TEEN MISSIONARIES GET MARRIED AFTER MEETING ON A MISSION TRIP, 24 HOURS LATER THIER LIVES WERE TAKEN. A Young Christian couple who dedicated their lives to missionary work had just stepped into marriage when their story took a devastating turn. They met while serving as missionaries in South Africa, both passionate about sharing the Gospel and living out their faith on the mission field. Their love grew quickly, rooted in their shared calling and devotion to God. Soon, they were engaged-and believed they were stepping into a lifelong journey of ministry together as husband and wife. They held a simple courthouse wedding surrounded by close family. It was a moment of joy, faith, and new beginnings. But just one day after saying "I do," tragedy struck. The newlyweds were involved in a fatal car crash, cutting their marriage story down to less than 24 hours. One passed away at the scene, and the other later died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. What should have been the start of a lifetime together became a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life truly is. Yet even in the sorrow, those who knew them continue to speak of their deep faith and devotion to Jesus. Their lives may have been short, but their testimony of love for Christ continues to speak. In the midst of grief, many are reflecting on a deeper biblical truth found in Isaiah 57:1: ' "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout people are taken away, while no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil." Though their time on earth was brief, their legacy of faith, love for Christ, and missionary devotion continues to speak.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 21–22 | Galatians 6 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 21 The Depth of Sin and the Patience of God 2 Kings 21 records one of the darkest chapters in Judah's history through the reign of King Manasseh. Unlike his father Hezekiah, who led the nation in spiritual reform, Manasseh reverses nearly every godly change that had been made. He rebuilds the high places, promotes idol worship, practices occult activities, and even places pagan altars within the temple itself. Judah sinks into spiritual corruption unlike anything seen before. The tragedy of Manasseh's reign is not simply that he sins personally, but that he leads an entire nation into greater rebellion. Leadership always carries influence. The king's decisions shape the spiritual direction of the people, and under Manasseh the nation becomes more corrupt than the pagan nations God had originally driven out of the land. Despite such widespread wickedness, God continues speaking through His prophets. He warns Judah repeatedly, calling the people to repentance before judgment comes. Yet the nation refuses to listen. God's patience is extraordinary, but His warnings are not ignored forever. The Lord announces that judgment upon Jerusalem has become inevitable because of persistent and deliberate rebellion. After Manasseh's death, his son Amon continues the same sinful pattern. Rather than learning from the consequences of his father's rebellion, he deepens the nation's decline. His reign is brief, ending through violence, further illustrating the instability that sin produces. Although this chapter emphasizes judgment, it also quietly reveals God's faithfulness. The covenant with David remains intact. Even in the midst of overwhelming darkness, God's redemptive plan continues moving toward the coming Messiah. Human sin cannot overturn divine promises. Theologically, 2 Kings 21 reveals both the seriousness of sin and the remarkable patience of God. Persistent rebellion hardens the heart and eventually brings judgment, yet God's repeated warnings demonstrate His desire that people would repent rather than perish. This chapter points to Christ, who came to bear the judgment that humanity deserved. Where Manasseh filled the land with sin, Jesus came to cleanse sinners through His sacrificial death. The darkness of human rebellion only magnifies the greatness of God's redeeming grace revealed in Christ. For believers today, 2 Kings 21 reminds us never to underestimate the influence of our choices. Sin tolerated today often becomes greater compromise tomorrow. Yet it also reminds us that God's patience is an invitation to repentance. In Christ, forgiveness is available for every repentant heart, and His grace is greater than even the darkest chapters of our lives. 2 Kings 22 Rediscovering God's Word 2 Kings 22 introduces the reign of Josiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. Coming to the throne as a young boy after generations of spiritual decline, Josiah demonstrates that age does not limit God's ability to use someone who seeks Him wholeheartedly. From the beginning of his reign, he desires to honor the Lord and restore proper worship. As repairs begin on the temple, an extraordinary discovery is made. The Book of the Law is found after having been neglected for many years. The fact that God's Word had been lost within God's own house reveals how far the nation had drifted. Religious activity had continued, but the authority of Scripture had been forgotten. When the book is read to Josiah, his response is immediate and profound. Rather than defending himself or ignoring what he hears, he humbles himself before the Lord. He tears his clothes in grief, recognizing that the nation has failed to obey God's covenant. His heart is broken not merely because judgment has been announced, but because God's people have wandered so far from His truth. Josiah seeks the Lord through the prophetess Huldah, who confirms that God's judgment upon Judah will indeed come because of generations of rebellion. Yet because Josiah humbled himself and responded with genuine repentance, God promises that the coming judgment will not occur during his lifetime. The king experiences God's mercy because he responds to God's Word with humility rather than resistance. The chapter demonstrates that true revival always begins with the rediscovery of God's Word. Spiritual renewal is not produced by emotion or tradition alone but by humble submission to the truth God has revealed. Theologically, 2 Kings 22 teaches that God's Word possesses the power to expose sin, awaken repentance, and lead people back to faithful obedience. It also reveals that God honors humble hearts. While His justice remains certain, His mercy is extended to those who genuinely repent. This chapter points directly to Christ, the living Word of God. Just as the rediscovered Book of the Law brought conviction and renewal, Jesus brings truth, exposes sin, and offers forgiveness to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. He fulfills the Law completely and invites believers into a restored relationship with the Father. For believers today, 2 Kings 22 reminds us that spiritual renewal always begins with God's Word. It is possible to maintain religious routines while neglecting the authority of Scripture. In Christ, we are called to approach God's Word with humility, allowing it to shape our hearts, expose areas needing repentance, and lead us into deeper obedience. When God's people return to His truth, genuine revival begins. Galatians 6 — Living Out the Freedom of the Christ Galatians chapter 6 concludes Paul's letter by showing what life looks like when believers truly understand the gospel of grace. After teaching that salvation is by faith and that believers are called to walk by the Spirit, Paul now demonstrates how these truths are lived out in daily relationships and faithful service. The redemptive plan of the Christ, the Son of God, produces a life marked by humility, compassion, perseverance, and a continual focus on the cross. The chapter begins by instructing believers to restore those who have fallen into sin with gentleness and humility. The goal is never condemnation but restoration. This reflects the heart of the Christ, who came to seek and restore the broken. Christian living requires believers to care for one another while remaining aware of their own need for God's grace. The Son of God calls His people to be instruments of healing rather than harsh judgment. Paul then encourages believers to bear one another's burdens. This command reflects the love of the Christ, who carried the greatest burden of all through His sacrifice on the cross. The redemptive plan creates a community where believers support, encourage, and strengthen one another through life's difficulties. Christian living is never isolated or self-centered but is lived within the fellowship of God's family. At the same time, Paul reminds believers that each person is responsible for faithfully carrying the responsibilities God has entrusted to them. These two truths complement one another. Believers are called both to help others with overwhelming burdens and to faithfully fulfill their own daily responsibilities before the Lord. The Son of God calls His followers to lives of personal faithfulness combined with compassionate service. The chapter introduces the principle of sowing and reaping. Every decision and every action produces consequences. Those who continually invest in sinful desires reap spiritual destruction, while those who continually invest in the things of the Spirit reap eternal blessings. This is not a teaching of salvation by works but a reminder that Christian living produces visible fruit. The redemptive plan transforms believers so that their lives increasingly reflect the character of the Christ. Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good. Faithful obedience often requires perseverance because the harvest is not always immediate. The Son of God calls His people to continue serving faithfully, trusting that God will bring fruit in His perfect timing. Christian living requires patience, endurance, and confidence that every act of obedience matters within God's eternal purposes. Another important emphasis is doing good to everyone, especially to fellow believers. The love of the Christ is never limited to words alone but expresses itself through practical acts of kindness, generosity, and service. The redemptive plan changes the priorities of God's people, leading them to seek opportunities to bless others as they have first been blessed by the Son of God. As Paul concludes the letter, he once again contrasts those who boast in religious performance with those who boast only in the cross of the Christ. The false teachers sought recognition through outward religious achievements, but Paul points entirely to the cross. Everything necessary for salvation has been accomplished through the Son of God. Christian living begins and ends with gratitude for His finished work rather than confidence in personal accomplishment. The chapter closes by declaring that what truly matters is the new creation brought about through the Christ. Outward religious distinctions cannot produce spiritual life. Only the redemptive plan accomplished by the Son of God can transform the human heart. Those who belong to Him have become new creations, and their lives now reflect His grace rather than their own efforts. Throughout Galatians chapter 6, the Christ remains the center of the believer's life. His cross provides salvation, His Spirit produces transformation, and His grace empowers faithful service. The redemptive plan creates a people who love one another, persevere in doing good, and live for His glory alone. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that true Christian living is the practical outworking of the gospel. We are called to restore the fallen with gentleness, carry one another's burdens, faithfully fulfill our own responsibilities, and never grow weary in serving the Lord. Our confidence rests entirely in the cross of the Christ, not in ourselves. As we walk by the Spirit and continue sowing lives of faithfulness, love, and obedience, we demonstrate the transforming power of the Son of God and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

True Worship Belongs to God Alone Scripture Judges 17:6 (NKJV) In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. When Everyone Does What Is Right in Their Own Eyes Judges 17 marks a shift in the book of Judges. Instead of focusing on Israel's battles with foreign enemies, the chapter reveals the spiritual decline taking place within the nation itself. The greatest danger was no longer outside Israel but inside the hearts of God's people. The chapter begins with Micah returning stolen silver to his mother. Although he admitted his wrongdoing, the family's response did not lead to true repentance or obedience to God's Word. Instead, they used part of the silver to make a carved image and a molded image for worship. They mixed the name of the LORD with practices that God had clearly forbidden. Micah then established his own private shrine, made household idols, and even appointed his own priest. Later, when a wandering Levite arrived, Micah hired him to serve in his personal religious system. Micah believed that because he now had a Levite serving him, God would surely bless him. The tragedy of this chapter is that the people were religious but not obedient. They wanted God's blessing without submitting to God's commands. They created a form of worship based on personal preference rather than God's revealed truth. Judges 17 concludes with the sobering statement that there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. The issue was not merely political leadership but spiritual authority. The people rejected God's rule and replaced it with their own opinions and desires. This same temptation exists today. Our culture often teaches that truth is personal and that everyone should determine what is right for themselves. Yet God's Word remains the unchanging standard for faith and life. Genuine worship is not built upon feelings, traditions, or personal preferences but upon humble obedience to the Lord. God desires hearts that submit to Him completely. True worship is demonstrated not only by what we say but by how faithfully we obey His Word. Reflection Questions 1. Am I following God's Word or simply doing what seems right in my own eyes? 2. Are there areas where I have substituted personal preferences for biblical obedience? 3. Is my worship shaped by Scripture or by culture and convenience? Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to honor You according to Your Word rather than according to my own ideas. Guard my heart from compromise and from creating a faith that fits my preferences instead of Your truth. Teach me to walk in humble obedience and to worship You in spirit and in truth. May every area of my life be surrendered to Your authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DO STEP-PARENTS MATTER? SYNOPSIS: (NOTE: before you pre-judge and fire off a comment, please READ THE FULL ARTICLE at the "Them Before Us" link.) The children come first! Nick Spencer, founder of Them Before Us (TBU), explains that children have a fundamental right to their biological mother and father, stating that every child is conceived by one man and one woman. The group distinguishes between adoption and remarriage, which they view as adults stepping in to provide stability for children after a pre-existing tragedy; compared to surrogacy or donor conception, which they define as adults intentionally, to satisfy their own desires, causing via IVF a child’s loss of biological connection. READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-08-15.htm#article_4

Loving and Gracious in All Things “There are those people who would say, ‘I’d rather deal with somebody who is rude, antagonistic and sarcastic, but when it really matters, is there for us in the big challenges of life.’ But when one reads the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, the character of God is such that He expects us not only to be loving and gracious on the big things, but also on the little things. To be loving and gracious only when it really matters, or only when it is convenient, is not the character of Christ. We must be loving and gracious in all things—big and small.” Christian Character Is Revealed in the Little Things It is easy to admire someone who stands beside us during a great crisis. Faithfulness in difficult times matters. But Christianity calls us to something deeper. God does not ask us to love only when the circumstances are serious. He calls us to love in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Jesus said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10 The little things matter because the little things reveal the heart. How do we speak when we are irritated? How do we treat someone who inconveniences us? How do we respond when someone disagrees with us? How do we speak about people who aren’t present? These things may seem insignificant to the world, but they are not insignificant to God. Love Is Not Selective Jesus gave His followers a standard far higher than simply being decent when it is convenient: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” — John 13:34 Christ’s love was not reserved for emergencies. It was woven into everything He did. Paul says: “Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 Notice the word all. Not some things. Not the important things. All things. Our speech, our attitudes, our reactions and our relationships are all opportunities to reflect Christ. Paul also says: “Let your speech be always with grace.” — Colossians 4:6 Always. Not only when we are preaching. Not only when we are dealing with someone we love. Not only when someone is watching. Always. Even When People Are Difficult Christian love is tested most when people are difficult. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” — Matthew 5:44 This does not mean Christians must tolerate abuse or refuse to confront wrongdoing. But even when we must establish boundaries or correct someone, we are not permitted to abandon Christlike love. Proverbs tells us: “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1 And Paul commands: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 Kindness is not weakness. Grace is not weakness. Forgiveness is not weakness. These are marks of someone being transformed by Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit Should Be Seen Every Day Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23 Notice how many of these qualities are revealed in ordinary interactions. Longsuffering. Gentleness. Goodness. Meekness. A person may demonstrate extraordinary courage during a crisis and still need the Holy Spirit to teach them patience in everyday life. Someone may sacrifice greatly for another person and yet continually wound others with their words. Christianity is not merely about doing great things occasionally. It is about becoming a person whose ordinary life reflects Jesus Christ. Christ in the Big and the Small Paul writes: “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do. That includes the dramatic moments of life—and the mundane ones. So yes, be the person who stands beside someone when tragedy strikes. Be the person who answers the call when someone is hurting. But also: Be kind when nothing important is happening. Be patient when you are irritated. Speak graciously when you could speak harshly. Forgive the small offenses. Refuse to return sarcasm with sarcasm and hostility with hostility. Because the Christian calling is not simply to be loving when “it really matters.” It is to be loving because Christ lives in us. Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 The world should see Christ not only in how we respond to life’s greatest tragedies, but in how we behave on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Love in the big things. Love in the little things. Grace in the big things. Grace in the little things. Mercy in the big things. Mercy in the little things. Because there are no insignificant moments when we are called to represent Jesus Christ. “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 That is the Christian life: not occasional goodness, but a life increasingly shaped by the character of Christ.

GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF 23RD AUGUST 2026 Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed. But before we share the word of God, let us pray 🙏 ENJOY THE FULL VIDEO HERE 👇👇 https://youtu.be/-Zfqj60lXcU?si=XfTep0H_aLMP6SL7 PLEASE WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE TO HELP MY CHANNEL GROW. THANKS 🙏 LESSON: PSALM 139: 23-24. TOPIC: WHEN GOD LOOKS AT ME, WHAT DOES HE SEE? TEXT: For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) INTRODUCTION: Last Sunday, we asked ourselves a very important question: “What Kind of Christian Am I?” Today, I want us to go one step deeper. The question is no longer about what I call myself. It is not about what people call me. It is not even about the image I have created before others. The question is: “When God looks at me, what does He see?” People see the outside. They see our clothes. They hear our words. They see our church attendance. They see our posts on social media. They know our titles and positions. But God sees beyond all of that. 1 Samuel 16:7 says: “For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” That means I can impress people and still disappoint God. I can look religious before men and still be far from God in my heart. So today, let us allow God to examine us. EXPOSITION: 1.GODSEES BEYOND MY APPEARANCE: We are very conscious of how people see us. We dress well because we want to look good. We speak carefully because we want to sound intelligent. We behave properly because we want to maintain a good reputation. There is nothing wrong with these things. But God sees what people cannot see. He sees the thoughts we hide. He sees the motives behind our actions. He sees what we do when nobody is watching. He sees the person behind the public image. You may deceive people, but you cannot deceive God. David understood this when he prayed in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart... and see if there is any wicked way in me.” That should become our prayer too. “Lord, search me.” Not, “Lord, search my neighbour.” Not, “Lord, search my enemies.” Search me. 2. GOD SEES THE CONDITION OF MY HEART The heart is where God begins His examination.What is inside my heart? Is there unforgiveness? Bitterness? Pride? Jealousy? Greed? Hatred? Secret sin? Or is there genuine love for God and for people? Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Our words often reveal what is already living inside us. Sometimes we say, “That was just a mistake.” But repeated words, repeated attitudes and repeated behaviours may reveal something deeper. And this is where the message becomes personal. What does God see when He looks into my heart? Does He see Christ? Does He see humility? Does He see love? Does He see repentance? Or does He see a heart that has become comfortable with things He has been asking us to surrender? 3. GOD SEES WHETHER MY LIFE AGREES WITH MY CONFESSION: Perhaps this is the hardest question. Do I live what I claim to believe? If I say I am a Christian, can people see Christ in the way I treat them? If I say I love God, does my lifestyle demonstrate that love? If I say I have forgiven someone, have I truly released the person from my heart? If I preach holiness, am I pursuing holiness? If I tell others to trust God, do I trust Him when my own circumstances become difficult? Jesus said in Matthew 7:16: “You will know them by their fruits.” God is not only interested in what comes out of our mouths.He is interested in what comes out of our lives. Our character is preaching every day. Our conduct is preaching. Our attitude is preaching. Our relationships are preaching. Even when we say nothing, our lives are saying something. CONCLUSION: THE GREATEST TRAGEDY : My beloved, today God is not asking us to examine somebody else. He is asking us to examine ourselves. When God looks at me, what does He see? Does He see a Christian only on the outside? Or does He see a transformed heart? Does He see someone who has truly surrendered to Christ? Maybe today, we need to stop defending ourselves and simply say: “Lord, show me who I really am.” Because the greatest tragedy is not that people misunderstand us. The greatest tragedy is when we misunderstand ourselves before God. People may applaud us. People may praise us. People may call us wonderful names. But at the end of everything, the only opinion that matters eternally is God's. So, before you ask, “What does God think about other people?” Ask yourself: “When God looks at me, what does He see?” And if He reveals something that does not look like Christ, don't run from Him.Run to Him. Because the God who reveals our condition is also the God who can transform us. PRAYER: Father, when You look at me, let me not be ashamed of what You see. Search my heart. Remove every bitterness, pride, hypocrisy, unforgiveness and secret sin. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Let my private life agree with my public confession. Let my character reflect Christ. Let my words, actions and attitudes bring glory to Your name. And when You look at me, Lord, let You see the evidence of Your grace working in my life. In Jesus' powerful name, Amen. GOODWILL MESSAGE. This is my goodwill message to you this week: May the Lord search your heart and remove everything that does not represent Christ. May your private life be as pleasing to God as your public life appears before men. May your character reflect your confession, your actions reflect your faith, and your life become a true testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen. HAPPY BLESSED SUNDAY! HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK. JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON! REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!! 🙋This wonderful message is brought to you With Love from Pastor M O Glorious, CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH , Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@ 08055646358: 09018952081 or peganmire[gmail].com #WhenGodLooksAtMe #WhatDoesGodSee #ChristianLife #ExamineYourself #SearchMyHeart #ChristianCharacter #FaithInAction #JesusChrist #WalkWithGod #TheWordOfGod #GloriousPositiveVibes

What Should a Believer Truly Dread? Bible Text: Matthew 10:28 (KJV) “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” There is a reality that every believer must eventually come to understand concerning the journey of faith here on earth and at the end of the journey appointed by God. It is not death alone that we should dread, but spiritual death, physical death, and eternal damnation in hell. This is most crucial. Human beings naturally fear physical death because it means leaving this present life—our families, possessions, plans, relationships, ambitions, and everything familiar. But according to the teaching of Scripture, physical death is not the ultimate tragedy. Jesus Himself redirected the attention of His disciples from those who can kill the body to the greater reality of what can happen to the soul. A person can be physically alive and yet spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 speaks of those who were “dead in trespasses and sins.” Spiritual death is separation from the life of God because of sin. Isaiah 59:2 says: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.” This is why the condition of the soul must never be treated lightly. A person may be successful, respected, wealthy, educated, and apparently doing well in life, yet still be spiritually dead. The most important question is not simply, “How am I doing in this world?” It is, “What is the condition of my soul before God?” Physical death is certain. Hebrews 9:27 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is something after this. This present world is not our final destination. We are pilgrims here. Peter calls us “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11). Therefore, how we live here matters. Our possessions, success, suffering, temptations, relationships, decisions, and use of time must all be viewed in the light of eternity. The Scriptures do not present hell as something to be ignored because it is uncomfortable. Jesus spoke about it seriously. Matthew 25:46 speaks of “everlasting punishment” and “life eternal.” This is why eternal damnation is far more dreadful than physical death. Physical death ends earthly existence, but eternal judgment concerns what follows beyond this life. There is no earthly opportunity after death to reverse one's eternal condition. As saints of God, we should therefore not live in terror of death, but there must be a holy seriousness concerning separation from God, disobedience to His truth, spiritual deception, unrepentant sin, and ultimately eternal judgment. Jesus said: “Abide in me, and I in you.” — John 15:4 We must not allow our faith to be merely something we profess with our mouths. We are called to remain in Christ, to walk in holiness, obedience, watchfulness, and faithfulness. Hebrews 12:14 says: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Ultimately, the deepest need of humanity is not merely to know about God, but to truly know Him. Jesus said: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3 We must come to understand who God is, what sin is, what Christ has accomplished, what salvation means, what holiness requires, and what eternity holds. The truth must become more than information. It must become our reality. The awareness of eternity should not make us careless about this life. It should make us more serious about how we live it. Paul said: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 Therefore, the question is not merely whether we will die. The question is: How are we living before God while we are alive? Every believer must come to the true reality of what should be most dreaded on this earthly pilgrimage. Physical death is real, but it is not the final reality for those who are in Christ. The greater realities are spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal damnation. Earthly life is temporary. Eternity is permanent. The grave is not the conclusion of the human story, because Scripture declares that after death comes judgment. May the good Lord bring every person to the true understanding of who He is, the seriousness of eternity, the reality of salvation, and the knowledge of His truth in Jesus Christ. Amen. God's Loving Heart.

THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD TOPIC: O LORD, PRESERVE MY HOUSEHOLD FROM TRAGEDY AND EVIL EXPECTATIONS Bible Reading: Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 121:1-8, Isaiah 54:17, Jeremiah 29:11 Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily. 1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries and every member connected to this commission be preserved from tragedy, premature death, sudden loss, and every evil interruption of destiny, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 91:10) 2. O Lord, arise and shield every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries and their households from every hidden danger, evil expectation, and destructive assignment, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8) 3. Let no tragedy assigned to interrupt the destiny of any member of my household prosper, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17) 4. Every evil expectation concerning my family, be disappointed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 27:2) 5. Father, let every satanic agenda prepared to bring sorrow, calamity, or sudden loss into my household collapse completely, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12) 6. Every hidden trap of tragedy, accident, violence, and destruction prepared against anyone in my household, be exposed and rendered powerless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 91:3) 7. O Lord, arise and contend with every power contending with the peace, health, progress, and destiny of my household, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 49:25) 8. Every evil voice predicting calamity, failure, sickness, financial ruin, or destruction over my family, be silenced by the blood of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17) 9. Father, let Your mighty hand preserve every member of my household from untimely death and every form of premature loss, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 118:17) 10. Every power waiting for tragedy to strike my family, be disappointed. Let their evil expectations become completely fruitless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 35:4) 11. O Lord, let Your angels watch over my household and preserve us in our going out and coming in, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 91:11) 12. Father, let every evil pattern of repeated family tragedies and untimely losses be broken by the power of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:13) 13. Every evil plan designed to interrupt the purpose of God for any member of my household, fail completely, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 42:2) 14. Father, let Your promises concerning my family's life, health, finances, peace, and purpose come to fulfilment, in the name of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:20) 15. Every power assigned to turn our seasons of joy into seasons of mourning, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 30:5) 16. O Lord, establish peace within my household. Let no fear, confusion, affliction, or calamity overthrow the peace You have given us, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:14) 17. I declare that my household shall live and fulfil God's purpose. We shall not be cut short in the middle of our journey, and we shall testify of the goodness of the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 118:17) 18. Father, let every good purpose You have ordained for my household come to pass. Let no satanic interruption cancel what You have written concerning us, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 138:8) 19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let their households experience divine protection, good health, financial stability, peace, and fulfilment of purpose, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4) 20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries never lack the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Let supernatural provision continually flow into this work, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19) 21. Father, I declare that no tragedy assigned to interrupt the destiny of anyone in my household shall prosper. Every evil expectation concerning my family shall be disappointed, and we shall experience the fulfilment of Your promises concerning our lives, health, finances, peace, and divine purpose. We shall live, flourish, and fulfil the number of our days, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Exodus 23:26; Psalm 91:16) TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospel[gmail].com WhatsApp: +2348062343560 SHALOM ✋

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. 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. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

The Unstoppable Hour.. Why Our Fight is Not with This World There is a palpable anxiety in the air. We see it in the news, on social media, and in the hushed conversations at our kitchen tables. People are scrambling. They are organizing, petitioning, and protesting. They are trying to stop the political shift, the moral decline, and the geopolitical chaos. They are fighting against the current of the world, attempting to "save" a system that was always destined to collapse. But as believers, we must stop and take a sobering look at the reality of our calling. We are not here to stop the inevitable. We are here to walk through it. The Apostle Paul made it crystal clear in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness." When we see the governments of the world aligning, when we see corruption at every level, and when we see nations turning away from the truth, we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy, not the failure of humanity. The Bible predicted a time of great corruption (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It predicted that evil would be called good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). The tragedy of our time is not that the world is becoming corrupt; the tragedy is that the Church is wasting its energy trying to fix a world that is already under judgment. Those who are the most "active" in trying to save the culture are often the ones inadvertently bringing these things to pass, because they are fighting in the flesh, trying to build a Kingdom on Earth that was never meant to exist here permanently. To understand our role, we must look back at the history of our faith. The Scriptures are full of people who tried to "help" God fulfill His promises, and the results were devastating. Consider Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham a son. But when the years dragged on, Sarah decided to "help" God by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham. The result? Ishmael was born. This decision did not bring the promise sooner; it brought discord, bitterness, and a conflict that has spanned millennia, a conflict we still see in the Middle East today. God did not need Abraham's "help" in the physical realm to bring about the spiritual miracle. He needed Abraham's faith and waiting. Consider Moses. When Moses saw the oppression of his people, he acted in his own strength. He killed an Egyptian taskmaster, thinking he was delivering his people. Instead, he became a fugitive and delayed God's plan by forty years. Moses had to unlearn his own strength in the desert before God could use him to free Israel. In these times, it will be no different. We are prone to run ahead of God, to create political kingdoms, to try to legislate morality into the hearts of the unregenerate. We call it "saving the nation," but God calls it "strange fire", our own effort offered on His altar, a sacrifice He never asked for. If we are not to fight the political tide, what are we to do? Good question. We are to be Witnesses. Jesus didn't tell us to take over the world; He told us to preach the Gospel to every creature. He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). We are ambassadors of a Kingdom not of this world. We are to be Lighthouses. In a time of corruption, we are called to be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15). Our focus is not on changing the behavior of the world, but on offering the soul of the world a way out. We are to Pray. Instead of protesting the darkness, we should be praying for the souls of those in power, while trusting that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations. The spiritual battle is won on our knees, not on the streets. Look at the world today. Technology is advancing at a rate that allows for the global control and surveillance spoken of in Revelation. Nations are aligning in ways eerily reminiscent of the prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel. The push for a one-world order, the moral relativism, and the hostility toward absolute truth are all box-checking the signs of the times. When we try to stop this, we are fighting God's timeline. We are acting like children trying to stop the rain by screaming at the clouds. The rain is coming. The question is: have you built your house on the Rock? The times are serious. The world is racing toward a conclusion that has been written since the foundation of the earth. We must stop panicking over the headlines and start preparing our hearts. We are not called to be reformers of a dying world; we are called to be rescuers of dying souls. Don't waste your energy trying to stop the ship from sinking. Use your energy to get people into the lifeboats. The hull is breached. The prophecies must be fulfilled. But you, you have a job to do. Do not be deceived by the illusion that you can fight the spiritual battle with physical weapons. The only thing that will save a soul is the Gospel. The only way to stand in the coming storm is to be rooted in the Word. Stop trying to save the world. Start trying to save the lost. The hour is late. The time is now. Choose your side and dig in. Alonso Buford.