Daily Devotion — September 3 | Acts 24:5 (NKJV)

Stand Firm When You Are Misunderstood

Paul had been brought before Felix because of accusations made against him. His opponents described him in a negative way and attempted to make his faithful ministry appear to be a threat.
Paul was not being accused because he had abandoned God. He was facing opposition because he was faithfully proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ. His commitment to the Gospel had brought him into a difficult situation.

This passage reminds us that doing what is right does not always mean that everyone will understand or approve of us. Sometimes people may misunderstand our motives, misrepresent our actions, or speak against us because of our faith.

Paul's example teaches us not to measure our faithfulness by the opinions of others. Our goal should not be to make everyone pleased with us, but to remain faithful to God and truthful in our conduct.
When we are falsely accused or misunderstood, our natural response may be anger, discouragement, or a desire to defend ourselves at all costs. But God calls us to respond with wisdom, patience, and integrity. We can trust Him to see the truth even when others do not.

As believers, we should continue walking faithfully even when our obedience brings opposition. God knows our hearts, and He is able to use difficult situations as opportunities for us to demonstrate Christlike character.

Reflection Questions

1. How do I respond when someone misunderstands or misrepresents me

2. Am I more concerned about people's opinions or about remaining faithful to God

3. What can I do today to respond to opposition with wisdom and grace

Prayer

Lord God, help me remain faithful when I am misunderstood or treated unfairly. Give me wisdom to speak truthfully, patience to endure opposition, and grace to respond in a way that honors You. Help me to trust You with my reputation and continue walking faithfully in Your ways. In Jesus name Amen.

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Daily Devotion — September 1 | Acts 23:11 (NKJV)

When God Stands With You

Paul was facing a difficult and uncertain moment. He had testified about his faith in Christ, and opposition against him was growing stronger. The situation had become so dangerous that the Lord personally came and stood by Paul, assuring him that he should not be afraid.

God reminded Paul that his witness in Jerusalem was not the end of his calling. He would also testify about Christ in Rome. The circumstances around Paul looked threatening, but God's purpose for his life remained secure.

This passage reminds us that God's presence does not disappear when life becomes difficult. There may be moments when we feel surrounded by opposition, uncertainty, disappointment, or fear. Yet the Lord knows exactly where we are, and He is able to strengthen us when our own strength feels insufficient.

Jesus told Paul to be of good cheer because his journey was not finished. In the same way, believers can find courage in knowing that God is still working even when we cannot see what He is doing. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, trust His presence, and continue walking in obedience.
God does not promise that every road will be easy, but He promises that we never walk it alone. When fear rises, we can remember that the Lord stands with His people and gives them courage to continue fulfilling the purpose He has given them.

Reflection Questions

1. What situation in my life is causing me fear or discouragement

2. Am I trusting God's presence even when I cannot see the outcome

3. How can I remain faithful to God in the situation I am facing today

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for reminding me that You are with me even in difficult and uncertain times. Give me courage when I am afraid and strength when I feel weak. Help me to trust Your purpose and remain faithful to You wherever You lead me. In Jesus name Amen.

Practical Application

- Face today's difficulties with confidence in God's presence

- Continue obeying God even when circumstances are discouraging

- Encourage someone who may be struggling with fear or uncertainty

Takeaway Thought

When God stands with you, difficult circumstances do not have the final word.

#LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #September1 #Acts2311 #BeOfGoodCheer #GodIsWithYou #CalledToBeAWitness #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. — Psalm 150:6

Our very breath is a gift from God, and our greatest response is to use it to give Him glory.

Comment Below What This Verse Means To You

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TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER!

“LORD, MOVE IN OUR FAMILIES!”

“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” — Isaiah 59:1 (KJV)

Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we come before You this Tuesday morning lifting up our entire family.
Lord, move in our families as never before! Go into every home, touch every heart, and meet every need.
Father, we lift up every family member who does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Your Word says You are “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Lord, save our sons, daughters, grandchildren, spouses, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Draw them to Jesus and bring the wandering ones home!
Father, touch every family member dealing with physical sickness, mental and emotional struggles, pain, disease, anxiety, fear, discouragement, or exhaustion.
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.” — Jeremiah 17:14 (KJV)
Lord, heal bodies, strengthen minds, restore peace, guide doctors, and give wisdom concerning every treatment and decision.
Father, we cry out for those struggling with drugs and alcohol. Break every chain of addiction! Destroy destructive cycles and give them strength, treatment, support, and godly people to walk with them toward freedom.
“He brought them out of darkness... and brake their bands in sunder.” — Psalm 107:14 (KJV)
Lord, we place our finances before You. Provide where there is lack. Give us wisdom, discipline, favor, opportunity, and resources. Help us become faithful stewards of everything You place in our hands.
We pray for every family member seeking employment.
“Establish thou the work of our hands upon us.” — Psalm 90:17 (KJV)
Lord, open doors no one can shut. Give favor with applications, résumés, interviews, and employers. Lead them to the right opportunities.
And for those who are already employed, Father, we thank You! Now we believe You for increase, advancement, salary increases, new opportunities, and promotion according to Your will.
Lord, heal broken relationships. Restore communication. Break generational cycles. Remove unforgiveness, division, and bitterness. Protect our children, marriages, homes, and loved ones from dangers seen and unseen.
Father, move through our bloodline!
Save our family.
Heal our family.
Deliver our family.
Provide for our family.
Restore our family.
Protect our family.
And let Your Word be fulfilled:
“I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” — Isaiah 44:3 (KJV)
Lord, do something in our families that only You can get the glory for!
We place every name, every sickness, every financial need, every job situation, every addiction, every troubled mind, every unsaved loved one, and every unspoken burden into Your hands.
LORD, MOVE AS NEVER BEFORE!
In the mighty, healing, saving, delivering, restoring, chain-breaking, door-opening name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Brenda Walsh Ministries
How Much Is Your Soul Worth?

People spend their whole life trying to achieve “success,” striving for fame, fortune, and power - but when you think about it, what is the real meaning of success anyway? For some, it’s how much money they have in the bank, driving a fancy car, sending their kids to the best schools, or having power and influence. But no matter how high a status you reach in the eyes of others, nothing is more important than the value of your soul! The Bible says in Mark 8:36-37, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” The devil uses the trappings of this world to blind you from what really matters, and that’s staying close to God! You can’t begin to even imagine how much you mean to our heavenly Father until you think of His great sacrifice on Calvary. Only then can you start to imagine just how much you mean to Him. So if you’re wondering how much your soul is worth - well, Jesus loves you so much so that He left the splendor of heaven to give His life, dying on a cross so that you can live with Him for all eternity. And you just can’t pay a higher price than that! Text: Ephesians 5:1-2, Luke 19:10, 1 John 4:12, John 3:16

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 1)

1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2. To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,

3. To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;

4. To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—

5. A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6. To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8. My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

10. My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.

11. If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14. Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.

17. Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;

18. But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

20. Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.

21. She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:

22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.

23. Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

24. Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25. Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,

26. I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

27. When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

28. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

29. Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,

30. They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.

31. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

May God uphold you, strengthen you, and give you all the grace you need this season of your life, in Jesus' name. Amen!

TITLE: PURITY IS OUR REQUIREMENT — OUR SANCTIFICATION WILL OF GOD — BECOMING 144000 — Rev 14:1-5 — BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT BY EFFORTS

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INTRODUCTION:

Church — Purity is our requirement. Our sanctification is will of God.

1 Thess 4:3 — For this is will of God, your sanctification
1 Thess 4:7 — For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness
Heb 12:14 — Pursue holiness, without which no one will see Lord
1 Pet 1:15-16 — Be holy, for I am holy
Matt 5:8 — Blessed are pure in heart, for they shall see God

Example God gives is 144000 — Rev 14:1-5 — People God needs us to become.

MAIN TEXT: Rev 14:1, 3-5

Rev 14:1 — Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 having His Father's Name written on their foreheads
Rev 14:3 — Redeemed from earth
Rev 14:4 — These are ones who were not defiled... for they are virgins. These are ones who follow Lamb wherever He goes. Redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to Lamb
Rev 14:5 — And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before throne of God

This is standard of final salvation — Pure & blameless.

POINT 1: HOW DO YOU HAVE THIS? NOT BY YOUR EFFORTS BUT BY GOD'S REDEMPTIVE GRACE OF JESUS' BLOOD AND OUR FAITHFULNESS

Eph 2:8-9 — For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is gift of God, not of works
Titus 2:11-12 — Grace of God... teaches us to deny ungodliness
Eph 1:7 — In Him we have redemption through His blood according to riches of His grace
Rev 17:14 — Those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful
Rev 2:10 — Be faithful until death and I will give you crown of life
Rev 14:4 — These are ones who follow Lamb wherever He goes — Faithfulness

Not effort = Rom 9:16 — Not of him who wills, nor runs, but of God who shows mercy — But grace + your faithfulness to follow.

POINT 2: WE ARE IN FLESH THOUGH SAVED, LED BY SPIRIT — BATTLE BETWEEN FLESH & SPIRIT EVERYDAY

Rom 8:9 — You are not in flesh but in Spirit, if indeed Spirit of God dwells in you
Gal 5:16-17 — Walk in Spirit, and you shall not fulfill lust of flesh. For flesh lusts against Spirit, and Spirit against flesh; and these are contrary to one another
Rom 7:21-23 — Battle in members
Gal 5:24 — Those who are Christ's have crucified flesh with its passions

You are saved, spirit-led, but battle is manifested everyday in our lives.

POINT 3: YOU MUST KEEP A CLEAN RACE UPTO END — STARTED BY GRACE AND FAITH UNTIL FINAL SALVATION AS PURE & BLAMELESS LIKE 144000

Heb 12:1 — Let us run with endurance race set before us
2 Tim 4:7 — I have finished race, I have kept faith
1 Cor 9:24-27 — Run to obtain, bring body into subjection
Phil 1:6 — He who has begun good work will complete it
Eph 2:10 — Created for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them
Matt 24:13 — He who endures to end shall be saved
Rev 14:5 — Without fault before throne — Eph 1:4 — Holy and without blame — Jude 1:24 — Present you faultless

You started by grace and faith — Gal 3:3 — Having begun in Spirit — You must keep clean race upto end.

POINT 4: BRETHREN THIS ISN'T EASY BUT BY PRAYER AND WORD BECOME IT, BECOME PURE

1 Tim 4:5 — For it is sanctified by word of God and prayer
John 17:17 — Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth
Ps 119:9 — How shall young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word
Ps 119:11 — Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You
Eph 5:26 — Washing of water by word
John 15:3 — You are already clean because of word

Word + Prayer = Purity. That is formula for 144000 formation.

POINT 5: IN THIS LAST AGE WITH THAT BATTLE — TRUE REPENTANCE & BLOOD WASH IS CRUCIAL

True repentance = turning away from sin or evil you did & don't do it again.

Acts 3:19 — Repent therefore and be converted, that sins may be blotted out
2 Cor 7:10 — Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation
Prov 28:13 — He who confesses and forsakes will have mercy
Luke 3:8 — Bear fruits worthy of repentance
1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin

Blood washes, purifies you:

Rev 1:5 — Washed us from sins in His own blood
1 John 1:7 — Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin
Heb 9:14 — Blood of Christ cleanse your conscience
Isa 1:18 — Though sins like scarlet, shall be as white as snow

POINT 6: THINGS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED FOR PURITY EARNING — SIN

Gal 5:19-21 — Works of flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries
1 Cor 6:9-10 — Neither fornicators, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners will inherit kingdom
Eph 4:31 — Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking be put away
James 3:16 — Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there
Col 3:8 — Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language
Rev 21:8 — Unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have part in lake

You listed: envy, jealous, gossiping, quarreling, drunkenness, adultery, corruption, unbelief, compromise of truth — turning away from truth to follow deception, lies — etc — Must be avoided.

2 Cor 7:1 — Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness
James 1:27 — Keep oneself unspotted from world

POINT 7: NOT GOING TO RUN THIS CLEAN RACE TO FINAL SALVATION BY THY EFFORTS BUT BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Zech 4:6 — Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit
Phil 2:13 — It is God who works in you both to will and to do
Titus 3:5 — Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us
2 Tim 1:9 — Saved us... not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace

Your part is faithfulness — His part is grace to keep you.

POINT 8: YOU NEED TO PRAY THE WORD THAT CLEANSES US — DAVID SAYS HIS WORD KEEPS ME BLAMELESS AND IN WALK OF RIGHT PATH

Ps 119:9, 11 — Cleanses way, keeps from sin
Ps 18:23 — I was also blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity
Ps 119:133 — Direct my steps by Your word
Ps 37:31 — Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide
Josh 1:8 — Meditate in word day and night... then you will make your way prosperous

Pray the word — Jer 23:29 — Is not My word like fire? — It burns impurity.

POINT 9: ENSURE YOU BELIEVE IN THY PRAYING — PRAYER IN FAITH = WORKS, NOT FAITH ALONE — BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED — SPEAK THAT YOU BELIEVE

2 Cor 4:13 — We having same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak
Mark 11:23-24 — Whoever says... and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore... whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them
James 2:17, 22, 26 — Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead... Faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect
John 6:29 — This is work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent — John 6:28-29 — What shall we do, that we may work works of God?

Believing = works of faith. When you pray minus faith, and don't see it, this might fail your prayer.

James 1:6-7 — Let him ask in faith, with no doubting... let not that man suppose he will receive anything from Lord
Heb 11:6 — Without faith it is impossible to please Him
Matt 21:22 — Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive

So in this, your prayer is sealed with faith & works.

Isa 43:26 — Put Me in remembrance; state your case
Job 22:28 — You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you
Rom 10:10 — With heart one believes unto righteousness, and with mouth confession is made unto salvation

CONCLUSION & ALTAR CALL PRAYER:

Therefore — Believe = works of faith — John 6:29 — And you will receive, it will be done unto you — Mark 11:24

Today we choose to be pure & blameless like 144000 — Not by efforts but by grace through faithfulness — Turning, washed by Blood, avoiding sin, by word & prayer, believing we have received purity.

1 John 3:3 — Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure

Let us pray Rev 14:1-5 prayer we made — And believe we have received it —

Amen.

THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR / ALONE WITH GOD

TOPIC: SEPTEMBER MUST FAVOUR ME: I REJECT BACKWARDNESS AND RECEIVE DIVINE ENLARGEMENT

Bible Reading: Psalm 5:12, Isaiah 54:2-3, Deuteronomy 28:1-13, Psalm 18:29-32

Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily.

1. Father, let September favour Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Enlarge this commission, increase its kingdom impact, and let every righteous effort produce abundant fruit, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:2-3)


2. O Lord, let September bring favour, divine connections, open doors, and supernatural advancement to every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12)


3. September, hear the word of the Lord: you shall favour me and my household. I shall experience divine enlargement, progress, peace, and fruitful opportunities, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12)


4. I reject every form of backwardness, stagnation, regression, and limitation assigned against my life this month, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 43:18-19)


5. O Lord, enlarge my territory and increase my capacity. Let me enter into opportunities greater than what I have experienced before, in the name of Jesus Christ. (1 Chronicles 4:10)


6. Every power attempting to push my life backward in September, lose your influence over me, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17)


7. Father, let every door You have ordained for my advancement open this month. Let no power shut what You have opened, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 3:8)


8. Every evil pattern of starting a new season with disappointment, loss, or stagnation, be broken from my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)


9. O Lord, let Your favour distinguish me wherever I go this month. Let the right people, opportunities, and resources locate me according to Your will, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17)


10. Every satanic barrier standing between me and my divine enlargement, be removed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 45:2)


11. Father, bless the work of my hands in September. Let my finances, business, career, farm, investments, and legitimate endeavours experience measurable progress, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:12)


12. I reject every cycle of repeated failure and limitation. I receive grace to advance, increase, and fulfil God's purpose for my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:13)


13. O Lord, connect me with destiny helpers and righteous relationships that will contribute to the fulfilment of Your purpose for my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 68:6)


14. Every devourer assigned to consume my September harvest, be rebuked by the Lord. Let the fruits of my labour be preserved, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)


15. Father, let September not carry away any blessing You have ordained for me. Let me receive, preserve, and enjoy the fruits of my labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2)


16. Every evil expectation that I will experience backwardness this month, be disappointed. Let my testimony contradict every negative expectation, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 27:2)


17. O Lord, give me wisdom to recognize every divine opportunity and courage to step into every door You open before me, in the name of Jesus Christ. (James 1:5)


18. I declare that September and the months beyond shall be seasons of enlargement, fruitfulness, restoration, and advancement. I shall not go backward, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25)


19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let September bring them favour, enlargement, fruitful opportunities, financial stability, and advancement, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4)


20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries experience divine enlargement in every area necessary for soul winning and kingdom advancement. Supply every financial, human, and material resource needed for this assignment, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19)


21. Father, I declare that September must favour me and my household. I reject backwardness, stagnation, regression, failure, and every limitation contrary to Your purpose. I welcome divine enlargement, open doors, favour, fruitful opportunities, restoration, and advancement this month and beyond. Let the work of my hands prosper, let Your goodness distinguish me, and let my life continually move forward according to Your perfect will, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12; Isaiah 54:2-3)



TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK

For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com WhatsApp: +2348062343560

SHALOM

FORGIVEN, ACCEPTED, AND LOVED

“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”

—Ephesians 1:6–8

Because Jesus lives, you can be forgiven of your sins. The Apostle Paul wrote, “So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:6–8 NLT).

That’s important to remember because your spiritual enemy will use guilt to make you question your relationship with the Lord. He will try to convince you that your sin makes you unworthy to be part of God’s family.

Remember, though, that everything God has done has been because of His grace, which means “unmerited favor.” You aren’t merely forgiven, justified, and cleansed of your sins; you have been received in love by God Himself. This is because of His deep love for His own Son, Jesus. Because His Son lives in you, you have found His favor. You have the approval of God because of what Jesus has done.

Some people have been raised in homes where their father never demonstrated any kind of love toward them. Maybe he was cold and distant. Or maybe, you were raised in a home where there wasn’t a father at all. We can transfer those emotions to God the Father. We can walk around in life feeling as though we don’t have the approval of God. We might think, “If I just did this, God would notice,” or “If I worked a little harder, then God would love me.”

But that’s not the kind of Father we’re talking about. The psalmist wrote, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy” (Psalm 68:5 NLT). Paul wrote, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Ephesians 1:3 NLT). And James wrote, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17 NLT).

God approves of you. You are accepted and loved—not because you read your Bible a little longer, share Christ with more people, or give a little more in the offering. You are still accepted even when you don’t do all of that. You are accepted when you fail, when you slip up, when you give in to a familiar temptation. You are accepted not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done.

In understanding this great truth, you should want to do everything for the Lord’s glory—not to earn His approval, but because you already have it.

God bless you!