RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS! Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line! Scripture : “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2 Thought Of The Day... There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question: What am I carrying that God never told me to carry? Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus. The writer says: “Let us lay aside every weight…” Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin. Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively. Some weights are fear. Some weights are disappointment. Some weights are unforgiveness. Some weights are people’s opinions. Some weights are past failures. Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit. Some weights are worry about things you cannot control. And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying: “I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!” First Peter 5:7 says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time. Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus. LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says: “…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…” There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away. David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…” We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender. We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward. Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say: “Lord, show me ME.” Not my neighbor. Not my spouse. Not my family. Not the people at church. ME! Show me what needs to change. Show me what needs to go. Show me what I need to surrender. Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me. RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU The Scripture says: “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Notice it says “the race that is set before us.” You don't have to run somebody else's race. You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling. You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty. Galatians 6:4 says: “But let every man prove his own work…” God has given you a race. Your assignment may be different. Your journey may be different. Your timing may be different. Your obstacles may be different. And your testimony may be different. Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life. YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY! RUN WITH PATIENCE This may be one of the hardest parts. “…run with patience…” We want God to do it now. We want the prayer answered now. We want the door opened now. We want the healing now. We want the breakthrough now. We want the situation changed now. But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us. Isaiah 40:31 declares: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Patience does not mean you have stopped believing. Patience means: “God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.” When you're tired—keep running. When you're disappointed—keep running. When people misunderstand you—keep running. When prayers seem unanswered—keep running. When you cannot see the finish line—keep running. Why? Because God never promised that the race would always be easy. But He promised that He would be with you. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret: “Looking unto Jesus…” Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem. Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people. Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances. LOOK TO JESUS! Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water. Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink. The storm was already there when Peter stepped out. The difference was where Peter was looking. As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him. But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over. And somebody needs to hear this today: DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU! JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER Hebrews calls Jesus: “…the author and finisher of our faith.” If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story. If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends. Philippians 1:6 says: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race. There are still chapters God is writing. There are still prayers God is answering. There are still doors God can open. There are still people God wants you to impact. There is still purpose in you. So don't quit because you're tired. Don't quit because it became difficult. Don't quit because somebody walked away. Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable. LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT. TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN. STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE. RUN WITH PATIENCE. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. And when your strength gets low, remember: THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT! PRAYER... Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone. Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry. Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience. When we become tired, strengthen us. When we become discouraged, encourage us. When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus. When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway. Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us. We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit. Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith! Give us grace to run. Give us patience to endure. Give us strength to continue. And give us faith to finish. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen and Amen! DECLARATION... TODAY I DECLARE: I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God. I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will. I will not compare my race with anyone else's race. I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult. I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing. I will keep moving when I feel tired. I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough. MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS! He is the Author of my faith. He is the Finisher of my faith. What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete! I WILL NOT QUIT! I WILL NOT GIVE UP! I WILL RUN MY RACE! I WILL KEEP THE FAITH! AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG! In Jesus’ name—Amen!

Wednesday, 26th August, 2026 TITLE: "ABIDE IN GOD: DWELL IN HIS PRESENCE, REMAIN IN HIS STRENGTH" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 91:1–2 (KJV) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." John 15:4 (KJV) "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Your strength, safety, and fruitfulness begin with remaining close to God." DAY'S REFLECTION The Christian life is not designed to be lived independently of God. We need His presence, strength, guidance, and grace every day. Psalm 91:1 gives us a beautiful picture of this relationship: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The word "dwelleth" means to live, remain, or make one's home in a place. It is more than visiting occasionally. God desires us to develop a consistent relationship with Him rather than seeking Him only when trouble comes. The "secret place" speaks of intimate fellowship with God—a place of prayer, worship, meditation on His Word, and communion with Him. To "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" speaks of resting in His presence and depending on His power and protection. The psalmist therefore confidently declares, "He is my refuge and my fortress." A refuge is a place of safety, while a fortress provides protection against attack. The writer's confidence was not in his circumstances but in his relationship with God: "my God; in him will I trust." Jesus gives us the same principle in John 15:4: "Abide in me, and I in you." He uses the relationship between a branch and a vine to explain spiritual dependence. A branch cannot produce fruit by itself. It must remain connected to the vine. Likewise, we cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit through human effort alone. We need continuous connection with Christ. To abide means to remain, continue, dwell, and stay connected. Life experience teaches us that disconnection brings weakness. A phone may be fully functional, but without connection to its power source, its battery eventually runs down. Similarly, believers who neglect prayer, God's Word, worship, and fellowship with Christ can become spiritually weak and vulnerable. Abiding in Christ does not mean that problems will never come. It means that when problems come, we do not face them alone. We have a refuge. We have a fortress. We have the presence of the Almighty. Today, do not merely visit God's presence—dwell there. Do not only seek Christ when you need something—abide in Him daily. Stay connected to Christ, and let His presence become your place of strength, peace, protection, and fruitfulness. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 16:8 (KJV) "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God's presence should be our permanent dwelling place, not an occasional refuge. 2. Trusting God brings confidence in the midst of uncertainty. 3. Spiritual strength comes from remaining connected to Christ. 4. Like a branch depends on the vine, we depend on Jesus for spiritual fruitfulness. 5. Prayer and God's Word help us maintain intimate fellowship with Christ. 6. Abiding in Christ produces stability, peace, strength, and lasting fruit. EVERYDAY ACTION Spend intentional time with God today through prayer and His Word, and consciously depend on Christ in every decision. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me dwell in Your presence and abide in Christ every day. Be my refuge and fortress, strengthen my faith, and make my life fruitful for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The Lord is my refuge and fortress. I remain connected to Christ, and His strength, peace, and life flow through me. I will bear lasting fruit for His glory. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 23–24 | Ephesians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 23 Revival Through the Word of God 2 Kings 23 records one of the greatest seasons of spiritual reform in Judah's history under King Josiah. After hearing the Book of the Law and humbling himself before the Lord, Josiah immediately begins leading the nation back to covenant faithfulness. His response demonstrates that genuine revival always begins with God's Word and continues through obedient action. Josiah gathers the people and publicly renews the covenant before the Lord. He does not keep God's truth private but calls the entire nation to return to faithful worship. The king understands that spiritual renewal must involve both personal repentance and public obedience. The reforms that follow are comprehensive. Josiah removes idols, destroys pagan altars, eliminates false worship, and cleanses the temple. Nothing that competes with devotion to the Lord is left untouched. His actions reveal that true repentance is more than sorrow over sin—it involves turning away from everything that dishonors God. One of the most significant moments in the chapter is the restoration of the Passover. For generations, this central celebration of God's redeeming work had been neglected. By restoring it, Josiah calls the nation to remember God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His redeemed people. Worship becomes centered once again on God's saving acts rather than human traditions. Yet despite Josiah's remarkable faithfulness, the chapter reminds us that the accumulated rebellion of previous generations has consequences. God delays His judgment because of Josiah's humility, but the coming exile will still occur. National reform, though sincere, cannot erase centuries of persistent rebellion. Josiah's death at the end of the chapter marks the conclusion of a bright season in Judah's history. His passing prepares the way for the nation's final decline. Nevertheless, his example remains a testimony of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Theologically, 2 Kings 23 teaches that God's Word produces genuine repentance, which in turn leads to practical obedience. Revival is never merely emotional; it transforms worship, priorities, and daily living. The chapter also reveals that while God's mercy is abundant, sin carries consequences that cannot always be avoided. This chapter points to Christ, who fulfills the meaning of the Passover as the true Lamb of God. Josiah restored the celebration that pointed forward to Jesus, whose sacrifice would accomplish the ultimate redemption from sin. Christ brings the complete spiritual renewal that even Judah's greatest reforms could never fully achieve. For believers today, 2 Kings 23 reminds us that true revival begins when we humbly submit ourselves to God's Word. We are called to remove every idol from our hearts, renew our devotion to the Lord, and remember the redemption we have received through Christ. Genuine faith is demonstrated not merely by hearing God's truth but by obeying it wholeheartedly. 2 Kings 24 The Faithfulness of God in the Midst of Judgment 2 Kings 24 marks the beginning of Judah's final collapse before the Babylonian exile. After Josiah's death, a series of kings lead the nation back into rebellion against the Lord. Though prophets continue warning the people, they refuse to repent. The chapter records the fulfillment of what God had patiently declared for generations. Babylon rises to become the dominant world power, and Judah gradually falls under its control. Political alliances fail, military strength proves insufficient, and the nation experiences the consequences of years of covenant unfaithfulness. The writer emphasizes that these events are not simply the result of Babylon's military superiority but the outworking of God's righteous judgment. The chapter repeatedly points back to the sins of Manasseh and the persistent rebellion that followed him. Judah has consistently rejected God's Word, ignored His prophets, and embraced idolatry. The exile is therefore presented not as God's abandonment of His people but as His faithful response to His covenant warnings. King Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon despite God's clear purposes, bringing additional suffering upon the nation. His successors continue the same pattern of disobedience. Eventually, King Jehoiachin surrenders, and many of Judah's leaders, craftsmen, and treasures are carried away to Babylon. The exile has begun. Even in this difficult chapter, however, hope remains. God preserves the line of David by allowing Jehoiachin to live. Though the kingdom appears to have collapsed, God's covenant has not failed. His redemptive plan continues quietly through the preserved royal line, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. The chapter reminds us that God's judgment is always purposeful. His discipline is designed not to destroy His covenant but to purify His people and accomplish His larger redemptive purposes. Theologically, 2 Kings 24 reveals God's complete faithfulness. He fulfills both His promises of blessing and His warnings of judgment. The chapter also demonstrates that God's sovereign purposes continue even during seasons of loss, discipline, and apparent defeat. This chapter points to Christ, the faithful Son of David who remained obedient where Judah's kings repeatedly failed. Though the earthly kingdom entered exile, God's promise of an eternal King remained secure. Jesus fulfills that promise by establishing an everlasting kingdom that can never be conquered or carried away. For believers today, 2 Kings 24 reminds us that God's discipline flows from His faithfulness, not from His abandonment. Seasons of correction are opportunities to return to Him with humble hearts. In Christ, we have the assurance that even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, God's redemptive purposes continue unfolding. Our hope is not found in earthly kingdoms or temporary security but in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will never end. Ephesians — The Riches of God's Grace in the Christ The book of Ephesians presents one of the fullest pictures of God's eternal redemptive plan through the Christ, the Son of God. It begins by revealing everything believers have received in Him and then shows how those spiritual blessings are to shape everyday Christian living. The first half of the letter focuses on doctrine—who believers are in the Christ. The second half focuses on practice—how believers are to live because they belong to Him. A central theme throughout the book is God's eternal purpose in the Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God established His plan to redeem a people for Himself through His Son. Every promise, every blessing, and every aspect of salvation finds its fulfillment in the Christ. The redemptive plan is not an afterthought but the unfolding of God's eternal purpose. Another major emphasis is the believer's identity. Those who trust in the Christ are forgiven, adopted into God's family, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and seated with the Christ in heavenly places. They are no longer defined by their past but by their relationship with the Son of God. The book also highlights the unity of the Church. Through the Christ, God has brought together people from every background into one body. Walls of division have been removed, and believers now share one faith, one hope, one Lord, and one Spirit. Christian living reflects this unity through love, humility, and mutual service. Ephesians also emphasizes spiritual growth. Believers are called to put away the old way of life and grow into the likeness of the Christ. They are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, equipped for ministry, and encouraged to walk in holiness, wisdom, and love. The letter concludes with the reality of spiritual warfare. The Christian life involves ongoing conflict, not against people, but against spiritual forces. Yet believers do not fight in their own strength. The Son of God provides everything necessary to stand firm through the armor of God and the power of His Spirit. For believers today, Ephesians reminds us that our identity, purpose, strength, and hope are all found in the Christ. Christian living flows from understanding who we are because of what the Son of God has accomplished. As we walk in His grace, grow in His love, and stand firm in His truth, we display the beauty of His eternal redemptive plan to the world. Ephesians 1 — Every Spiritual Blessing in the Christ Ephesians chapter 1 opens with a magnificent celebration of God's eternal plan of salvation through the Christ, the Son of God. Rather than beginning with human need, Paul begins with God's grace, showing that every aspect of salvation originates with Him. The chapter reveals the immeasurable spiritual riches believers possess because they are united with the Christ. Christian living begins by understanding what God has already accomplished through His Son. The chapter begins by praising God for every spiritual blessing given through the Christ. These blessings are not earned through human effort but freely given by God's grace. The redemptive plan begins with God's initiative, not humanity's achievement. Every blessing believers enjoy flows from their relationship with the Son of God. Paul explains that God's purpose was established before the foundation of the world. Long before humanity fell into sin, God had already planned redemption through the Christ. This demonstrates the certainty and sovereignty of His redemptive plan. The Son of God did not come as a response to an unexpected problem but as the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose to redeem a people for Himself. The chapter then describes the privilege of adoption. Through the Christ, believers are brought into God's family as sons and daughters. This new relationship is based entirely upon God's love and grace. Christian living flows from the security of belonging to the Father through the Son. The believer no longer approaches God as a stranger but as a beloved child. Paul also emphasizes redemption through the blood of the Christ. Forgiveness is possible because the Son of God willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Every debt has been paid, every sin forgiven, and every barrier between God and humanity removed through His finished work. The redemptive plan reaches its fulfillment in the sacrifice of the Christ. Another major theme is God's purpose to bring everything together under the authority of the Christ. History is moving toward the complete fulfillment of His kingdom. The Son of God reigns over all creation, and every promise God has made will ultimately find its completion in Him. Christian living is therefore marked by hope and confidence because believers know that God's purposes cannot fail. The chapter also highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in the Christ are sealed with the Spirit as God's own possession. The Holy Spirit serves as the guarantee of the inheritance awaiting believers. This assurance provides confidence that God's redemptive plan will be completed exactly as He has promised. Paul then prays that believers would grow in spiritual understanding. He desires that they know the hope of God's calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the greatness of His power. Christian living is strengthened as believers continually grow in their knowledge of the Son of God and understand the incredible blessings already given to them through Him. The chapter concludes by declaring the supreme authority of the Christ. God has exalted His Son above every ruler, authority, power, and dominion. The Church is described as His body, living under His headship and displaying His presence in the world. The redemptive plan reaches beyond individual salvation to the creation of a people who live under the lordship of the Christ and proclaim His glory. Throughout Ephesians chapter 1, the Christ stands at the center of every spiritual blessing. He is the source of election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and eternal hope. Everything God has planned and accomplished is found in His beloved Son. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to begin our Christian lives by focusing on what God has already done through the Christ. Christian living is not driven by fear or striving but by gratitude for His abundant grace. We are called to live as God's adopted children, secure in His love, confident in His promises, and empowered by His Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of the Son of God, we increasingly reflect His glory and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Note The Stick You Write With When we read the bible,what do we think about? Do we think about the writer being inspired by the Spirit of God? Do we look to the setting it was written in, the culture of the times, etc? Do we look at the style of writing as some scholars teach us to do? These and more are often taught as the way to read the bible. In more modern education we are taught to think critically and what is being said and written. In other words what can we infer or deduce from the text we are reading? Questions such as these, more often than not lead to an overly complicated mess of confusion that is sometimes hard to navigate. Complicating the simple way the people of the day actually thought. What is more is that the New Testament was written in Koine ( common Greek). This Greek as written in the NT is often studied by scholars, pastors and laymen alike, searching for a clearer picture of what the biblical writers were intending. And in this way, we may more accurately discern the truth that God, through His servants, is trying to convey to us, 2,000 years later. Mind you in a culture that is very far removed from the culture it was written in. In short a lot has happened in 2,000 years, and some ideas just don’t translate well. To make up for this, scholars have tried hard to come up with different and new translations, paraphrases etc, that are everything from absolute trash, to literal word for word hard to read versions of the bible. Many popular bible translations we read are something of a dynamic equivalent, that’s thought for thought. Others are word for word. And still others are a paraphrase giving the general sense of what is being spoken of. Yet, for all this we seem to lose a little or a lot depending, when we try to bring this all into a culture, language and thought process that is far removed from the original. So we dig, scholars and laymen alike, dig. We dig into the language it is written in. We find meanings to words, and their roots. Sometimes we look at the society and culture around them and it brings out even more. Yet for all that, it seems we still come up short and we wonder why. In my own life, the more I dug into some limited Greek studies, the more I saw it was not really going too far, so I stopped looking. I would only look up what I was curious about or led to. If I am honest at times, I would remember my pastor who told me of his friend who was a biblical Greek scholar, who said it really doesn’t do you that much good to know Greek. As I studied I could see that, but why. Aren’t we taught to look into the language? Isn’t that the example that is set by many, if not most pastors and writers of biblical material? Look into the Greek to find the meaning of the words used in the NT, so we can understand a bit better? But its really not helping that much so what am I missing? What I found was not intentional. I was not looking for it. At all. I found where Jesus wrote about being the bread of life In John 6:35: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” In our minds we wonder what that means so we dig. And that is just what I did. I wanted to find out what that meant, exactly. My research led me to the cultural life of the Jewish people. And I found out that they, without a long explanation, knew that Jesus was saying, without bread, you die, you have no life. That may seem obvious and overly simplistic, yet for a people who lived in the desert, to not have bread and water, was a fact of certain death. Biblically the principle stems back to the time in the wilderness when God supplied bread for them in the form of mana. Again, this may seem obvious, but it’s not something most in western culture know very much about. We don’t know starvation as a possibility as well as they did then, we don’t know the waterless tracts of land they made their home in for thousands of years. They knew intimately the slow agonizing death by starvation and thirst, in a land where water is a commodity. Unlike us who just go to the faucet or by another water bottle at the nearest grocery store. These things were their reality, unlike ours. Finding this set me on a journey of sorts to looking into their culture more. As I did I began seeing things that we don’t often talk about. Then one day I realized that almost every NT writer with the exception of Luke was born Jewish. That meant that they came from a Jewish background, culture, traditions and language. Then I began to wonder how come we are looking at the NT from a western outlook, through the Greek language, when we should possibly be looking at it from a more Hebraic outlook? Why weren’t we looking at what they were saying through the culture, history etc of the person who was speaking it? They knew the language and ideas of the OT far better than we do. So, again I began digging. What I found was that as a general rule, the Jewish people of that day, had gained some complexity of thought because of outside influences, such as the Babylonian captivity, the Roman occupation etc, they still retained much of their original simplicity and straightforward thinking. In fact, without going too deep in this, most Jewish men at the time had at least some knowledge of the OT scriptures and how they were written and the thoughts behind them. This is due to the fact that they would teach the fathers trade to the children and were required to teach them the word of God as well. For them, things were relatively simple. Their culture and thought process, at least so far as these things are concerned, was simple compared to the Romans, or Greeks where we in the west get much of our way of thinking. To see the difference when we describe something, such as a pencil, we say its long, often yellow, with lead or graphite inside, it has an eraser on one end and the other is sharpened to a point so you can write with it. In ancient Hebrew, it’s literally a stick you write with, that is the description. To us, who habitually over complicate everything, even a bowl of Cheerios, this seems way too simplistic. Truthfully one may be right with that assessment. But that does not negate the fact that they understood things far different than we do. Now, I am doing more digging. Looking into the Hebrew language and looking at the NT from somewhat of a different angle. What happened is the truth we all see, written within the pages, started taking on a deeper meaning. Instead of looking at the Word through the lens of our culture or even the Greek, I began to see things that way I think the biblical writers were seeing them, and thus seeing the intent of God through them. Regardless of how it was written. When we look at the bible in this way it seems to take on new life. It doesn’t change the meaning, but deepens it, brings a fuller, more clear revelation, and application to our lives and ministries. I write my own writing, I do not use AI to write. All my writing is my own and can be scanned for AI content as well as plagiarism.

August 23 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY KEEPER 📖 Psalm 121:5 (LLV) — “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” There is comfort in knowing someone is watching over us. Not watching to find fault. Not watching from a distance. Watching because we matter to them. The psalmist says, “The LORD is your keeper.” He guards. He watches. He preserves. He cares. Earlier in this psalm, the writer looks toward the hills and asks, “Where does my help come from?” His answer is immediate. “My help comes from the LORD.” Then he tells us something remarkable about this Keeper. “He who keeps you will not slumber.” We grow tired. God does not. We become distracted. God does not. We sometimes fail to see the danger ahead. God does not. There is never a moment when God's attention wanders from His children. But then the psalmist makes the picture even more intimate. “The LORD is your shade at your right hand.” In the fierce heat of the ancient world, shade was not merely comfortable. It could mean survival. And shade cannot protect you from far away. It must be near. Very near. The psalmist could have said that God watches us from heaven. That would have been true. Instead, he describes God as shade beside us. Close enough to shelter. Close enough to protect. Close enough to remain at our side. We may not recognize every danger from which God has protected us. We may never know how many paths were quietly redirected, how many doors remained closed, or how many circumstances God used to keep us from something we could not see. But our confidence does not depend upon knowing everything God is doing. It rests in knowing who He is. My Keeper. The One who watches when I sleep. The One who sees what I cannot. The One who remains beside me through every step of the journey. A new beginning rests beneath this promise: I do not know everything that lies ahead, but my Keeper does—and He never stops watching over me. Reflection: Can I trust God's watchful care even when I cannot see what He may be protecting me from or how He is guiding my path? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Keeper. Thank You for watching over me when I am awake and when I sleep, when I understand the road ahead and when I do not. Help me trust Your protection even when I cannot see what You are doing. Remind me that You are not distant, but near—my shade at my right hand. Let me walk through today resting in Your faithful care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily devotion for August 22nd The House Of God We will not neglect the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:39b Throughout the history of Israel, the temple, or the tabernacle before that, was called the house of God. God signified His presence there by the shekinah glory that was located in the Holy of Holies. Today, under the New Testament, no building is ever to be called the house of God. This has been ignored by churches throughout the centuries, and temples, cathedrals, tabernacles, and church buildings have all been called the house of God. If you look at the teaching of the New Testament, however, you will find that it is not a building but the people who are the house of God. At one point, we even changed the sign in front of our building to reflect this truth. Where it says Peninsula Bible Church, we added the words Meets Here. Thus, it is not the building that is the church--it is the people who gather here. They are the house of God. Notice the commitment of these people to attend faithfully the worship services of the temple. We all need the ministry of the saints. Paul prayed that the Ephesians may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). You cannot do that without the ministry of other people. Hebrews has a specific admonition to that end: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). The writer is referring to the return of Jesus. As we see it nearing, we need all the more to gather together because we need each other's support. Two men of widely different temperaments work together. Normally they would not get along very well, and they might not even like each other. But they work together, and both agree that having to work with someone with whom they do not particularly have an affinity has been a blessing to them. They have learned how to appreciate someone different from themselves. They have learned how to be tolerant and patient with one another. Though it has been a struggle and they have had their moments, they both agree that God has used this to teach them how to grow. So even those in the house of God who irritate us can be of benefit to us. Father, thank You for the house of God--for those men and women You have placed around me, who in one way or another I desperately need. May I learn to appreciate and love them.

The Story Behind the Hymns THE STORY BEHIND " WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? " “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?” is a stirring Christian hymn written by Frances Ridley Havergal, the English poet, hymn writer and devotional author whose words often called believers to deeper commitment and wholehearted service to Christ. The hymn was written in 1877, during a period when Havergal was deeply involved in Christian ministry and devotional writing. Its central question is direct and searching: “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Rather than simply asking believers to identify themselves as Christians, the hymn challenges them to consider whether they are truly willing to stand with Christ and serve Him. The hymn’s inspiration is closely connected with the biblical language of choosing whom one will serve. Its message echoes Joshua’s declaration in Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” while also drawing on the New Testament call to follow Christ faithfully. Each verse develops the theme of surrender and allegiance. Havergal speaks of giving oneself fully to the Lord, following His leadership, enduring hardship and remaining faithful to His cause. The hymn therefore moves beyond a declaration of faith to a call for action, courage and consecration. The familiar opening asks: “Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?” The “King” is Christ, and the question is presented as an invitation to make a deliberate choice. The hymn reminds worshippers that Christian discipleship involves more than words; it calls for a life placed at the service of God. Havergal became known for hymns that expressed personal devotion, consecration and commitment to Christ. Among her other well-known hymns are “Take My Life, and Let It Be” and “Like a River Glorious.” Her writings continue to be sung and read by Christians around the world. “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?” has endured because of its timeless challenge. Generations of Christians have sung it as a hymn of dedication, especially in worship services where believers are encouraged to renew their commitment to Christ and His work. More than a century after it was written, its question remains just as powerful: when the call to serve the King comes, where do we stand?

🦖 MEDIEVAL T-REX CARVINGS PROVE HUMAN-DRAGON COEXISTENCE! 1. THE SHOCK HOOK How did medieval stonemasons in the 1300s and 1400s carve two distinct, upright T-Rex theropods framing an archer's window—hundreds of years before modern paleontology ever dug up a single theropod fossil? 2. THE HARD EVIDENCE Look closely at the stone window arch from Noah's Vineyard region in Turkey. Framing the defensive archer slit are two clearly recognizable bipedal reptiles facing each other. Theropod Anatomy: They feature a heavy tail base, upright posture, powerful hind limbs, short arms, and distinct head profiles—classic theropod anatomy. Carved Centuries Before 1841: This church and bell-tower stonework dates to the 14th–15th centuries (1300s–1400s). That is over 400 years before Sir Richard Owen invented the word Dinosauria in 1841! Categorized as Dragons: Ancient history grouped these beasts under the general banner of "dragons." The fierce meat-eaters (theropods/T-Rex forms) were often depicted in combat, warnings, or defensive architectural carvings, while the massive herbivores (sauropods and ceratopsians) were recorded as great long-tailed land dragons like Behemoth. If no human eye ever saw a living theropod, how could medieval sculptors accurately carve their exact anatomy into stone windows? They carved them because they saw them! 3. THE BIBLICAL TIE-IN Secular history insists that dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago, but physical artifacts and ancient church carvings prove that humans lived alongside these creatures. Genesis tells us that God created all land animals on Day 6 alongside man. When you strip away the 1841 word "dinosaur" and look at historical dragon accounts, artwork, and stone carvings, history aligns perfectly with God's Word! 4. CALL TO ACTION & MINISTRY OUTREACH The Bible has been accurate from the very beginning! Stop letting secular timelines hide the truth of God's creation. Share this post to open eyes, and follow Creation Group Ministries for more undeniable historical and scientific evidence! 🛐 A code like DNA that is arranged in appropriate order has to be done by intelligent guidance, a code requires a code writer and design demands a designer! 🔬📃 Zeb Wilson & Zion AI Apologetics ( AI Apologetics Assistant) Creation Group Ministries 🦕 🔬🐉🦕🧬🔭🦠🧪🌌🔬🛐🐉_🦕🧬 #reels #love #truth #hope #reelsfbシ #WhenDragonsWereDinosaurs #CreationScience #IntelligentDesign #Apologetics #Truth #Faith #Science #God #Jesus #TheBible #CreationGroupMinistries #Everyone @ [highlight] #CreationGroupMinistries #reelsvideoシ #reelsviralシfb #reelsviralシ #reelsfbシ #facebookreelsviral #reelsfacebook #facebookreels #reelsviral #CreationGroupMinistries https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1UwbEqqqTg/

🎤🔥 You will not taste death Mark 9 Jesus spoke to His disciples, and prepared them for what was going to happen. Some of them would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God come with power. ° Later, after his resurrection, the writer of Hebrews gave us a powerful announcement: that Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man! ° 🔥🎤 Ⓜ️🅰️RK Ⓜ️🅰️NIA The Tree of Life 🌳 20th August 2026 Lunch Hour Preaching Messages Rick Gold Ministries ° 👇🎧 30mins https://t.me/LunchHourPreaching/12319 ° Be Blessed TNT & HG🕊 °

The Story Behind the Hymns THE STORY BEHIND "ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE " “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” is one of the world’s best-known hymns associated with the sea, sailors and those who face danger on the waters. Its powerful words are a prayer for God’s protection and a reminder of His authority over the forces of nature. The hymn was written in 1860 by English hymn writer William Whiting (1825–1878), who was then the headmaster of Winchester College Choristers’ School in England. Whiting was inspired to write the hymn after a student preparing to travel by sea came to him troubled by the dangers of the journey. Whiting drew inspiration particularly from Psalm 107, which speaks of sailors caught in storms and waves and of God calming the sea. The opening words, “Eternal Father, strong to save,” immediately establish the hymn’s central theme: God as the protector of those at sea. Whiting’s original poem included references to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, asking each person of the Trinity for protection. The hymn became even more widely known after English composer John Bacchus Dykes created the tune “Melita” for it in 1861. The name refers to Melita, the ancient name associated with Malta, where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked according to Acts 28. With its memorable melody and prayerful words, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” soon became closely connected with naval and maritime traditions. It has been sung by sailors, naval personnel and families seeking protection for loved ones travelling across the sea. Over the years, the hymn has also been used at naval ceremonies, military services, funerals and moments of remembrance. Its appeal, however, reaches far beyond the sea. The hymn speaks to anyone who needs courage and assurance in the face of uncertainty, placing human vulnerability against the enduring strength of God. More than 160 years after it was written, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” remains a beloved hymn because its message is timeless: when the waters are troubled and human strength reaches its limits, faith looks to the One who commands the sea and offers refuge to those who call upon Him.