So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22 ɴᴋᴊᴠ The Son of God begins His public ministry by teaching the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues. One example is in Nazareth. When He preaches there, the people are at first amazed at His wisdom and the words of grace He speaks to them. But it only takes a few minutes before the mood changes and they start to get angry with Him. Why? Because His words are not only pleasant but also seasoned with salt. That is why they suddenly say, “‘Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?’ So they were offended at Him” (Mk. 6:3). How does He deal with the fact that people think so disdainfully of Him and see in Him nothing more than a common carpenter? Is He upset by their behavior? Not at all. Instead, He calmly presents to them a sad but true principle: it is written that Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house” (Mk. 6:4). He does not threaten them with judgment or rebuke them harshly. Instead, He accepts with meekness from the hand of God the rejection He experiences from these people, before whose eyes He had lived for so long. With this attitude of heart, He simply moves on through the surrounding villages and continues His ministry. Even today, it is not uncommon for a servant of the Lord to be more appreciated in another place and country than at home, where they have been known from an early age and where they may be misjudged or met with envy and jealousy. Philip Svetlik Mighty King, with glory crowned, Rightful Heir and Lord of all:Once rejected, scorned, disowned, E’en by those Thou cam’st to call. Richard Holden https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-19

🔥 Pride: The Silent Killer PART 4 — WHEN SUCCESS BECOMES A TEST What happens when God gives you more? Money can increase. Your position can rise. People may celebrate you. But success must never make you forget the One who gave you the ability to succeed. 📖 Deuteronomy 8:18 When God increases you, will you become more grateful—or more proud? True success isn't just having more. It is having more without losing your heart for God. May every blessing draw us closer to the Giver, not further away from Him. 🙏 🔥 PART 5: When Success Makes You Forget God. Follow Life Light TV and continue this biblical motivation series. Stay Humble. Stay Teachable. Stay Blessed. #Pride #Success #Humility #BiblicalMotivation #ChristianMotivation #Bible #Jesus #God #Faith #LifeLightTV #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #G

It is easy to say you believe in God when “God” can mean whatever you want Him to mean. A force that brings things together. The universe working in your favor. Energy, luck, manifestation, positive thoughts. Those ideas can comfort you without ever asking anything from you. But Jesus is different. You cannot reduce Him to a feeling or a force. He has a cross, a resurrection, a name, a Lordship. He does not simply promise to make life work out. He calls me to repent, surrender, follow, and belong to Him. That is why my faith is not in something out there. It is in Someone who came for me, died for my sin, and rose again. I don't just believe in God. I belong to Jesus.

if we pray faithfully to Jesus Christ without doubt …. he will rise us like enything….

we're in the world but we're not of the world. life without Jesus Christ is hell

I built an audience of over 8,000 people who trusted me with their tech journey, real transitions, real results, real proof. I shared roadmaps, resources, opportunities and practical advice, and most importantly, I saw people actually use them to make progress. Then one day, it was gone. Facebook dißbled the account without warning. I could have quit. Instead, I'm starting again this time, smarter. A little about me: I have a degree in Industrial Chemistry, I'm pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, I'm currently pursuing a professional certification with Google PWAN, and I'm also the founder of PornBlock. But honestly, the credentials aren't what I'm most proud of. I'm proud of the 2,000+ beginners I've helped with tech roadmaps, people who came to me confused about where to start, what to learn and how to move from. And that's why I don't believe in telling everyone to learn the same skill. Someone might be better suited for UI/UX. Someone else might thrive in Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Product Design or another path entirely. My job is to help beginners understand their options, choose a realistic path and know what to do next. I also wrote Win the Job Toolkit — a practical guide for beginners who are tired of applying without knowing what they're doing wrong. It covers things like building a stronger CV, preparing for interviews, positioning yourself properly and understanding how to pursue remote and freelance opportunities. I'm not starting again with nothing. I'm starting again with everything I've learned along the way. And if you're trying to figure out your own path into tech, you're welcome to be my friend. If you knew me before and wondering where I went, follow me now or you might not see my profile again.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *TEXT:* TITUS 2:12–13 12 It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age Eph 1:4 Col 1:22 2Ti 1:9 1Jn 2:16 13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 1Co 1:7 Phi 3:20 *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *THE MESSAGE:* Upright living refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commandments. God created us to live extraordinary lives without struggle - a life above the power of sin, a product of grace. Man failed by disobeying and could not live an upright life. The salvation Jesus wrought restored man to the life he was expected to live. As recipients of God’s grace, we are empowered to live in a new way. Have you received the power to live this new life, or are you still entangled by sexual immorality, lying, and deception? The grace of God is potent to train you to renounce impiety and worldly passions. You must lean on Jesus to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age. *REFLECTION:* You are empowered to live an upright life. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to display this enabling grace daily. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 7-11. ED.ii. LOT'S FATAL DECISIONS "Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land." - Genesis 19:24-25 Abraham was blessed by God and because his nephew Lot was with him, Lot was also blessed. Both had large flocks. At one point the shepherds of both flocks started to fight because there was not enough space. Abraham then let Lot choose to go either to the left or to the right. Lot saw that the Jordan area was good and made his first fatal choice. Lot chose the best for himself. It was his first step towards Sodom. It did not occur to him to consult the Lord first. So many Christians today do the same and make their own choices based on what they see, instead of asking for the Lord's guidance. Many follow the money. The evil one mainly whispers to young people: 'If you go for the money, you can achieve everything.' However, God's way is always the best way. Lot's second fatal decision is to pitch his tents nearby Sodom. 'Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord' (Genesis 13:13). Once you take one step in the wrong direction, it will not be long before you are completely on the wrong track. Lot's third fatal step is in Genesis 14:12, it says that 'he was living in Sodom.' So, it did not take long before Lot lived in the city of Sodom. God had to destroy Sodom because of the wickedness. It was because of Abraham's prayer for Lot and his family that God gave them an opportunity to flee the city. Dear reader, one day God will destroy this world as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not make fatal choices. Do not join the sinful practices of this world. Always choose to go the way of Jesus. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ⏤ Psalm 103:17 There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom We come with grateful hearts to You, O God, our Father. We will praise You as long as we live. We call on our souls and all that is within us to bless Your holy name and never forget Your blessings. You forgive all our sins. You heal all our diseases. You redeem our lives from destruction. You crown us with love and compassion. You satisfy our needs with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. You, Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and full of mercy. You won’t stay angry forever, nor will You hold our sins against us forever. You have not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your mercy toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You. For You know how we are formed; You remember that we are dust. Our days are like grass; we flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But Your mercy, O Lord, is from everlasting to everlasting. We rejoice in Your eternity. We rest in it, knowing that our trust in You will never be shaken. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but Your kindness will never depart from us, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed. Grant us Your peace now, our Father, and keep us safe in the secret place of Your presence throughout the night. Bless us with Your tender love, we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

HOW TO GROW SPIRITUALLY Spiritual growth is not automatic. Just as a child must eat, learn, exercise, and develop, a Christian must intentionally develop his or her relationship with God. 1 Peter 2:2 — “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” God does not want us to remain spiritual babies; He wants us to mature in faith, character, wisdom, and obedience. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 *1. Grow Through the Word of God* The Word of God is spiritual food. A believer who consistently studies and meditates on Scripture becomes stronger and better equipped to resist temptation. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17 *Key lesson:* You cannot grow spiritually if you neglect spiritual food. *2. Grow Through Prayer* Prayer builds intimacy with God. The more we communicate with God, the more we understand His will and depend upon His strength. Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 20 Prayer should not only be about asking for things; it should include worship, thanksgiving, confession, listening, and seeking God's direction. *3. Grow Through Obedience* Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by obedience, not merely by knowledge. Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Knowing God's Word without obeying it will not produce genuine spiritual maturity. James 1:22; Deuteronomy 28:1–2 *4. Grow Through Fellowship* God designed believers to grow together. Fellowship with mature Christians encourages us, corrects us, teaches us, and strengthens our faith. Hebrews 10:24–25; Proverbs 27:17; Acts 2:42 Do not isolate yourself from the church and godly fellowship. *5. Grow by Producing Spiritual Fruit* A spiritually mature Christian should increasingly display Christlike character. Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The evidence of spiritual growth is not merely how much Bible we know, but how much Christ is seen in our lives. *Conclusion* Spiritual growth requires the Word, prayer, obedience, fellowship, and the Holy Spirit. Do not be satisfied with yesterday's spiritual experience. Keep moving forward. Ephesians 4:15: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” *Ask yourself:* Am I growing spiritually or remaining at the same level? How much time do I spend in God's Word? Is my prayer life growing? Can people see the fruit of the Spirit in my character? Am I becoming more like Christ? *Final Thought:* “Spiritual growth is not measured by how long you have been saved, but by how much you have become like Christ.” *Prayer* Father, help me to grow deeper in Your Word, stronger in prayer, faithful in obedience, and fruitful through the Holy Spirit.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

LOST IN THE CHURCH: [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Six Idolatry in the House of God Many have interpreted the word idol from the perspective of the Old Covenant, an era in which the main emphasis was on the physical. But now, the Lord is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit. Therefore, the most dangerous and difficult idol—not one made of iron, stone, or wood—is the one that can be carved within a person’s heart or spirit. An IDOL can be anything that takes the place of God within a person. The first commandment the Lord gave us is to love Him above everything else. Therefore, whatever you can love more than you love God becomes an idol to you. Furthermore, the Lord has warned us not to fear anything more than Him (Matthew 10:28), and not to place our faith, hope, or dependence on anything except Him. By this reasoning, whatever you give those places in your life becomes an idol that you have carved within your own heart. Scripture is clear that those who worship idols will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). In these last days, many people have become lost in Church by worshipping things that are close to the Lord, or things that have been called by His name, thinking that by doing so they are worshipping the Lord Himself! Some of the things people have come to worship—and many of you may be surprised when I mention them—include worship services, the Church, the mother of Jesus, servants of God, angels, the Word of God, prayer, the name of a church, and so on. But the Lord will never allow anything to take His glory! Nevertheless, many people who worship idols in the house of God do so out of ignorance and lack of knowledge. And this is where our enemy gains his strength. Therefore, this message is given by the great grace of God to those who are willing to love the Lord above everything else. Worshipping the Word of God The Word of God can become an idol if it takes the place of God Himself. And this is astonishing! I know that by making this statement, I have probably disturbed the theology of many people. Let me repeat it, so that you understand that I am not speaking carelessly: “The word of God can become a very dangerous idol, and it can bring death if it is worshipped or allowed to take the place of God.” There is nothing as valuable as the Word of God. Nevertheless, everyone must understand that the “word of God” is not God Himself! It is extremely dangerous for any person, Church, or institution to build upon the word of God instead of building upon God Himself. Today, there are many Churches that have fallen into this kind of deception. You can recognize them by observing their people: they have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The Church develops certain forms of worship that contradict the presence of God! The Word of God vs. “the word of God” I know that when I say “the word of God is not God,” many people become surprised, especially when they remember John 1:1, which says: > “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It is absolutely true that this Scripture says the Word was God. However, it is important to understand that this passage is speaking about “the Word” and not merely “the word of God.” There is a significant difference between these two expressions: “the Word of God” and “the word of God.” When you say “the Word of God,” you are referring, in essence, to a Person—which is why Word begins with a capital letter. However, when you say “the word of God,” you are not necessarily referring to a person, but rather to the ordinary word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Throughout the Bible, there are places where the word “Word” is used with a capital letter. When Scripture uses it in that way, it refers to a Person—Christ! The Bible is filled with the word of God that needs to be made alive. When a person reads it, they should seek the Spirit through whom that word was written. Therefore, the word of God needs the Spirit behind it so that it can be transformed into the living Word of God, who is a Person. And that is what saves, blesses, and heals. Thus: The word of God + the Holy Spirit = The Word of God [Jesus] Without the Holy Spirit, there is no life in anything. Therefore, do not be surprised that even the Bible can be used by witches or traditional healers in their practices. This helps us understand the meaning of the Scripture: > “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 Essentially, without the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes nothing more than a book of history, literature, philosophy, stories, politics, or any other ordinary book. And many people have treated Scripture in exactly that way. They have never encountered the Living Word of God within their hearts. As a result, they have built their lives upon a “word of God” that has never become flesh within them. Because of their lack of understanding, many people consider such individuals to be servants of God. Yet this condition has ultimately turned them into philosophers, motivational speakers, politicians, and extreme businessmen operating within the house of God. This is extremely dangerous! When the Lord made a whip and overturned the tables of the merchants in His Father’s house, was that not also a prophecy of what is going to take place in the house of God today? May God bless you greatly! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255 616 609 885 #LostInTheChurch #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #TrueHoliness #BornAgain #GraceAndTruth #ChristJesus #Christianity #TheCross #SpiritualGrowth #GodsWord