Who are Israelites, to whom pertain … the service of God. Romans 9:4–5 ɴᴋᴊᴠ Of the eight privileges of Israel listed by Paul in Romans 9:4–5, the fifth one, “the service of God,” is one not often considered. But it is very important, nevertheless, and really brings to light the nation of Israel’s distinct position found in the Scriptures. No other nation could boast that they possessed the “service” of the living God. This term is found again in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary” (Heb. 9:1). Here it is called “divine service” and is in relationship to the tabernacle in the wilderness, with all of its furnishings, and the priesthood (9:2–10). The “service of God” or “divine service” could also be used in reference to the temple. What other nation could approach God in such a way, or have the presence of God dwelling among them? Other nations had their temples and priests, but they worshiped idols and false gods. However, as marvelous as this privilege was for Israel, it was but a “shadow” of the “good things to come” (8:5; 9:11). Christ came to institute a “more perfect tabernacle” on the blessed basis of “His own blood” shed “once for all” (9:12). The “earthly sanctuary,” as wonderful as it was, pales in contrast to the heavenly one “not made with hands” (9:11). As Christians, what a privilege to be priests, and enter into the holy presence of God, not once a year, but at all times! As priests connected with the heavenly system we are exhorted to enter the “Holiest” through the “new and living way” and do so with “full assurance” (10:19–22). Brian Reynolds The holiest we enter In perfect peace with God;Through whom we found our center In Jesus and His blood. M. Bowley https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-23

August 23, 2026 (day 235/365) SUNDAY GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY “Giving God Our Best” 2 Kings 12:11 “Then they gave the money, which was weighed out, into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of the house of the Lord.” This is the Word of God. 2 Kings 12 describes how King Joash took action to repair the temple of the Lord. The work required careful stewardship of the resources that had been entrusted to them. The people gave, the workers served, and the temple was restored. This reminds us that what we give to God should be handled with faithfulness and responsibility. Our time, abilities, possessions, and resources are all gifts from Him, and we are called to use them for His glory. Serving God is not merely about giving something; it is about giving our best with an honest and willing heart. Whether our contribution seems great or small, God values faithfulness. May God help us to be faithful stewards of everything He has entrusted to us and to give Him our best in every area of our lives. Amen. Have a blessed day with the Lord. -- Pastor Emmanuel Serto

From the viewpoint of God’s eternal purpose, the church exists to be • the incarnation and manifestation of the ultimate passion of God • the organic expression and physical extension of the Trinitarian Community • the corporate image-bearer of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth • the family of God • the divine building whereby every living stone is being transformed, reshaped, and fitted together to form the Lord’s temple • the colonial outpost of the coming kingdom • the masterpiece of God • the spiritual “Bethany” where Jesus of Nazareth is received, obeyed, and adored in the midst of a rejecting world • the vessel in which the power of Christ’s resurrection life is visibly displayed • the object of God’s supreme affection and delight • the willing vehicle for Christ’s manifested presence • the torchbearer of the testimony of Jesus • the “one new man”—the new species—the “third race” • the fiancée of Jesus Christ—His very body, His very bride • the new humanity marked out in the Son of God before time and brought into existence by His cross • the Christian’s native habitat • the spiritual environment where face-to-face encounters between the bride and Bridegroom take place • the living witness to the fullness and headship of God’s Son • the colony from heaven that bears the image of its Ruler

Jesus is the ultimate and final high priest. His sacrifice is the one and only needed once and for all. No need for more sacrifices. The stone temple is now empty as the Holy Spirit now inhabits our bodies, which are the new temples of God. We are the church and the temple. No more priests, no more rituals, no more sacrifices. God is the living God.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2O26. " THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (2)" Then the devil…set Him on the pinnacle...’ Matthew 4:5 NKJV THE ATTACK on the pinnacle. Let’s look at the second temptation Jesus faced: ‘Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, [and] set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.’ Here you deal with the fear of failure. Satan will whisper, ‘You’re on the pinnacle of success now, but you could easily fall off.’ He will bring up your past failures. He will remind you of leaders who crashed and burned. He will say, ‘If people realised how little you really know, or the issues you’re struggling with, they wouldn’t respect you.’ There are two kinds of fear: healthy fear and unhealthy fear. Healthy fear will keep you dependent on God; it will protect you from pride and self-sufficiency. ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). But there’s an unhealthy fear that will keep you in the boat when Jesus is calling to you to step out and walk with Him on the water. You say, ‘But Peter almost drowned.’ Yes, but he was the only one of the disciples who experienced the joy of walking on the water! Having faith doesn’t mean you won’t experience a sinking feeling at times. You have a choice. You can give in to fear, or trust the God who has called you, sustained you, and never failed to give you the strength needed to cope with whatever you face. If your own intellect or talents are the basis of your confidence, you have good reason to fear. But if God is the basis of your confidence, you have nothing to fear. Bible In A Year: Amos 1:1 – 5:17, Matt 20:17-28, Ps 119:137-144, Pro 18:22-24. 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. [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026. *WANT TO BE A RESERVOIR OF DIVINE BLESSINGS?* *TEXT:* PSALM 1:1-6. 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. *Timeless Truth:*_"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God"_ (Deuteronomy 28:2). *INTRODUCTION* Every believer desires the blessings of God, but Scripture makes it clear that divine blessings are connected with the way we live, the company we keep and the delight we have in God’s Word. The text presents a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous person is not merely blessed, occasionally; he becomes like a fruitful tree, continually supplied by divine grace. Furthermore, for the Old Testament saints, the blessings of God and the God’s Covenants with the Patriachs were majorly earthly and material. However, for the New Testament saints, the blessings are majorly spiritual and heavenly, though, with earthly blessings and wealth embedded. The uniform testimony of the Scriptures is that in order to be blessed by God and even be a reservoir of divine blessings, we must deliberately, separate ourselves from ungodly influences, delight in God’s Word and remain spiritually rooted in Him. *1. The Conditions for Divine Blessings* a. Every creature of God enjoys the blessings of God in some shape and form. For example, the air we breathe is universal and the sunshine and the rain we enjoy are without discrimination though God has the power to do so if He wants. However, there are some blessings of God that are given to select few, in particular His children. They are multidimensional blessings including both physical, material, social and spiritual blessings, spanning through all human needs without exception. Receiving these blessings result into all round prosperity which is promised by God. *"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth"* (3 John 2). Apostle Peter summed up all these blessings as things that pertain to life and godliness. *"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises"* (1 Peter 1:3, 4a). These divinely provided blessings are even richer and deeper than what the Psalmist in the text was aware of. b. The psalmist begins by identifying what the blessed person does not do and what he does. He *"walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful"*. This describes progressive involvement with ungodliness. The blessed person carefully chooses his companions, conversations, character, contacts, connections and control. He is so much in love with the Word of God that he cannot stomach or endure anyone or anywhere the Word of God is being dishonoured. In an age where the demarcation between saints and sinners are being erased, he does not *"stand in the way of sinners"*. He separates himself from the worldly and sinful practices of sinners without being ashamed of standing for the truth and the right. His counsellors and guides in matters of conduct are not the ungodly, but godly people who take the Word of God and go to heaven very seriously. Positively, his delight is in the law of the LORD, and he meditates on it day and night. *Question* Based on the above, are you qualified for daily divine blessings? *2. The Clear Description of the Blessed* a. The description of a blessed man shows that it is pleasant and admirable to be a blessed man. Like a good tree bearing good fruits that are edible and profitable to man, the blessed man is not only blessed by God, he is also a blessing to others. As a good tree gives shade to people when the sun bites hard, the blessed person gives succour and shade to people when they are being bitten by the challenges of life. No wonder, the blessed person is compared to *“a tree planted by the rivers of water”*. The blessings of God are so real that he is never dried up. He remains fresh materially, spiritually and in all areas. Beyond that, he is *"planted by the rivers of water"* where the Word of God flows in his unceasing freshness. b. Such a person never runs out of grace, godliness and goodness. He *“bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”* His life produces visible evidence of God’s work. His leaves do not wither, indicating spiritual vitality even in difficult seasons. Furthermore, *“whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”* He is never a failure in family, business and spiritual ministry because he allows God to always guide his actions, endeavours and always commit them into God’s hands. It does not mean freedom from trials, but it means that a life rooted in God ultimately bears the fruit and accomplishes the purposes God intends. A reservoir does not merely receive water; it stores it for continue usefulness. Likewise, the blessed believer receives divine grace and becomes a channel through which God’s goodness reaches others. *Question* Is my spiritual life deeply rooted enough in God’s Word to remain fruitful in every season? Am I a blessing to others? *3. Cursed Destination of the Barbaric* The wicked are described as *“chaff which the wind driveth away.”* Agricultural chaff consists of the dry, scaly husks and small pieces of straw separated from cereal grains during threshing. It is lightweight, dry, scaly and easily blown away by the wind. It has no economic value. It lacks appreciable weight. It is just good for fire else it will be a nuisance. The ungodly are compared to chaff because they don't add any value to achieving the purpose of God on earth. They are only good for hell fire. Their life is not weighty in character and conduct, but lives on and lives for vanities of life. Those who reject God and persist in ungodliness may appear successful for a season, but their destination is destruction. b. *"The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous"*. Their apparent strength and conscience cannot withstand divine examination. In fact, the judgment would be so fierce that *"the earth and the heaven fled away"* from the presence of God (Revelation 20:11). *“The LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”* *Question* Am I a chaff before God or wheat? Am I walking on the way of the righteous, or am I allowing the world to shape the direction of my life? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, deliver me from every ungodly association and influence that can hinder Your blessings in my life 🙏. 2.Father, give me an increasing delight in Your Word and grace to meditate on it continually 🙏. 3.Lord, make my life fruitful and a blessing to others in every season🙏 4.Father, preserve Your children from the way of the wicked and make our lives a reservoir and channel of divine blessings to others 🙏. *HYMN:* Is Your Life A Channel Of Blessings? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 6-8. [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *PATH TO BLESSING* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 1:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" (PSALM 1:1).*_ *In 1955, a young man named Jim Elliott left behind the comforts of America to bring the gospel to the unreached Huaorani people of Ecuador. Many thought he was foolish for risking his life among a violent tribe, but Elliot believed in a greater purpose. Before his death at the hands of the very people he sought to reach, he wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliott chose the path of righteousness, dedicating his life to walking in God's ways. Though his earthly journey was cut short, his path to eternal impact and blessing in eternity remains.* *Our text contrasts two paths: the way of the righteous, leading to blessing and life, and the way of the wicked, leading to damnation and destruction. The Psalmist describes the difference between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous delights in God's law, avoiding ungodly influences and meditating on the Scripture day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which flourishes in every season. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind; they are temporary and without a lasting purpose. The psalm ends with a clear truth: "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."* *Every day, we are faced with choices that determine which path we walk and what we will reap at the end. The world constantly offers distractions such as ungodly advice, sinful pleasures, and shortcuts to success. But true blessing comes from delighting in God's word, staying rooted in His truth, and avoiding the influences that pull us away from Him.* *Like Jim Elliot, those who walk in obedience may face hardship, but they will ultimately flourish in God's purpose. Their lives bear fruit, even after them; their faith remains firm, and they find true peace in Christ. In contrast, those who reject God's ways may seem successful for a time, but in the end, their path leads to emptiness and destruction. As believers, we must be careful enough to walk circumspectly in the truth revealed in God's word. The path to blessing requires commitment to God's word and a refusal to compromise with the world. We should, therefore, stay planted in Christ, who will ultimately make our lives flourish in time and eternity.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Your stand determines your walk. Where do you stand?*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 6-8*📜📜 Path To Blessing https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; GHS 55: ANYWHERE WITH JESUS; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; AND GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *A SUPPLICANT FOR SAINTS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:COLOSSIANS 4:7-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (COLOSSIANS 4:12).*_ *A supplicant is someone who makes petition before God on behalf of others. Epaphras is one of the supplicants in the New Testament. Such a Christian is concerned about others who need God's intervention.* *As a child of God, we can follow the "GOM" pattern in our prayer - (God, Others, Me). Prayer is the best gift we can give to fellow believers. The love of Christ constrains us to pray for those who are sick, suffering, afflicted, or backslidden. We pray also for church leaders and the rulers in our nation.* *Like Epaphras, believers must pray for the new converts, revival, programmes, and projects in the church. We are to pray for our institutions, teachers, classmates, neighbours, parents, friends, and even foes.* *Through intercession, we can achieve much for God. Empathy will enable us to pray effectively for others. Let us bother about others. You are enjoined to "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Bring solution to other believers' problems through your supplication. God's love constrains us to pray for others, like Epaphras did.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Let us bother about others.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Empathise and supplicate for others.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Pour upon me, oh God, the spirit of supplication.*_ A Supplicant For Saints https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD'S LOVE FOR HIS CHILDREN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💓❤️🩷🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```DEUTERONOMY 23:4-6```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee" (Deuteronomy 23:5).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God's love for His children is expressed in many ways. It is the love of God for us that makes Him to give His only begotten Son to save us from our sins, protect us from all evil, provide for our daily needs, heal us when we are sick, and to warn us not to be friends with evil people. God showed His love to the children of Israel by turning the curse of their enemies into a blessing, and by warning them not to make friends with those who planned to curse or harm them. God knew that these enemies will not change from their selfish and bitter acts toward the children of Israel. They will always want to hurt them. That is why He commanded them not to relate with these enemies. *God does not permit us to make friends with ungodly, immoral and wicked people. They will draw us back to sin. We are to pray for them and tell them of the love of Jesus so that they can repent, believe, and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, thank You for Your love and protection. Help me never to make friends with people who will hurt me and make me to offend You.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *John 3:16* God's Love For His Children https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; ⏤ 1 Timothy 2:1 Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God’s infinite grace and power. ⏤ R.A. Torrey O God, You have taught us to offer supplications, prayers, and intercessions for all people. We humbly ask You to hear our prayers, which we offer to Your divine Majesty in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember in Your mercy all people whom You have made to dwell on the earth. Deliver them from the many evils and miseries that oppress them. Deliver them especially from idolatry, ignorance, superstition, error, unbelief, and the chains of sin. Send Your gospel to all nations until everyone has heard its joyful message. Bless all missionaries and organizations dedicated to spreading the gospel. Hasten the coming of Your kingdom among the nations, and bring all Your lost sheep into the fold of the Good Shepherd. Remember also, all Your people in Christian lands. You have purchased Your church with Your own blood. We ask You to bless all who call upon Your name in prayer. Fill Your church with more of Your life and Spirit. Equip Your ministers with all spiritual gifts and graces. Remember all who are in any trouble. Strengthen the weak and make them strong in spirit. Lift up those who have fallen. Support those who are discouraged and about to give up. Let a special blessing be upon Your children. They cannot find their way home on their own; You must show them the way. Grant that Your people may always keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/48/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Daily devotion for August 22nd The House Of God We will not neglect the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:39b Throughout the history of Israel, the temple, or the tabernacle before that, was called the house of God. God signified His presence there by the shekinah glory that was located in the Holy of Holies. Today, under the New Testament, no building is ever to be called the house of God. This has been ignored by churches throughout the centuries, and temples, cathedrals, tabernacles, and church buildings have all been called the house of God. If you look at the teaching of the New Testament, however, you will find that it is not a building but the people who are the house of God. At one point, we even changed the sign in front of our building to reflect this truth. Where it says Peninsula Bible Church, we added the words Meets Here. Thus, it is not the building that is the church--it is the people who gather here. They are the house of God. Notice the commitment of these people to attend faithfully the worship services of the temple. We all need the ministry of the saints. Paul prayed that the Ephesians may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). You cannot do that without the ministry of other people. Hebrews has a specific admonition to that end: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). The writer is referring to the return of Jesus. As we see it nearing, we need all the more to gather together because we need each other's support. Two men of widely different temperaments work together. Normally they would not get along very well, and they might not even like each other. But they work together, and both agree that having to work with someone with whom they do not particularly have an affinity has been a blessing to them. They have learned how to appreciate someone different from themselves. They have learned how to be tolerant and patient with one another. Though it has been a struggle and they have had their moments, they both agree that God has used this to teach them how to grow. So even those in the house of God who irritate us can be of benefit to us. Father, thank You for the house of God--for those men and women You have placed around me, who in one way or another I desperately need. May I learn to appreciate and love them.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: DOES READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR PHONE A SIN? A Powerful Sermon for Young and Mature Christians. The Phone Is Not the Problem. Imagine this: You wake up in the morning. Before your feet touch the floor, your hand reaches for your phone. You check WhatsApp. You scroll through Facebook. You watch a few videos. You check notifications. You laugh at a few posts. Then someone asks you: “Did you read your Bible today?” You say, “Yes, I read it on my phone.” But another person says, “Reading the Bible on your phone is not spiritual. You need a physical Bible!” So, who is right? Is reading the Bible on your phone a sin? The answer is NO. The Bible does not teach that reading God's Word from a phone is sinful. The issue is not whether the Bible is printed on paper or displayed on a screen. The greater issue is whether God's Word is entering your heart and transforming your life. Your phone can be a tool for temptation—or a tool for transformation. The same device that can carry pornography can carry Scripture. The same phone that can waste three hours can also help you spend thirty minutes with God. The question is not simply: “What device are you using?” The deeper question is: “What are you using the device for, and what is God's Word producing in your life?” 1. GOD'S WORD IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT THE MATERIAL IT IS PRINTED ON Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 «“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”» Paul does not say God's Word becomes powerful only when printed on paper. The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the material on which the words appear. Whether you read: - a physical Bible, - a Bible app, - an ebook, - a Bible website, - or listen to an audio Bible, the important question is whether you are receiving and obeying the truth of God's Word. Consider this: If you read Psalm 23 on paper, God can speak to you. If you read Psalm 23 on your phone, God can speak to you. The paper does not make the Word powerful. God makes His Word powerful. The Bible says: «“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12» The power is in the Word, not in the paper. 2. JESUS TAUGHT US TO CARRY GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS Key Scripture: Psalm 119:11 «“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”» Notice what the psalmist says: “I have hidden Your Word in my heart.” He doesn't say, “I have hidden Your Word in my leather Bible.” The ultimate goal of Bible reading is not merely to own a Bible. It is to allow the Bible to own your heart. You can carry a beautiful Bible everywhere and never obey it. You can have 20 Bible apps installed and never open one. You can underline hundreds of verses and still refuse to forgive somebody. You can listen to sermons every day and remain unchanged. Therefore, Bible possession is not the same as Bible transformation. Jesus said: «“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15» The real evidence that we are receiving God's Word is not merely that we read it. It is that we obey it. 3. YOUR PHONE CAN BECOME A TEMPLE OF DISTRACTION OR A TOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP This is where we need wisdom. Reading the Bible on your phone is not a sin. But allowing your phone to constantly distract you from God's Word is a spiritual problem. You open your Bible app to read Matthew 5. A notification appears. You check WhatsApp. Someone has posted something interesting. You open Facebook. Then you see a video. Then another video. Twenty minutes later, you have forgotten why you opened the phone. The problem was not the phone. The problem was lack of spiritual discipline. Jesus said: «“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41» We must learn to control our devices rather than allowing our devices to control us. Your phone can help you: - read Scripture every morning; - memorize Bible verses; - listen to Scripture while travelling; - study different Bible translations; - search for related passages; - take spiritual notes; - listen to Christian teaching; - share Scripture with others; - follow a Bible reading plan. But it can also become a major source of distraction. The same phone can take you closer to God or farther from Him. The difference is how you use it. 4. DON'T CONFUSE A PHYSICAL BIBLE WITH SPIRITUALITY There is nothing wrong with loving a physical Bible. In fact, many Christians find it easier to concentrate, underline passages, make notes, and remember where verses are located when using a printed Bible. That's wonderful. But we must be careful not to create spiritual rules that God did not create. If someone says: “You are sinning because you read the Bible on your phone,” ask respectfully: “Where does Scripture teach that?” We must distinguish between: Biblical commands Things God actually commands. Personal preferences Things that may help us spiritually but are not universal commands. A physical Bible can be an excellent spiritual tool. But it is not a requirement for salvation. It is not the paper that makes someone spiritual. It is their relationship with Christ and their submission to God's Word. 5. THE GOAL OF BIBLE READING IS TRANSFORMATION Key Scripture: James 1:22 «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”» This is one of the most important truths in this entire message. You can read the Bible on your phone and become spiritually mature. You can read the Bible from a physical Bible and remain spiritually immature. Why? Because reading is the beginning—not the destination. The Word should change: - how you speak; - how you think; - how you treat people; - how you handle money; - how you respond to temptation; - how you conduct relationships; - how you forgive; - how you work; - how you raise your children; - how you use technology. If your Bible reading does not affect your life, something is missing. The purpose of Scripture is not simply to fill your head with information but to transform your heart and direct your life. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS Consider Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4. When Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus responded repeatedly: “It is written…” Jesus knew the Word. He remembered the Word. He trusted the Word. He used the Word. And He obeyed the Word. The lesson is powerful: The Bible is not merely something we read during peaceful moments. It is truth we carry into spiritual battles. When temptation says: “You cannot overcome this.” The Word says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 When fear says: “You are alone.” The Word says: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 When anxiety says: “Everything is going to collapse.” The Word says: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…” — Philippians 4:6 When condemnation says: “You are finished.” The Word reminds you: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 That is why we must not merely read the Word. We must know the Word. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT Your phone is neither holy nor sinful by itself. It is a tool. A knife can prepare food or cause harm. Money can support ministry or become an idol. A car can take you to church or take you somewhere sinful. A phone can spread the Gospel or spread ungodliness. The issue is the heart of the user. Jesus taught: «“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21» Therefore, examine your heart. If you use your phone to read Scripture, praise God. If your phone constantly distracts you from Scripture, establish boundaries. If a particular app repeatedly pulls you into sin, have the courage to remove it. Don't protect an app at the expense of your spiritual life. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Choose a Bible-reading time Don't wait until you “feel spiritual.” Set a time and keep it. 2. Turn off notifications When studying Scripture, silence unnecessary notifications. Give God your attention. 3. Use your phone intentionally Before opening your phone, know why you are opening it. If you are reading Scripture, read Scripture. 4. Keep a physical Bible if it helps you There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a printed Bible. Use whatever helps you engage deeply with God's Word. 5. Don't only read—meditate Ask: What is God saying? What does this reveal about Him? What must I change? What must I obey? 6. Memorize Scripture A phone can disappear. A battery can die. A network can fail. But God's Word hidden in your heart remains with you. 7. Put Scripture into practice Forgive. Love. Serve. Give. Pray. Speak truth. Resist temptation. Live holy. That is when Scripture becomes visible in your life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I reading the Bible to know God or simply to complete a reading plan? 2. Does my phone help my spiritual life more than it harms it? 3. What usually distracts me when I try to read Scripture? 4. Do I obey the Bible or merely quote it? 5. Is there an app or online activity that is consistently pulling me away from God? 6. What Scripture am I currently hiding in my heart? 7. If someone observed my phone activity for one week, would they see evidence of Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Hunger Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Word. Let me desire Scripture more than entertainment, in Jesus' name. 2. Prayer for Understanding Lord, open my spiritual understanding. Help me not only to read Your Word but to understand what You are saying to me. 3. Prayer Against Distraction Father, deliver me from every distraction that steals my attention from You. Give me discipline and spiritual focus. 4. Prayer for Obedience Lord, give me grace to practice what I read. Let Your Word transform my thoughts, character, decisions, and relationships. 5. Prayer for Technology Father, teach me to use technology wisely. Let my phone become a tool for Your glory and not an instrument of spiritual destruction. 6. Prayer for Young People Lord, raise a generation of young people who love Your Word, understand Your truth, resist temptation, and boldly represent Christ in this digital age. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Growth Holy Spirit, make me spiritually mature. Let Scripture become deeply rooted in my heart and visible in my daily life. STRONG CLOSING: WHAT IS YOUR PHONE DOING TO YOUR SPIRIT? Let me leave you with this question: When you pick up your phone, what usually gets the first part of your attention? Social media? Entertainment? Messages? News? Or God? Your phone is not your master. Your notifications are not your master. Social media is not your master. Jesus Christ is Lord. So, if reading the Bible on your phone helps you encounter God, read it. If listening to an audio Bible helps you stay in God's Word, listen. If a physical Bible helps you concentrate, use it. The goal is not to worship the format. The goal is to know the Author. Don't become a Christian who owns a Bible but doesn't know the God of the Bible. Don't become someone who can quote Scripture but refuses to obey it. Don't allow a smartphone to become smarter than your spiritual life. Use technology—but don't let technology use you. Read the Word. Study the Word. Meditate on the Word. Memorize the Word. Obey the Word. Live the Word. And most importantly: Live for Jesus. Final Declaration My phone will not control me. My distractions will not control me. God's Word will guide me. The Holy Spirit will lead me. Jesus Christ will remain my Lord. And everything I use—including my technology—will be used for the glory of God. Amen! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - Whatsapp +2349024173027, +2349055447540, Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

THIS IS BAPHOMET This lesson will be a little different as we will address the urgency of this topic. Baphomet was one of the early child sacrificing gods of the Bible days. But here is the issue. The worship of Baphomet continues to this day. It is Satanism pure and simple. Worship entailed having sexual intercourse with temple priests and prostitutes. Baphomet is a creature with both male and female genitalia. Female breasts with male arms and legs. Baphomet worship is a fulfillment of base sexual desires and deviance. It is foundational homosexuality from the source that inspires homosexuality, Satan. It is necessary as a follower of Baphomet to sacrifice your children to him. In Bible days, that meant placing your infant to one year old child into the white-hot metal arms of a Baphomet idol and worshipping as your child writhes in excruciating pain before dying. Yes, to this day there are Captains of industry, government leaders and Hollywood elites who gather to offer the life of their children to Baphomet. Today's worship of Baphomet still accepts the human sacrifices, but an additional provision was added. “Sacrificing your child” could mean doing so and devoting their continued life in service as a priest of Baphomet. What did that entail? It required the forced removal of a male's sexual organs. The new “priest” would live out his remaining days as a neutered sex object accepting the offerings of others. Do you understand that the push for accepting homosexuality in this country was always headed here? That it wasn't tolerance they wanted, or acceptance. Do you understand now why so many on the left have transgendered children? How the transgendered lunacy has resulted in government leaders too afraid to even define the word, “woman”. Within the past decade there has been another shift in culture to demonize Biblical stances and adults nowadays refuse to define the word, ‘woman’ because to do so would go counter to their agenda. So the madness that it is allowing men into locker rooms or women's bathrooms, and insisting against all science that they are a different kind of woman is not a mental deficiency, it is part and parcel of their Satanic agenda. Does it begin to make more sense that liberal women now stand supporting a mentally ill woman who strangled her 3 children? Anything to support victimizing the innocent is front and center in todays world as a great thing. Statistically speaking transgendered individuals make up 1% of a population of 3 to 5% of homosexuals but celebrities have 4 children, all of whom are transgendered now. This is a combination of mental illness and a demonic intent. They cannot be reasoned with, they will not apply the simplest of logic or understand reality because they can't. Why? They told us. Earlier last year a parade of homosexuals marched through the streets chanting, “We're here. We're queer. And we're coming for your children. “ But to share the video or comment on it was somehow “phobic”. So they can openly admit to wanting to rape your children, but for us to point it out becomes problematic. And we look around now and what used to be considered common sense is now considered bigotry. The absolute hatred that is displayed against anyone calling into question allowing a male to compete unfairly against women in sports isn't about acceptance, or equality it is rooted in the worship of Satan. Look at the rage on the videos of the mentally ill men online screaming “It's she, I'm a she.” Or, “It's ma'am.” That is not rational. It is not natural, it is demonic. This is not political, the leftist devotion to all things anti-god has been an issue for decades. But when adults in a school charged with keeping our kids safe covers up a trans student raping a girl in the bathroom, transferring him to another school where it happens again, you know there's an evil behind it. They would rather girls get raped than to possibly offend a homosexual and will go to great lengths not only to cover it up, but to allow it to happen again. No, what we see with Britney Griner and Lea Thompson is lackluster mediocre male athletes who aren't capable of competing against men now “declaring themselves female” so they can steal scholarships and positions from females. These men are doing this out of greed and indifference but the people defending them have a clear Satanic agenda. Even though the individuals themselves may not be aware, this is not a rights issue, it started as and continues as pagan worship. It is a demonic stance that God has made clear He hates. When you realize that the whole effort to deny the most basic biological fact that there are only 2 genders is not about rights, not about acceptance, it is clear that any organization or church supporting this is of a Satanic origin. They've said as much. So when you see celebrities with multiple children who they've adopted and then altered to become transgendered ministers of Baphomet, now you understand. They've surrendered the future to Satan creating a generation of infertile devotees to a blood cult. They must be removed from power and influence but they won't be because this is where we were always headed with the issue of homosexuality. To a culture that is either too afraid to speak up when children are being cut from the womb to be eaten by Baphomet fanatics, or they will follow cultural norms and will do nothing to stop it. Pray, brothers and sisters in Christ. Because Jesus is coming to His own and these unbelievers will be tossed unceremoniously into the pit of eternal fire to suffer eternally. Along with every lukewarm Christian who didn't want to make a stand out of fear of consequences. Now is the time to make a stand.

Psalm 5:1-12 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. [2] Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. [3] My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. [4] For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. [5] The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. [6] You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. [7] But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. [8] Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. [9] For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue. [10] Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You. [11] But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. [12] For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Conflict and Courage. 2 Chronicles 32:1-23 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:8. Hezekiah, in the earlier years of his reign, had continued to pay tribute to Assyria, in harmony with the agreement entered into by Ahaz. Meanwhile the king had taken “counsel with his princes and his mighty men,” and had done everything possible for the defense of his kingdom.... The long-expected crisis finally came. The forces of Assyria, advancing from triumph to triumph, appeared in Judea.... Judah's only hope was now in God. All possible help from Egypt had been cut off, and no other nations were near to lend a friendly hand.... Sennacherib wrote “letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver His people out of mine hand.” ... When the king of Judah received the taunting letter, he took it into the temple and “spread it before the Lord” and prayed with strong faith for help from heaven, that the nations of earth might know that the God of the Hebrews still lived and reigned. The honor of Jehovah was at stake; He alone could bring deliverance.... Hezekiah was not left without hope. Isaiah sent to him, saying, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.” ... That very night deliverance came. “The angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand.” ... The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud Assyrian. The honor of Jehovah was vindicated in the eyes of the surrounding nations. In Jerusalem the hearts of the people were filled with holy joy. Their earnest entreaties for deliverance had been mingled with confession of sin and with many tears. In their great need they had trusted wholly in the power of God to save, and He had not failed them.31Ibid., 350-362.