TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!! CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!! “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow. You can change your career. You can move to another city. You can repair a broken relationship. You can change your mind about many things. But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone: What will you do with Jesus Christ? The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations: Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ or eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation. This is not a game. This is not something to treat casually. And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely. Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us. --- CHOICE ONE: RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST Jesus said: «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6» The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth: We have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says: «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”» But God did not leave humanity without hope. He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. John 3:16 declares: «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”» Think about the magnitude of that promise. God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment. He offered mercy. God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation. He offered forgiveness. God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ. --- JESUS IS CALLING YOU Jesus said: «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Notice the invitation: Come to Me. Not: “Fix yourself first.” Not: “Become perfect first.” Not: “Make yourself worthy first.” Come to Me. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Trust Him. Follow Him. Receive His grace. And let Christ transform your life. --- THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return. Jesus said: «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42» Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same: To be with Christ. That is why believers are told: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him. It should produce: Hope. Readiness. Faithfulness. Holiness. Expectation. --- HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery. It isn't merely freedom from pain. It isn't merely reunion. It isn't merely eternal life. The greatest blessing is God Himself. Revelation 21:3 says: «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”» And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Imagine a world where death is gone. Where suffering is gone. Where sin is gone. Where tears are gone. Where separation is gone. Where God's people dwell with Him forever. Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate Christian hope: To see Jesus face to face. --- CHOICE TWO: REJECT CHRIST The Bible also gives a solemn warning. God does not force people to love Him. He does not force people to receive His salvation. He gives humanity a genuine choice. Jesus spoke seriously about judgment. Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads: «“Enter through the narrow gate.”» Jesus also warned: «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”» This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance. It should instead awaken us to reality. Eternity matters. Our response to Christ matters. Our relationship with God matters. --- THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment. It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God. God is the source of life. God is the source of goodness. God is the source of love. God is the source of hope. To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation. Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there. The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care. They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously. --- DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. None of us knows exactly how long we have. We should therefore never say: “I'll get right with God someday.” Someday isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow isn't promised. The Bible says: «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2» And Hebrews 3:15 says: «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”» If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today: Don't run from Him. Turn toward Him. --- REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life. Repentance means turning around. Turning away from sin. Turning toward God. Turning away from rebellion. Turning toward Jesus. Turning away from darkness. Turning toward the Light. Jesus began His ministry with this message: «“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15» Repentance isn't about earning salvation. It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart. --- YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF Ephesians 2:8–9 says: «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”» You cannot purchase salvation. You cannot earn salvation. You cannot manufacture salvation. You cannot become good enough to save yourself. Jesus saves. That is why the Gospel is called good news. Jesus did what we could never do. He paid the price for sin. He conquered death. He rose again. And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. --- DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU The enemy may whisper: “You're too far gone.” “God won't forgive you.” “You've failed too many times.” “There's no point coming back.” But those accusations are not the Gospel. Jesus says: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» What an incredible promise. Whoever comes. Not merely the perfect. Not merely the religious. Not merely the people who have never failed. Whoever comes. Come to Jesus. --- TWO ROADS There are ultimately two roads. One leads toward God. One leads away from God. One is surrender. One is rebellion. One receives grace. One rejects grace. One leads to life. One leads to destruction. And Jesus tells us to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”» The invitation is before you. Choose Jesus. --- BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR Christianity isn't supposed to be: “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.” The Gospel says: God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you. Romans 8:1 says: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures. Look toward Jesus. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness. Walk with Him. Grow in Him. And trust His grace. --- THE FINAL QUESTION One day every human being will stand before eternity. The question will not ultimately be: “How successful were you?” “How much money did you accumulate?” “How famous did you become?” “How many possessions did you own?” The most important question is: What did you do with Jesus Christ? Did you receive Him? Did you trust Him? Did you repent? Did you surrender? Did you follow Him? Jesus asks: «“Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15» And Peter answered: «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16» That is the confession that changes everything. --- TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today. You don't need fancy words. You need an honest heart. You can say: “Jesus, I need You.” “Jesus, forgive me.” “Jesus, I repent.” “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.” “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.” “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.” Then begin walking with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Seek fellowship with genuine believers. Turn away from deliberate sin. Learn to obey Him. And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him. --- FINAL APPEAL Don't gamble with eternity. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Don't harden your heart. Don't allow pride to keep you from grace. Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus. Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow. Jesus Christ is calling you today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is grace. There is salvation. There is hope. There is eternal life. And it is found in Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus. Not because you are terrified of death— but because He is worthy of your life. Not merely because heaven is beautiful— but because Jesus is there. Not merely because hell is terrible— but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son. The invitation is before you. Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Follow Him. And never turn back. --- DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness. I need Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You came into this world. I believe that You lived without sin. I believe that You willingly went to the cross. I believe that You died for our sins. I believe that You rose from the dead. And I believe that You are alive forevermore. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Be my Lord. Be my Savior. Be my King. Forgive my sins. Wash me clean. Change my heart. Change my desires. Change my thinking. Change my words. Change my actions. Change my priorities. Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace. Holy Spirit, lead me. Convict me when I wander. Correct me when I become proud. Strengthen me when I am weak. Comfort me when I am hurting. Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a desire for holiness. Give me compassion for people who are lost. Give me courage to tell others about Jesus. Father, I don't want to live carelessly. I don't want to presume upon Your grace. I don't want to harden my heart. I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things. Help me keep eternity before my eyes. But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters. Give me strength to keep living faithfully. Give me strength to keep serving. Give me strength to keep loving. Give me strength to keep praying. Give me strength to keep believing. When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus. When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy. When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up. When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Father, keep my heart tender toward You. Don't allow me to become spiritually cold. Don't allow me to become complacent. Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus. Help me finish my earthly race faithfully. And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ. My hope is not in my own righteousness. My hope is Jesus. My confidence is not in my performance. My confidence is in Your grace. My salvation is not something I can boast about. It is Your gift. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for grace. Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Father, prepare me for eternity. Make me ready to meet Jesus. And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have. I pray for those who are currently far away from You. Soften their hearts. Open their eyes. Break through their pride. Heal their wounds. Remove the lies that keep them from believing. Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel. Let them encounter Jesus. Let them discover Your mercy. Let them turn from darkness toward light. Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them be saved. And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people. Instead, give us tears for the lost. Give us compassion. Give us patience. Give us courage. Give us love. Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ. Father, I choose life. I choose Jesus. I choose surrender. I choose faith. I choose to follow Christ. And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end. My future is in Your hands. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My eternity belongs to You. And my prayer is: “Come, Lord Jesus.” But until that glorious day, help me live for Jesus. Help me love like Jesus. Help me forgive like Jesus. Help me serve like Jesus. Help me pray like Jesus. Help me walk in holiness. Help me share the Gospel. Help me finish well. And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus Christ is my King. Jesus Christ is my hope. Jesus Christ is my eternal life. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️👑 ************************ THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King 👑 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously: JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. The early Church lived with this expectation. The apostles preached it. Jesus promised it. The book of Revelation ends with it. And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face. But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming? And more importantly: How should we live if Jesus could return at any time? --- 1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end. He told them: «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3» What an incredible promise. Jesus is not abandoning His people. He is coming again. The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking. It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ. The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory. --- 2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ. Paul writes: «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17» Think about those words: The dead in Christ will rise. Believers who are alive will be caught up. We will meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever. Paul concludes: «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”» Then he says: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers. --- 3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15. He says: «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52» Our present bodies are temporary. But God promises resurrection. Corruption will give way to incorruption. Mortality will give way to immortality. And Paul declares: «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54» That is the Christian hope. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. --- 4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING? The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return. Jesus said: «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30» This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event. Christ returns as King. Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness. The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory. The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King. The One who was crucified will return in triumph. --- 5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT? Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together. Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later. Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return. There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events. We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline. But there are truths we can hold firmly: Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will be raised. Believers will be gathered to Christ. Jesus will return in glory. Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. God will judge with perfect righteousness. God will establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new. Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines. --- 6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified. But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror. He said: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» Why? Because the Christian has a future. The grave isn't the end. Death isn't the end. Suffering isn't the end. Grief isn't the end. Jesus is coming. Resurrection is coming. Restoration is coming. Eternal life is coming. --- 7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return: «“What kind of people ought you to be?” — 2 Peter 3:11» In other words: If Jesus is coming again, How should we live today? The answer isn't: “Try to calculate the exact date.” Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty. Instead: Be ready. Be faithful. Be watchful. Repent when you sin. Forgive people. Love God. Love your neighbor. Share the Gospel. Walk in holiness. Keep your heart tender toward God. --- 8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness. Matthew 24:44 says: «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”» We don't know exactly when Christ will return. We don't know how long our earthly lives will last. Therefore: Today matters. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive, forgive today. If you need to return to God, return today. If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today. If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it. --- 9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7 Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture: «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21» Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection. He was warning against empty profession. It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God. Therefore, don't merely say: “I believe in Jesus.” Ask: Am I actually following Jesus? Do I repent when He convicts me? Do I trust His grace? Do I desire His presence? Do I want His will? Do I love His Word? Do I seek to obey Him? Do I get back up when I fall? Christianity isn't merely a label. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives. --- 10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ. Run toward Him. Jesus said: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» That is a beautiful promise. When you fail: Come to Jesus. When you sin: Come to Jesus. When you are ashamed: Come to Jesus. When you are afraid: Come to Jesus. When your faith feels weak: Come to Jesus. When you don't know what to do: Come to Jesus. He is the Savior. --- 11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST Romans 8:1 declares: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter. It means Christ has provided the answer for sin. The believer's confidence isn't: “I am perfect.” It is: “Jesus is my Savior.” Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly. Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ. --- 12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE What awaits God's people? Revelation 21:4 says: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate hope. Not merely beautiful surroundings. Not merely freedom from suffering. Not merely eternal existence. Jesus Himself. One day we will see our Savior. One day we will understand. One day the tears will end. One day death will be defeated forever. One day God will make everything new. --- 13. SO BE READY Jesus said: «“Keep watch.”» Not: “Live in panic.” Not: “Spend your life trying to predict the date.” Not: “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.” Keep watch. Live ready. Love ready. Pray ready. Serve ready. Repent ready. Forgive ready. Share the Gospel ready. And if Jesus returns tomorrow— be ready to meet Him. If He returns years from now— be faithful until then. If our earthly lives end before His return— our hope remains Christ. --- FINAL APPEAL There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear. Money won't matter. Possessions won't matter. Status won't matter. Career won't matter. Popularity won't matter. The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ. So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement. Prepare for eternity. Don't merely prepare your house. Prepare your heart. Don't merely build earthly wealth. Build treasure in heaven. Don't merely ask: “How long will I live?” Ask: “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?” Jesus Christ is coming again. The King is coming. The resurrection is coming. The kingdom is coming. The restoration is coming. And the Bible's final invitation remains: «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” — Revelation 22:17» And the final promise of Jesus is: «“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20» So let the Church answer: “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!” Until that day: KEEP WATCHING. KEEP PRAYING. KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP REPENTING. KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS. KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING. 👑 JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. ✝️ --- DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final word. Thank You for the resurrection. Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for grace. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for forgiveness. Father, prepare my heart for eternity. Search me and know me. Reveal anything in my life that needs to change. Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again. Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus. Where I have become proud, humble me. Where I have become careless, awaken me. Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith. Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance. Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness. Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. You are my King. I do not want merely to know about You. I want to know You. I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.” I want my life to belong to Christ. Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a deeper prayer life. Give me discernment. Give me holiness. Give me obedience. Give me endurance. Give me compassion for the lost. Give me courage to share the Gospel. Help me become the person You have called me to be. Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me. Give me holy expectation. Help me look forward to seeing Jesus. Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope. When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise: “We will be with the Lord forever.” When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph. When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair. When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ. When I fall, help me get back up. When I fail, help me return to You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am exhausted, carry me. When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character. Father, keep my heart ready. Let me never become complacent. Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally. Help me love people while I have the opportunity. Help me forgive while I have the opportunity. Help me serve while I have the opportunity. Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity. And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times. Protect me from false teaching. Protect me from sensationalism. Protect me from fear. Protect me from deception. Help me remain anchored in Scripture. Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love. Keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You. Open their hearts. Open their eyes. Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Lead them to repentance. Lead them to faith. Lead them to salvation. And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion. Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching. Let me be found praying. Let me be found loving. Let me be found serving. Let me be found trusting You. Let me be found faithful. And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true. No more death. No more sorrow. No more crying. No more pain. Only the presence of God. Only the glory of Christ. Only eternal life. Only the joy of being with You. Father, until that day, help me keep walking. Help me keep believing. Help me keep hoping. Help me keep serving. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. And let my heart continually cry: “COME, LORD JESUS!” Until You come, I will seek to live for You. Until You come, I will trust You. Until You come, I will worship You. Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel. Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King. Jesus Christ is coming again. He is my hope. He is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my King. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️👑 ----------------------------------------------------- The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app *************************************************** DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13 Introduction There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble. Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask: “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?” Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.” That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously. But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness. Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8. The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?” The answer is to look to Jesus Christ. 1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. They said: “Lord, Lord…” They pointed to what they had done. But Jesus said: “I never knew you.” Notice something important. The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough. Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ. That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror. Ask: Am I trusting Jesus Christ? Am I turning toward Him when I fail? Do I want Him to be Lord of my life? Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect? Those questions are very different from: “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?” Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.” 2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity. We are sinners who need a Savior. And our Savior is Jesus. When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ. You need to run toward Him. When you fail, repent. When you sin, confess it. When you become discouraged, return to Him. When you doubt, seek Him. When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place. Jesus is the foundation. 3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7 Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Notice those words: “In Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes. He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That means your assurance isn't: “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.” Your hope is: “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.” 4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised Jesus said in John 6:37: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Think about that. Never. If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand. The Christian life is not: “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.” It is: “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.” 5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge There will be nights when you feel close to God. There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing. There will be moments of tremendous faith. There will be moments of terrible doubt. There will be seasons when prayer seems easy. There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling. Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior. Jesus is. Your emotions can change from hour to hour. Christ does not. Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ. 6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past? Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking: “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?” The Gospel gives us an answer. Christ died for sinners. Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin. A Christian may stumble. A Christian may fail. A Christian may have seasons of weakness. But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God. When you fall, get back up. When you wander, come home. When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart. When you become afraid, remember the cross. The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past. 7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this: STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF. You are not the Savior. Jesus is. You did not die on the cross for your sins. Jesus did. You did not rise from the grave. Jesus did. You cannot forgive your own sins. Jesus can. You cannot guarantee your own future. But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands. So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it. Let it drive you toward Christ. And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too. The Bible contains both warning and comfort. The warning tells us: Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him. The comfort tells the genuine believer: Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you. 8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?” The question is: “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?” Are you coming to Him? Are you confessing your sins? Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you? Are you seeking to follow Him? Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior? Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial. Bring your fears to Jesus. Bring your failures to Jesus. Bring your doubts to Jesus. Bring your entire life to Jesus. LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD. Not yourself. Not your emotions. Not your performance. Not your past. Jesus. Conclusion One day every one of us will stand before God. Our hope on that day cannot be: “Lord, look how good I was.” Our hope is: “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.” The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God. It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son. So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough. Run to Jesus because you know you aren't. And discover that His grace is greater than your failures. When fear whispers: “What if Jesus rejects you?” Answer with His promise: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37 When condemnation whispers: “You're finished.” Answer with Scripture: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 When fear says: “You will be separated from God's love.” Remember Romans 8:38–39: Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. So tonight, tomorrow, and every day: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him. Repent when you fall. Receive His grace. And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ. --- CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You. But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself. I put my confidence in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners. Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works. Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace. When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You. When I sin, give me genuine repentance. When I doubt, strengthen my faith. When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Jesus, You are my Shepherd. I cannot save myself. I cannot make myself worthy. I cannot depend upon my own goodness. I need You. Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Give me a heart that loves You. Give me a heart that hates sin. Give me a heart that quickly repents. Give me a heart that desires Your presence. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus. And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am. My hope is in how faithful You are. Father, I place my past in Your mercy. I place my present in Your hands. And I place my future in Your hands. I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️❤️ REMEMBER: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ. Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus. Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ. ------------------------------------------------------ The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app ************************************************** 🔥 THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget: Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.” --- ✝️ REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE John writes: > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” — 1 John 3:6 And: > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.” — 1 John 3:9 These are extremely serious words. Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label. It isn't merely saying a prayer. It isn't simply attending church. It isn't simply knowing Bible verses. Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God. --- 🔥 GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN Paul anticipated this very question: > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion. Jesus didn't die so that we could say: “Now I can sin without consequences.” He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 says: > “For sin will have no dominion over you.” The Christian life isn't: “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.” It is: “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.” --- ❤️ BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL This distinction is extremely important. If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written: > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” — 1 John 1:8 Christians can stumble. Christians can become weak. Christians can make terrible decisions. Christians can fall into temptation. Peter denied Jesus. David committed terrible sins. But there is a difference between: FALLING INTO SIN and DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE. A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit. The Holy Spirit convicts. The conscience becomes troubled. The believer turns back. Repentance begins. And they cry: “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!” --- 🕊️ THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work: > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” And: > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” That's regeneration. God doesn't merely tell us: “Try harder.” He gives us His Spirit. He gives us a new heart. He begins changing us from the inside out. --- 🔥 WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE? A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles. It is someone whose direction has changed. They begin to hate what they once loved. They begin to love what God loves. They become increasingly sensitive to sin. They desire God's Word. They desire prayer. They desire fellowship with God. They repent when they fall. They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus. And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing: > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 🌱 Transformation takes time. A newborn Christian is still growing. God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer. But there should be life. There should be growth. There should be movement toward Christ. --- ⚠️ DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Romans 6:12 says: > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill. Don't continually return to the same chains while saying: “Grace doesn't matter.” Instead: Run toward Jesus. When temptation comes—pray. When you fall—repent. When you are weak—ask for strength. When you are discouraged—remember God's promises. When you fail—don't hide from God. Come back to Him. --- ✝️ YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS Here's something every believer needs to understand: Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly. Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9: > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope: > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Therefore: Don't become proud when you succeed. Don't despair when you stumble. Stay close to Jesus. Keep repenting. Keep believing. Keep following. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Christ. --- 🙏 PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Give me a new heart. Give me a new spirit. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Break the power of sin over my life. Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life. Give me genuine repentance. Give me genuine faith. Give me genuine obedience. Give me genuine love for You. Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling. When I fall, don't let me run away from You. Teach me to run toward You. Convict me when I sin. Give me humility to confess it. Give me strength to turn away from it. Give me perseverance to keep following You. I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips. I want You to truly be Lord of my life. Change my desires. Change my thoughts. Change my words. Change my actions. Make me increasingly like Jesus. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Let love replace hatred. Let purity replace impurity. Let forgiveness replace bitterness. Let humility replace pride. Let obedience replace rebellion. Let faith replace fear. And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross. When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You. I want to walk with You. I want to know You. I want to love You. I want to serve You. I want to finish my race faithfully. Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my King. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. I place my life and eternity into Your hands. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️🔥 🌅 FINAL REMINDER Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble. Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness. You may fall—but get back up. You may fail—but run back to Jesus. You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin. Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 ✝️❤️🔥

A life without Christ is full of crisis — but a life surrendered to Him is full of victory. 🙏🔥 In this powerful word for July, I share biblical keys to overcome sin, walk in victory, and let the Holy Spirit take full control of your life. If you've been struggling, this message will minister directly to your spirit. In this video: ✅ Why a life without Christ is a life in crisis ✅ Biblical keys to overcome sin and temptation ✅ How to let the Holy Spirit rule and influence your decisions ✅ The power of studying and meditating on God's Word daily If you've never given your life to Jesus, or you want to rededicate your life to Him, stay tuned — I'll be leading a simple prayer of faith in the next part of this series. 📖 Scriptures referenced: 2 Corinthians 5:21 Psalm 107:20 👉 Part of my "Prophetic Prayers and Declarations for July" series. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtube.com/shorts/XlnhiXGT_SY?si=mBXL8zpnQemrzokl 🔔 Subscribe for daily prophetic prayers, declarations, and life-transforming words. 📌 Share this with someone who needs to hear it today. #GiveYourLifeToChrist #OvercomeSin #VictoriousLiving #HolySpirit #PropheticPrayer #JulyDeclarations #ChristianMotivation #BornAgain #WordOfGod #FaithOverFear #ChristianTikTok #GodsWord #DailyDevotion https://youtube.com/shorts/4f8I7r6yPVw?si=Bjx9pBtVJjmy6clV

Morning Prayer Holy and Sovereign Father, Thank You for Your grace that saves us, strengthens us, and transforms us each day. Help us continue growing in spiritual maturity, becoming more like Jesus Christ in every area of life. Bless Lordsbook and the Members Feed today. May this community continually encourage believers toward deeper faith and biblical understanding. Holy Spirit, continue Your transforming work within us. We pray in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen! Shared from https://lordsbook.com

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*FAITH THAT REACHES OUT TO JESUS*🌟 📖 Scripture: “For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” — Mark 5:28–29 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – One Touch Can Change Everything.* In Mark 5, we meet a woman who had suffered for twelve years. She had endured a painful and exhausting situation, but she refused to allow her circumstances to destroy her hope. When she heard about Jesus, she said within herself, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” She moved toward Jesus in faith, reached out, touched His garment, and immediately experienced a change. Her story teaches us that faith takes action. She did not merely hear about Jesus; she moved toward Him. She did not allow the crowd, her past, or the length of her struggle to stop her. Today, you may have been waiting for an answer for a long time. You may have prayed repeatedly and wondered when your situation would change. Do not give up. Keep reaching out to Jesus. Your breakthrough may come in a way you did not expect, but your confidence must remain in Christ. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my faith is alive and active. I will not allow the length of my struggle to destroy my expectation. I will continue to reach out to Jesus Christ. I declare that every situation that has resisted human solutions is surrendered into the hands of the Almighty God. The Lord shall intervene according to His perfect will and timing. Today, I receive fresh faith to believe God again. Where disappointment has weakened my expectation, may the Lord renew my confidence. Where delay has made me tired, may He strengthen my heart. I declare divine intervention over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May the Lord touch every area that needs His transforming power. I proclaim that no crowd, obstacle, discouragement, or past experience shall prevent me from pursuing Jesus. I will keep praying. I will keep believing. I will keep trusting. I will keep moving forward. I declare that every legitimate expectation according to God's will shall receive divine attention. The Lord shall make a way where He has ordained a way, and He shall give me grace to trust Him where I must wait. Today, I reject hopelessness. I reject the belief that nothing can change. I reject the voice that tells me to give up. I declare that my faith shall overcome fear, my hope shall overcome discouragement, and my trust in God shall overcome uncertainty. I proclaim restoration over every area of my life that has experienced loss, weakness, stagnation, or disappointment. May God restore my joy, renew my strength, and establish me according to His purpose. I declare that my testimony shall encourage others. What God does in my life shall become evidence that faith in Christ is never misplaced. Today, I reach out to Jesus with confidence. I will not give up. I will not turn back. I will keep believing. I will keep trusting. I will keep reaching for Jesus. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥✝️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with faith: Thank Jesus because He is still able to intervene in every situation. 2️⃣ Read Mark 5:25–34: Meditate on the faith and determination of the woman who reached out to Jesus. 3️⃣ Declare: “By faith, I reach out to Jesus. My hope is in Him, and I will not give up.” 4️⃣ Bring one long-standing concern to God: Pray about it again—not from desperation, but from renewed faith. 5️⃣ Take a faith-filled step: Do something constructive today toward a God-honoring goal you have been postponing. 6️⃣ Encourage someone: Remind someone who has been waiting for a breakthrough that they should continue trusting God. 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for what He has already done and trust Him for what is still to come. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I thank You for the example of the woman who reached out to Jesus in faith. Lord Jesus, today I reach out to You with every need, burden, desire, and expectation in my heart. Give me faith that refuses to give up. Where I have been discouraged, renew my hope. Where I have experienced disappointment, restore my confidence. Where I have waited for a long time, give me patience and strength. Touch every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Touch my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and future. Lord, I surrender my timeline to You. Help me to trust Your wisdom and Your perfect timing. Give me courage to keep moving toward You even when the journey is difficult. Let my faith become stronger through every challenge. May my life become a testimony of Your faithfulness, and may my testimony encourage others to trust You. Jesus, I reach out to You today. Let Your grace be sufficient for me and let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen your faith today. May He give you courage to keep reaching toward Him even when circumstances appear difficult. May divine intervention come into every area of your life that needs God's touch. May the Lord renew your hope, restore your joy, strengthen your family, establish your work, bless your ministry, and guide your steps. May every season of waiting produce deeper faith and greater dependence on God. May your faith produce a testimony that will encourage many others to seek Jesus. 🔥 Your faith shall not fail. 🙏 Your hope shall remain alive. 🕊️ Christ shall sustain you. ✨ Your testimony shall come according to God's perfect will. 🌟 “IF I MAY TOUCH BUT HIS CLOTHES, I SHALL BE WHOLE.” — MARK 5:28 Keep reaching out to Jesus. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Your story is still in God's hands. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, faith-filled, peaceful, and testimony-producing day🙏🔥🕊️ Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

📌 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

https://youtube.com/[gsimtv]?si=5eGAIYD-lWSO9sfn 🔥🌍 FAMILY, LET’S TAKE THE GOSPEL TO THE NATIONS! 🌍🔥 What if the next video you LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to becomes the very content God uses to touch a life, restore a soul, ignite a fire, or bring someone back to Christ? ❤️‍🔥🙌 That is why GSIM TV exists! 🎥🔥 At GSIM TV, we are bringing you Spirit-lifting, Soul-touching, Life-transforming and Christ-centred Gospel contents designed to bless you, challenge you, inspire you and draw you closer to God. ✝️🔥 📺 YouTube: Please click the link below 👇 https://youtube.com/[gsimtv]?si=5eGAIYD-lWSO9sfn 🔔 SUBSCRIBE 👍 LIKE 💬 COMMENT ↗️ SHARE 👥 And send it to someone who needs it! And please don't stop at YouTube! 🚀 Connect with GSIM TV across our platforms: 📱 TikTok 🐦 X 🧵 Threads 📲 Telegram 🌐 Lordsbook 💬 WhatsApp ▶️ YouTube One SUBSCRIBE can build the audience. One LIKE can encourage the work. One SHARE can carry the Gospel farther. One VIEW can become someone's divine encounter! 🔥🙌 😂 So please… don't just watch and disappear like Elijah after calling down fire! 🔥🤣 WATCH. LIKE. SUBSCRIBE. SHARE. AND HELP US SPREAD THE FIRE! 🔥🌍 Let's make GSIM TV more than a channel— LET'S MAKE IT A DIGITAL ALTAR FOR THE NATIONS! 🌍🔥✝️ ❤️ Subscribe today. 🔥 Share generously. 🙏 Help us reach souls. 🌍 Together, let's keep RECONCILING DIVINITY WITH HUMANITY! GSIM TV — Gospel to the Nations. Souls to Christ. Lives Transformed. 🔥🌍✝️

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

THE SUNDAY BLOG….. Sunday August 23, 2026 Confused Priorities Can Seriously Hinder Our Walk With Christ Walking with Christ is a journey of intentional devotion, yet many believers find their spiritual progress stalled. The culprit is rarely overt rebellion; rather, it is the subtle, creeping danger of confused priorities. When worldly ambitions, anxieties, and fleeting pleasures crowd out the Lord, our spiritual vitality withers. Jesus addressed this peril directly in the Parable of the Sower. In Luke 8:14, He describes the seed that falls among thorns: "The seeds that fell among thorns stand for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Notice that these individuals heard the Word, but their spiritual growth was choked out. Misplaced priorities—chasing wealth, stressing over daily survival, or living for entertainment—act like spiritual weeds. They consume our emotional and mental energy, leaving no room for a vibrant relationship with Christ. When our focus is divided, our spiritual sight becomes completely blurred. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Financial security or worldly success easily masquerades as a master, dictating our time, decisions, and passions. When we attempt to split our allegiance between God and the world, spiritual paralysis sets in. We become lukewarm, drifting away from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, accommodating sin or holding onto competing loyalties fractures our intimacy with God. As James 4:4 sharply reminds us, "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." Friendship with the world here denotes adopting its value system. When we prioritize worldly acceptance over divine obedience, we actively hinder our communion with Christ. Ultimately, confused priorities rob us of our spiritual fruitfulness and joy. To experience the abundant life Jesus promised, we must ruthlessly evaluate our schedules and hearts, cutting away the clutter. Realigning our lives with Christ restores our purpose, clearing the thorns so we can walk closely and powerfully with our Savior. Personal Closing Prayer… Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed worldly worries, ambitions, and distractions to choke out my devotion to You. Open my eyes to see where my priorities have drifted away from Your kingdom. Cleanse my heart from a divided allegiance, and grant me the grace to reject the pull of this world. Realign my steps, Lord, so that I may walk closely, single-mindedly, and faithfully with Christ every single day. Amen. Next Sunday’s Blog: THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. THE BIBLE: Let’s READ IT! Let’s STUDY IT! Let’s BELIEVE IT! Let’s LIVE IT! ___________________________________

🕊️ Guided by faith and vision our Pastor leads New Vision Ministries with love, wisdom, and a heart for transforming lives ❤️ 🤲 Donate Toady: share.google/ETcqrZOFZ06cYw57N 🌐 Find out more: www.newvisionministriesbenin.com #NewVisionMinistries #PastorLeadership #FaithInAction #HopeInChrist #JesusTransforms #KingdomImpact #SpiritLed #GuidedByFaith #CommunityInChrist #BeninForChrist

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