Depending on God After Victory Scripture Judges 15:18 (NKJV) Then he became very thirsty; so he cried out to the LORD and said, You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant; and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? Depending on God After Victory Victory can sometimes become one of the greatest tests of our faith. Before a battle we often pray with urgency, but after a victory we can easily forget how dependent we still are on God. In Judges 15, Samson experienced an incredible victory over the Philistines because the Spirit of the Lord empowered him. Yet immediately afterward, he became exhausted and overwhelmed with thirst. At that moment, Samson realized that the same God who gave him victory was also the One who could sustain his life. Instead of trusting in his own strength, Samson cried out to the Lord. He acknowledged that the victory was not his own achievement but God's deliverance. His strength had limits, but God's power did not. God answered Samson's prayer by providing water, refreshing him, and restoring his strength. This reminds us that God not only equips us for the battle but also cares for us after the battle. He is concerned with both our victories and our weaknesses. Many believers experience spiritual victories only to become weary afterward. Ministry, serving others, overcoming temptation, or walking through difficult seasons can leave us physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. God never intended for us to live on yesterday's strength. He invites us to seek Him daily for fresh grace, renewed strength, and continual dependence upon Him. The Christian life is not sustained by past victories but by a present relationship with the Lord. Every day we need His wisdom, His strength, and His provision. Success should never replace surrender, and victories should always lead us back to worship. Reflection Questions 1. After seasons of victory, do I continue to depend on God for daily strength? 2. Am I giving God the glory for the victories He has brought into my life? 3. Where do I need God's refreshing and renewal today? Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for every victory You have given me. Help me never to rely on my own strength or become prideful because of past successes. Teach me to remain fully dependent on You every day. Refresh my spirit when I am weary, renew my strength when I feel exhausted, and remind me that every good thing comes from Your hand. May every victory draw me closer to You and deepen my trust in Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

August 22 - Jesus’ Availability to Jairus #LifeOfChrist “Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples” (Matthew 9:19). Jesus was always willing to go out of His way to serve others in the Father’s name. This trait was certainly evident as Christ reached out to Jairus with accessibility and availability. There were certainly many other needy people in the region near Jairus, but the urgency of the synagogue leader’s circumstances demanded that Jesus go to Jairus’s home. From a distance the Lord could have sent the power to raise the man’s daughter from the dead. He chose, however, to manifest selfless love and compassion by following the grieving Jairus to his home. God is sensitive not only to the needs of the many but to the cry of individuals in need. The Holy Spirit’s work through Philip in Acts 8 illustrates this principle. In the midst of a highly profitable ministry in Samaria, an angel dispatched the evangelist to Gaza (v. 26). Right away Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch, the royal official who served the queen of Ethiopia. When the Holy Spirit prompted Philip to approach the man, the evangelist found an eager seeker about the things of God and was able to lead him to saving faith in Christ (vv. 35–37). God sometimes leads us, as He often led His own Son and the early disciples, to temporarily set aside a larger ministry to focus on the need of one person—and He wants us to be available. After all, Jesus did promise that every single individual who genuinely “comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37). Ask Yourself Who comes to mind when you think of someone God has called you to influence at this point in time? Avoid the temptation to withhold yourself from others, not wanting to get involved in the messiness of their needs and problems, when Jesus has called you to compassion.

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

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB) FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2026 THE HERESY OF JESUS NOT COMING “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?” 2 Peter 3:3-4 KJV Leaders, we are living in the days Peter warned about. There is a heresy rising in our time. It is the quiet, subtle teaching that “Jesus is not really coming.” It sounds like wisdom. It sounds like patience. But it is unbelief dressed in theology. Scoffers are saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” - 2 Peter 3:4. That is the voice of the last days. It tells you to settle down. To get comfortable. To build for 50 years and forget eternity. It makes the second coming sound distant, symbolic, or unnecessary. But this heresy is dangerous because it produces sleepy Christians and careless leaders. When people stop believing Jesus is coming soon, they stop living holy. They stop preaching the gospel with urgency. They start storing up for themselves and not for God. Luke 12:45-46 “But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming... The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.” The truth is clear. Jesus Himself promised, “Surely I come quickly.”_ Revelation 22:20. The apostles lived and died with this hope. Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The early church greeted each other with “Maranatha” — Our Lord, come. 1 Corinthians 16:22. So how do we deal with this heresy? First, anchor yourself in the Word, not in opinions: God is not slack concerning His promise. 2 Peter 3:9. The delay is mercy, so that more may repent. Don’t let mockers shake your faith. The same Bible that predicted His first coming with accuracy will be fulfilled in His second. Second, reject the spirit of the age: The world wants you to believe that everything will continue as normal. But Peter says the heavens will pass away and the elements will melt. 2 Peter 3:10. This world is not our home. We are pilgrims. Hebrews 11:13-14. Live like it. Third, preach and model the blessed hope: People follow what leaders believe. If you believe He is coming, you will live ready. You will disciple with eternity in view. You will correct sin in love because you know judgment is real. Jude 1:21 _“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Leaders, don’t let this generation be robbed of hope. Don’t let the pulpit go silent on the second coming because it is “unpopular.” The gospel without the return of Christ is half a gospel. Jesus is coming. Not as a baby in a manger, but as King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16. Let us not be found among the scoffers. Let us be found among the watchers. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVatb11ulKTDXcjL3X Prayer For Today Father, forgive me for every time I have lived like Your coming is far away. Wash my mind from every heresy and every distraction. Set my heart on fire again for Your appearing. Keep me from scoffers and from spiritual slumber. Help me to live holy, preach boldly, and watch faithfully. I declare that Jesus is coming, and I will be ready. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today's Declaration I reject the heresy that Jesus is not coming. I believe the Word. I live with the blessed hope. I am watching, I am working, and I am ready for my King. Bible Reading Plan 2 Peter 3:1-14, Matthew 24:45-51, Jude 1:17-21, Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 2:18-28, Revelation 22:12-21 Today’s Action Leaders, identify one place in your teaching or leadership where you have gone silent on the second coming. Correct it this week. Preach it, teach it, and live it.https://https://https://https://https://https://https://https://https://

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 11 God Preserves His Covenant Promise 2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger. Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden. After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king. When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King. The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see. Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan. This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come. For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes. 2 Kings 12 Restoring the House of the Lord 2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship. The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord. As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God. The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides. Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well. Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely. For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King. Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan. The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him. The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation. Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit. The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God. For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan. Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan. The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church. Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself. The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace. Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage. The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service. Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas. The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory. Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone. For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 5 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. God is under no obligation to fulfill the promise in James 1:5 to give us wisdom unless we are willing to meet the conditions for obtaining it. Moreover, God declares that He only answers prayer when the motive is right, and that mere asking is not sufficient (Jam. 4:3). Frequently the Christian prays for guidance, or a revelation of God's will about some matter, but already has his mind made up as to what he wants to do, or how he would like for God to answer. Some people have been known to lie awake all night pleading with God to answer their prayer with no higher motive than the desire to persuade Him to come over to their side and give them their own way. Therefore, it is just as great a fallacy to emphasize the notion which is so popular today that prayer is the solution to all our problems, as it is to neglect prayer, using it only in an emergency. That is to say, we find the unscriptural idea being promoted on every hand that mere prayer is supposed to be the panacea for all our needs. In every time of crisis, when problems or troubles arise, when a difficult or seemingly impossible situation confronts us, the first thing most people advise is prayer. "Have you tried prayer?" they will ask. Or we are told, quite sincerely, "Did you know, prayer changes things?" They do not tell us, of course, just how prayer will change things, nor do they teach us how to pray about the problem confronting us. We are not advised, furthermore, as to whether or not God requires anything from us in the matter. "Just pray" we are told, "for prayer usually helps." However, as we have seen, God clearly states that He does not answer every prayer, in fact, He emphatically declares that He does not even hear our prayers unless they meet the conditions He has set forth in His Word. One of the most important conditions we must meet when asking for divine wisdom and guidance is that we must ask in faith, believing, without any reservations, that God will answer our request. This is clearly stated in James 1:5-7: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But how? Let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubts is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." The prayer of faith is simply a prayer of expectation. What God tells us here in James 1:5-7 is that when we ask for divine wisdom and guidance we should pray expecting Him to grant our desire. Moreover, the prayer of faith is to be offered but once, for Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24, 'What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Faith asks but once for God to fulfill a promise. To continue to pray, pleading with God to answer, is our confession that I do not really believe that He has answered when we pray as He tells us to do (Mark 11:24). In view of this fact, if we pray ten times for the same promise, we have prayed nine times in unbelief, for faith knows when to stop praying about the promise and start praising God for the answer. There is a time to stop praying or you will pray yourself out of faith. When is this? You should always stop praying for a promise when you believe you have received the answer. Since Jesus tells us to believe we have received when we pray, quite obviously we should do our believing and receiving when we pray. Then we should cease praying for the answer and begin praising God that the manifestation of the answer is on the way. Jesus does not say in Mark 11:24 that the symptoms will improve immediately when we pray, or that the circumstances will show immediate change, but that we are to believe that He has both heard and granted our petition when we pray and that we shall have it. Faith keeps a distinction between accepting the answer and receiving it to our sight. We are to accept the answer when we pray (believe that God has granted our petition), and we shall have it (manifested to our sight). Merely because we do not see it immediately does not mean that God has not heard our petition and granted the answer, but only that He has not manifested the answer as yet. The question often arises concerning the widow and the judge in Luke 18, as to whether or not Jesus here approves of repetition in prayer for the same thing. This is not, however, an instance of repetition prayer, for Jesus would not contradict Himself elsewhere, but here He is stressing the need of persistence and perseverance in prayer; that is, holding onto a promise by faith, reaffirming daily, by praise and thanksgiving, that we believe that He has heard and granted our petition. In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus condemns repetition prayer as typical of the prayers of the heathen, saying, "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking," but "when you pray believe that you receive" (Mk. 11:24). Our first concern, therefore, when guidance from heaven is needed is not merely to resort to the shallow suggestion we so often hear today that one should "try prayer" as it may help, but it should be a time of searching the Word, and then our hearts, to see if we are fulfilling the conditions for God hearing our prayers and granting our petitions. As A. W. Tower once remarked, the popular notion that God always answers prayer (with "yes" or "no") is a device of Satan to deceive the carnal or indifferent Christian whose request was not answered because of his failure to meet God's conditions. To think that God always answers prayer, even if He says "no," is to take God's refusal to answer a disobedient Christian as the answer itself, contending, "Well, after all, God did answer me - He said 'no'." Such a view of prayer is contrary to Scripture, for God clearly states that He does not even hear those prayers which are not in harmony with His will (1 Jn 5:14-15; Ps. 66:18). Moreover, if an individual erroneously believes the popular notion that God always answers any prayer, and that "no" can also be an answer, then this person is never challenged to face the fact that his failure to receive an answer was due to his disobedience, lack of faith, or his failure to meet some other condition. I can personally testify to the fact that when we are careful to meet the scriptural requirements, then God delights in directing our steps, giving divine guidance and wisdom concerning those matters we place before Him. Thank God it is true, if any man lacks wisdom he may ask of God and it shall be given to him. Do you need wisdom or guidance in some important matter? Have you tried asking God, and in faith expecting Him to answer you? You are invited to do so in James 1:5. By Direct Revelation; As stated at the beginning of Chapter 2, there are eight scriptural methods by which God's will is revealed - three are active, in which we take the initiative, and five are passive, whereby we become the recipients of divine revelation concerning God's will for us. Passive revelation always comes to us unsought. Direct revelation may be either by vision, as in the case of Paul's vision in Acts 16 which was revelation of God's will for him to carry the Gospel into Europe; by direct voice, as seen in the case of God's call of Samuel (1 Sam. 3); by angelic visitation, as, for example, in the angel's visit to Mary and his revelation to her of the birth of Christ; or by dream, as we find, for instance in God's revelation to Daniel of the establishment of His Kingdom (Dan. 7). Jesus promised to continue revelation to the Church after His ascension, saying, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come (Jn. 16:13). When the Church lost the experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, she closed the channel and source of revelation. As a consequence, the Church changed her theology to conform with her experience, and there arose the erroneous concept that God purposed that all revelation was to cease with the apostles in the first century. It is interesting that there is not a word in the Scriptures to support this theory, but, on the contrary, God clearly states in 2 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4:11 that He has set in the church the gifts and ministries of revelation. In Romans 12:3-6 and 1 Corinthians 14 He admonishes us to ask for and use the gift of prophecy. In Joel 2 He clearly promises that in the last days "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (2:17); While He promised in John 16:13, quoted above, to continue revelation to the Church through the Holy Spirit whom He would send. The various methods by which He would give His people direct revelation are stated to be by means of prophecy, vision and dream (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17-18; 1Cor. 12; 14), by direct voice and vision (Jn. 16:13), "speak"' and "show" and on occasion, by angelic visitation (e.g. Luke 1; Acts 10:12; 27:23-24; cf. Heb. 13:2). It is important that we understand that although God occasionally uses each of the passive methods of revelation to unveil His will to us when He so chooses, we should not seek guidance by these means. Why does God choose the direct means of revelation, as, for example, through visions and dreams as a method of communication of His will and purpose? Why does He not merely illumine our minds as to His will as we pray or read His Word seeking guidance? Among other reasons, occasionally He must speak directly to us because of the urgency of the matter about which we are seeking guidance which must be dealt with immediately, or in a certain way, often contrary to what our wisdom and logic might tell us to do. At other times He speaks directly, imparting instruction or guidance, not concerning some matter about which we are praying, but about some important purpose which He wants to accomplish in or through us, which could only be made known to us by direct revelation. Again He speaks to us in visions for the obvious reason that one picture is worth a thousand words. God sometimes communicates His will to us through dreams, inasmuch as the state of sleep has certain definite advantages. At this time the conscious mind is at rest and is free from distractions. The spirit, of course, remains awake and can accept without analyzing and questioning what God desires to impart to us. Moreover, through the medium of vision and dream God can impress upon us revelation which transcends the sense realm and the ability of the intellect alone to comprehend. In some instances, God speaks directly in an audible voice in order to instruct us or reveal His will in some matter. By Indirect Revelation: God speaks to us occasionally by direct means, but generally He communicates His will to us indirectly. It may in the form of an inward knowing or witness in our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness to our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness from the Holy Spirit. At other times the Holy Spirit may give the guidance we need by the illumination of our minds to understand and interpret some portions of scripture which He will direct us to, or by giving the necessary wisdom and insight we require to make the correct decision concerning some matter about which we have prayed for direction. It is in the realm of indirect revelation that the importance of being completely yielded to the Holy Spirit is so evident, as was pointed out in the first chapter. To the extent one is yielded to the Spirit will he be sensitive to His voice when He speaks, and to the extent one is sensitive to His voice will he be able to respond. Moreover, there are many voices seeking to influence the believer, some of which are from God and some are not. Unless one is fully yielded he may be insensitive to the voice of the Spirit, or be deceived and ensnared by that which is false. A small puppy will respond to anyone who calls or offers it a crust of bread, but a well trained mature dog will not do so. It is sensitive only to the voice of its owner. It did not get this way by spending all its time running and playing with the other dogs, but it is the result of devoting long hours in discipline and training, learning to obey and respond to the voice of its master. We become sensitive to the influence and leading of the Spirit in the same manner. God is preparing His children for spiritual warfare ahead which will consist of men and women who will be so sensitive to the voice of the Spirit they will respond immediately and obey without question. Like a computer, they will be able to filter out that which is false and sense any error immediately. They will not have to call the pastor and ask if this or that doctrine is scriptural, or whether the prophecy which they heard is true or false, or whether or not some task they feel led to undertake is from God, the flesh, or the devil. However, the only way the believer will become sensitive will be through total consecration to Jesus and fully yielding to the Spirit. At present we find Christians so untrained in the Scriptures and so insensitive to the voice of the Spirit that many frequently will reject what God is saying and allow themselves to be deceived by that which is false and unscriptural, just as Jesus predicted would occur in these last days (Matt 24; 2 Tim 4:1-4). Again and again we are hearing of those who are falling victim to various errors, such as ultimate reconciliation where God will save everyone regardless if they repent or not including the devil and his demons, false hyper-grace gospel where a Christian does not need to confess sin after he is saved or does not need repentance to stay in fellowship with God, errors on the Godhead where they deny that the Father, Son, Holy Spirit are co-eternal and co-equal, once saved always saved that it does not matter how a person lives his life after salvation, we are all sinners even after salvation and no need to live a consecrated life, the give to get carnal prosperity gospel where you give me money and 100 fold comes back so you will be rich. Or the heresy taught by some that Jesus had to become a sinner on the cross to redeem us and suffered three days in hell tormented by demons. We find others, in a time where we are witnessing the revival of all forms of the occult, being deluded by believing everything supernatural is from heaven, and everyone who prophesies, has a vision, or predicts the future is from God. We find men and women calling themselves Apostles and Prophets commonly now who were never appointed or anointed from heaven but self-appointed deceiving many. As Jesus said, take heed lest YOU be deceived. (Matt 24:4) DISCERNING THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND RECOGNIZING THE WITNESS WITHIN; In order to mature in faith and become effective instruments in God's hands so that we will be in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, it is necessary for us to learn how to recognize the inner witness of the Spirit, as well as discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. These are the two basic ways by which God leads and directs His people, whether in answer to some prayer for guidance, or in order to fulfill His will and purpose in their lives. We find that God frequently endeavors to speak to His people by means of the voice of His Spirit in order to direct guide, teach, or influence them along some line, but since they have not been taught how to discern His voice He often goes unheeded. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me" Jn. 10:27). How can they follow Him if they do not know how to discern His voice? He certainly did not mean that He intended to shout down out of heaven in order to direct them, but He did promise that He would speak to them by His Spirit which would be within them: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you in all truth" (John 16:13), and "he shall teach you in all things" (14:26). Some Christians are waiting for God to give them a revelation through a vision or prophecy concerning His will for them, or regarding some important matter about which they are praying, when, if they only realized it, God is already trying to communicate His will to them by His Spirit within them. If they would spend a little more time in His Word and in prayer, and be willing to get still before Him for a while, then they would begin to discern His voice and hear Him speaking inwardly to their spirits. The inner voice of the Holy Spirit is the voice of God speaking directly to your spirit in order to guide, admonish, teach, warn, or influence you concerning some matter (about which you may or may not be praying). God also enables us to know His will regarding some matter about which we are praying, or about some question which concerns us, by means of a witness within. This is an inward knowing in your spirit that a certain contemplated action on your part, or some doctrine, or revelation, for example, is right or wrong. Not only is the Christian the temple of the Holy Spirit, Who abides within to speak the direct revelation of God's will to him (Jn 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-13), but he also has, by virtue of the new birth, a new heart to discern spiritual things himself, and know the will of God intuitively by his own spirit (1 Cor. 2:14-16). He has received an anointing which abides in him and teaches him all things (1 Jn. 2:27). Thus, we find that it is also through his own enlightened spirit that the Christian is able by an inward knowing or witness to discern whether or not something is right or wrong. Let us say, for example, that you are praying about some matter about which you must make a decision, such as whether or not to buy a certain piece of property, marry a particular individual, or accept an invitation to speak to some religious group. If after thinking and praying about the question you find that inwardly there is a positive confirmation in your spirit to go ahead in the matter, or, you find that you experience a sense of uncertainty, reluctance, or heaviness of spirit, then this is an inner witness in your spirit informing you of God's will in the matter. In the former instance, your spirit was witnessing to you to go ahead, and in the latter, it was a warning not to take the proposed action. The witness within is an inward knowing intuitively, through the enlightened spirit of a Christian, that a certain contemplated action, a doctrine, some individual, or a ministry, for instance, is right or wrong, whereas the inner voice of the Holy Spirit is God speaking directly by His Spirit within you concerning some matter. It must be stressed, however, that the inward witness and the inner voice of the Spirit are not merely some "feeling" we may have about a matter. They have nothing to do with what one feels either with the physical senses or the emotions. It is either an inward knowing (inner witness) that something is right or wrong, or it is an inner awareness that the Spirit of God is speaking directly to our spirit about some matter (inner voice of the Spirit). Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

THE GOD WHO WALKS IN HISTORY Thesis: The God who reveals Himself in Scripture also reveals Himself in the soil, stones, and civilizations of history. Faith is not blind; it is anchored in time, space, culture, and material reality. SECTION 1 THE GOD WHO STEPS INTO HISTORY Texts: Luke 1:1–4; John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16 Doctrines: Incarnation, Revelation Luke writes with the meticulous care of a historian, John speaks as a firsthand witness, and Peter writes as a man who saw Christ's glory and majesty with his own eyes. Christianity is not built on myth, speculative theories, or symbolic folklore; it is firmly anchored in concrete moments, specific places, real people, and verifiable historical events. Biblical faith is rooted in time, space, culture, and material reality. Archaeology amplifies and illuminates this truth. While archaeology cannot create faith or prove divine inspiration, it bridges faith and historical inquiry by excavating, deciphering, and evaluating ancient material records. It demonstrates that biblical narratives are historically reliable, connecting sacred Scripture to the real world of ancient civilizations and providing material evidence that grounds divine revelation. The Tel Dan Stele stands as a stone‑carved testimony that King David was not a legend, myth, or literary invention. Discovered in 1993 in northern Israel, this basalt victory monument commissioned by Hazael of Aram-Damascus contains the Paleo-Hebrew inscription Beit David ("House of David"). Written by a pagan king and bitter enemy of Israel, it provides an unshakeable external confirmation of David's historical existence, dynasty, and lasting impact. In similar fashion, the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves along the Dead Sea shore, testify that the Scriptures were preserved with astonishing accuracy across generations. Containing biblical manuscripts over 1,000 years older than any previously known Hebrew texts—most notably the complete Great Isaiah Scroll—the scrolls demonstrate the faithful transmission and historical trustworthiness of God's Word across centuries. Illustration: A man once told me, “I don't believe anything I can't touch.” I handed him a pottery shard from Galilee and said, “Then touch the world Jesus walked in.” He broke. This moment illustrates how material evidence grounds divine revelation. The shores of the Sea of Galilee served as the floorboards of Jesus' classroom, where He ministered in real fishing villages like Capernaum and Magdala. Excavations in these towns have uncovered first-century synagogues, black basalt foundations, ancient homes, and fishing tools that directly reflect the Gospel accounts. Such artifacts and pottery shards demonstrate that the Incarnation is not an abstract theory or myth; the Word became flesh, breathed the air of a fishing village, walked on specific floors, and occupied the same physical world we do. By bridging faith and historical inquiry, archaeology confirms that biblical faith is firmly anchored in time, space, culture, and material reality. SECTION 2 — SCRIPTURE’S RELIABILITY THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGY Texts: Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Psalm 119:89 Doctrine: Biblical inspiration Archaeology does not create faith it illuminates faith. The Lachish Letters Written during the critical moments of the Babylonian invasion described in the prophetic book of Jeremiah, these military ostraca capture the immense fear, pressing urgency, and real-time collapse of Judah. One notable message vividly records the military outpost's dire situation: “We are watching for the signals of Lachish… but we cannot see Azekah.” As Jeremiah describes a nation enduring a catastrophic siege, the physical soil and artifacts of Lachish tangibly preserve the frantic final communications and authentic voices of its ancient defenders. Other confirmations Numerous other archaeological discoveries provide historical grounding for biblical accounts. For example, the Pool of Bethesda was excavated and uncovered precisely as described in John 5. Similarly, the powerful Hittite Empire—a civilization once dismissed by critics as mere literary fiction—is now fully documented through extensive historical records and material evidence. Illustration: Archaeology acts as a floodlight. It does not create faith out of nothing, but rather illuminates the historic reality that was present all along, allowing us to see the historical record clearly. SECTION 3 — THE WORLD OF THE PATRIARCHS Texts: Genesis 12; Genesis 15; Hebrews 11:8–12 Doctrine: Covenant theology Abraham lived in a world of law, covenant, and custom, deeply embedded in the cultural and legal frameworks of the ancient Near East. Surrounding civilizations possessed sophisticated legal traditions—such as the Code of Ur-Nammu, the Code of Hammurabi, and Hittite laws—demonstrating that codified law and covenantal structures were widespread during the second millennium BC. The 15th-century BC Nuzi Tablets provide abundant cultural confirmation of Genesis, revealing adoption practices identical to Abraham’s heir dilemma where childless couples could adopt a servant as an heir—precisely mirroring Abraham's arrangement with Eliezer (Genesis 15:3). Nuzi documents also detail surrogate motherhood provisions requiring barren wives to provide servant girls to their husbands (matching Sarah and Hagar in Genesis 16:2) and document negotiable birthright transactions similar to Jacob and Esau. Similarly, the 19th-century BC Mari Letters—a collection of 20,000 tablets—describe nomadic migrations, tribal movements, and Northwest Semitic customs that directly mirror Genesis. These texts contain name patterns specifically current in Mesopotamia during this period, including names closely matching Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, and Jacob. Additionally, the contemporary Alalakh Texts further illuminate the authentic family and legal practices reflected throughout the patriarchal narratives. God’s covenant was not communicated in a cultural vacuum; it was spoken into a real society with real expectations, authentic legal customs, and verifiable historical settings. Illustration: A footprint in clay proves someone walked there. Genesis is full of footprints. SECTION 4 EXODUS: THE GOD WHO LIBERATES Texts: Exodus 3; Exodus 12; Psalm 77:14 Doctrine: Redemption The Exodus is not a fairy tale. It is God confronting the Egyptian empire. Egyptian records confirm Semitic populations resided in the Delta. The Merneptah Stele declares “Israel is laid waste,” providing early extra-biblical confirmation of Israel’s presence in Canaan. Furthermore, satellite technology using infrared sensors has detected ancient trails and heat patterns left in desert sands made by large groups leaving the Nile Delta along the Suez coast, mirroring the biblical route. Archaeological excavations at Tell el-Kharouba in northern Sinai revealed a massive Egyptian military fortress guarding "The Way of Horus". This heavily fortified coastal highway explains why God redirected Israel through the wilderness—as recorded in Exodus 13:17–18—sparing a newly liberated population from encountering seasoned Egyptian military garrisons. In Canaan, Late Bronze Age cities show sudden collapses consistent with Joshua’s conquest. At Jericho, archaeological excavations revealed massive fortifications featuring 4.6-meter stone retaining walls topped by mud-brick walls 1.8 meters thick. The collapsed mud-brick walls fell outward to form natural ramps for attackers at the wall base, while a massive 9-meter ash layer attests to fierce, intense destruction by fire. Jars of stored grain further indicate a brief siege before the city fell, exactly matching the biblical account in Joshua. At Ai, traditional identification with et-Tell presented problems because that site was not occupied during Joshua's time. However, candidate sites such as Khirbet el-Maqatir show evidence of a 15th-century BC fortress that fits all biblical requirements, offering a promising resolution to long-standing geographical and chronological debates. At Hazor—explicitly described as the "head of all those kingdoms" in Joshua 11:10 and noted uniquely in the 14th-century Egyptian Amarna Letters with a ruler titled "king"—excavations uncovered city walls over 7 meters wide, a massive conflagration layer, and evidence of sudden, violent destruction by fire dated to approximately 1400 BC. Illustration: A chain breaks only when something stronger pulls against it. God pulled. The physical collapse of ancient Canaanite fortifications bears silent witness to divine intervention in human history. SECTION 5 — THE KINGDOM ERA: GOD’S RULE IN REAL TIME Texts: 1 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 2 Doctrine: Kingship Israel’s monarchy unfolded in the same geopolitical world we excavate today. The Karnak relief records Shishak’s campaign. Samaria ostraca reveals taxation systems matching Scripture. The Babylonian Chronicles align with 2 Kings and Jeremiah. In 701 BCE, facing the imminent threat of Assyrian invasion, King Hezekiah secured Jerusalem’s water supply by redirecting the Gihon Spring—Jerusalem’s only permanent water source—through a 1,750-foot tunnel carved through solid rock, directly confirming 2 Chronicles 32:30. When Assyrian king Sennacherib boasted of shutting up Hezekiah "like a bird in a cage," he underestimated a king who had secured the city's lifeblood so that invading armies would not find water. Inside the tunnel, the Siloam Inscription documents this extraordinary engineering achievement, describing how two teams of stonecutters guided by the sound of their axes carved through rock from opposite directions until meeting in the middle. This discovery validates the strategic preparations detailed in Scripture, demonstrating that Hezekiah did not simply pray and wait, but prayed and prepared by taking decisive action in obedience. Illustration: History is God’s canvas. Kings rise and fall — the Artist remains. Faith does not wait for crisis; faith prepares for victory. Hezekiah dug a tunnel before the enemy arrived. SECTION 6 — JESUS IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME Texts: Galatians 4:4; Luke 4:31–37; John 19:16 Doctrine: Christology Jesus entered a world we can still touch. The Incarnation means the Word became flesh and dwelt in real geographical spaces, walking on physical stones and breathing the air of first-century Judea and Galilee. At Capernaum—known as Jesus' "own city"—excavations uncovered the black basalt foundations of the very synagogue where He taught, along with an octagonal church built over a humble first-century home identified as the House of Peter. Nearby at Magdala, archaeologists discovered a first-century synagogue featuring the "Magdala Stone," which depicts the Second Temple and its Menorah, as well as fishing tools and home structures consistent with the Gospel accounts. In addition, first-century burial practices and ornate limestone ossuaries confirm names common to Jesus' era, including the ossuary of High Priest Caiaphas inscribed "Yehosef bar Qayafa". In 1961 at Caesarea Maritima, archaeologists discovered the Pilate Stone—a limestone block explicitly inscribed "Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea"—verifying the exact historical title and identity of the Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial. Excavations in Nazareth further confirm authentic first-century settlement patterns, establishing that the narrative of Christ is deeply anchored in real time, space, and history. Illustration: Walk the streets of Capernaum today and you walk where Jesus walked. Faith becomes sight. SECTION 7 — THE RESURRECTION: THEOLOGY MEETS TANGIBLE REALITY Texts: 1 Corinthians 15; Matthew 28; Romans 6:4 Doctrine: Resurrection theology The resurrection was proclaimed in a culture that understood death intimately. Second Temple Jewish burial customs involved precise two-stage practices, where bodies were laid in rock-cut tombs before bones were placed in limestone ossuaries. Excavations throughout Jerusalem reveal tombs featuring burial niches and rolling stone tracks that directly mirror the Gospel accounts. For example, the discovery of the ornate limestone ossuary inscribed "Yehosef bar Qayafa" (Joseph, son of Caiaphas) confirms the historical reality of the high priest who presided over Jesus' trial and demonstrates the authenticity of first-century Judean burial traditions. Furthermore, physical evidence such as the heel bone of Yehohanan—pierced by a seven-inch iron nail—forensically confirms Roman crucifixion mechanics and subsequent proper burial in Jerusalem during this era. Excavations beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre complex have also uncovered a first-century limestone quarry transformed into a working garden outside the ancient city walls, containing a rock-cut tomb matching the exact geographical and architectural setting described in John's Gospel. Ossuaries and funerary traditions reflect a deeply ingrained belief in bodily resurrection, while subterranean catacombs, sacred symbols, and early Christian inscriptions boldly proclaim, “He is risen”. While archaeology cannot measure the supernatural moment of resurrection, the physical record—from excavated gardens to empty tombs—demonstrates that the Gospel narrative is anchored in tangible historical reality. ” Illustration: A seed buried in the ground does not stay dead. Neither did the Son of God. SECTION 8 — CLOSING MOVEMENT: “THE STONES CRY OUT” Texts: Luke 19:40; Psalm 78:4; Hebrews 13:8 SECTION 8 — CLOSING MOVEMENT: “THE STONES CRY OUT” Texts: Luke 19:40; Psalm 78:4; Hebrews 13:8 Doctrine: Faithfulness of God Scripture is inherently trustworthy because God Himself is faithful. While archaeology is not the primary foundation of faith, it serves as a powerful, unbiased witness to the historical reality of divine revelation. The archaeological record does not invent spiritual truth; rather, it shines a floodlight on the physical setting of redemption, confirming that God acted directly within human history. When Jesus declared in Luke 19:40 that the very stones would cry out, He testified to a reality that echoes through centuries of excavation. From the basalt of the Tel Dan Stele to the rock walls of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, physical artifacts continuously affirm the biblical narrative. As Psalm 78:4 urges believers to tell the glorious deeds of the Lord to the next generation, material discoveries serve as tangible evidence that can be passed down across ages. The stones cry out from ancient city ruins. The scrolls cry out from the caves of Qumran. The inscriptions cry out from military ostraca, royal stelae, and Roman limestone. History itself cries out in unison. And they all proclaim the exact same eternal truth: Jesus Christ is Lord. Yesterday, today, and forever. Just as Hebrews 13:8 affirms His unchanging character, the historical record testifies that the God who acted in centuries past remains the faithful Lord of today and eternity. Final Illustration: Archaeologists brush away layers of dust and debris from ancient ruins to reveal the historical truth beneath. In the exact same way, God brushes away the guilt, darkness, and decay of sin to reveal the glorious, living presence of Christ in the human heart.

One of the most sobering realities of our generation is this: We are watching the world move closer to the very things Jesus warned us about, yet many of us continue living as though we have unlimited time, myself included. > We talk about the end times. > We discuss Revelation. > We analyze world events. > We debate technology, global systems, wars, peace agreements, and the signs Jesus told us to watch for. But then we go back to our old habits playing with sin, entertaining what God has called us to surrender, and making excuses for areas of our lives where the Holy Spirit has already convicted us. And that should cause us to stop and examine ourselves. Because the purpose of prophecy was never simply to help us identify what is happening in the world. The purpose of prophecy is to prepare our hearts for the return of our King. Jesus warned that the last days would be marked by deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famine, earthquakes, persecution, and lawlessness. Matthew 24 He told us these things would be the beginning of birth pains. The question is not whether every headline is a direct fulfillment of prophecy but it is whether we recognize the patterns our Lord told us would come. Because the patterns are becoming increasingly visible every day. We live in a world where global systems are developing at a pace previous generations could never have imagined. Digital identity systems, cashless payments, biometric technology, artificial intelligence, and implantable technologies are no longer ideas limited to science fiction. In Sweden, thousands of people have voluntarily received small RFID/NFC implants designed for convenience, allowing access to buildings, storing information, and interacting with digital systems. These implants are not the mark of the beast, and Scripture doesn’t tell us that a specific technology is the mark. However, they do demonstrate that technology capable of connecting identity, access, and transactions is becoming a reality. And this is where wisdom and discernment are required. The concern is not that every new technology is evil because technology itself is not sinful. The question is how technology can eventually be used within a larger system. Throughout history, businesses have introduced products through convenience. A product solves a problem, saves time, and makes life easier. We will voluntarily adopt it because it benefits us. And, over time, society becomes accustomed to it. Then businesses, governments, and institutions begin building around it. Eventually, what was once optional can become difficult to function without. This is why many believers pay attention to the development of global digital systems. Not because they believe every invention is the mark of the beast, but because Revelation describes a future system where buying and selling are connected to allegiance and control. Revelation 13 The technology may be part of the infrastructure, but the true issue is worship, loyalty, and rebellion against God. And while many people are focused on what is happening outside the Church, Scripture warns us that one of the greatest dangers of the last days will be deception within the Church. Another sign Jesus warned us about is the rise of false messiahs and false teachers. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have claimed to be the Messiah, the chosen one, or a divine figure sent to save humanity. Even in our current generation, people have stepped forward making extraordinary spiritual claims, drawing followers who look to them for answers, salvation, and direction. Jesus warned that this would happen, not as a possibility, but as a defining characteristic of the days leading up to His return. The danger is not only that people will openly reject Christ; the greater danger is that many will be drawn toward something that sounds spiritual but leads them away from the truth of God's Word. “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:5 Jesus also warned that false prophets would arise and perform signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:23-24 This should cause every believer to examine where our trust is placed. Are we looking for a person, a movement, a political solution, a technological solution, or a global system to bring the peace and security only Jesus Christ can provide? The world is searching for a savior, but there is only one Savior. There is only one Messiah. There is only one King who will return in glory. The rise of false messiahs is not merely an interesting prophecy topic. It is a warning to the Church. In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and instability, people will naturally look for someone to follow. That is why knowing Scripture matters. If we are not grounded in the truth, we can be easily distracted by voices that promise hope but deliver deception. The greatest protection against deception is not knowing every false claim being made around the world. It is knowing the real Christ so deeply that anything counterfeit becomes obvious. “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:10-12 Paul warned the elders in Ephesus that savage wolves would come in among the believers, seeking to distort truth. “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Acts 20:29-30 This is why knowing Scripture matters. Because we can’t simply follow personalities, measure truth by popularity, and we can’t assume someone is sent by God because they use Christian language. The enemy doesn’t always present something as obviously evil. > Sometimes deception comes wrapped in comfort. > Sometimes it comes through convenience. > Sometimes it comes through promises of peace and security. Speaking of peace, the world continues to search for solutions, especially concerning Israel and the Middle East. Global leaders continue pursuing diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives because humanity longs for stability. But Scripture warns us that a time will come when people proclaim peace and security while destruction approaches. Daniel 9 1 Thessalonians 5:3 The world will always seek peace apart from the Prince of Peace and the world will always seek solutions apart from the Savior. And this brings us back to the question that should challenge every follower of Christ: If we truly believe Jesus is returning, why are we still playing games with sin? > Why do we cling to bitterness? > Why do we entertain temptation? > Why do we compromise when no one is watching? > Why do we hold onto things the Spirit has already told us to release? We can look at the world and recognize the signs while ignoring the condition of our own hearts. We can talk about the mark of the beast while refusing to surrender our pride. We can talk about false teachers while refusing to examine our own disobedience. And we can study Revelation while neglecting repentance. That is a dangerous place to be. Jesus did not tell us to watch the world only. He told us to watch ourselves. “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 The signs should not produce fear, rather, they should produce urgency. They should cause us to draw closer to Christ and should cause us to remove anything from our lives that competes with Him. The greatest evidence that we understand the times is not how much prophecy we can explain. It is how faithfully we walk with Jesus. The question is not simply, "Are we living in the last days?" The question is: "If Jesus returned today, would He find us faithful?" The world is preparing for a kingdom that is not God's Kingdom. It’s building systems that promise security without surrender. And the world is looking for salvation through technology, government, and human wisdom. But the Church has been given a different mission. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 So, we must stand firm in truth, remain faithful, repent quickly, love deeply, preach boldly, and live holy. Because the signs are not given so we can become obsessed with the darkness. They are given so we can walk faithfully in the light. The King is coming. May He find us awake.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Kings 17–18 | 2 Corinthians 6📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Kings 17 The God Who Provides and Gives Life 1 Kings 17 introduces Elijah the prophet, one of the most influential servants of God in the Old Testament. At a time when Israel has embraced idolatry under King Ahab and Jezebel, God raises up a faithful prophet to declare His truth. Elijah suddenly appears before Ahab and announces that there will be no rain except by the word of the Lord. In a nation devoted to Baal, who was believed to control rain and fertility, God demonstrates that He alone rules over creation. After delivering God's message, Elijah obeys the Lord's instruction to hide by the Brook Cherith. There, God miraculously provides food through ravens and water from the brook. Elijah learns that God's provision is not dependent upon favorable circumstances. Even during a national drought, the Lord faithfully supplies everything His servant needs. When the brook eventually dries up, God directs Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. This woman is preparing what she believes will be her family's final meal before starvation. Yet through Elijah's obedience and the widow's faith, God performs another miracle. Her flour and oil never run out throughout the famine. The Lord provides daily, reminding both Elijah and the widow that His resources are never exhausted. The chapter reaches its climax when the widow's son becomes gravely ill and dies. Elijah cries out to the Lord, and God restores the child's life. This miracle reveals the Lord's authority not only over nature and provision but also over life itself. The widow recognizes that Elijah truly speaks the Word of the Lord, and her faith is strengthened through God's miraculous intervention. Throughout the chapter, Elijah repeatedly responds to God's direction with immediate obedience. Whether hiding beside a brook, depending on ravens, or staying in the home of a poor widow, he trusts God's instructions even when they seem unusual. His confidence rests not in visible resources but in the faithfulness of the One who called him. Theologically, 1 Kings 17 reveals God as the sovereign Provider and Giver of life. He alone controls creation, sustains His people, and possesses authority over death itself. The chapter teaches that God's provision often comes in unexpected ways, requiring His people to walk by faith rather than by sight. This chapter points powerfully to Christ. Just as Elijah brought God's life-giving power into the widow's home, Jesus came proclaiming Himself as the Bread of Life and the Resurrection and the Life. Christ not only provides for physical needs but offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His resurrection, He demonstrated complete authority over death forever. For believers today, 1 Kings 17 reminds us that God remains faithful in every season of life. Whether we experience abundance or scarcity, certainty or uncertainty, the Lord is our Provider. He often teaches us to trust Him one day at a time, supplying exactly what we need according to His wisdom. In Christ, we can confidently rest in the God who provides, sustains, and gives eternal life. 1 Kings 18 The Lord Alone Is God 1 Kings 18 records one of the greatest demonstrations of God's power in all of Scripture. After years of drought, the Lord sends Elijah to confront King Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The nation has reached a spiritual crossroads, wavering between worshiping the Lord and following false gods. God now calls His people to make a decisive choice. Before the confrontation, Elijah meets Obadiah, a faithful servant who has remained loyal to the Lord even while serving in Ahab's administration. Obadiah's quiet faithfulness reminds us that God always preserves a remnant, even in times of widespread spiritual darkness. While Elijah ministers publicly, Obadiah serves faithfully behind the scenes. Both are essential to God's work. When Elijah stands before the people, he exposes their divided loyalties. They have attempted to worship both the Lord and Baal, but Elijah declares that such compromise is impossible. True worship demands wholehearted devotion. The people must decide whom they will serve. The contest on Mount Carmel demonstrates the complete inability of false gods. The prophets of Baal cry out for hours, perform elaborate rituals, and exhaust themselves, yet no answer comes because Baal has no power. Elijah then repairs the altar of the Lord, saturates the sacrifice with water, and prays a simple prayer of faith. Immediately, God answers with fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the altar, the water, and everything around it. The Lord unmistakably reveals Himself as the one true God. The people fall on their faces in worship, acknowledging that the Lord alone is God. The drought then comes to an end as Elijah prays persistently and the long-awaited rain begins to fall. God's judgment gives way to mercy as the nation receives both spiritual and physical restoration. This chapter demonstrates that genuine revival begins when God's people return wholeheartedly to Him. Elijah does not rely on human strength or impressive methods. He simply trusts God's Word and calls the people to repentance. The Lord alone brings the victory. Theologically, 1 Kings 18 reveals God's absolute supremacy over every false god and every human idol. He alone answers prayer, receives worship, and deserves complete devotion. The chapter also demonstrates that repentance opens the door for God's restoring grace. This chapter points directly to Christ. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the living God, exposing every false hope and calling people to wholehearted faith. Through His sacrifice, He restored the broken relationship between God and humanity, accomplishing what every Old Testament altar could only foreshadow. Christ alone is worthy of our worship because He alone conquered sin, death, and the grave. For believers today, 1 Kings 18 challenges us to examine our own hearts. God calls us to reject every competing allegiance and worship Him alone. Divided hearts cannot experience the fullness of His blessing. In Christ, we are invited to live with wholehearted faith, confident that the living God still answers prayer, reveals His power, and faithfully restores those who return to Him. 2 Corinthians 6 — Living as God's Holy People 2 Corinthians chapter 6 continues Paul's appeal for believers to faithfully respond to the grace they have received through the Christ, the Son of God. After presenting the ministry of reconciliation in the previous chapter, Paul now urges the church to live in a manner worthy of that calling. The chapter is a powerful invitation to wholehearted devotion, steadfast endurance, and holy living. God's redemptive plan does not merely save people from sin; it transforms them into a people who reflect His character and live for His glory. The chapter begins with an urgent appeal not to receive God's grace without allowing it to produce lasting change. Salvation is a gift freely given through the Christ, but that gift is meant to result in a transformed life. Christian living is not simply believing the gospel intellectually but allowing the grace of God to shape every area of life. The Son of God calls His followers to respond to His mercy with faithful obedience and complete surrender. Paul reminds the believers that now is the time to respond to God. The opportunity to receive His grace and walk in His will is always present. The redemptive plan has been accomplished through the Christ, and the invitation to experience His salvation remains open. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging believers not to delay their commitment or become spiritually complacent. The chapter then offers a glimpse into the character of faithful ministry. Paul describes the many hardships, persecutions, sacrifices, and trials he has endured while serving the Christ. Yet despite these difficulties, he remains steadfast because his confidence rests in the Son of God rather than in his circumstances. Christian living often includes seasons of suffering, but these trials do not diminish God's faithfulness. Instead, they become opportunities for His strength to be displayed. Paul's description of ministry reveals many apparent contradictions. Outwardly there may be weakness, rejection, poverty, and hardship, yet spiritually there is joy, strength, and abundance in the Christ. This reflects the very pattern established by the Son of God Himself. Jesus entered the world in humility, suffered rejection, and willingly endured the cross before entering His glory. Those who follow Him should not be surprised when their lives reflect that same pattern of sacrifice followed by eternal reward. Throughout the chapter, Paul's deep affection for the Corinthian believers becomes evident. He speaks openly from his heart, longing for them to respond with the same openness toward him and, more importantly, toward God. Genuine Christian relationships are built upon love, truth, humility, and mutual encouragement. The redemptive plan not only restores people to God but also creates unity among those who belong to the body of the Christ. The final section contains one of the New Testament's clearest calls to spiritual separation. Paul urges believers not to become unequally joined with influences that would draw them away from faithful devotion to the Son of God. This instruction extends far beyond individual relationships and applies to every partnership, commitment, or influence that compromises obedience to the Christ. Christian living requires discernment because believers belong to God's kingdom while living in a fallen world. This call to holiness is not based on legalism but on identity. Those who have been redeemed by the Christ are now God's temple, indwelt by His Holy Spirit. Because God has chosen to dwell among His people, they are called to live lives that reflect His holiness. The redemptive plan transforms believers into God's dwelling place, making purity and obedience natural expressions of their relationship with Him. Paul concludes by reminding believers of God's covenant promises. The Lord promises to dwell with His people, walk among them, receive them as His own, and relate to them as a loving Father. These promises reveal the incredible privilege of belonging to the family of God through the Son of God. Holiness is not pursued to earn God's acceptance but because believers have already been accepted through the finished work of the Christ. Throughout this chapter, the focus remains on wholehearted devotion to the Son of God. His grace empowers faithful service, sustains believers through suffering, and calls them to a life that is distinct from the values of the world. God's redemptive plan produces a people who are committed to Him in every area of life, reflecting His holiness while extending His love to others. For believers today, this chapter calls us to embrace God's grace with wholehearted commitment. Christian living requires perseverance through trials, faithfulness in ministry, and a willingness to remain separate from influences that hinder our walk with the Christ. We are reminded that we are God's dwelling place, called to reflect His holiness and represent His kingdom in the world. As we live in obedience to the Son of God, we experience the joy of walking closely with our heavenly Father and become living testimonies of His transforming grace and eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

04-08-2026 When You Feel Small, God Is Near Psalm 40:17 (AMP) "As for me, I am afflicted and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my Help and my Rescuer; do not delay, O my God." There are seasons when we feel overwhelmed, weak, or forgotten. David doesn't pretend to have everything together. Instead, he honestly admits, "I am afflicted and needy." That honesty is not a sign of weak faith—it is the doorway to experiencing God's strength. The beautiful turning point in this verse is the phrase, "the Lord takes thought for me." The God who created the universe is mindful of you. He knows your struggles, your tears, your unanswered questions, and every burden you carry. You are never overlooked by Him. David also calls God his Help and Rescuer. God doesn't simply watch from a distance; He steps into our circumstances. His timing may not always match ours, but His faithfulness never fails. When David prays, "Do not delay, O my God," he is expressing both urgency and trust. He believes that God will act. If you're feeling weary today, remember that your need does not disqualify you from God's love—it draws you closer to His heart. The Lord sees you, cares for you, and is already at work, even when you cannot yet see the outcome. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You think about me and care for every detail of my life. When I feel weak, remind me that You are my Help and my Rescuer. Teach me to trust Your perfect timing and to rest in Your unfailing love. I place my burdens into Your hands today, knowing You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Reflection: What burden have you been carrying alone that you need to place into God's hands today?