• DAY 31- Morning

    Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow.

    Morning Reflection
    Keep Walking Together

    Good morning,
    We have come to the end of August.
    Thirty-one days.
    Thirty-one opportunities to pause, reflect, pray, forgive, serve, listen and love.
    Perhaps some days were easy.
    Perhaps some touched places in your marriage that needed healing.
    Perhaps some lessons made you laugh.
    Perhaps others challenged you deeply.
    But remember:
    Marriage is a journey, not a one-month project.
    Tomorrow begins another month.
    There will be new responsibilities.
    New challenges.
    New joys.
    New opportunities to grow.
    So don't put away what you have learned.
    Carry it forward.
    Keep choosing each other.
    Keep praying together.
    Keep talking.
    Keep serving.
    Keep forgiving.
    Keep Christ at the centre.
    And when you stumble, don't assume the journey is over.
    Get up.
    Take each other's hands.
    And keep walking.

    God's Word
    "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." — Hebrews 12:1–2

    Today's Love Action
    Hold your spouse's hand and thank God together for bringing you through August.
    Then each of you say one thing you want to do better in your marriage next month.

    Let's Talk
    What is the most important lesson God has taught us through this month's journey?

    Prayer
    Heavenly Father, thank You for carrying us through this month. Thank You for every lesson, every blessing and every opportunity to grow. Help us carry these lessons into the new month. Continue to strengthen our marriage and keep Christ at the centre of our home. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    From The Counselor's Chair
    A strong marriage is not built in one dramatic moment. It is built through thousands of ordinary choices made faithfully over time.

    Marriage Nugget
    "A lasting marriage is built one faithful day at a time."

    Remember
    In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.
    DAY 31- Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow. 🌅 Morning Reflection Keep Walking Together Good morning, We have come to the end of August. Thirty-one days. Thirty-one opportunities to pause, reflect, pray, forgive, serve, listen and love. Perhaps some days were easy. Perhaps some touched places in your marriage that needed healing. Perhaps some lessons made you laugh. Perhaps others challenged you deeply. But remember: Marriage is a journey, not a one-month project. Tomorrow begins another month. There will be new responsibilities. New challenges. New joys. New opportunities to grow. So don't put away what you have learned. Carry it forward. Keep choosing each other. Keep praying together. Keep talking. Keep serving. Keep forgiving. Keep Christ at the centre. And when you stumble, don't assume the journey is over. Get up. Take each other's hands. And keep walking. 📖 God's Word "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." — Hebrews 12:1–2 ❤️ Today's Love Action Hold your spouse's hand and thank God together for bringing you through August. Then each of you say one thing you want to do better in your marriage next month. 💬 Let's Talk What is the most important lesson God has taught us through this month's journey? 🙏 Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for carrying us through this month. Thank You for every lesson, every blessing and every opportunity to grow. Help us carry these lessons into the new month. Continue to strengthen our marriage and keep Christ at the centre of our home. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair A strong marriage is not built in one dramatic moment. It is built through thousands of ordinary choices made faithfully over time. 💎 Marriage Nugget "A lasting marriage is built one faithful day at a time." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
  • Monday, 31st August, 2026

    TITLE: "FINISH STRONG: PRESS TOWARD THE PRIZE"

    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

    2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV) "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

    Philippians 3:14 (KJV) "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

    QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

    “Do not stop because the journey is difficult; keep pressing until you reach God's appointed finish line.”

    DAY'S REFLECTION

    Life is not only about how we start; it is also about how we finish. Paul, looking back over his life and ministry, confidently declared, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

    The word “fight” reminds us that the Christian journey requires spiritual determination. There will be opposition, temptation, disappointment, discouragement, and seasons when continuing becomes difficult. But a believer must not surrender the faith because the road becomes challenging.

    “I have finished my course” speaks of completing the assignment God gave him. Every person has responsibilities, opportunities, and purposes that God expects them to fulfil. We should not spend our lives comparing our race with someone else's. Run your course faithfully.

    Paul also says, “I have kept the faith.” To keep means to preserve, guard, and remain faithful. Circumstances may change, people may disappoint us, and prayers may take longer than expected, but our confidence in God must remain.

    Philippians 3:14 adds, “I press toward the mark.” To press means to pursue with determination and earnest effort. Paul was not looking backward at past achievements; he was moving forward toward “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

    Life experience teaches us that many people begin with enthusiasm but struggle to finish. A runner may start strongly but victory requires endurance until the end. Likewise, our Christian journey requires consistency—not merely occasional passion.

    As we come to the end of August, take a moment to reflect. There may have been victories, failures, delays, disappointments, and answered prayers. Whatever happened, do not stop moving forward. Learn from yesterday, remain faithful today, and press toward what God has ahead.

    Paul's greatest reward was not earthly recognition but “a crown of righteousness” from the Lord. This reminds us that faithful service to God is never wasted. Even when people do not notice our sacrifices, God sees them.

    Therefore, finish strong. Keep your faith. Keep your integrity. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep pursuing Christ.

    The goal is not merely to begin well, but to finish faithfully.

    MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

    Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV) "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; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

    Galatians 6:9 (KJV) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

    Revelation 2:10 (KJV) "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

    LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

    1. A good beginning is important, but a faithful finish is essential.

    2. The Christian journey requires perseverance and spiritual discipline.

    3. Do not compare your race with another person's journey.

    4. Guard your faith even when circumstances become difficult. Past achievements should not prevent you from pursuing God's future purpose.

    5. God rewards faithful endurance. Keep your eyes on Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith.

    EVERYDAY ACTION

    Leave yesterday's failures behind. Identify one goal God has placed before you. Take one purposeful step toward it. Refuse to give up when difficulties arise. Keep your eyes on Christ.

    PRAYER

    Heavenly Father, give me grace to remain faithful, endure every challenge, and finish the course You have given me. Help me press forward without giving up until I receive the prize of Your calling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    DECLARATION

    I will not give up. I will keep the faith, finish my course, and press toward the mark. Every obstacle will strengthen my endurance, and by God's grace, I will finish strong and receive the reward of faithful service. Amen.

    Devotion by

    Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
    +233 544 295 158

    Follow us on WhatsApp
    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
    Monday, 31st August, 2026 TITLE: "FINISH STRONG: PRESS TOWARD THE PRIZE" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV) "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Philippians 3:14 (KJV) "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON “Do not stop because the journey is difficult; keep pressing until you reach God's appointed finish line.” DAY'S REFLECTION Life is not only about how we start; it is also about how we finish. Paul, looking back over his life and ministry, confidently declared, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” The word “fight” reminds us that the Christian journey requires spiritual determination. There will be opposition, temptation, disappointment, discouragement, and seasons when continuing becomes difficult. But a believer must not surrender the faith because the road becomes challenging. “I have finished my course” speaks of completing the assignment God gave him. Every person has responsibilities, opportunities, and purposes that God expects them to fulfil. We should not spend our lives comparing our race with someone else's. Run your course faithfully. Paul also says, “I have kept the faith.” To keep means to preserve, guard, and remain faithful. Circumstances may change, people may disappoint us, and prayers may take longer than expected, but our confidence in God must remain. Philippians 3:14 adds, “I press toward the mark.” To press means to pursue with determination and earnest effort. Paul was not looking backward at past achievements; he was moving forward toward “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Life experience teaches us that many people begin with enthusiasm but struggle to finish. A runner may start strongly but victory requires endurance until the end. Likewise, our Christian journey requires consistency—not merely occasional passion. As we come to the end of August, take a moment to reflect. There may have been victories, failures, delays, disappointments, and answered prayers. Whatever happened, do not stop moving forward. Learn from yesterday, remain faithful today, and press toward what God has ahead. Paul's greatest reward was not earthly recognition but “a crown of righteousness” from the Lord. This reminds us that faithful service to God is never wasted. Even when people do not notice our sacrifices, God sees them. Therefore, finish strong. Keep your faith. Keep your integrity. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep pursuing Christ. The goal is not merely to begin well, but to finish faithfully. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV) "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; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Galatians 6:9 (KJV) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Revelation 2:10 (KJV) "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. A good beginning is important, but a faithful finish is essential. 2. The Christian journey requires perseverance and spiritual discipline. 3. Do not compare your race with another person's journey. 4. Guard your faith even when circumstances become difficult. Past achievements should not prevent you from pursuing God's future purpose. 5. God rewards faithful endurance. Keep your eyes on Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith. EVERYDAY ACTION Leave yesterday's failures behind. Identify one goal God has placed before you. Take one purposeful step toward it. Refuse to give up when difficulties arise. Keep your eyes on Christ. PRAYER Heavenly Father, give me grace to remain faithful, endure every challenge, and finish the course You have given me. Help me press forward without giving up until I receive the prize of Your calling. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I will not give up. I will keep the faith, finish my course, and press toward the mark. Every obstacle will strengthen my endurance, and by God's grace, I will finish strong and receive the reward of faithful service. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 14 Vue
  • TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

    SERMON TOPIC:

    6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN.

    “A Christian by Name, or a Christian by Nature?”

    Text:

    Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:3–6

    NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS “LORD” KNOWS THE LORD.
    There is a dangerous assumption in Christianity today:
    “If someone goes to church, carries a Bible, posts Bible verses, sings worship songs, or calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ then that person must be a Christian.”
    But Jesus warned us that this is not always true.
    > “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:2
    That statement should make every one of us pause.
    Jesus did not say, “Not everyone who attends church.”
    He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.’”
    This means it is possible to have Christian language without Christian life.
    It is possible to have a Bible in your hand but not have Christ in your heart.
    It is possible to be active in church but inactive in obedience.
    It is possible to know Christian songs without knowing Christ.
    And therefore, the question today is not:
    “Do people think I am a Christian?”
    The question is:
    “Does my life give evidence that I truly belong to Christ?”
    This message is not designed to judge other people. It is a mirror before it becomes a weapon.
    Before you examine your neighbor, examine yourself.

    LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:-

    1. THEY HAVE NO GENUINE DESIRE TO OBEY CHRIST.
    A genuine Christian is not perfect, but there is a genuine desire to please God.
    Jesus said:
    > “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15
    Obedience does not save us; Christ saves us.
    But genuine salvation produces a desire to obey the One who saved us.
    Someone may say:
    > “Jesus is my Lord.”
    But if Jesus is truly Lord, He must have authority over your decisions.
    You cannot continually say:
    “Jesus is Lord,”
    while your lifestyle says:
    “I am my own lord.”
    Important distinction
    A true Christian can fall into sin.
    But there is a difference between:
    falling into sin and building your life around sin.
    There is a difference between:
    > “Lord, I have failed. Forgive me.”
    and:
    > “I know it is wrong, but I don't care.”
    The first demonstrates repentance.
    The second demonstrates rebellion.
    2. THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT.
    Jesus said:
    > “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16
    Notice that Jesus did not say:
    “You shall know them by their clothes.”
    He did not say:
    “You shall know them by their church attendance.”
    He said:
    “By their fruits.”
    What is growing in your life?
    Is there increasing love?
    Is there increasing patience?
    Is there forgiveness?
    Is there humility?
    Is there self-control?
    Is there compassion?
    Is there holiness?
    Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit.

    A genuine Christian should show evidence of spiritual transformation.
    Not perfection.
    Transformation.
    If someone has been claiming Christ for years but there is absolutely no evidence of Christlike character, that should lead to serious self-examination.
    3. THEY LOVE THE WORLD MORE THAN THEY LOVE GOD.
    1 John 2:15 says:
    > “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”
    The Bible is not saying Christians cannot enjoy God's creation, work hard, have possessions, or live normal lives.
    The warning is about worldliness becoming the master of the heart.
    When money becomes more important than righteousness...
    When popularity becomes more important than holiness...
    When sexual pleasure becomes more important than obedience...
    When social media approval becomes more important than God's approval...
    When material possessions become our identity...
    Something is wrong.
    Jesus asked:
    > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
    A Christian lives in the world, but the world must not live in the Christian's heart.
    4. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR OTHER BELIEVERS.
    This is one of the strongest biblical tests.
    1 John 3:14 says:
    > “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”
    Christianity is not merely about loving God with our lips.
    It also affects how we treat people.
    You cannot continually hate everyone, refuse forgiveness, enjoy destroying people's reputations, and then claim that your relationship with Christ is healthy.
    Jesus said:
    > “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35
    Love does not mean allowing people to abuse you.
    Love does not mean approving everything people do.
    Love means treating people with the character of Christ.
    Ask yourself:
    How do I treat people who cannot benefit me?
    How do I treat those who disagree with me?
    How do I respond when someone succeeds?
    Can I forgive?
    Can I apologize?
    Can I celebrate another person's progress?
    Because sometimes the greatest evidence of Christianity is not what happens inside the church building, but how we behave outside it.
    5. THEY ONLY FOLLOW JESUS WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT.
    Some people want Jesus as Savior but refuse Him as Lord.
    They want:
    Blessing without obedience.
    Breakthrough without discipline.
    Promises without repentance.
    Heaven without holiness.
    The crown without the cross.
    But Jesus said:
    > “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
    Following Christ will sometimes cost you something.
    It may cost you a relationship.
    It may cost you an opportunity.
    It may cost you popularity.
    It may cost you comfort.
    It may require you to say:
    “No.”
    when everybody else is saying:
    “Yes.”
    A genuine disciple does not follow Jesus only when following Him is profitable.
    Real Christianity is tested when obedience becomes costly.
    6. THEY HAVE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE BUT NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST.
    This may be the most frightening sign.
    A person can know about Jesus without actually knowing Jesus.
    You can memorize Scripture.
    You can preach sermons.
    You can sing worship songs.
    You can teach Sunday school.
    You can even perform religious activities.
    And still have a heart far from God.
    Jesus said in Matthew 7:23:
    > “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
    Those are terrifying words.
    Notice something:
    Jesus did not say:
    “You never knew about Me.”
    He said:
    “I never knew you.”
    Christianity is not merely information about Christ.
    It is relationship with Christ.
    You can know the Bible and not obey the Author.
    You can know Christian vocabulary and not know the Savior.
    You can sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost.

    BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

    JUDAS ISCARIOT

    One of the most sobering examples is Judas.
    Judas walked with Jesus.
    He heard Jesus teach.
    He witnessed miracles.
    He was among the disciples.
    He participated in ministry.
    Yet his heart was not surrendered to Christ.
    Eventually, he betrayed Jesus.
    This teaches us something uncomfortable:
    Being close to Christian activity does not automatically mean being close to Christ.
    You can be around the fire and still be cold inside.
    You can be around worship and still have an unconverted heart.
    You can be around pastors and still need salvation.
    You can be a church worker and still need Jesus.
    Therefore, don't ask:
    “How long have I been in church?”
    Ask:
    “Has Christ truly transformed my life?”

    A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH.

    Salvation is not proven by perfection; it is evidenced by transformation.
    The Christian life is not:
    > “I never make mistakes.”
    It is:
    > “I no longer want to remain the person I used to be.”
    When Christ enters a person's life, something begins to change.
    Their desires begin to change.
    Their priorities begin to change.
    Their relationships begin to change.
    Their attitude toward sin begins to change.
    Their hunger for God's Word begins to change.
    Their response to correction begins to change.
    Their heart begins to change.
    That is the work of grace.

    PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS.

    1. Examine yourself
    Paul says:
    > “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5
    Don't only examine your neighbor.
    Examine yourself.
    2. Repent where necessary
    Don't defend what God is asking you to surrender.
    If the Holy Spirit reveals something, repent.
    3. Return to God's Word
    Don't build your Christianity around social media quotes.
    Build it around Scripture.
    Read it.
    Study it.
    Believe it.
    Practice it.
    4. Develop a genuine prayer life
    Prayer is not merely asking God for things.
    Prayer is relationship.
    Talk to God.
    Listen to God.
    Seek His will.
    5. Look for spiritual fruit
    Ask:
    “Am I becoming more like Christ?”
    Not:
    “Am I better than someone else?”
    6. Make Jesus Lord, not merely Savior
    Don't only ask Jesus to rescue you from hell.
    Ask Him to rule your heart.

    QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION.

    1. If someone watched my life for 30 days, would they see evidence of Christ?
    2. Do I obey God only when obedience benefits me?
    3. What fruit of the Spirit is growing in my life?
    4. How do I treat people who cannot reward me?
    5. Have I genuinely repented of my sins, or have I simply learned Christian language?
    6. Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him?

    POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

    1. Prayer of Examination
    Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You.
    2. Prayer of Repentance
    Lord Jesus, wherever I have lived in disobedience, forgive me and give me grace to turn completely back to You.
    3. Prayer for Transformation
    Holy Spirit, transform my character and produce Your fruit in my life.
    4. Prayer for Genuine Faith
    Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life. Let my Christianity be genuine, not merely outward.
    5. Prayer for Love
    Lord, give me grace to love people sincerely, forgive quickly, and represent Christ correctly.
    6. Prayer for Perseverance
    Jesus, when following You becomes difficult, give me strength not to turn back.
    7. Prayer for Spiritual Hunger
    Lord, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word, prayer, holiness, and Your presence.

    STRONG CLOSING:

    DON'T JUST WEAR THE NAME—CARRY THE NATURE.

    Church, the greatest question is not:
    “Am I called a Christian?”
    The greatest question is:
    “Does Christ truly live in me?”
    Don't be satisfied because your name is on a church register.
    Don't be satisfied because you have a Bible.
    Don't be satisfied because you attend Christian programs.
    Don't be satisfied because you can quote Scripture.
    Don't be satisfied because people call you “Brother” or “Sister.”
    Make sure you know Jesus.
    If you have drifted, come back.
    If you have been pretending, repent.
    If your faith has become merely religious, return to Christ.

    If you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to surrender.
    Because one day, every religious mask will fall.
    Every title will disappear.
    Every reputation will disappear.
    Every earthly achievement will disappear.
    And we will stand before Christ.
    So let our prayer be:
    > “Lord Jesus, make me a genuine Christian—not merely a Christian by name, but a Christian by nature, character, faith, obedience, and love.”
    Don't just carry the Bible.
    Live the Bible.
    Don't just talk about Jesus.
    Follow Jesus.
    Don't just wear the name Christian.
    Let Christ be seen in you.
    May our lives preach the Gospel even when our mouths are silent. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

    Accept Jesus Christ today by joining a Bible believing Church near you
    You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below

    https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1

    https://selar.com/m/umoedem

    https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

    https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34

    CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540

    Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN. “A Christian by Name, or a Christian by Nature?” Text: Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:3–6 🔥 NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS “LORD” KNOWS THE LORD. There is a dangerous assumption in Christianity today: “If someone goes to church, carries a Bible, posts Bible verses, sings worship songs, or calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ then that person must be a Christian.” But Jesus warned us that this is not always true. > “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:2 That statement should make every one of us pause. Jesus did not say, “Not everyone who attends church.” He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.’” This means it is possible to have Christian language without Christian life. It is possible to have a Bible in your hand but not have Christ in your heart. It is possible to be active in church but inactive in obedience. It is possible to know Christian songs without knowing Christ. And therefore, the question today is not: “Do people think I am a Christian?” The question is: “Does my life give evidence that I truly belong to Christ?” This message is not designed to judge other people. It is a mirror before it becomes a weapon. Before you examine your neighbor, examine yourself. LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:- 1. THEY HAVE NO GENUINE DESIRE TO OBEY CHRIST. A genuine Christian is not perfect, but there is a genuine desire to please God. Jesus said: > “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Obedience does not save us; Christ saves us. But genuine salvation produces a desire to obey the One who saved us. Someone may say: > “Jesus is my Lord.” But if Jesus is truly Lord, He must have authority over your decisions. You cannot continually say: “Jesus is Lord,” while your lifestyle says: “I am my own lord.” Important distinction A true Christian can fall into sin. But there is a difference between: falling into sin and building your life around sin. There is a difference between: > “Lord, I have failed. Forgive me.” and: > “I know it is wrong, but I don't care.” The first demonstrates repentance. The second demonstrates rebellion. 2. THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. Jesus said: > “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 Notice that Jesus did not say: “You shall know them by their clothes.” He did not say: “You shall know them by their church attendance.” He said: “By their fruits.” What is growing in your life? Is there increasing love? Is there increasing patience? Is there forgiveness? Is there humility? Is there self-control? Is there compassion? Is there holiness? Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. A genuine Christian should show evidence of spiritual transformation. Not perfection. Transformation. If someone has been claiming Christ for years but there is absolutely no evidence of Christlike character, that should lead to serious self-examination. 3. THEY LOVE THE WORLD MORE THAN THEY LOVE GOD. 1 John 2:15 says: > “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” The Bible is not saying Christians cannot enjoy God's creation, work hard, have possessions, or live normal lives. The warning is about worldliness becoming the master of the heart. When money becomes more important than righteousness... When popularity becomes more important than holiness... When sexual pleasure becomes more important than obedience... When social media approval becomes more important than God's approval... When material possessions become our identity... Something is wrong. Jesus asked: > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 A Christian lives in the world, but the world must not live in the Christian's heart. 4. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR OTHER BELIEVERS. This is one of the strongest biblical tests. 1 John 3:14 says: > “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” Christianity is not merely about loving God with our lips. It also affects how we treat people. You cannot continually hate everyone, refuse forgiveness, enjoy destroying people's reputations, and then claim that your relationship with Christ is healthy. Jesus said: > “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 Love does not mean allowing people to abuse you. Love does not mean approving everything people do. Love means treating people with the character of Christ. Ask yourself: How do I treat people who cannot benefit me? How do I treat those who disagree with me? How do I respond when someone succeeds? Can I forgive? Can I apologize? Can I celebrate another person's progress? Because sometimes the greatest evidence of Christianity is not what happens inside the church building, but how we behave outside it. 5. THEY ONLY FOLLOW JESUS WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT. Some people want Jesus as Savior but refuse Him as Lord. They want: Blessing without obedience. Breakthrough without discipline. Promises without repentance. Heaven without holiness. The crown without the cross. But Jesus said: > “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 Following Christ will sometimes cost you something. It may cost you a relationship. It may cost you an opportunity. It may cost you popularity. It may cost you comfort. It may require you to say: “No.” when everybody else is saying: “Yes.” A genuine disciple does not follow Jesus only when following Him is profitable. Real Christianity is tested when obedience becomes costly. 6. THEY HAVE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE BUT NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. This may be the most frightening sign. A person can know about Jesus without actually knowing Jesus. You can memorize Scripture. You can preach sermons. You can sing worship songs. You can teach Sunday school. You can even perform religious activities. And still have a heart far from God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23: > “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Those are terrifying words. Notice something: Jesus did not say: “You never knew about Me.” He said: “I never knew you.” Christianity is not merely information about Christ. It is relationship with Christ. You can know the Bible and not obey the Author. You can know Christian vocabulary and not know the Savior. You can sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost. 📖 BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT One of the most sobering examples is Judas. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He was among the disciples. He participated in ministry. Yet his heart was not surrendered to Christ. Eventually, he betrayed Jesus. This teaches us something uncomfortable: Being close to Christian activity does not automatically mean being close to Christ. You can be around the fire and still be cold inside. You can be around worship and still have an unconverted heart. You can be around pastors and still need salvation. You can be a church worker and still need Jesus. Therefore, don't ask: “How long have I been in church?” Ask: “Has Christ truly transformed my life?” 🔥 A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH. Salvation is not proven by perfection; it is evidenced by transformation. The Christian life is not: > “I never make mistakes.” It is: > “I no longer want to remain the person I used to be.” When Christ enters a person's life, something begins to change. Their desires begin to change. Their priorities begin to change. Their relationships begin to change. Their attitude toward sin begins to change. Their hunger for God's Word begins to change. Their response to correction begins to change. Their heart begins to change. That is the work of grace. 🛠️ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. Examine yourself Paul says: > “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 Don't only examine your neighbor. Examine yourself. 2. Repent where necessary Don't defend what God is asking you to surrender. If the Holy Spirit reveals something, repent. 3. Return to God's Word Don't build your Christianity around social media quotes. Build it around Scripture. Read it. Study it. Believe it. Practice it. 4. Develop a genuine prayer life Prayer is not merely asking God for things. Prayer is relationship. Talk to God. Listen to God. Seek His will. 5. Look for spiritual fruit Ask: “Am I becoming more like Christ?” Not: “Am I better than someone else?” 6. Make Jesus Lord, not merely Savior Don't only ask Jesus to rescue you from hell. Ask Him to rule your heart. 🤔 QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION. 1. If someone watched my life for 30 days, would they see evidence of Christ? 2. Do I obey God only when obedience benefits me? 3. What fruit of the Spirit is growing in my life? 4. How do I treat people who cannot reward me? 5. Have I genuinely repented of my sins, or have I simply learned Christian language? 6. Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him? 🙏 POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Examination Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, wherever I have lived in disobedience, forgive me and give me grace to turn completely back to You. 3. Prayer for Transformation Holy Spirit, transform my character and produce Your fruit in my life. 4. Prayer for Genuine Faith Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life. Let my Christianity be genuine, not merely outward. 5. Prayer for Love Lord, give me grace to love people sincerely, forgive quickly, and represent Christ correctly. 6. Prayer for Perseverance Jesus, when following You becomes difficult, give me strength not to turn back. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Hunger Lord, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word, prayer, holiness, and Your presence. 🔥 STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST WEAR THE NAME—CARRY THE NATURE. Church, the greatest question is not: “Am I called a Christian?” The greatest question is: “Does Christ truly live in me?” Don't be satisfied because your name is on a church register. Don't be satisfied because you have a Bible. Don't be satisfied because you attend Christian programs. Don't be satisfied because you can quote Scripture. Don't be satisfied because people call you “Brother” or “Sister.” Make sure you know Jesus. If you have drifted, come back. If you have been pretending, repent. If your faith has become merely religious, return to Christ. If you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to surrender. Because one day, every religious mask will fall. Every title will disappear. Every reputation will disappear. Every earthly achievement will disappear. And we will stand before Christ. So let our prayer be: > “Lord Jesus, make me a genuine Christian—not merely a Christian by name, but a Christian by nature, character, faith, obedience, and love.” Don't just carry the Bible. Live the Bible. Don't just talk about Jesus. Follow Jesus. Don't just wear the name Christian. Let Christ be seen in you. May our lives preach the Gospel even when our mouths are silent. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Accept Jesus Christ today by joining a Bible believing Church near you You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 11 Vue
  • Real love stays patient in the struggle, hopeful in the waiting, and faithful through every season. It doesn’t mean ignoring pain or accepting harm—it means choosing grace, truth, and perseverance with God’s help. Feelings may change and seasons may pass, but love rooted in Him continues.
    Real love stays patient in the struggle, hopeful in the waiting, and faithful through every season. It doesn’t mean ignoring pain or accepting harm—it means choosing grace, truth, and perseverance with God’s help. Feelings may change and seasons may pass, but love rooted in Him continues.
    Like
    1
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 50 Vue
  • PERSEVERE UNTIL THE END

    But it is necessary to remain on the path in order to remain in salvation.

    Jesus taught us that we need to renounce the world, take up our cross, and follow the Lord every day.

    And until when should we follow?

    Until the end. Until the last day of our lives. Amen?

    This journey has an end, and we need to remain firm until we get there. This is perseverance.

    Paul persevered until the end. When God revealed to him that the moment of his departure was near, he declared:

    “The time for my departure has come.”

    And he also said:

    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

    Paul persevered. He did not give up. He completed the mission that God had placed in his hands.

    And because he persevered, he could say:

    “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

    Hallelujah!

    The promise was not only for Paul. It is for everyone who remains faithful, for everyone who perseveres until the end.

    Because if you do not persevere, you may end up with nothing more than a story from the past:

    “One day I was a believer. One day I served God. One day I was in church.”

    But God did not call us to live only on a story from the past. He called us to remain firm until the end.

    Therefore, we need to persevere in everything.

    We need to persevere while we wait on the Lord for the promises of this life.

    We need to persevere while we wait for His coming.

    We need to persevere in faith.

    We need to persevere in love.

    We need to persevere in patience.

    We need to persevere when things are difficult.

    We need to persevere when we do not understand what God is doing.

    We need to keep walking even when circumstances tell us to stop.

    Why?

    Because what we have attained through faith must also be guarded through perseverance.

    We cannot start well and finish badly.

    We cannot run for a while and then abandon the race.

    We need to reach the end.

    Amen?

    The Bible says:

    “We, however, are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

    Therefore, stand firm!

    Do not give up your faith.

    Do not abandon the path.

    Do not return to the world.

    Keep following Jesus.

    Persevere until the end.

    Because the one who perseveres until the end will be saved.

    Say: I will persevere until the end!
    PERSEVERE UNTIL THE END But it is necessary to remain on the path in order to remain in salvation. Jesus taught us that we need to renounce the world, take up our cross, and follow the Lord every day. And until when should we follow? Until the end. Until the last day of our lives. Amen? This journey has an end, and we need to remain firm until we get there. This is perseverance. Paul persevered until the end. When God revealed to him that the moment of his departure was near, he declared: “The time for my departure has come.” And he also said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul persevered. He did not give up. He completed the mission that God had placed in his hands. And because he persevered, he could say: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” Hallelujah! The promise was not only for Paul. It is for everyone who remains faithful, for everyone who perseveres until the end. Because if you do not persevere, you may end up with nothing more than a story from the past: “One day I was a believer. One day I served God. One day I was in church.” But God did not call us to live only on a story from the past. He called us to remain firm until the end. Therefore, we need to persevere in everything. We need to persevere while we wait on the Lord for the promises of this life. We need to persevere while we wait for His coming. We need to persevere in faith. We need to persevere in love. We need to persevere in patience. We need to persevere when things are difficult. We need to persevere when we do not understand what God is doing. We need to keep walking even when circumstances tell us to stop. Why? Because what we have attained through faith must also be guarded through perseverance. We cannot start well and finish badly. We cannot run for a while and then abandon the race. We need to reach the end. Amen? The Bible says: “We, however, are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Therefore, stand firm! Do not give up your faith. Do not abandon the path. Do not return to the world. Keep following Jesus. Persevere until the end. Because the one who perseveres until the end will be saved. Say: I will persevere until the end!
    Like
    2
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 140 Vue
  • WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: A LIFE STORY IN MY OWN WORDS CHRONICLES A
    REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE
    Mr. Ben E. Brady shares an honest memoir that reflects on hardship, redemption, and a lifetime of unexpected experiences shaped by enduring faith.

    New Braunfels, TX, — Mr. Ben E. Brady presents What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, a compelling memoir that recounts a lifetime marked by extraordinary challenges, unexpected opportunities, and unwavering faith. From his premature birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, to careers and adventures that carried him across the United States, Brady's story offers readers a candid account of perseverance, personal growth, and spiritual transformation.

    In What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady reflects on the many chapters of a life that defies convention. His journey includes experiences ranging from performing music in neighborhood venues while
    sharing his Christian faith to serving as a Justice of the Peace in Texas, along with numerous other unexpected turns that reveal both personal struggle and remarkable determination.

    The inspiration for the memoir comes from Brady's desire to share his life exactly as he lived it, without embellishment or pretense. Looking back across decades of hardship, personal loss, professional change, and spiritual renewal, he
    recognized an opportunity to document the faith that sustained him through every season. His honest reflections encourage readers to see how perseverance, humility, and trust in God can shape even the most unpredictable life journey.

    Beyond recounting memorable experiences, the memoir explores broader themes of redemption, purpose, and the enduring influence of faith. Brady demonstrates that a meaningful life is not defined by perfection but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. His story emphasizes that God's grace often becomes most visible through life's greatest trials, offering readers encouragement to embrace hope and remain faithful through
    changing circumstances.

    What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words is written for readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs, Christian testimony, and true stories of resilience. It will resonate with individuals seeking encouragement through life's challenges as well as those interested in authentic accounts of personal transformation. Through thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the memoir reminds readers that every experience, no matter how difficult, can contribute to a greater purpose.

    Mr. Ben E. Brady draws upon a lifetime of diverse experiences, public service, music, and Christian faith to offer readers a memoir rooted in authenticity and gratitude. His commitment to honesty and his willingness to share both
    victories and failures provide a compelling portrait of a life shaped by perseverance and grace. Through What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady leaves readers with a timeless reminder that faith can
    sustain hope through every chapter of life's journey.

    The book is now available — secure your copy here: https:/a.co/d/07qZMUfz
    For interview requests, or additional information, please contact:
    Mr. Ben E. Brady via DM
    WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: A LIFE STORY IN MY OWN WORDS CHRONICLES A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE Mr. Ben E. Brady shares an honest memoir that reflects on hardship, redemption, and a lifetime of unexpected experiences shaped by enduring faith. New Braunfels, TX, — Mr. Ben E. Brady presents What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, a compelling memoir that recounts a lifetime marked by extraordinary challenges, unexpected opportunities, and unwavering faith. From his premature birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, to careers and adventures that carried him across the United States, Brady's story offers readers a candid account of perseverance, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. In What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady reflects on the many chapters of a life that defies convention. His journey includes experiences ranging from performing music in neighborhood venues while sharing his Christian faith to serving as a Justice of the Peace in Texas, along with numerous other unexpected turns that reveal both personal struggle and remarkable determination. The inspiration for the memoir comes from Brady's desire to share his life exactly as he lived it, without embellishment or pretense. Looking back across decades of hardship, personal loss, professional change, and spiritual renewal, he recognized an opportunity to document the faith that sustained him through every season. His honest reflections encourage readers to see how perseverance, humility, and trust in God can shape even the most unpredictable life journey. Beyond recounting memorable experiences, the memoir explores broader themes of redemption, purpose, and the enduring influence of faith. Brady demonstrates that a meaningful life is not defined by perfection but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. His story emphasizes that God's grace often becomes most visible through life's greatest trials, offering readers encouragement to embrace hope and remain faithful through changing circumstances. What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words is written for readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs, Christian testimony, and true stories of resilience. It will resonate with individuals seeking encouragement through life's challenges as well as those interested in authentic accounts of personal transformation. Through thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the memoir reminds readers that every experience, no matter how difficult, can contribute to a greater purpose. Mr. Ben E. Brady draws upon a lifetime of diverse experiences, public service, music, and Christian faith to offer readers a memoir rooted in authenticity and gratitude. His commitment to honesty and his willingness to share both victories and failures provide a compelling portrait of a life shaped by perseverance and grace. Through What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady leaves readers with a timeless reminder that faith can sustain hope through every chapter of life's journey. The book is now available — secure your copy here: https:/a.co/d/07qZMUfz For interview requests, or additional information, please contact: Mr. Ben E. Brady via DM
    Like
    1
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 19 Vue
  • Here are 20 prayers for ministries, each based on King James Version (KJV) Scriptures.

    1. Prayer for God's Presence
    Heavenly Father, let Your presence dwell in every ministry. May everything we do bring glory to Your holy name and lead people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
    Scripture: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." — Psalm 127:1 (KJV)


    2. Prayer for Divine Direction
    Lord, guide every ministry according to Your perfect will. Lead each step by Your Holy Spirit and keep us from our own understanding.
    Scripture: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart... and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)


    3. Prayer for Unity
    Father, unite every member in love, humility, and truth so that we may serve You with one heart and one mind.
    Scripture: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3 (KJV)


    4. Prayer for Wisdom
    Lord, give ministry leaders wisdom to make decisions that honor You and bless Your people.
    Scripture: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." — James 1:5 (KJV)


    5. Prayer for Boldness
    Father, fill every ministry with boldness to proclaim the Gospel without fear or compromise.
    Scripture: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)


    6. Prayer for Spiritual Growth
    Lord, help every ministry grow in faith, holiness, and the knowledge of Your Word.
    Scripture: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)


    7. Prayer for Fruitfulness
    May every ministry bear lasting spiritual fruit that glorifies Christ and leads many to salvation.
    Scripture: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." — John 15:8 (KJV)


    8. Prayer for Protection
    Father, place Your hedge of protection around every ministry, its leaders, volunteers, and members.
    Scripture: "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul." — Psalm 121:7 (KJV)


    9. Prayer for Faithfulness
    Lord, help every ministry remain faithful to Your Word and steadfast in the work You have called it to do.
    Scripture: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)


    10. Prayer for Love
    Fill every ministry with genuine love for You and for one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.
    Scripture: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." — John 13:35 (KJV)


    11. Prayer for Holiness
    Lord, keep every ministry pure and holy before You in doctrine, conduct, and worship.
    Scripture: "Be ye holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)


    12. Prayer for Provision
    Father, provide every spiritual, financial, and practical need so Your work may continue without lack.
    Scripture: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)


    13. Prayer for Servant Hearts
    Teach every ministry worker to serve with humility, joy, and faithfulness, following the example of Christ.
    Scripture: "By love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13 (KJV)


    14. Prayer for Revival
    Lord, send revival to every ministry. Renew hearts, awaken passion for Your Word, and pour out Your Spirit.
    Scripture: "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" — Psalm 85:6 (KJV)


    15. Prayer for the Lost
    Father, use every ministry to reach those who do not know Christ and bring them to repentance and faith.
    Scripture: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." — Luke 19:10 (KJV)


    16. Prayer for Discernment
    Grant every ministry spiritual discernment to recognize truth, reject error, and follow Your voice.
    Scripture: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)


    17. Prayer for Strength
    Lord, strengthen every ministry to endure trials with faith, courage, and perseverance.
    Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)


    18. Prayer for the Next Generation
    Raise up faithful children, youth, and young adults to love You and serve in Your kingdom.
    Scripture: "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." — Psalm 145:4 (KJV)


    19. Prayer for the Great Commission
    Empower every ministry to faithfully make disciples, teach Your Word, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
    Scripture: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." — Matthew 28:19 (KJV)


    20. Prayer for God's Glory
    Father, let every ministry exist to glorify You alone. May Jesus Christ be exalted in every sermon, every act of service, and every soul that is reached.
    Scripture: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)



    Closing Prayer

    Heavenly Father, we commit every ministry into Your hands. Fill each one with the power of the Holy Ghost, establish them in Your truth, protect them from the enemy, provide every need, and cause them to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God. May every ministry remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ until He returns. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    Here are 20 prayers for ministries, each based on King James Version (KJV) Scriptures. 1. Prayer for God's Presence Heavenly Father, let Your presence dwell in every ministry. May everything we do bring glory to Your holy name and lead people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." — Psalm 127:1 (KJV) 2. Prayer for Divine Direction Lord, guide every ministry according to Your perfect will. Lead each step by Your Holy Spirit and keep us from our own understanding. Scripture: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart... and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) 3. Prayer for Unity Father, unite every member in love, humility, and truth so that we may serve You with one heart and one mind. Scripture: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3 (KJV) 4. Prayer for Wisdom Lord, give ministry leaders wisdom to make decisions that honor You and bless Your people. Scripture: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." — James 1:5 (KJV) 5. Prayer for Boldness Father, fill every ministry with boldness to proclaim the Gospel without fear or compromise. Scripture: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) 6. Prayer for Spiritual Growth Lord, help every ministry grow in faith, holiness, and the knowledge of Your Word. Scripture: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) 7. Prayer for Fruitfulness May every ministry bear lasting spiritual fruit that glorifies Christ and leads many to salvation. Scripture: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." — John 15:8 (KJV) 8. Prayer for Protection Father, place Your hedge of protection around every ministry, its leaders, volunteers, and members. Scripture: "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul." — Psalm 121:7 (KJV) 9. Prayer for Faithfulness Lord, help every ministry remain faithful to Your Word and steadfast in the work You have called it to do. Scripture: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV) 10. Prayer for Love Fill every ministry with genuine love for You and for one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world. Scripture: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." — John 13:35 (KJV) 11. Prayer for Holiness Lord, keep every ministry pure and holy before You in doctrine, conduct, and worship. Scripture: "Be ye holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV) 12. Prayer for Provision Father, provide every spiritual, financial, and practical need so Your work may continue without lack. Scripture: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) 13. Prayer for Servant Hearts Teach every ministry worker to serve with humility, joy, and faithfulness, following the example of Christ. Scripture: "By love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13 (KJV) 14. Prayer for Revival Lord, send revival to every ministry. Renew hearts, awaken passion for Your Word, and pour out Your Spirit. Scripture: "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" — Psalm 85:6 (KJV) 15. Prayer for the Lost Father, use every ministry to reach those who do not know Christ and bring them to repentance and faith. Scripture: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." — Luke 19:10 (KJV) 16. Prayer for Discernment Grant every ministry spiritual discernment to recognize truth, reject error, and follow Your voice. Scripture: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) 17. Prayer for Strength Lord, strengthen every ministry to endure trials with faith, courage, and perseverance. Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." — Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 18. Prayer for the Next Generation Raise up faithful children, youth, and young adults to love You and serve in Your kingdom. Scripture: "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." — Psalm 145:4 (KJV) 19. Prayer for the Great Commission Empower every ministry to faithfully make disciples, teach Your Word, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Scripture: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." — Matthew 28:19 (KJV) 20. Prayer for God's Glory Father, let every ministry exist to glorify You alone. May Jesus Christ be exalted in every sermon, every act of service, and every soul that is reached. Scripture: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we commit every ministry into Your hands. Fill each one with the power of the Holy Ghost, establish them in Your truth, protect them from the enemy, provide every need, and cause them to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God. May every ministry remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ until He returns. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
  • Saturday, 29th August, 2026

    TITLE: "RENEWED STRENGTH: RUN YOUR RACE WITHOUT GIVING UP"

    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

    Isaiah 40:29–31 (KJV) "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

    Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) "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."

    QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

    “When your strength is exhausted, God's strength can carry you forward.”

    DAY'S REFLECTION

    Life is a journey, and every journey has moments of strength as well as moments of weariness. There are times when responsibilities become heavy, prayers seem delayed, and the road ahead appears longer than expected. Isaiah reminds us that God does not ignore the weary: “He giveth power to the faint.”

    The word “faint” describes someone who is weak, exhausted, or without strength. God promises to give power to such people. He does not require us to pretend that we are always strong. Instead, He invites us to depend on His strength when ours is insufficient.

    Isaiah 40:31 says, “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” To wait upon the LORD is not passive laziness. It means trusting God, remaining faithful, praying, obeying His Word, and patiently depending on His timing. Renew means to receive fresh strength for the journey.

    The Scripture uses the picture of an eagle: “they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” An eagle can rise above powerful winds rather than being destroyed by them. Likewise, God can give His people strength to rise above circumstances that would otherwise overwhelm them.

    But Isaiah also says, “they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Not every season requires us to fly. Sometimes we run; sometimes we simply walk. The important thing is to keep moving with God.

    Hebrews 12:1 compares the Christian life to a race. It tells us to “lay aside every weight” and the sin that can easily hinder us. A weight may be anything that unnecessarily slows our spiritual progress—wrong priorities, bitterness, distractions, unhealthy attachments, or attitudes that keep us from God's purpose.

    The instruction is clear: “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Patience means endurance and steadfastness. Life experience teaches us that successful runners do not quit simply because the race becomes difficult. They maintain their focus and continue moving toward the finish line.

    Perhaps you are tired today. Perhaps you have been carrying a burden for a long time. Do not interpret your weariness as the end of your journey. Bring your weakness to God. Wait upon Him. Allow Him to renew your strength.

    You do not have to finish today's race using yesterday's strength. God has fresh grace and strength for today's journey.

    Keep walking. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep running your race.

    Your strength may fail, but God's strength never fails.

    MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

    Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

    2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV) "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

    LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

    1. God gives strength to those who are weary and weak.

    2. Waiting on God produces renewed strength and endurance.

    3. Spiritual growth requires patience and perseverance.

    4. We must remove unnecessary weights and sins that hinder our progress.

    5. Every believer has a race and purpose uniquely set before them.

    6. Our strength may be limited, but God's strength is unlimited.

    7. We should never allow temporary weariness to make us abandon God's purpose.

    EVERYDAY ACTION

    Identify one thing weighing you down, surrender it to God, and take one faithful step forward today.

    PRAYER

    Heavenly Father, strengthen me when I am weary and renew my strength as I wait upon You. Help me lay aside every weight and run my race with patience, faith, and endurance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    DECLARATION

    The Lord is my strength. I will not faint or give up. My strength is renewed as I wait upon Him. I will rise, run, and walk with endurance, and I will finish the race God has set before me. Amen.

    Devotion by

    Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
    +233 544 295 158

    Follow us on WhatsApp
    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
    Saturday, 29th August, 2026 TITLE: "RENEWED STRENGTH: RUN YOUR RACE WITHOUT GIVING UP" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 40:29–31 (KJV) "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) "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." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON “When your strength is exhausted, God's strength can carry you forward.” DAY'S REFLECTION Life is a journey, and every journey has moments of strength as well as moments of weariness. There are times when responsibilities become heavy, prayers seem delayed, and the road ahead appears longer than expected. Isaiah reminds us that God does not ignore the weary: “He giveth power to the faint.” The word “faint” describes someone who is weak, exhausted, or without strength. God promises to give power to such people. He does not require us to pretend that we are always strong. Instead, He invites us to depend on His strength when ours is insufficient. Isaiah 40:31 says, “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” To wait upon the LORD is not passive laziness. It means trusting God, remaining faithful, praying, obeying His Word, and patiently depending on His timing. Renew means to receive fresh strength for the journey. The Scripture uses the picture of an eagle: “they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” An eagle can rise above powerful winds rather than being destroyed by them. Likewise, God can give His people strength to rise above circumstances that would otherwise overwhelm them. But Isaiah also says, “they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Not every season requires us to fly. Sometimes we run; sometimes we simply walk. The important thing is to keep moving with God. Hebrews 12:1 compares the Christian life to a race. It tells us to “lay aside every weight” and the sin that can easily hinder us. A weight may be anything that unnecessarily slows our spiritual progress—wrong priorities, bitterness, distractions, unhealthy attachments, or attitudes that keep us from God's purpose. The instruction is clear: “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Patience means endurance and steadfastness. Life experience teaches us that successful runners do not quit simply because the race becomes difficult. They maintain their focus and continue moving toward the finish line. Perhaps you are tired today. Perhaps you have been carrying a burden for a long time. Do not interpret your weariness as the end of your journey. Bring your weakness to God. Wait upon Him. Allow Him to renew your strength. You do not have to finish today's race using yesterday's strength. God has fresh grace and strength for today's journey. Keep walking. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep running your race. Your strength may fail, but God's strength never fails. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." 2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV) "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God gives strength to those who are weary and weak. 2. Waiting on God produces renewed strength and endurance. 3. Spiritual growth requires patience and perseverance. 4. We must remove unnecessary weights and sins that hinder our progress. 5. Every believer has a race and purpose uniquely set before them. 6. Our strength may be limited, but God's strength is unlimited. 7. We should never allow temporary weariness to make us abandon God's purpose. EVERYDAY ACTION Identify one thing weighing you down, surrender it to God, and take one faithful step forward today. PRAYER Heavenly Father, strengthen me when I am weary and renew my strength as I wait upon You. Help me lay aside every weight and run my race with patience, faith, and endurance. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION The Lord is my strength. I will not faint or give up. My strength is renewed as I wait upon Him. I will rise, run, and walk with endurance, and I will finish the race God has set before me. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 8 Vue
  • I’ve been quietly working on something over the past couple of weeks, and it’s finally finished.

    I’ve uploaded my complete 7-part series, “What Does God Want?” to YouTube.

    It sounds like such a simple question. But depending on our religious background, many of us have absorbed very different answers.

    Does God want us to try harder?
    Be better?
    Do more?
    Keep more rules?
    Prove our faithfulness?

    And where do obedience, discipleship, good works, surrender, and perseverance fit if salvation really is by grace?

    Those are the questions I explore in this series.

    This subject is especially close to my heart because I spent many years in a religious system where grace and works became tangled together. After leaving Mormonism, I had to go back to Scripture and rethink some very basic questions I thought I already understood.

    And what I discovered was not a Christianity with lower expectations.

    It was something much better: grace comes first.

    We don’t obey in order to become accepted by God. We obey because, through Jesus, we already are.

    The whole seven-part series is now available on my YouTube channel. If this is something you’ve wrestled with—or if you know someone who has—I hope you’ll take a listen.

    And if one of the episodes helps you, feel free to share it with someone else.

    What Does God Want? — Complete 7-Part Series

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeL82w7X2Crg&si=AYIQUufxnQUzUE2K
    I’ve been quietly working on something over the past couple of weeks, and it’s finally finished. 😊 I’ve uploaded my complete 7-part series, “What Does God Want?” to YouTube. It sounds like such a simple question. But depending on our religious background, many of us have absorbed very different answers. Does God want us to try harder? Be better? Do more? Keep more rules? Prove our faithfulness? And where do obedience, discipleship, good works, surrender, and perseverance fit if salvation really is by grace? Those are the questions I explore in this series. This subject is especially close to my heart because I spent many years in a religious system where grace and works became tangled together. After leaving Mormonism, I had to go back to Scripture and rethink some very basic questions I thought I already understood. And what I discovered was not a Christianity with lower expectations. It was something much better: grace comes first. We don’t obey in order to become accepted by God. We obey because, through Jesus, we already are. The whole seven-part series is now available on my YouTube channel. If this is something you’ve wrestled with—or if you know someone who has—I hope you’ll take a listen. And if one of the episodes helps you, feel free to share it with someone else. 🎥 What Does God Want? — Complete 7-Part Series https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeL82w7X2Crg&si=AYIQUufxnQUzUE2K
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 11 Vue
  • WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2.
    Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order.

    Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.

    So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him.

    Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment.

    You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied.

    That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about.

    Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith.

    Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested.

    Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else.

    While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation.

    Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering.

    Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection.

    Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient.

    That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?"

    Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ.
    First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24.

    If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29.

    As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them.

    Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.”

    The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God.

    Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4.

    It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9.
    Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world.

    The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him.

    We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    Like
    Encouraged
    5
    1 Commentaires 0 Parts 414 Vue
Plus de résultats