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Today’s Scripture

John 2:9 (ESV)

“When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.”

Opening the Scriptures

The servants had done exactly what Jesus commanded.

They filled the jars with water. They drew from them. Then they carried what they had drawn to the master of the feast.

Now John tells us what had happened.

The water had become wine.

There is no elaborate description of the miracle. John does not tell us when or how the transformation occurred.

He simply states the fact.

Jesus had done what no servant could do.

The servants could carry the water.

They could fill the jars.

They could take what Jesus provided to the master of the feast.

But only Christ possessed the power to transform the water into wine.

There is another fascinating detail.

The master of the feast did not know where the wine had come from.

But the servants knew.

They had witnessed what happened because they had been obedient to Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important distinction here for every Christian.

God calls us to serve Him faithfully, but we must never confuse our service with His power.

We can preach the Gospel, but we cannot give someone a new heart.

We can teach Scripture, but we cannot force someone to believe it.

We can encourage a struggling person, but we cannot transform that person’s life.

We can plant.

We can water.

But God gives the growth.

That truth should produce humility in every Christian ministry.

Whenever lives are changed, sinners repent, churches grow stronger, families are restored, or people come to understand God’s Word, we must resist the temptation to take credit for what only God can accomplish.

We are servants.

Christ is Lord.

The servants at Cana had an extraordinary privilege. They knew where the wine had come from because they had been close enough to Christ to hear His command and obedient enough to carry it out.

There is a lesson there for us.

Faithful service often allows us to witness God’s work from a perspective others may never see.

Someone else may see only the result.

The servant remembers the empty jars.

The servant remembers carrying the water.

The servant knows that the power did not come from him.

Therefore, when God uses your service for His purposes, never say:

“Look what I accomplished.”

Instead say:

“Look what Christ has done.”

Question for Today

When God accomplishes something through your service, who receives the glory?

Respond: “All glory belongs to God.”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 23)

1. When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;

2. And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.

3. Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.

4. Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!

5. Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6. Do not eat the bread of a miser,
Nor desire his delicacies;

7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.

8. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,
And waste your pleasant words.

9. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10. Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11. For their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.

12. Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.

13. Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14. You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.

15. My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16. Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18. For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.

19. Hear, my son, and be wise;
And guide your heart in the way.

20. Do not mix with winebibbers,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

21. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22. Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

25. Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.

26. My son, give me your heart,
And let your eyes observe my ways.

27. For a harlot is a deep pit,
And a seductress is a narrow well.

28. She also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among men.

29. Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?

30. Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31. Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;

32. At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.

33. Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.

34. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

35. “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 23)

1. When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;

2. And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.

3. Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.

4. Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!

5. Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6. Do not eat the bread of a miser,
Nor desire his delicacies;

7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.

8. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,
And waste your pleasant words.

9. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10. Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11. For their Redeemer is mighty;
He will plead their cause against you.

12. Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.

13. Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14. You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.

15. My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16. Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18. For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.

19. Hear, my son, and be wise;
And guide your heart in the way.

20. Do not mix with winebibbers,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

21. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

22. Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

24. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

25. Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.

26. My son, give me your heart,
And let your eyes observe my ways.

27. For a harlot is a deep pit,
And a seductress is a narrow well.

28. She also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among men.

29. Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?

30. Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31. Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;

32. At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.

33. Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.

34. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

35. “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:8 (ESV)

“And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it.”

Opening the Scriptures

The servants had obeyed Jesus and filled the six stone jars with water up to the brim.

Then Jesus gave another command.

“Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.”

Notice what John tells us next:

“So they took it.”

There is no recorded argument.

There is no demand for an explanation.

There is simply obedience.

The servants had put water into those jars. They knew what had been placed there. Yet Jesus now told them to draw from the jars and take it to the man responsible for the wedding feast.

They still did not know what Jesus was doing.

But they obeyed what He said.

Living God’s Word Today

There are times when obeying Christ requires us to move forward without knowing what the result will be.

We often want certainty before obedience.

We want God to show us exactly how everything will work before we act.

But Scripture does not teach us to trust our ability to understand every circumstance.

It teaches us to trust God.

This does not mean Christians should act carelessly or treat every personal feeling as though it were a command from God.

That would be dangerous.

Our obedience must be governed by what God has actually revealed in His Word.

When Scripture speaks clearly, however, we should not delay obedience simply because we cannot see what God will accomplish through it.

We forgive because Christ commands us to forgive.

We speak truth because God commands truthfulness.

We love because Christ commands us to love.

We share the Gospel because Christ has commanded His people to make disciples.

We serve faithfully because we belong to Him.

The servants at Cana could not change water into wine.

Their responsibility was much simpler.

Jesus commanded.

They obeyed.

What happened next depended entirely upon the power of Christ.

This protects us from two serious mistakes.

We must not become passive and refuse to do what God commands.

But neither should we imagine that the results depend entirely upon us.

Obedience belongs to us. The power and the results belong to God.

Whatever responsibility Christ has placed before you today, carry it out faithfully according to His Word.

Then trust Him with what follows.

Question for Today

Are you willing to obey Christ even when you cannot yet see what He will do?

Respond: “Lord Jesus, I will trust You and obey Your Word.”

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:7 (ESV)

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.”

Opening the Scriptures

The six large stone jars were standing nearby.

Then Jesus gave the servants a simple command:

“Fill the jars with water.”

The servants did not yet know what Jesus was going to do. The wedding needed wine, yet Jesus told them to bring water.

From a human point of view, the command may have seemed unrelated to the problem.

But the servants obeyed.

John adds an important detail:

“They filled them up to the brim.”

They did not partially obey. They did not fill the jars halfway and decide that was enough. They carried out the command completely.

They still did not know what would happen next.

They simply did what Jesus told them to do.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important lesson here about Christian obedience.

We often want God to explain everything before we obey Him.

We want to know why.

We want to know what will happen.

We want to understand how obedience will benefit us.

But obedience to Christ cannot depend upon our understanding of the outcome.

When God has spoken clearly in His Word, our responsibility is to obey.

Sometimes His commands will challenge us.

Forgive.

Love your enemies.

Speak the truth.

Flee from sin.

Care for those in need.

Share the Gospel.

Remain faithful when obedience becomes costly.

We may not always understand what God is accomplishing through our obedience.

The servants at Cana certainly did not.

But they filled the jars “up to the brim.”

There is also a warning for us here.

Partial obedience is often disguised disobedience.

We cannot faithfully follow Christ while selecting only the commands we find comfortable.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Our obedience does not earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by our works. But a life transformed by Christ should increasingly become a life of obedience to Christ.

The servants could fill the jars.

They could not perform the miracle.

That belonged entirely to Jesus.

The same distinction remains important for us.

Our responsibility is faithful obedience. The results belong to God.

Today, do not demand to see the outcome before obeying.

Trust Christ enough to do what He has commanded.

And when you obey, do not stop halfway.

Fill it to the brim.

Question for Today

Is there an area where you have been giving Christ only partial obedience?

Respond: “Lord Jesus, help me to obey You completely.”

Today is the 75th birthday of the man who first taught me how to win souls for Jesus. Nick Kinn continues to oversee the evangelism ministry at Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. A former alcoholic, Pastor Nick has enjoyed the new wine of the Holy Spirit for the past half-century. Tomorrow happens to be the 50th anniversary of his salvation. He came within hours of getting born again on his birthday. Thanks again, Pastor Nick, for your faithful service to our Lord!

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 21)

1. The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

3. To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4. A haughty look, a proud heart,
And the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5. The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

6. Getting treasures by a lying tongue
Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

7. The violence of the wicked will destroy them,
Because they refuse to do justice.

8. The way of a guilty man is perverse;
But as for the pure, his work is right.

9. Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

10. The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11. When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,
Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13. Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.

14. A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

15. It is a joy for the just to do justice,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

16. A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17. He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.

19. Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.

20. There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.

21. He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22. A wise man
scales the city of the mighty, And brings
down the trusted stronghold.

23. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

24. A proud and
haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.

25. The desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.

26. He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous gives and does not spare.

27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

28. A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

29. A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

30. There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the LORD.

31. The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD

WHEN GOD WRITES ON THE WALL
A Call to Examine Your Heart Before God

KEY SCRIPTURE
“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)

Thought Of The Day...
There are times when God whispers to our hearts. There are times when He sends warnings through His Word, through circumstances, and through people. And then there are moments when God makes His message so unmistakably clear that it can no longer be ignored.
Daniel 5 gives us one of the most powerful and sobering examples in all of Scripture.
King Belshazzar was surrounded by celebration. The palace was filled with people, food, wine, wealth, music, power, and prestige. To everyone looking from the outside, it appeared that the king had everything under control. But while Belshazzar was celebrating on earth, Heaven was examining his heart.
While people were honoring the king, God was weighing the king.
While Belshazzar was looking at what he possessed, God was looking at what he had become.
Suddenly everything changed.
“In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”
— Daniel 5:5 (KJV)
The celebration stopped. The king's confidence disappeared. The man who commanded others suddenly had no control over himself.
Scripture says:
“Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him... and his knees smote one against another.”
— Daniel 5:6 (KJV)
Belshazzar discovered something that we must never forget: when God speaks, earthly power cannot silence Him. When God exposes something, money cannot cover it. When God pronounces judgment, human influence cannot reverse it.
Belshazzar called for the astrologers, Chaldeans, soothsayers, and wise men of Babylon, but none of them could interpret the writing. All the intelligence of Babylon was powerless before a message that came from God.
Eventually Daniel was summoned.
Daniel had lived faithfully before God for years. Kings had changed. Governments had changed. Circumstances had changed. Daniel had grown older, but his commitment to God had remained.
What a testimony!
The queen said concerning Daniel:
“...there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods... light and understanding and wisdom... was found in him.”
— Daniel 5:11 (KJV)
Daniel had developed a reputation that when everybody else was confused, Daniel knew how to seek God.
May that become our testimony.
When people around us are confused, may they know that we know God. When families experience trouble, may they know there is somebody who knows how to pray. When darkness enters a situation, may our lives carry the light of Christ.
Jesus declared:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
— Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Belshazzar offered Daniel wealth, clothing, jewelry, and political promotion if he could interpret the message. But Daniel answered:
“Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another...”
— Daniel 5:17 (KJV)
Daniel's integrity was not for sale.
He didn't need the king's money to tell the king God's truth. He wasn't seeking popularity. He wasn't chasing another title. Daniel understood that pleasing God was greater than pleasing people.
That same conviction must live within us.
There will be times when standing upon God's Word will not make us popular. There will be times when truth will challenge people. There will be times when obedience may cost us opportunities, relationships, applause, or acceptance.
But we must be able to say:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?...”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
Daniel reminded Belshazzar about Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had once become lifted up in pride, and God humbled him until he understood:
“...that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.”
— Daniel 5:21 (KJV)
Then Daniel spoke words that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
“And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.”
— Daniel 5:22 (KJV)
Though thou knewest all this.
Belshazzar had been given an example. He knew what pride had done before him, but he refused to learn from it.
There is a dangerous difference between not knowing God's will and knowing God's will but refusing to obey it.
The Bible says:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
— James 4:17 (KJV)
God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval.
Just because judgment has not come does not mean God approves of what we are doing. Sometimes God's delay is actually God's mercy giving us time to repent.
“The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
Belshazzar had also taken the sacred vessels from God's temple and used them during his celebration. He treated what belonged to God as though it were common.
Daniel told him:
“...thou hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven...”
— Daniel 5:23 (KJV)
This should cause us to ask ourselves: Have we become too casual with the things of God?
Have we become casual about prayer?
Casual about worship?
Casual about God's Word?
Casual about holiness?
Casual about our calling?
Casual about the gifts God placed inside us?
Casual about gathering with other believers?
God is loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate, but He is still holy.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
— 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)
Belshazzar praised gods made from silver, gold, brass, iron, wood, and stone. Yet when trouble entered the palace, none of those gods could answer him.
How often do people still place their confidence in things that cannot save them?
Money cannot save the soul.
A career cannot save the soul.
A title cannot save the soul.
Popularity cannot save the soul.
Possessions cannot save the soul.
Human relationships cannot take God's place.
Jesus asked:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)
Then Daniel revealed the handwriting:
“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.”
— Daniel 5:25 (KJV)
MENE meant:
“God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
— Daniel 5:26 (KJV)
Belshazzar thought he had more time.
God said his time had been numbered.
That should remind us that every day is a gift from God.
Every morning is mercy.
Every breath is grace.
Every opportunity to pray is precious.
Every opportunity to forgive matters.
Every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus matters.
Every opportunity to obey God matters.
David prayed:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
Then came TEKEL:
“Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
— Daniel 5:27 (KJV)
What a frightening statement.
Belshazzar had been weighed—not by public opinion, not by his friends, not by his servants, and not by the standards of Babylon.
He had been weighed by God.
People may celebrate what God is correcting.
People may applaud what God is examining.
People may be impressed by our gifts while God is concerned about our character.
People may see our appearance while God sees our hearts.
Scripture declares:
“...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
That brings us to a serious question:
If God examined my heart today, what would He find?
Would He find humility or pride?
Would He find obedience or rebellion?
Would He find forgiveness or bitterness?
Would He find love or hatred?
Would He find integrity when nobody is watching?
Would He find genuine faith?
Would He find someone seeking His glory—or someone seeking his or her own?
This is not about earning salvation. We cannot save ourselves through our works.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works...”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
Our hope is Jesus Christ. But when Christ truly transforms our hearts, our lives should produce evidence of that transformation.
Finally came PERES:
“Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
— Daniel 5:28 (KJV)
Then Scripture delivers the sobering conclusion:
“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.”
— Daniel 5:30 (KJV)
That night.
Belshazzar started the evening sitting on a throne and ended it having lost everything.
He thought he had tomorrow.
He didn't.
This is why Scripture says:
“...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Don't wait for tomorrow to surrender what God is asking for today.
Don't wait until tomorrow to forgive.
Don't wait until tomorrow to repent.
Don't wait until tomorrow to pray.
Don't wait until tomorrow to make things right.
Don't wait until tomorrow to answer God's call.
And above all, don't wait until tomorrow to come to Jesus.
Daniel 5 is not merely about handwriting appearing on a wall. It is about a God who sees beyond appearances and examines the heart.
Belshazzar's kingdom is gone. Babylon's glory faded. Its wealth could not last. Its power could not last. Its king could not last.
But our God remains.
“For I am the LORD, I change not...”
— Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
Before God ever has to write something on the wall, allow Him to write His Word upon your heart.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
— Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Let His Word correct you.
Let His Word convict you.
Let His Word humble you.
Let His Word guide you.
Let His Word transform you.
And when God reveals something in your heart that needs to change, don't run from Him.
Run to Him.
Because through Jesus Christ there is forgiveness, mercy, restoration, and new life.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

PRAYER...
Most Holy and Eternal God, our Father,
We come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, humbled by Your Word and grateful for Your mercy.
Father, search us today.
Your Word declares:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”
— Psalm 139:23 (KJV)
Lord, shine Your light into every area of our lives. Reveal anything within us that does not please You.
If pride has entered our hearts, humble us.
If bitterness has entered our hearts, cleanse us.
If unforgiveness has taken root, help us forgive.
If compromise has entered our lives, give us courage to turn away from it.
If we have become casual concerning holy things, restore our reverence for You.
If anything has taken Your rightful place in our hearts, tear down every idol and draw us back to You.
Father, never allow us to become so comfortable with Your blessings that we forget the One who blessed us.
Help us remember that every breath comes from You, every opportunity comes from You, every gift comes from You, and every good thing comes from You.
Your Word says:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...”
— James 1:17 (KJV)
Give us the spirit of Daniel.
Give us wisdom when others are confused.
Give us courage when others compromise.
Give us integrity when temptation comes.
Give us faith when circumstances become difficult.
Give us boldness to speak Your truth with love.
May we never sell our convictions for acceptance, promotion, popularity, money, or position.
Father, teach us to number our days.
Help us understand that tomorrow is not promised and today is an opportunity to glorify You.
May our lives bring honor to Jesus Christ.
May our homes glorify You.
May our marriages and families glorify You.
May our ministries glorify You.
May our workplaces glorify You.
May our words glorify You.
May our decisions glorify You.
And when You examine our hearts, may You find people who sincerely love You, trust You, obey You, and desire to walk according to Your Word.
Thank You for Jesus.
Thank You that where we have fallen short, the blood of Jesus still cleanses.
Thank You that repentance is still available.
Thank You that grace is still available.
Thank You that mercy is still available.
Thank You that restoration is still available.
Create within us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
We surrender ourselves completely to You.
In the mighty, matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
I DECLARE IN THE NAME OF JESUS:
My heart belongs to God!
My life belongs to God!
My family belongs to God!
My gifts belong to God!
My future belongs to God!
My worship belongs to God!
I will not allow pride to rule my heart.
I will not allow the things of this world to become idols in my life.
I will not compromise God's Word for popularity, acceptance, position, possessions, or applause.
Like Daniel, I will walk with an excellent spirit.
I will stand when others compromise.
I will pray when others panic.
I will trust God when others doubt.
I will speak truth with love.
I will honor God publicly and privately.
MENE! I understand that my days are numbered, therefore I will make my days count for the glory of God.
TEKEL! I understand that God examines the heart, therefore I will walk humbly and sincerely before Him.
PERES! I understand that earthly kingdoms, possessions, titles, and accomplishments will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
I declare that God's Word will be written upon my heart.
I will not wait for the handwriting on the wall before I obey God.
TODAY I CHOOSE JESUS!
TODAY I CHOOSE HUMILITY!
TODAY I CHOOSE OBEDIENCE!
TODAY I CHOOSE HOLINESS!
TODAY I CHOOSE FAITH!
TODAY I CHOOSE TO LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
This is my declaration, this is my commitment, and this is my prayer—in Jesus' mighty name. Amen and Amen!

Two young men 🏾‍🏼‍went fishing one day.One of them 🏼‍had a stick he brought with him.Anytime he🏼‍ caught a fish ,he used the stick to measure it.If the stick was longer than the fish he put it in his bucket .If the stick was shorter than the fish he threw it back into the river .After a while,his friend🏾‍ asked whether there was a mystery to what he was doing .He 🏼‍replied that he had a frying pan which he had measured with the stick.If the fish was longer than the stick,it meant it won't fit in the frying pan that's why he🏼‍ threw them back into the river (by the way,he could have just cut the fish in two).Our minds are like the frying pan in this story.Anything beyond the capacity of our minds to receive we throw away.Heaven doesn't waste resources.Therefore God expects us to build capacity before He releases certain resources.When the widow🏻‍ in 2 Kings 4:1-7, borrowed empty 🫙 vessels from her neighbors 🏽‍🏾‍🏻‍the oil continued to flow 🫗. Build capacity through reading ,training, personal development, going for seminars, and mentorship in the area of your calling.Provide a new wineskin and God will pour new wine into your life (Matt.9:17). Have a lovely day .

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 21)

1. The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

3. To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4. A haughty look, a proud heart,
And the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5. The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

6. Getting treasures by a lying tongue
Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

7. The violence of the wicked will destroy them,
Because they refuse to do justice.

8. The way of a guilty man is perverse;
But as for the pure, his work is right.

9. Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

10. The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11. When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,
Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13. Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.

14. A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

15. It is a joy for the just to do justice,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

16. A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17. He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.

19. Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.

20. There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.

21. He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22. A wise man
scales the city of the mighty, And brings
down the trusted stronghold.

23. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

24. A proud and
haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.

25. The desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.

26. He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous gives and does not spare.

27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

28. A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

29. A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

30. There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the LORD.

31. The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD