zachariah 2:8). The peace and love of Christ Jesus the Lord be with you now and forever.

*The Sweetness of Patience - Watch & Wait*

Have you ever plucked fruit prematurely?
Perhaps you were drawn in by its vibrant color or sweet scent moving through the air. But when you took the first bite, you realized it lacked the ripeness you anticipated. Everything seemed right at first glance, but there was one missing ingredient…

Time.
Even the simple act of picking fruit can teach us about time and patience:
*"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:7-8*
The author, James, penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a community of new Jewish converts to Christianity, dispersed throughout various regions. These early Christians faced many trials, including persecution and opposition, because of their newfound faith. James’ call to wait patiently and enduring was more than mere words on a page; they were a lifeline of hope and encouragement in the midst of adversity.

And just as those early believers confronted trials, we, too, will encounter challenges and suffering in our Christian journey. And, just like those early believers, we can choose patience—allowing the fruit of the Spirit to ripen within us, no matter the season of life. And when we do, our character will mature, our faith will deepen, and our relationship with God will become sweeter than we could imagine.

Patience always bears the fruit of perseverance and strength, even today and even for us!

*Prayer Of Surrendering*
Everlasting Father, You are the perfect example of patience and Grace. Thank You for being patient with us! We know there are specific areas of our lives where we need to develop more patience—we surrender those areas to You, and asking for Your help. Fill us with hope and wisdom to trust You, especially during challenging times. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
*Blessed Shabbat!*