TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: MONITORING OUR CHILDREN IN THIS PERIOD OF AI Main Text: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 4:23; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:15–16 Supporting Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 101:3; Philippians 4:8; Church, we are raising children in a generation where the greatest influence in a child's life may no longer be the person sitting beside them—it may be the device in their hand! A child can sit quietly in the living room while, through a smartphone, they are exposed to conversations, images, ideas, strangers, misinformation, pornography, violence, manipulation, and values that may be completely contrary to what their parents are teaching them. And now we have Artificial Intelligence—AI. AI can answer questions, write stories, create pictures, tutor students, translate languages, generate videos and help children learn. It can be an incredible tool. But every powerful tool must be accompanied by powerful wisdom. The question is not simply: «"Does my child use AI?"» The deeper question is: «"Who is shaping my child's mind, values, identity and worldview while they use AI?"» We cannot afford to be parents who know where our children sleep but do not know what is shaping their minds. 1. OUR CHILDREN ARE GOD'S RESPONSIBILITY ENTRUSTED TO US Proverbs 22: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Notice that Scripture does not say, "Buy the child a phone and let the internet train them." It says, "Train up a child." Parenting is not merely providing food, clothing, education and accommodation. Parenting is spiritual stewardship. God has entrusted children to parents and guardians for a season. That means we must ask: - What are they watching? - What are they listening to? - Who are they talking to? - What questions are they asking AI? - What answers are they receiving? - What ideas are they beginning to believe? - What kind of people are influencing them online? Short Story Imagine a parent who carefully locks the physical doors of the house every night. The windows are secured. The gate is locked. The children are safe inside. But the same parent gives a child an unrestricted smartphone and never checks what is entering through that digital door. The physical door is locked, but the digital door is wide open. Church, monitoring our children is not necessarily an expression of distrust. It is an expression of responsibility. 2. MONITORING IS NOT THE SAME AS SPYING Some parents say: "I trust my child." That is good. But trust must grow alongside maturity. A five-year-old cannot be given the same level of independence as a seventeen-year-old. The Bible says: Proverbs 4:23 «"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."» If we are commanded to guard our hearts, we should also teach our children how to guard theirs. Monitoring should include: - knowing which apps they use; - understanding the AI tools they access; - discussing what they ask AI; - setting age-appropriate boundaries; - checking privacy settings; - teaching them not to share personal information; - teaching them that AI can be wrong; - teaching them to report disturbing content; - creating an environment where they can tell you what they encounter without fear. The goal is not merely control. The goal is protection, discipleship and preparation. 3. AI CAN BE A TOOL, BUT IT MUST NEVER BECOME A PARENT This is one of the deepest dangers of this generation. A child may begin asking AI questions they are afraid to ask their parents. "Why am I different?" "Why don't people like me?" "What should I do about this relationship?" "Am I ugly?" "What should I believe?" "Why does God allow suffering?" "Should I tell my parents this?" AI may produce an answer instantly. But instant answers are not the same thing as godly wisdom. A machine can generate information. A parent provides relationship. AI can imitate conversation. It cannot replace covenantal love, godly correction, spiritual discernment and the presence of a parent. Our children need to know: «"Before you ask the internet everything, you can come and talk to me."» If our children are afraid to talk to us, they will find somebody—or something—to talk to. 4. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THAT AI IS NOT GOD This generation needs digital discernment. AI can sound confident and still be wrong. It can generate convincing information without possessing biblical wisdom. Therefore, our children must learn: AI is a tool, not an authority. The Bible says: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 «"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."» And: Philippians 4:8 «"Whatsoever things are true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report... think on these things."» Teach your children to ask: Is it true? Is it biblical? Is it wise? Is it appropriate? What fruit will this produce in my life? This is the difference between merely raising technology users and raising discerning Christians. 5. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A CRISIS Many parents only begin monitoring when something has already gone wrong. When grades collapse. When behavior changes. When secrecy increases. When the child becomes addicted to a device. When inappropriate content is discovered. When a relationship becomes dangerous. When the child begins withdrawing from family. Prevention is better than emergency intervention. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 teaches parents to speak God's Word to their children continually—in everyday life. That means discipleship should happen before the crisis. Talk about technology at the dinner table. Talk about online friendships. Talk about pornography. Talk about manipulation. Talk about AI. Talk about identity. Talk about truth. Talk about faith. Talk about temptation. If we make every difficult subject taboo, the internet will become their teacher. 6. MONITOR THEIR SCREEN, BUT ALSO MONITOR THEIR HEART This is where many parents miss the deeper issue. You can monitor screen time and still miss what is happening inside the child. A child may spend only one hour online but be deeply influenced by what they consumed. Therefore, don't only ask: "How long were you online?" Also ask: "What did you learn today?" "What did you see that confused you?" "Did anything online make you afraid?" "Did anyone say something to you that made you uncomfortable?" "What do you think about what you saw?" "What would Jesus say about that?" These questions open the heart. 7. PARENTS MUST BECOME DIGITALLY LITERATE Parents, we cannot say: "I don't understand technology." Our children are growing up in a technological environment. We don't need to know everything. But we must know enough to guide them. Learn the basics of: - AI chatbots; - social media platforms; - privacy settings; - parental controls; - deepfakes and manipulated media; - online scams; - inappropriate content; - AI-generated images and videos; - cyberbullying; - digital footprints. Don't surrender the digital world simply because it is unfamiliar. If our children are learning the technology, parents must learn enough to disciple them within it. 8. THE GREATEST FILTER IS NOT A PARENTAL CONTROL APP—IT IS CHARACTER. Technology can be restricted. But eventually, children grow up. They will have their own devices. They will leave home. They will make their own decisions. So our ultimate goal cannot be: "My child behaves well because I am watching." Our goal must be: "My child chooses what is right even when nobody is watching." That is discipleship. Psalm 101:3 says: «"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."» Teach your children that holiness is not merely about avoiding punishment. Holiness is choosing what honors God. DEEP INSIGHT: THE BATTLE IS FOR THE MIND Church, understand this: The battle of this generation is not merely over devices. It is over attention. Whoever controls a person's attention repeatedly has tremendous influence over that person's thinking. Repeated thoughts shape beliefs. Beliefs influence choices. Choices establish habits. Habits shape character. And character influences destiny. Therefore, when we monitor what our children consume, we are not being unnecessarily strict. We are participating in the protection of their minds. Romans 12:2 says: «"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."» AI is not automatically evil. Technology is not automatically evil. But anything powerful without discernment can become destructive. The Christian response is not fear. The Christian response is wisdom. A POWERFUL ILLUSTRATION Imagine giving a child a car. The car is not evil. It can take them to school. It can take them to church. It can take them to the hospital. It can help them serve others. But would a responsible parent hand a young child the keys and say: "Go anywhere you want. I trust you." No. Why? Because power requires maturity. The same principle applies to technology. Access should increase as maturity increases. Freedom should be accompanied by responsibility. REFLECTION Parents, guardians, and the Church, let us examine ourselves. Ask yourself: 1. Do I know what my child does online? 2. Do I know which AI tools my child uses? 3. Have I taught my child how to distinguish truth from misinformation? 4. Can my child talk to me about uncomfortable online experiences? 5. Have I created reasonable digital boundaries in my home? 6. Am I monitoring my child's heart, not just their device? 7. Am I modelling responsible technology use myself? 8. Am I teaching my child God's Word strongly enough that they can stand when I am not there? And perhaps the most important question: «If the world is discipling my child every day through technology, what am I doing every day to disciple my child through God's Word?» THE MESSAGE TO PARENTS Don't be afraid of AI. Understand it. Don't worship technology. Use it wisely. Don't abandon your children to the internet. Walk with them. Don't merely restrict them. Teach them. Don't only monitor their screens. Disciple their hearts. Don't wait for tomorrow. Start today. Because the goal is not to raise children who are technologically backward. The goal is to raise children who are technologically capable, spiritually grounded, morally discerning and deeply rooted in Christ. CLOSING CHARGE Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Parents, the world is already training our children. Social media is training them. Entertainment is training them. Algorithms are training them. Friends are training them. And AI can influence them. But God has given parents the assignment of training them too. So let us rise to the responsibility. Let us monitor with wisdom. Let us communicate with love. Let us establish boundaries. Let us learn technology. Let us teach discernment. Let us pray. And above everything else— let us point our children to Jesus Christ. Because technology may shape their environment, but Christ must shape their identity. PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Wisdom Father, give us wisdom to raise our children in this rapidly changing technological generation. Help us know when to permit, when to restrict, when to correct and when to guide, in Jesus' name. Amen. 2. Prayer for Protection Lord, protect our children from harmful content, dangerous relationships, manipulation, exploitation, pornography, cyberbullying and every destructive influence that may come through technology. Amen. 3. Prayer for Discernment Father, give our children the spirit of discernment. Let them recognize deception and distinguish truth from error. Let them not believe everything they see, hear or receive from AI and the internet. Amen. 4. Prayer for Strong Christian Identity Lord Jesus, establish our children in You. Let their identity not be determined by social media, artificial intelligence, peer pressure or worldly standards. Let them know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Amen. 5. Prayer for Parents Father, strengthen parents and guardians. Give us patience, understanding, courage and wisdom. Help us not to be careless with the souls You have entrusted to us. Amen. 6. Prayer for Communication Lord, make our homes places where children can speak openly without fear. Remove unhealthy secrecy and build trust between parents and children. Amen. 7. Prayer for Digital Wisdom Father, teach our children to use technology for learning, creativity, service and the advancement of Your Kingdom rather than for destruction. Amen. 8. Prayer Against Negative Influence Every influence seeking to pull our children away from Christ, lose your hold, in the name of Jesus. Every voice contrary to God's purpose for their lives, be silenced, in Jesus' name. Amen. 9. Prayer for the Church Lord, help the Church understand this generation and respond with wisdom. Raise Christian parents, teachers, mentors and leaders who will guide young people according to Your Word. Amen. 10. Prayer of Dedication Father, we dedicate our children afresh to You. May they grow in wisdom, stature, favor and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. May technology serve them rather than enslave them. May their minds be guarded, their hearts be pure, their purpose be preserved and their lives bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I declare over every child: You will not be a victim of this generation. You will not be controlled by technology. You will not be deceived by falsehood. You will not lose your identity. You will not be destroyed by the influences of this age. Your mind belongs to Christ. Your purpose belongs to God. Your future is in His hands. You will grow in wisdom. You will walk in truth. You will discern good from evil. You will use technology wisely. And in this generation of AI, you will still know, love and serve Jesus Christ! In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." — Joshua 24:15 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 sela shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

Thursday, 20th August, 2026 TITLE: "THE LORD FIGHTS FOR YOU" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Exodus 14:14 (KJV) "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "When God goes before you, no battle is greater than His power." DAY'S REFLECTION Life sometimes brings battles we cannot avoid—opposition, difficult circumstances, uncertainty, disappointment, and situations that seem beyond our control. In such moments, God's Word gives us a powerful assurance: we are not fighting alone. Deuteronomy 20:4 declares that "the LORD your God is he that goeth with you." The word "goeth" reminds us that God does not send His people into battle and abandon them. He goes with them. His presence gives us courage when circumstances create fear. The Scripture also says that God goes with us "to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." This does not mean that believers will never face opposition. Rather, it assures us that our ultimate confidence is in God's power, justice, and ability to deliver. Some battles require our action and obedience; others require us to stand still and allow God to intervene. This is exactly what Moses told Israel at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:14: "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Humanly speaking, there seemed to be no escape. Yet God was about to demonstrate that an impossible situation was not beyond His ability. "Hold your peace" means to remain calm and trust God rather than allowing fear and panic to control you. There are times when our greatest act of faith is to stop worrying, pray, obey God's instructions, and wait for Him to act. In everyday life, we may encounter situations where we have done everything within our ability and still see no solution. Such moments remind us that God's power is greater than human limitations. We should not respond with panic, bitterness, or despair. Instead, we should place the matter before God and trust Him for direction and deliverance. Today, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Do what He requires of you, but do not carry what only He can carry. God goes before you, God stands with you, and God is able to fight for you. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) 2 Chronicles 20:15 (KJV) "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God's presence gives us courage in the midst of battles. 2. We do not have to face every challenge in our own strength. 3. Faith requires remaining calm when circumstances encourage panic. 4. Obedience is our responsibility; the ultimate outcome belongs to God. 5. God is able to bring deliverance even when there seems to be no way out. EVERYDAY ACTION Pray about your battles, obey God's direction, and refuse to let fear control your response. PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for going with me and fighting for me. Give me peace in every battle, wisdom to obey You, and faith to trust Your power for my deliverance. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION The Lord is with me and fights for me. I will not fear or be discouraged. I will remain calm, trust God's power, and walk confidently in His victory. The battle belongs to the Lord! Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 20) 1. Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2. The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11. Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14. “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16. Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17. Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18. Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20. Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21. An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22. Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. 23. Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales are not good. 24. A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? 25. It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

⏳ Wait on the Lord with hope, His Word is a firm foundation. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to wait on the Lord. #Psalm1305 #WaitOnTheLord #HopeInGod #GodsWord #TrustGod #GodsTiming #HoldOntoHope #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #Lordsbook

Day 19 - Evening Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage. 🌙 Reflection Before bed, look at your spouse and remember the person you once couldn't wait to see. That person is still there. Keep discovering them. 📖 God's Word "I have found the one my heart loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4 🌙 Heart Check Am I still intentionally expressing affection to my spouse? 🙏 Prayer Lord, renew tenderness and affection in our marriage. Amen. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Don't stop courting the person you married." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Heaven Will Be Worth the Wait There is a day coming for every child of God when faith will become sight, hope will become reality, and the long journey home will finally be over. Whatever trials we endure in this present life, whatever tears we shed, whatever prayers seem to wait unanswered, there is a glorious promise before us: Heaven will be worth the wait. The Bible does not describe eternity as an endless existence floating upon clouds. It presents something far greater—a restored creation, the presence of God, the glory of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of our bodies, the reunion of God’s people, and a world where sin, suffering, death, and sorrow are gone forever. The Greatest Gift: We Will See Jesus Above everything else, Heaven is glorious because Jesus will be there. Paul wrote that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus Himself promised His disciples: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” —John 14:3, KJV Imagine that moment. The One whom we have trusted without seeing, we will finally see face to face. The One whose name we have worshiped, whose Word we have believed, and whose grace has carried us through our darkest days will stand before us in glory. The Apostle John tells us: “We shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:2 Every question about faith will be answered by His presence. Every doubt will disappear. Every struggle will seem small compared with the glory of being with Christ. Jesus is not merely the One who gets us to Heaven. Jesus is the treasure of Heaven. We Will See Our Loved Ones Again For those who have died in Christ, death is not the final goodbye. The Christian hope is resurrection. Paul comforted believers who were grieving their departed loved ones, telling them that Christians should not grieve “even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He then described the great day when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:17 What a promise. The Christian does not believe that death permanently destroys the relationships God has given us. We look forward to the resurrection and the gathering together of God’s people in the presence of Christ. Can we imagine embracing a loved one again—without sickness, without separation, without the fear that another goodbye is coming? The reunion will not be marked by hospitals, funerals, tears, or graves. It will be life. And it will be eternal. No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises concerning eternity is found in Revelation: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” —Revelation 21:4 Think about everything that causes us grief in this present world. There will be no more death. No more funeral services. No more cancer wards. No more broken hearts. No more loneliness. No more betrayal. No more fear. No more sin. No more crying ourselves to sleep. God Himself will wipe away the tears. The hands that created the universe will personally comfort His children. The New Heaven and the New Earth Scripture points beyond simply going to Heaven. God’s ultimate plan is the renewal of creation. John saw: “a new heaven and a new earth.” —Revelation 21:1 The Christian hope is not ultimately an escape from God’s creation but the redemption and renewal of creation. Peter likewise speaks of looking for: “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” —2 Peter 3:13 Imagine a world where righteousness dwells completely. No corruption. No injustice. No violence. No exploitation. No pollution. No decay. No sin. Everything will finally exist as God intended it to exist. The curse will be gone, and creation itself will be brought into glorious freedom. The New Jerusalem And then Scripture gives us one of the most breathtaking visions in all of the Bible—the New Jerusalem. John saw the holy city descending from Heaven: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” —Revelation 21:2 The description is magnificent: gates of pearl, foundations adorned with precious stones, streets of pure gold, and the glory of God illuminating the city. But even these incredible descriptions point toward something greater. God Himself will dwell with His people. Revelation says: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” —Revelation 21:3 The greatest beauty of the New Jerusalem will not be its gold. It will not be its gates. It will not be its walls. It will be the presence of God. And there will be no temple in the city, because: “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” —Revelation 21:22 The Lamb is Jesus Christ. The One who died for us will be at the center of eternity. We Will Finally Understand There are things we cannot understand now. There are prayers we do not understand. There are disappointments whose purpose remains hidden. There are losses that still hurt. There are seasons when we wonder why God allowed something to happen. But Heaven will bring clarity. Paul wrote: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” —1 Corinthians 13:12 One day we will see clearly. We will understand that God never abandoned His children. We will understand the meaning of grace. We will understand the purpose of perseverance. And perhaps many things that caused us to weep on earth will appear completely different when viewed from eternity. Heaven Will Make This Journey Worth It Paul, who suffered imprisonment, persecution, beatings, rejection, hunger, danger, and hardship, wrote: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” —Romans 8:18 That is an extraordinary statement. Paul was not saying that suffering is insignificant. He was saying that future glory is infinitely greater. Whatever you are facing today, it will not last forever. The sickness will not last forever. The grief will not last forever. The struggle against sin will not last forever. The tears will not last forever. This present age is not the end of the story. There is a resurrection coming. There is a Kingdom coming. There is a New Jerusalem coming. There is a new heaven and a new earth coming. And, most importantly, Jesus is coming. Keep Going Sometimes the Christian life feels long. Sometimes the road is difficult. Sometimes faith feels like walking through darkness while holding onto a promise. But keep going. Keep trusting Christ. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on eternity. The writer of Hebrews tells us to run the race with endurance, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). The finish line is closer than it has ever been. And when we finally cross it, we will discover that every sacrifice made for Christ was worth it. Every prayer was worth it. Every act of obedience was worth it. Every tear was worth it. Every moment when we chose Christ over the world was worth it. Because on the other side of this life is not emptiness. There is glory. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is righteousness. There is the New Jerusalem. There is the new heaven and the new earth. And there is Jesus. The Best Is Yet to Come Christian, do not let the temporary darkness of this world make you forget the eternal light that is coming. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people. He promised to return. He promised resurrection. God promised to make all things new. And John heard the voice from the throne proclaim: “Behold, I make all things new.” —Revelation 21:5 One day, the journey will be over. One day, faith will become sight. One day, we will stand in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. One day, we will see those who have gone before us in Christ. One day, there will be no more graves to visit because death will be gone. One day, there will be no more tears to shed because God Himself will wipe them away. One day, we will enter the fullness of the inheritance Christ purchased for us. And when that day comes, we will understand something with absolute certainty: Heaven was worth the wait. Until then, keep your eyes upon Jesus. The road may be difficult. The night may be long. But morning is coming. Christ is coming. And for those who belong to Him, the best is yet to come. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” —Revelation 22:20

A Nugget of Truth. “The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.” This quote agrees with the teaching of Scripture. No man grows in the knowledge of God by neglecting Him. A close relationship with the Lord is not built in a moment, but through daily fellowship in His Word and in prayer. The Bible says: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Many people have time for work, entertainment, social media, and worldly pleasures, yet very little time for God. Then they wonder why they are spiritually weak. A starving soul cannot be strong. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4 (KJV) To know God is more than knowing facts about Him. It is to walk with Him, obey Him, and delight in His presence. David declared, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” — Psalm 119:97 (KJV) If you desire to know Christ more deeply, make time every day to read His Word, pray without ceasing, and seek His face. The Lord reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV) Do not wait until tomorrow. Every day spent without seeking God is a day of missed fellowship. Open your Bible today, humble your heart before the Lord, and give Him the first place in your life. For those who truly know God are those who continually seek Him. Amen.

Conflict and Courage. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26. Among those who had hoped for a permanent spiritual revival as the result of the reformation under Josiah was Jeremiah, called of God to the prophetic office while still a youth.... In the youthful Jeremiah, God saw one who would be true to his trust and who would stand for the right against great opposition.... “Say not, I am a child,” the Lord bade His chosen messenger; “for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee.” ... For forty years Jeremiah was to stand before the nation as a witness for truth and righteousness. In a time of unparalleled apostasy he was to exemplify in life and character the worship of the only true God. During the terrible sieges of Jerusalem he was to be the mouthpiece of Jehovah.27Ibid., 407, 408. Naturally of a timid and shrinking disposition, Jeremiah longed for the peace and quiet of a life of retirement, where he need not witness the continued impenitence of his beloved nation. His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin wrought by sin.... The experiences through which Jeremiah passed in the days of his youth and also in the later years of his ministry, taught him the lesson that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” He learned to pray, “O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23, 24). When called to drink of the cup of tribulation and sorrow, and when tempted in his misery to say, “My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord,” he recalled the providences of God in his behalf and triumphantly exclaimed, “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.... The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” 28Ibid., 419-421.

Psalm 56:1-13 Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. [2] My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. [3] Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. [4] In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? [5] All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. [6] They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life. [7] Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! [8] You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? [9] When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. [10] In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word), [11] In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, [13] For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?

FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Believe, Come, and Diligently Seek Him Key Scripture: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) Thought Of The Day... There are many things we desire from God—healing, provision, direction, protection, restoration, peace, deliverance, and breakthrough. But Hebrews 11:6 turns our attention from what we want God to do for us to what pleases God. And Scripture gives us the answer: FAITH PLEASES GOD. Not perfect circumstances. Not having every answer. Not knowing how everything will work out. Faith. Faith says, “God, I may not understand what You are doing, but I still believe You.” • WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD The Scripture does not say it is difficult to please God without faith. It says: “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Why is faith so important? Because faith reveals where our confidence rests. When everything is going well, it can be easy to say, “I trust God.” But genuine faith is revealed when the diagnosis is uncertain, the money is tight, the family is struggling, the door has not opened, the prayer has not yet been answered, and you cannot see what God is doing. Faith says: “Even here, I trust You.” Job declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” — Job 13:15 (KJV) There will be seasons when you cannot trace God's hand. But you can still trust His heart. Your circumstances may change, but God has not changed. • YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT GOD IS! Hebrews says: “…he that cometh to God must believe that he is…” Before believing God for something, we must believe God is. He is God when you understand Him. He is God when you don't. He is God when the door opens. He is still God when the door closes. He is God when the answer comes immediately. He is still God when He makes you wait. Sometimes our faith becomes focused primarily on God's gifts: “Lord, give me this. Lord, change that. Lord, open this door.” But mature faith says: “Lord, even if You don't give me what I requested when I requested it, I still want You.” Remember the three Hebrew men standing before the fiery furnace: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV) But then they declared: “But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV) That's powerful faith. God can. God is able. I believe God will. But even if He chooses another way, HE IS STILL GOD! • FAITH COMES TO GOD Notice the wording: “…he that cometh to God…” Faith doesn't run away from God during trouble. Faith runs toward God. When you're hurting—come. When you're confused—come. When you're disappointed—come. When you're weary—come. When you've made mistakes—come. When you don't know what tomorrow holds—COME TO GOD! David said: “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV) Your feelings may tell you to withdraw. Your disappointment may tell you God has forgotten you. Your circumstances may tell you prayer isn't working. But faith says: “I'm going back into His presence.” • DILIGENT FAITH DOESN'T QUIT SEEKING! The verse concludes: “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” There is a difference between casually seeking God and diligently seeking God. Diligence means persistence. It means you keep praying. You keep believing. You keep worshiping. You keep reading His Word. You keep serving. You keep showing up. You keep trusting God even when nothing appears to be changing. Jesus taught: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1 (KJV) Some answers require faith that refuses to quit. You prayed yesterday? Pray again. You worshiped yesterday? Worship again. You believed yesterday? Believe again today. Don't allow God's silence to convince you that God is absent. Silence does not mean abandonment. Waiting does not mean denial. Delay does not mean God has forgotten you. • GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM! God promises that He is: “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” But we must understand the greatest reward of seeking God. The greatest reward is not merely receiving something from His hand—it is experiencing more of His presence. Sometimes the reward is an open door. Sometimes it is healing. Sometimes it is provision. Sometimes it is restoration. But sometimes the reward is strength to endure what God has not yet removed. Paul prayed three times for his thorn to be removed, but God's response was: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) Paul asked for removal. God gave him sustaining grace. Never limit God's reward to one particular answer. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes God changes you while you're walking through the situation. Either way, God remains faithful. DON'T STOP BELIEVING! Perhaps you have been praying about something for a long time. You've asked. You've waited. You've cried. You've prayed again. And you're wondering: “God, when will You answer me?” Hebrews 11:6 speaks directly into that season: KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP COMING. KEEP SEEKING. KEEP TRUSTING. Your faith is not wasted. Your prayers are not wasted. Your worship is not wasted. Your obedience is not wasted. God sees every moment you choose faith instead of fear. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) You don't need to see everything God is doing to believe God is still working. PRAYER... Heavenly Father, We come before You today declaring that You are God, and besides You there is none other. Lord, increase our faith. When we cannot see the way, help us trust You. When we don't understand what You're doing, help us trust You. When our prayers seem unanswered, help us trust You. When our bodies are hurting, our finances are strained, our families are struggling, our hearts are heavy, and our minds are weary—help us trust You! Father, forgive us for the times we allowed fear to speak louder than faith. Forgive us for the times we doubted Your goodness because we could not understand Your plan. Today we declare: YOU ARE STILL GOD! We believe that You are. We believe You are faithful. We believe You are able. We believe You are our Provider. We believe You are our Healer. We believe You are our Deliverer. We believe You are our Keeper. And we believe You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. So we will seek You when life is good, and we will seek You when life is difficult. We will seek You when doors open, and we will seek You when doors close. We will seek You when we understand, and we will seek You when we don't. Give us faith that refuses to quit. Let our lives declare: “I DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I KNOW THE GOD IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED!” We trust Your timing. We trust Your wisdom. We trust Your Word. We trust Your plan. And most importantly, we trust You. In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen and Amen! DECLARATION OF FAITH... Today I declare: I WILL WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT! I believe God is. I believe God can. I believe God is able. I believe God is faithful. I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken. I will diligently seek Him. I will keep praying. I will keep worshiping. I will keep trusting. I will keep believing. And even while I am waiting, MY FAITH WILL STILL PLEASE GOD! BELIEVE. COME. SEEK. TRUST. GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL! “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)