ARE YOU REALLY FIGHTING PORNOGRAPHY—OR NEGOTIATING WITH IT? A Christian Call to Declare War on Sexual Sin Pastor Joseph Clark There comes a point in every Christian’s battle with pornography when we need to stop asking, “How can I manage this temptation?” And start asking: “How badly do I want to be free?” Because pornography is not harmless entertainment. It is not merely a private weakness. It is not something Christians should simply learn to “live with.” It is a temptation that can become an enslaving pattern of lust, fantasy, secrecy and sin. It can consume the imagination, corrupt the way we see other people, damage marriages and relationships, steal time, weaken prayer, and draw the heart away from the purity to which Christ has called His people. And if you are a Christian who is fighting pornography, you need to understand something: You are in a fight. The question is whether you are actually fighting. Or whether you are negotiating. ⸻ STOP NEGOTIATING WITH TEMPTATION One of the greatest mistakes we make with temptation is giving it a conversation. “I’ll just look for a minute.” “I won’t go any further.” “I’ve been good for two weeks.” “This isn’t really pornography.” “Nobody knows.” “God will forgive me.” That isn’t resistance. That’s negotiation. And Scripture doesn’t tell us to negotiate with sexual temptation. It tells us to flee. “Flee fornication.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18 Paul told Timothy: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” — 2 Timothy 2:22 Notice the word: FLEE. Not debate. Not analyze. Not negotiate. Not see how close you can get without crossing the line. Run. Joseph understood this. When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph didn’t stay around to see how strong his resistance would be. When she grabbed him, Scripture says: “And he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” — Genesis 39:12 Joseph ran. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is close the laptop. Sometimes it’s putting the phone down. Sometimes it’s getting out of bed. Sometimes it’s leaving the room. Sometimes it’s calling your accountability partner. Sometimes it’s getting on your knees. FLEE. ⸻ JESUS DIDN’T NEGOTIATE WITH SATAN Look at Jesus in the wilderness. Satan came when Jesus was physically weakened after fasting forty days and forty nights. The devil tempted Him. And what did Jesus do? He didn’t engage Satan in a philosophical debate. He didn’t entertain the temptation. He didn’t say, “Let me think about that.” He said: “It is written.” When Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, Jesus answered: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4 When Satan twisted Scripture to tempt Him again, Jesus answered: “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” — Matthew 4:7 And when Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10 Three temptations. Three answers rooted in Scripture. “It is written.” That’s your model. When pornography comes knocking, you need something stronger than emotion. Something stronger than willpower. Something stronger than the promise that “this will make you feel good.” You need the Word of God. David said: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11 Don’t wait until you’re already looking at pornography to start thinking about holiness. Put the Word in your heart now. ⸻ DECLARE WAR Let’s be blunt. If pornography has become a recurring sin in your life, declare war on it. Don’t declare war on it tomorrow. Don’t declare war on it after one more failure. Declare war today. Jesus used deliberately shocking language when describing how seriously we must treat sin: “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee…” — Matthew 5:29 And: “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee…” — Matthew 5:30 Jesus is not commanding literal self-mutilation. He is teaching us that we must deal with sin radically and decisively. If your smartphone repeatedly becomes the doorway to pornography, change how you use your smartphone. If being alone late at night repeatedly leads you into sin, change your nighttime routine. If particular websites, social-media accounts, or applications trigger lust, eliminate them. If unrestricted internet access is destroying your purity, install safeguards. If secrecy is feeding the problem, bring it into the light. Stop protecting your access to the sin you claim you want to defeat. ⸻ ARE YOU REALLY STRUGGLING? This is where the question gets uncomfortable. A Christian can struggle with sin. Paul describes the conflict between flesh and Spirit: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…” — Galatians 5:17 There is a battle. There is resistance. There is conflict. But ask yourself: Are you actually resisting? Are you praying? Are you fasting? Are you reading Scripture? Do you have an accountability partner? Have you told another mature Christian about the problem? Have you installed accountability software? Have you removed private access to pornography? Have you changed your routines? Have you identified your triggers? Have you stopped following accounts that stimulate lust? Have you changed the environment in which you repeatedly fall? Are you seeking pastoral help? Are you willing to seek professional Christian counseling when appropriate? Are you willing to seek a biblically grounded deliverance ministry if you believe you are dealing with entrenched spiritual bondage? Or are you simply saying: “I really want to stop” while keeping every door open? That’s not war. That’s a weak attempt to negotiate a ceasefire with your own sin. Commit. ⸻ MAKE PORNOGRAPHY YOUR ENEMY Paul says: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God…” — Romans 6:13 You have a choice about what you present yourself to. What are you yielding? Your eyes? Your imagination? Your phone? Your computer? Your time? Your sexuality? Your mind? Your body? Who gets them? Pornography wants them. Christ wants them. Choose. ⸻ DON’T BE IDLE Idleness can become an open door. If you are constantly alone, bored, scrolling, lying in bed, wandering through the internet, and allowing your mind to drift wherever it wants, don’t be surprised when temptation finds you. Get busy. Work. Exercise. Study. Read. Serve. Pray. Go outside. Spend time with people. Serve the church. Build something. Learn something. Pursue your calling. Paul instructed believers: “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands…” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Don’t give temptation an empty house to occupy. ⸻ BRING THE BATTLE INTO THE LIGHT Pornography thrives in secrecy. That is why accountability matters. James says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” — James 5:16 Find someone trustworthy. A mature Christian man. A pastor. A mentor. An accountability partner. Someone who will actually ask you the hard questions. Not: “Everything okay?” But: “Have you looked at pornography?” “Have you intentionally searched for sexually explicit material?” “Are there apps on your phone that you are hiding?” “Have you been honest with me?” You don’t need someone who merely makes you feel better. You need someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth. ⸻ SAFEGUARD YOUR DEVICES Let’s stop pretending that technology is neutral when we know how we are using it. If your phone is the primary gateway to your sin, safeguard your phone. If your laptop is the gateway, safeguard your laptop. Use reputable filtering and accountability tools. Remove applications that repeatedly lead you into temptation. Don’t sleep with an unrestricted device beside your bed if nighttime is when you repeatedly fall. Don’t keep secret browsers. Don’t create hidden accounts. Don’t maintain a private digital world that nobody else knows exists. Jesus said: “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee…” — Matthew 5:29 The principle is clear: Remove the access point. ⸻ FAST AND PRAY There are battles that should drive us to our knees. Jesus Himself fasted when He entered the wilderness. Matthew records: “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” — Matthew 4:1 And: “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” — Matthew 4:2 Fasting isn’t a magic formula. It doesn’t purchase God’s favor. But it can become a powerful expression of humility and dependence upon God. Tell the Lord: “Jesus, I cannot conquer this in my own strength. I need You.” Pray when the temptation comes. Pray before it comes. Pray when you are strong. Pray when you are weak. And believe God. Paul says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful…” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 And then comes one of the greatest promises in Scripture: “…but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 Look for the escape route. And when God provides it— TAKE IT. ⸻ PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD You are not merely fighting a website. You are fighting temptation. You are fighting lust. You are fighting deception. And Scripture describes the Christian life as spiritual warfare. Paul says: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” — Ephesians 6:10–12 Then he tells us to take: The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. The Gospel of peace. The shield of faith. The helmet of salvation. The sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God. And: Prayer. Pornography can become a powerful instrument of temptation and enslavement. Don’t underestimate it. Peter says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith…” — 1 Peter 5:8–9 Be sober. Be vigilant. Resist. ⸻ SEEK DELIVERANCE IF YOU NEED IT Some Christians experience pornography as an entrenched pattern of bondage that requires more intensive spiritual intervention. If you believe that describes you, seek a mature, biblically grounded deliverance minister who understands Scripture, repentance, spiritual warfare, accountability, and the finished work of Christ. One resource used in some Christian settings is Neil Anderson’s Bondage Breaking material. But understand this carefully: Your deliverer is not a minister. Your deliverer is Jesus Christ. No technique saves you. No program saves you. No deliverance minister saves you. No accountability application saves you. Jesus saves. Jesus said: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36 ⸻ FILL YOURSELF WITH CHRIST Here’s the part many people miss. The Christian life isn’t merely about removing pornography. It’s about filling your life with Christ. Paul says: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18 Fill your mind with Scripture. Fill your home with worship. Fill your day with prayer. Fill your time with service. Fill your life with godly relationships. Fill your heart with the things of God. Paul tells us: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report… think on these things.” — Philippians 4:8 The goal isn’t simply: “I must stop thinking about pornography.” The goal is: “I want to think more about Christ.” ⸻ TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME You don’t have to promise God that you’ll never be tempted again. You don’t have to figure out how you’re going to remain pure for the next thirty years. Win today. When tomorrow comes, win tomorrow. Jesus said: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” — Matthew 6:34 Take today seriously. Today, don’t look. Today, don’t search. Today, don’t indulge. Today, pray. Today, read the Word. Today, walk in the Spirit. Today, keep your eyes on Jesus. One day at a time. ⸻ AND IF YOU FALL—GET BACK UP This is crucial. If you fall, Satan will whisper: “You failed again.” Then: “You’re a hypocrite.” Then: “You might as well keep going.” Don’t listen. Repent. Confess it. Get honest. Tell your accountability partner. Identify what led to the fall. Close the door you left open. And get back up. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…” — Proverbs 24:16 One failure does not mean you should surrender. A person who falls off a wagon doesn’t say: “Well, I fell off, so I might as well lie in the road forever.” Get back on. Repentance means turning back toward God. Don’t allow shame to become an excuse for continued sin. ⸻ DON’T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Never say: “God forgives me, so it doesn’t matter.” Paul asks: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not permission to remain enslaved. Grace teaches us: “…denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” — Titus 2:12 Christ did not die to make you comfortable in your chains. He came to set you free. ⸻ SO—ARE YOU REALLY FIGHTING? Here is the question I want you to answer honestly. Are you really fighting pornography? Or are you negotiating with it? Are you praying? Are you fasting? Are you in the Word? Are you accountable? Are your devices protected? Are you eliminating your triggers? Are you fleeing immediately? Are you seeking help? Are you willing to confess? Are you willing to change your habits? Are you willing to sacrifice convenience for purity? Are you treating pornography like the serious spiritual threat that it is? Because you cannot declare war on pornography while secretly maintaining a supply line to it. You must choose. You cannot serve Christ and willingly cultivate the sin that is destroying your fellowship with Him. Jesus said: “No man can serve two masters…” — Matthew 6:24 So declare war. Not against yourself. Not against your sexuality. Not against God’s good design for sexual intimacy. Declare war against lust. Declare war against pornography. Declare war against secrecy. Declare war against compromise. Declare war against the lies that tell you that you cannot change. And then— LOOK TO JESUS. “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:1–2 Your hope isn’t your willpower. Your hope isn’t your perfect record. Your hope isn’t an accountability application. Your hope isn’t a deliverance minister. YOUR HOPE IS JESUS CHRIST. Submit to God. Resist the devil. Flee temptation. Take the escape route. Get back up when you fall. Stay in the Word. Put on the armour. And keep your eyes on Jesus. James gives us the battle cry: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:7–8 SUBMIT. RESIST. DRAW NEAR. And keep fighting. ⸻ A PRAYER FOR FREEDOM FROM PORNOGRAPHY AND SIN Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I plead the blood of Jesus over all sin, sickness, temptation, evil, suffering, sexual sin, lust, and pornography. I reject Satan and all his evil works. I reject every lie, deception, temptation, bondage, and stronghold that would draw me away from Jesus Christ. I renounce pornography and sexual impurity. I repent of every time I have willingly entertained lust, fantasy, pornography, or sexual sin. Lord Jesus, forgive me. Cleanse me. Purify my heart. Renew my mind. Strengthen my spirit. Give me the power to flee temptation rather than negotiate with it. Give me discernment to recognize temptation before it takes hold. Give me the courage to close the door, put down the phone, turn away from the screen, and run from whatever would lead me into sin. I receive Jesus Christ with all my heart and soul as my Lord and Savior. I surrender my body, my mind, my eyes, my imagination, my sexuality, my desires, my relationships, my future, and my entire life to Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me. Teach me. Guide me. Strengthen me. Convict me when I begin to wander. Give me hatred for sin and a greater love for righteousness. Help me to walk in purity. Help me to walk in holiness. Help me to walk in obedience. Give me strength to fast. Give me strength to pray. Give me strength to stay in Your Word. Give me wisdom to establish safeguards and accountability. Give me humility to ask for help when I need it. When temptation comes, remind me that You have provided a way of escape. When I am weak, remind me that Your grace is sufficient. When I fall, give me the humility to repent and the courage to rise again. I declare that pornography will not be my master. Lust will not be my master. Sin will not be my master. Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Master. I submit myself to God. I resist the devil. I draw near to Jesus Christ. And I place my complete faith and trust in Him. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION FOR Monday August 31, 2026… John 14:16–17 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him. You know Him because He stays with you and will be in you." Finding Comfort in the Constant Helper When Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure, He knew fear and uncertainty would creep into their hearts. To comfort them, He made a profound promise: He would ask the Father to give them another Helper, the Spirit of truth, who would dwell with them forever. For the believer today, this verse is an extraordinary anchor. We are never meant to navigate this life on our own strength. The Holy Spirit is not a distant force, but a personal, active presence living inside us. When anxieties rise, deadlines loom, or loneliness sets in, we have a divine counselor ready to steady our thoughts and whisper peace. He is our permanent companion, offering unwavering comfort and daily direction. Resting in this truth transforms our routine moments into opportunities to walk hand-in-hand with God. Three Spiritual Truths We Can Glean from John 14:16–17 1. He is an Ever-Present Help: The Spirit is given to be with us forever, meaning His presence never fades, shifts, or leaves us, regardless of our circumstances. 2. He is the Anchor of Truth: In a world full of shifting opinions and confusion, the Holy Spirit grounds our hearts and minds in God's unchanging reality. 3. He Dwells Within: His ministry is deeply personal; He does not just visit us occasionally, but makes His home inside the believer, empowering us from within. "Self-control is not control by oneself through one's own willpower, but rather control of oneself through the power of the Holy Spirit." Jerry Bridges Bible Teacher and Author _______________________

Brenda Walsh Ministries Stay Faithful - Stay Focused. God never promised that if you would follow Him, your life will be perfect. He never promised the sun would always shine or that you would never experience pain. The truth is, this journey here on earth is difficult and challenging. There are so many twists and turns to life, and through it all, it is critically important to stay focused on Jesus. The devil would like nothing better than to separate you from the only One who can save you, and he will stop at nothing to get your attention. He loves to plant seeds of doubt - especially when you are going through a crisis and are the most vulnerable. Satan loves to whisper his lies, encouraging you to blame God for your troubles. But Satan is the creator of sin, and he gets all the credit for pain and heartache, not God! Stay focused on your heavenly Father, who loves you more than anyone else ever could! When you are in trouble, call upon Him for help. The Bible says in Psalm 34:17-19, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” You don’t have to be afraid of life’s challenges, heartache, and pain, because you are never alone! Stay faithful. Stay focused on the only one who can save you from all your trials, misery, and suffering - Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. Text: Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 42:16

TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!! CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!! “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow. You can change your career. You can move to another city. You can repair a broken relationship. You can change your mind about many things. But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone: What will you do with Jesus Christ? The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations: Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ or eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation. This is not a game. This is not something to treat casually. And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely. Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us. --- CHOICE ONE: RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST Jesus said: «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6» The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth: We have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says: «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”» But God did not leave humanity without hope. He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. John 3:16 declares: «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”» Think about the magnitude of that promise. God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment. He offered mercy. God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation. He offered forgiveness. God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ. --- JESUS IS CALLING YOU Jesus said: «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Notice the invitation: Come to Me. Not: “Fix yourself first.” Not: “Become perfect first.” Not: “Make yourself worthy first.” Come to Me. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Trust Him. Follow Him. Receive His grace. And let Christ transform your life. --- THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return. Jesus said: «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42» Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same: To be with Christ. That is why believers are told: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him. It should produce: Hope. Readiness. Faithfulness. Holiness. Expectation. --- HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery. It isn't merely freedom from pain. It isn't merely reunion. It isn't merely eternal life. The greatest blessing is God Himself. Revelation 21:3 says: «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”» And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Imagine a world where death is gone. Where suffering is gone. Where sin is gone. Where tears are gone. Where separation is gone. Where God's people dwell with Him forever. Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate Christian hope: To see Jesus face to face. --- CHOICE TWO: REJECT CHRIST The Bible also gives a solemn warning. God does not force people to love Him. He does not force people to receive His salvation. He gives humanity a genuine choice. Jesus spoke seriously about judgment. Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads: «“Enter through the narrow gate.”» Jesus also warned: «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”» This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance. It should instead awaken us to reality. Eternity matters. Our response to Christ matters. Our relationship with God matters. --- THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment. It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God. God is the source of life. God is the source of goodness. God is the source of love. God is the source of hope. To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation. Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there. The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care. They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously. --- DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. None of us knows exactly how long we have. We should therefore never say: “I'll get right with God someday.” Someday isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow isn't promised. The Bible says: «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2» And Hebrews 3:15 says: «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”» If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today: Don't run from Him. Turn toward Him. --- REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life. Repentance means turning around. Turning away from sin. Turning toward God. Turning away from rebellion. Turning toward Jesus. Turning away from darkness. Turning toward the Light. Jesus began His ministry with this message: «“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15» Repentance isn't about earning salvation. It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart. --- YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF Ephesians 2:8–9 says: «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”» You cannot purchase salvation. You cannot earn salvation. You cannot manufacture salvation. You cannot become good enough to save yourself. Jesus saves. That is why the Gospel is called good news. Jesus did what we could never do. He paid the price for sin. He conquered death. He rose again. And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. --- DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU The enemy may whisper: “You're too far gone.” “God won't forgive you.” “You've failed too many times.” “There's no point coming back.” But those accusations are not the Gospel. Jesus says: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» What an incredible promise. Whoever comes. Not merely the perfect. Not merely the religious. Not merely the people who have never failed. Whoever comes. Come to Jesus. --- TWO ROADS There are ultimately two roads. One leads toward God. One leads away from God. One is surrender. One is rebellion. One receives grace. One rejects grace. One leads to life. One leads to destruction. And Jesus tells us to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”» The invitation is before you. Choose Jesus. --- BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR Christianity isn't supposed to be: “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.” The Gospel says: God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you. Romans 8:1 says: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures. Look toward Jesus. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness. Walk with Him. Grow in Him. And trust His grace. --- THE FINAL QUESTION One day every human being will stand before eternity. The question will not ultimately be: “How successful were you?” “How much money did you accumulate?” “How famous did you become?” “How many possessions did you own?” The most important question is: What did you do with Jesus Christ? Did you receive Him? Did you trust Him? Did you repent? Did you surrender? Did you follow Him? Jesus asks: «“Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15» And Peter answered: «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16» That is the confession that changes everything. --- TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today. You don't need fancy words. You need an honest heart. You can say: “Jesus, I need You.” “Jesus, forgive me.” “Jesus, I repent.” “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.” “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.” “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.” Then begin walking with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Seek fellowship with genuine believers. Turn away from deliberate sin. Learn to obey Him. And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him. --- FINAL APPEAL Don't gamble with eternity. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Don't harden your heart. Don't allow pride to keep you from grace. Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus. Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow. Jesus Christ is calling you today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is grace. There is salvation. There is hope. There is eternal life. And it is found in Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus. Not because you are terrified of death— but because He is worthy of your life. Not merely because heaven is beautiful— but because Jesus is there. Not merely because hell is terrible— but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son. The invitation is before you. Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Follow Him. And never turn back. --- DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness. I need Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You came into this world. I believe that You lived without sin. I believe that You willingly went to the cross. I believe that You died for our sins. I believe that You rose from the dead. And I believe that You are alive forevermore. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Be my Lord. Be my Savior. Be my King. Forgive my sins. Wash me clean. Change my heart. Change my desires. Change my thinking. Change my words. Change my actions. Change my priorities. Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace. Holy Spirit, lead me. Convict me when I wander. Correct me when I become proud. Strengthen me when I am weak. Comfort me when I am hurting. Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a desire for holiness. Give me compassion for people who are lost. Give me courage to tell others about Jesus. Father, I don't want to live carelessly. I don't want to presume upon Your grace. I don't want to harden my heart. I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things. Help me keep eternity before my eyes. But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters. Give me strength to keep living faithfully. Give me strength to keep serving. Give me strength to keep loving. Give me strength to keep praying. Give me strength to keep believing. When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus. When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy. When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up. When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Father, keep my heart tender toward You. Don't allow me to become spiritually cold. Don't allow me to become complacent. Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus. Help me finish my earthly race faithfully. And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ. My hope is not in my own righteousness. My hope is Jesus. My confidence is not in my performance. My confidence is in Your grace. My salvation is not something I can boast about. It is Your gift. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for grace. Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Father, prepare me for eternity. Make me ready to meet Jesus. And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have. I pray for those who are currently far away from You. Soften their hearts. Open their eyes. Break through their pride. Heal their wounds. Remove the lies that keep them from believing. Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel. Let them encounter Jesus. Let them discover Your mercy. Let them turn from darkness toward light. Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them be saved. And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people. Instead, give us tears for the lost. Give us compassion. Give us patience. Give us courage. Give us love. Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ. Father, I choose life. I choose Jesus. I choose surrender. I choose faith. I choose to follow Christ. And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end. My future is in Your hands. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My eternity belongs to You. And my prayer is: “Come, Lord Jesus.” But until that glorious day, help me live for Jesus. Help me love like Jesus. Help me forgive like Jesus. Help me serve like Jesus. Help me pray like Jesus. Help me walk in holiness. Help me share the Gospel. Help me finish well. And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus Christ is my King. Jesus Christ is my hope. Jesus Christ is my eternal life. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️👑 ************************ THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King 👑 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously: JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. The early Church lived with this expectation. The apostles preached it. Jesus promised it. The book of Revelation ends with it. And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face. But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming? And more importantly: How should we live if Jesus could return at any time? --- 1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end. He told them: «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3» What an incredible promise. Jesus is not abandoning His people. He is coming again. The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking. It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ. The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory. --- 2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ. Paul writes: «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17» Think about those words: The dead in Christ will rise. Believers who are alive will be caught up. We will meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever. Paul concludes: «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”» Then he says: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers. --- 3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15. He says: «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52» Our present bodies are temporary. But God promises resurrection. Corruption will give way to incorruption. Mortality will give way to immortality. And Paul declares: «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54» That is the Christian hope. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. --- 4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING? The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return. Jesus said: «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30» This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event. Christ returns as King. Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness. The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory. The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King. The One who was crucified will return in triumph. --- 5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT? Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together. Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later. Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return. There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events. We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline. But there are truths we can hold firmly: Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will be raised. Believers will be gathered to Christ. Jesus will return in glory. Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. God will judge with perfect righteousness. God will establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new. Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines. --- 6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified. But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror. He said: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» Why? Because the Christian has a future. The grave isn't the end. Death isn't the end. Suffering isn't the end. Grief isn't the end. Jesus is coming. Resurrection is coming. Restoration is coming. Eternal life is coming. --- 7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return: «“What kind of people ought you to be?” — 2 Peter 3:11» In other words: If Jesus is coming again, How should we live today? The answer isn't: “Try to calculate the exact date.” Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty. Instead: Be ready. Be faithful. Be watchful. Repent when you sin. Forgive people. Love God. Love your neighbor. Share the Gospel. Walk in holiness. Keep your heart tender toward God. --- 8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness. Matthew 24:44 says: «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”» We don't know exactly when Christ will return. We don't know how long our earthly lives will last. Therefore: Today matters. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive, forgive today. If you need to return to God, return today. If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today. If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it. --- 9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7 Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture: «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21» Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection. He was warning against empty profession. It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God. Therefore, don't merely say: “I believe in Jesus.” Ask: Am I actually following Jesus? Do I repent when He convicts me? Do I trust His grace? Do I desire His presence? Do I want His will? Do I love His Word? Do I seek to obey Him? Do I get back up when I fall? Christianity isn't merely a label. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives. --- 10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ. Run toward Him. Jesus said: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» That is a beautiful promise. When you fail: Come to Jesus. When you sin: Come to Jesus. When you are ashamed: Come to Jesus. When you are afraid: Come to Jesus. When your faith feels weak: Come to Jesus. When you don't know what to do: Come to Jesus. He is the Savior. --- 11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST Romans 8:1 declares: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter. It means Christ has provided the answer for sin. The believer's confidence isn't: “I am perfect.” It is: “Jesus is my Savior.” Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly. Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ. --- 12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE What awaits God's people? Revelation 21:4 says: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate hope. Not merely beautiful surroundings. Not merely freedom from suffering. Not merely eternal existence. Jesus Himself. One day we will see our Savior. One day we will understand. One day the tears will end. One day death will be defeated forever. One day God will make everything new. --- 13. SO BE READY Jesus said: «“Keep watch.”» Not: “Live in panic.” Not: “Spend your life trying to predict the date.” Not: “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.” Keep watch. Live ready. Love ready. Pray ready. Serve ready. Repent ready. Forgive ready. Share the Gospel ready. And if Jesus returns tomorrow— be ready to meet Him. If He returns years from now— be faithful until then. If our earthly lives end before His return— our hope remains Christ. --- FINAL APPEAL There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear. Money won't matter. Possessions won't matter. Status won't matter. Career won't matter. Popularity won't matter. The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ. So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement. Prepare for eternity. Don't merely prepare your house. Prepare your heart. Don't merely build earthly wealth. Build treasure in heaven. Don't merely ask: “How long will I live?” Ask: “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?” Jesus Christ is coming again. The King is coming. The resurrection is coming. The kingdom is coming. The restoration is coming. And the Bible's final invitation remains: «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” — Revelation 22:17» And the final promise of Jesus is: «“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20» So let the Church answer: “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!” Until that day: KEEP WATCHING. KEEP PRAYING. KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP REPENTING. KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS. KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING. 👑 JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. ✝️ --- DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final word. Thank You for the resurrection. Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for grace. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for forgiveness. Father, prepare my heart for eternity. Search me and know me. Reveal anything in my life that needs to change. Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again. Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus. Where I have become proud, humble me. Where I have become careless, awaken me. Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith. Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance. Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness. Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. You are my King. I do not want merely to know about You. I want to know You. I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.” I want my life to belong to Christ. Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a deeper prayer life. Give me discernment. Give me holiness. Give me obedience. Give me endurance. Give me compassion for the lost. Give me courage to share the Gospel. Help me become the person You have called me to be. Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me. Give me holy expectation. Help me look forward to seeing Jesus. Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope. When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise: “We will be with the Lord forever.” When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph. When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair. When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ. When I fall, help me get back up. When I fail, help me return to You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am exhausted, carry me. When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character. Father, keep my heart ready. Let me never become complacent. Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally. Help me love people while I have the opportunity. Help me forgive while I have the opportunity. Help me serve while I have the opportunity. Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity. And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times. Protect me from false teaching. Protect me from sensationalism. Protect me from fear. Protect me from deception. Help me remain anchored in Scripture. Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love. Keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You. Open their hearts. Open their eyes. Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Lead them to repentance. Lead them to faith. Lead them to salvation. And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion. Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching. Let me be found praying. Let me be found loving. Let me be found serving. Let me be found trusting You. Let me be found faithful. And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true. No more death. No more sorrow. No more crying. No more pain. Only the presence of God. Only the glory of Christ. Only eternal life. Only the joy of being with You. Father, until that day, help me keep walking. Help me keep believing. Help me keep hoping. Help me keep serving. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. And let my heart continually cry: “COME, LORD JESUS!” Until You come, I will seek to live for You. Until You come, I will trust You. Until You come, I will worship You. Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel. Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King. Jesus Christ is coming again. He is my hope. He is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my King. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️👑 ----------------------------------------------------- The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app *************************************************** DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13 Introduction There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble. Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask: “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?” Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.” That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously. But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness. Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8. The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?” The answer is to look to Jesus Christ. 1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. They said: “Lord, Lord…” They pointed to what they had done. But Jesus said: “I never knew you.” Notice something important. The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough. Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ. That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror. Ask: Am I trusting Jesus Christ? Am I turning toward Him when I fail? Do I want Him to be Lord of my life? Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect? Those questions are very different from: “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?” Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.” 2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity. We are sinners who need a Savior. And our Savior is Jesus. When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ. You need to run toward Him. When you fail, repent. When you sin, confess it. When you become discouraged, return to Him. When you doubt, seek Him. When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place. Jesus is the foundation. 3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7 Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Notice those words: “In Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes. He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That means your assurance isn't: “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.” Your hope is: “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.” 4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised Jesus said in John 6:37: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Think about that. Never. If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand. The Christian life is not: “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.” It is: “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.” 5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge There will be nights when you feel close to God. There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing. There will be moments of tremendous faith. There will be moments of terrible doubt. There will be seasons when prayer seems easy. There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling. Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior. Jesus is. Your emotions can change from hour to hour. Christ does not. Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ. 6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past? Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking: “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?” The Gospel gives us an answer. Christ died for sinners. Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin. A Christian may stumble. A Christian may fail. A Christian may have seasons of weakness. But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God. When you fall, get back up. When you wander, come home. When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart. When you become afraid, remember the cross. The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past. 7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this: STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF. You are not the Savior. Jesus is. You did not die on the cross for your sins. Jesus did. You did not rise from the grave. Jesus did. You cannot forgive your own sins. Jesus can. You cannot guarantee your own future. But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands. So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it. Let it drive you toward Christ. And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too. The Bible contains both warning and comfort. The warning tells us: Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him. The comfort tells the genuine believer: Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you. 8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?” The question is: “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?” Are you coming to Him? Are you confessing your sins? Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you? Are you seeking to follow Him? Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior? Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial. Bring your fears to Jesus. Bring your failures to Jesus. Bring your doubts to Jesus. Bring your entire life to Jesus. LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD. Not yourself. Not your emotions. Not your performance. Not your past. Jesus. Conclusion One day every one of us will stand before God. Our hope on that day cannot be: “Lord, look how good I was.” Our hope is: “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.” The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God. It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son. So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough. Run to Jesus because you know you aren't. And discover that His grace is greater than your failures. When fear whispers: “What if Jesus rejects you?” Answer with His promise: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37 When condemnation whispers: “You're finished.” Answer with Scripture: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 When fear says: “You will be separated from God's love.” Remember Romans 8:38–39: Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. So tonight, tomorrow, and every day: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him. Repent when you fall. Receive His grace. And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ. --- CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You. But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself. I put my confidence in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners. Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works. Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace. When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You. When I sin, give me genuine repentance. When I doubt, strengthen my faith. When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Jesus, You are my Shepherd. I cannot save myself. I cannot make myself worthy. I cannot depend upon my own goodness. I need You. Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Give me a heart that loves You. Give me a heart that hates sin. Give me a heart that quickly repents. Give me a heart that desires Your presence. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus. And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am. My hope is in how faithful You are. Father, I place my past in Your mercy. I place my present in Your hands. And I place my future in Your hands. I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️❤️ REMEMBER: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ. Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus. Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ. ------------------------------------------------------ The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app ************************************************** 🔥 THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget: Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.” --- ✝️ REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE John writes: > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” — 1 John 3:6 And: > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.” — 1 John 3:9 These are extremely serious words. Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label. It isn't merely saying a prayer. It isn't simply attending church. It isn't simply knowing Bible verses. Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God. --- 🔥 GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN Paul anticipated this very question: > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion. Jesus didn't die so that we could say: “Now I can sin without consequences.” He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 says: > “For sin will have no dominion over you.” The Christian life isn't: “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.” It is: “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.” --- ❤️ BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL This distinction is extremely important. If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written: > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” — 1 John 1:8 Christians can stumble. Christians can become weak. Christians can make terrible decisions. Christians can fall into temptation. Peter denied Jesus. David committed terrible sins. But there is a difference between: FALLING INTO SIN and DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE. A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit. The Holy Spirit convicts. The conscience becomes troubled. The believer turns back. Repentance begins. And they cry: “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!” --- 🕊️ THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work: > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” And: > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” That's regeneration. God doesn't merely tell us: “Try harder.” He gives us His Spirit. He gives us a new heart. He begins changing us from the inside out. --- 🔥 WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE? A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles. It is someone whose direction has changed. They begin to hate what they once loved. They begin to love what God loves. They become increasingly sensitive to sin. They desire God's Word. They desire prayer. They desire fellowship with God. They repent when they fall. They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus. And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing: > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 🌱 Transformation takes time. A newborn Christian is still growing. God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer. But there should be life. There should be growth. There should be movement toward Christ. --- ⚠️ DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Romans 6:12 says: > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill. Don't continually return to the same chains while saying: “Grace doesn't matter.” Instead: Run toward Jesus. When temptation comes—pray. When you fall—repent. When you are weak—ask for strength. When you are discouraged—remember God's promises. When you fail—don't hide from God. Come back to Him. --- ✝️ YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS Here's something every believer needs to understand: Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly. Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9: > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope: > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Therefore: Don't become proud when you succeed. Don't despair when you stumble. Stay close to Jesus. Keep repenting. Keep believing. Keep following. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Christ. --- 🙏 PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Give me a new heart. Give me a new spirit. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Break the power of sin over my life. Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life. Give me genuine repentance. Give me genuine faith. Give me genuine obedience. Give me genuine love for You. Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling. When I fall, don't let me run away from You. Teach me to run toward You. Convict me when I sin. Give me humility to confess it. Give me strength to turn away from it. Give me perseverance to keep following You. I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips. I want You to truly be Lord of my life. Change my desires. Change my thoughts. Change my words. Change my actions. Make me increasingly like Jesus. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Let love replace hatred. Let purity replace impurity. Let forgiveness replace bitterness. Let humility replace pride. Let obedience replace rebellion. Let faith replace fear. And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross. When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You. I want to walk with You. I want to know You. I want to love You. I want to serve You. I want to finish my race faithfully. Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my King. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. I place my life and eternity into Your hands. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️🔥 🌅 FINAL REMINDER Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble. Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness. You may fall—but get back up. You may fail—but run back to Jesus. You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin. Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 ✝️❤️🔥

Fear is a clever adversary. When we think of fear, the first things that come to mind are old, decrepit Victorian mansions or abandoned houses fueled by stories of stories of swinging chandeliers or doors that creak open on their own. Or we might think of less dramatic fears: heights or flying or small spaces. Unless you’re suffering from one of these or other phobias—or ghosts—it is rather easy to simply discard fear as something other people experience. But fear is not so simple. Most often, it sneaks into mind and festers and builds like a bacteria that, if untreated, to infection, sepsis, and even death. You can try preventative measures to keep it at bay, but bacteria can still get in. And you never know until you’re infected until the symptoms appear. This is the primary modus operandi of fear. It sneaks in, debilitates, and even paralyzes. Ultimately, it renders its victim completely helpless. This came to light during an unrelated discussion with my wife. We have been trying to put the finishing touches on my next manuscript, which frankly has been simmering on the backburner over the last several due to life distractions. Currently, it is coming down to fact-checking and formatting endnotes. It is especially nerve-racking because, unlike my previous book, we chose to self-publish this one. We have to get it right. It is all on us. It’s been difficult to release the manuscript. We’re haunted by the questions: is there more that can be done? Is the subject even all that relevant anymore? What am I missing? We check and recheck every detail. We don’t want to let go and send it into a very cruel world. We both recognized this paralysis after hearing ourselves begin everything with the phrase: “I’m afraid…” This realization suddenly made this year make sense. I have felt a bit off most of the year. I have become more subdued, resigned, troubled. I thought I was hiding it okay until a former (and very discerning) student came up to me recently and asked, “Mr. H., are you sad?” That simple, innocent question shook me into an awareness. I don’t necessarily think I am depressed, but something is not right. Since then, between that question and this recent epiphany with my wife, I realized that fear has crept into my life and is now controlling my psyche. The first part of 2026 has been difficult. Now, I won’t pretend that it was somehow more difficult than others. But it has been tough. The remainder of 2026 has been trying to recover from it. Last March, within days of the door slamming shut on my wife’s 25-year career, I lost my mom. In a way, I lost her over the last several years as she sank into dementia, but last March her battle ended. Add this to standard stresses associated with a second semester in a high school, which in and of itself is enough to deplete my tanks. Now I have to tap into mental and emotional resources that don’t exist. Fast forward to the present and I can see how God was with us in the storm. He gave me mental and emotionally resources, I never knew existed. He took care of us despite a huge income drop and being uninsured for a couple of month. Further, I know that my mom is now thinking more clearly than I could ever dream. God gets the glory. However, the enemy used a different tactic to paralyze me. Out of these hardship, fear crept in. And now I realize I am infected with it. Watching my mom sink into the darkness of dementia, I have become afraid that one day I might suffer from that myself. I am afraid of losing my mind. Unfortunately, once fear has a foothold, it doesn’t stop there. Fear escalated from fearing dementia to fearing getting old in general. I am only a few months away from leaving behind my fifties forever. I began to fear getting old. I fear my body slowing down. Simple things become a little harder. My back, my knees, and feet start to hurt a little more. I have a little more trouble hearing someone in a noisy room. I am doing that weird thing with my glasses when transitioning between reading close up and at a distance. It takes longer to get over a cold. Last July, I turned an ankle in Colorado that still aches today. The thought of not driving because driving in the winter or at night just isn’t worth the risk. I don’t want to give up the things that require the energy I had when I was young. How many summer road trips do I have left? What happens when I can no longer match the energy of a classroom of high school students? Fear takes that into a whole new direction. I really don’t want to stop teaching. I love the classroom. I love the cycle of the school calendar. But what happens when my body can’t keep up? Can my filters remain strong enough to keep me from saying something mean or stupid? Will I become tiresome, or in the way? Can I keep my teaching style and not turn into a grumpy old stooge? Worse yet, what happens when I become irrelevant? I have found myself somewhat paralyzed by this fear. And it has dragged me down. It has made me “look sad.” All of this came together with the recent discussion with my wife. Fear has overtaken me. It has taken control of me. But is it too late? Thankfully, no. The most used phrase in the entirety of scripture is: “do not be afraid.” However, one important observation that seems to be overlooked is that that phrase is almost always spoken from the supernatural point of view: God to human, Jesus to human, heavenly messenger to human. From a broader, heavenly perspective to a limited, natural one. “Do not be afraid.” I have thought about this constantly since that epiphany I had with my wife. I should not—must not—live in fear. Not as a child of the King. But how do you switch fear off? It is not as simple as a light switch. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” The enemy’s game plan is to always whisper thoughts into our head that will trigger fear. We have to be on guard always. When we get the sense of fear, we must be deliberate and take that thought captive and replace it with truth: “My God is bigger”; “He is my protector and comforter”; “This thought is not coming from him”. Fear does not sit on the throne, God does. Fear, by definition, is limited, God is infinite. Fear is merely a tool, God is the creator of everything, including us who are made in gis image. Only God can break through the paralysis fear brings and can heal us. Does that mean those things I fear will never happen? No. They likely will. But however the upcoming years pan out, he is with you, with me. And whatever the future brings, God is God. And he is good.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2O26. " THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (2)" Then the devil…set Him on the pinnacle...’ Matthew 4:5 NKJV THE ATTACK on the pinnacle. Let’s look at the second temptation Jesus faced: ‘Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, [and] set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.’ Here you deal with the fear of failure. Satan will whisper, ‘You’re on the pinnacle of success now, but you could easily fall off.’ He will bring up your past failures. He will remind you of leaders who crashed and burned. He will say, ‘If people realised how little you really know, or the issues you’re struggling with, they wouldn’t respect you.’ There are two kinds of fear: healthy fear and unhealthy fear. Healthy fear will keep you dependent on God; it will protect you from pride and self-sufficiency. ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). But there’s an unhealthy fear that will keep you in the boat when Jesus is calling to you to step out and walk with Him on the water. You say, ‘But Peter almost drowned.’ Yes, but he was the only one of the disciples who experienced the joy of walking on the water! Having faith doesn’t mean you won’t experience a sinking feeling at times. You have a choice. You can give in to fear, or trust the God who has called you, sustained you, and never failed to give you the strength needed to cope with whatever you face. If your own intellect or talents are the basis of your confidence, you have good reason to fear. But if God is the basis of your confidence, you have nothing to fear. Bible In A Year: Amos 1:1 – 5:17, Matt 20:17-28, Ps 119:137-144, Pro 18:22-24. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026. *WANT TO BE A RESERVOIR OF DIVINE BLESSINGS?* *TEXT:* PSALM 1:1-6. 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. *Timeless Truth:*_"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God"_ (Deuteronomy 28:2). *INTRODUCTION* Every believer desires the blessings of God, but Scripture makes it clear that divine blessings are connected with the way we live, the company we keep and the delight we have in God’s Word. The text presents a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous person is not merely blessed, occasionally; he becomes like a fruitful tree, continually supplied by divine grace. Furthermore, for the Old Testament saints, the blessings of God and the God’s Covenants with the Patriachs were majorly earthly and material. However, for the New Testament saints, the blessings are majorly spiritual and heavenly, though, with earthly blessings and wealth embedded. The uniform testimony of the Scriptures is that in order to be blessed by God and even be a reservoir of divine blessings, we must deliberately, separate ourselves from ungodly influences, delight in God’s Word and remain spiritually rooted in Him. *1. The Conditions for Divine Blessings* a. Every creature of God enjoys the blessings of God in some shape and form. For example, the air we breathe is universal and the sunshine and the rain we enjoy are without discrimination though God has the power to do so if He wants. However, there are some blessings of God that are given to select few, in particular His children. They are multidimensional blessings including both physical, material, social and spiritual blessings, spanning through all human needs without exception. Receiving these blessings result into all round prosperity which is promised by God. *"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth"* (3 John 2). Apostle Peter summed up all these blessings as things that pertain to life and godliness. *"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises"* (1 Peter 1:3, 4a). These divinely provided blessings are even richer and deeper than what the Psalmist in the text was aware of. b. The psalmist begins by identifying what the blessed person does not do and what he does. He *"walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful"*. This describes progressive involvement with ungodliness. The blessed person carefully chooses his companions, conversations, character, contacts, connections and control. He is so much in love with the Word of God that he cannot stomach or endure anyone or anywhere the Word of God is being dishonoured. In an age where the demarcation between saints and sinners are being erased, he does not *"stand in the way of sinners"*. He separates himself from the worldly and sinful practices of sinners without being ashamed of standing for the truth and the right. His counsellors and guides in matters of conduct are not the ungodly, but godly people who take the Word of God and go to heaven very seriously. Positively, his delight is in the law of the LORD, and he meditates on it day and night. *Question* Based on the above, are you qualified for daily divine blessings? *2. The Clear Description of the Blessed* a. The description of a blessed man shows that it is pleasant and admirable to be a blessed man. Like a good tree bearing good fruits that are edible and profitable to man, the blessed man is not only blessed by God, he is also a blessing to others. As a good tree gives shade to people when the sun bites hard, the blessed person gives succour and shade to people when they are being bitten by the challenges of life. No wonder, the blessed person is compared to *“a tree planted by the rivers of water”*. The blessings of God are so real that he is never dried up. He remains fresh materially, spiritually and in all areas. Beyond that, he is *"planted by the rivers of water"* where the Word of God flows in his unceasing freshness. b. Such a person never runs out of grace, godliness and goodness. He *“bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”* His life produces visible evidence of God’s work. His leaves do not wither, indicating spiritual vitality even in difficult seasons. Furthermore, *“whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”* He is never a failure in family, business and spiritual ministry because he allows God to always guide his actions, endeavours and always commit them into God’s hands. It does not mean freedom from trials, but it means that a life rooted in God ultimately bears the fruit and accomplishes the purposes God intends. A reservoir does not merely receive water; it stores it for continue usefulness. Likewise, the blessed believer receives divine grace and becomes a channel through which God’s goodness reaches others. *Question* Is my spiritual life deeply rooted enough in God’s Word to remain fruitful in every season? Am I a blessing to others? *3. Cursed Destination of the Barbaric* The wicked are described as *“chaff which the wind driveth away.”* Agricultural chaff consists of the dry, scaly husks and small pieces of straw separated from cereal grains during threshing. It is lightweight, dry, scaly and easily blown away by the wind. It has no economic value. It lacks appreciable weight. It is just good for fire else it will be a nuisance. The ungodly are compared to chaff because they don't add any value to achieving the purpose of God on earth. They are only good for hell fire. Their life is not weighty in character and conduct, but lives on and lives for vanities of life. Those who reject God and persist in ungodliness may appear successful for a season, but their destination is destruction. b. *"The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous"*. Their apparent strength and conscience cannot withstand divine examination. In fact, the judgment would be so fierce that *"the earth and the heaven fled away"* from the presence of God (Revelation 20:11). *“The LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”* *Question* Am I a chaff before God or wheat? Am I walking on the way of the righteous, or am I allowing the world to shape the direction of my life? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, deliver me from every ungodly association and influence that can hinder Your blessings in my life 🙏. 2.Father, give me an increasing delight in Your Word and grace to meditate on it continually 🙏. 3.Lord, make my life fruitful and a blessing to others in every season🙏 4.Father, preserve Your children from the way of the wicked and make our lives a reservoir and channel of divine blessings to others 🙏. *HYMN:* Is Your Life A Channel Of Blessings? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 6-8. [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *PATH TO BLESSING* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 1:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" (PSALM 1:1).*_ *In 1955, a young man named Jim Elliott left behind the comforts of America to bring the gospel to the unreached Huaorani people of Ecuador. Many thought he was foolish for risking his life among a violent tribe, but Elliot believed in a greater purpose. Before his death at the hands of the very people he sought to reach, he wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliott chose the path of righteousness, dedicating his life to walking in God's ways. Though his earthly journey was cut short, his path to eternal impact and blessing in eternity remains.* *Our text contrasts two paths: the way of the righteous, leading to blessing and life, and the way of the wicked, leading to damnation and destruction. The Psalmist describes the difference between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous delights in God's law, avoiding ungodly influences and meditating on the Scripture day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which flourishes in every season. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind; they are temporary and without a lasting purpose. The psalm ends with a clear truth: "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."* *Every day, we are faced with choices that determine which path we walk and what we will reap at the end. The world constantly offers distractions such as ungodly advice, sinful pleasures, and shortcuts to success. But true blessing comes from delighting in God's word, staying rooted in His truth, and avoiding the influences that pull us away from Him.* *Like Jim Elliot, those who walk in obedience may face hardship, but they will ultimately flourish in God's purpose. Their lives bear fruit, even after them; their faith remains firm, and they find true peace in Christ. In contrast, those who reject God's ways may seem successful for a time, but in the end, their path leads to emptiness and destruction. As believers, we must be careful enough to walk circumspectly in the truth revealed in God's word. The path to blessing requires commitment to God's word and a refusal to compromise with the world. We should, therefore, stay planted in Christ, who will ultimately make our lives flourish in time and eternity.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Your stand determines your walk. Where do you stand?*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 6-8*📜📜 Path To Blessing https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; GHS 55: ANYWHERE WITH JESUS; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; AND GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *A SUPPLICANT FOR SAINTS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:COLOSSIANS 4:7-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (COLOSSIANS 4:12).*_ *A supplicant is someone who makes petition before God on behalf of others. Epaphras is one of the supplicants in the New Testament. Such a Christian is concerned about others who need God's intervention.* *As a child of God, we can follow the "GOM" pattern in our prayer - (God, Others, Me). Prayer is the best gift we can give to fellow believers. The love of Christ constrains us to pray for those who are sick, suffering, afflicted, or backslidden. We pray also for church leaders and the rulers in our nation.* *Like Epaphras, believers must pray for the new converts, revival, programmes, and projects in the church. We are to pray for our institutions, teachers, classmates, neighbours, parents, friends, and even foes.* *Through intercession, we can achieve much for God. Empathy will enable us to pray effectively for others. Let us bother about others. You are enjoined to "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Bring solution to other believers' problems through your supplication. God's love constrains us to pray for others, like Epaphras did.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Let us bother about others.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Empathise and supplicate for others.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Pour upon me, oh God, the spirit of supplication.*_ A Supplicant For Saints https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [21/08, 10:03 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD'S LOVE FOR HIS CHILDREN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💓❤️🩷🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```DEUTERONOMY 23:4-6```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee" (Deuteronomy 23:5).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God's love for His children is expressed in many ways. It is the love of God for us that makes Him to give His only begotten Son to save us from our sins, protect us from all evil, provide for our daily needs, heal us when we are sick, and to warn us not to be friends with evil people. God showed His love to the children of Israel by turning the curse of their enemies into a blessing, and by warning them not to make friends with those who planned to curse or harm them. God knew that these enemies will not change from their selfish and bitter acts toward the children of Israel. They will always want to hurt them. That is why He commanded them not to relate with these enemies. *God does not permit us to make friends with ungodly, immoral and wicked people. They will draw us back to sin. We are to pray for them and tell them of the love of Jesus so that they can repent, believe, and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, thank You for Your love and protection. Help me never to make friends with people who will hurt me and make me to offend You.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *John 3:16* God's Love For His Children https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk22ndAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; ⏤ 1 Timothy 2:1 Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God’s infinite grace and power. ⏤ R.A. Torrey O God, You have taught us to offer supplications, prayers, and intercessions for all people. We humbly ask You to hear our prayers, which we offer to Your divine Majesty in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember in Your mercy all people whom You have made to dwell on the earth. Deliver them from the many evils and miseries that oppress them. Deliver them especially from idolatry, ignorance, superstition, error, unbelief, and the chains of sin. Send Your gospel to all nations until everyone has heard its joyful message. Bless all missionaries and organizations dedicated to spreading the gospel. Hasten the coming of Your kingdom among the nations, and bring all Your lost sheep into the fold of the Good Shepherd. Remember also, all Your people in Christian lands. You have purchased Your church with Your own blood. We ask You to bless all who call upon Your name in prayer. Fill Your church with more of Your life and Spirit. Equip Your ministers with all spiritual gifts and graces. Remember all who are in any trouble. Strengthen the weak and make them strong in spirit. Lift up those who have fallen. Support those who are discouraged and about to give up. Let a special blessing be upon Your children. They cannot find their way home on their own; You must show them the way. Grant that Your people may always keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/48/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

A Nugget of Truth. The most life-changing decisions don't always begin with a major event. Sometimes they start with a whisper, a seemingly harmless idea, or a voice presenting error as the best path. This is what happened to Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent didn't resort to force or reveal its true intentions from the start. It approached with carefully chosen words, sowing doubt about what God had said. Little by little, deception made what was forbidden seem desirable. What began as a conversation ended up becoming a decision that changed the course of human history. The story of Eve reminds us that deception rarely presents itself openly. It often takes on a convincing appearance, offering paths that seem good while concealing consequences that aren't immediately apparent. That's why the Bible emphasizes the importance of remaining attentive to God's truth, which stands firm above any voice that tries to distort it. Eve's story remains an invitation to value the wisdom that comes from the Lord and to recognize that His Word continues to be a sure guide in a world where many ideas seek to take the place of truth. "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes... she took of its fruit and ate." — Genesis 3:6 Eve's story reminds us that discernment begins when God's truth stands above any appearance.

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2026 BE AT PEACE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD A WORD FROM THE WORD: "Be at peace in the knowledge that I am God: I will be lifted up among the nations, I will be honoured through all the earth." Psalm 46:10 BBE. In this boisterous and noisy world that is replete with pressures, demands, and constant hiccups, God, is through the psalmist, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in our anchor Scripture, calling His people to the stillness that comes from the peace of the knowledge that He is God. Being at peace (or being still, NIV) is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s Omnipotence and Sovereignty over every situation. It demonstrates choosing confidence in God’s power over the anxieties about outcomes. Many times, we tend to move too fast for God to speak clearly to and about us, but stillness creates the enabling environment for divine clarity, direction, and peace. When your heart is still and experiences the peace that comes from the knowledge of God, confusion settles, fear loses its hold, and faith is restored. Replete in the Scripture are situations where God revealed Himself in moments of peaceful surrender; an instant example is Elijah's encounter with God, not in the wind or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). The LORD Jesus would often retreat to quiet places to pray, even in the midst of pressing demands (Mark 1:35). Stillness is where perspective returns, and power is sustained where stillness is practiced. I would counsel that you resist the urge to panic, force results, or rush decisions. Let God be God. When you are at peace in the knowledge of God, He fights, speaks, restores, and reigns. PRAYER BULLETS: Father LORD, thank You. I ask You for the grace to be still, know, and recognise Your Sovereignty, as You become exalted in my life. FURTHER READING: Isaiah 30:15; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

🌿 Mystical Gardens Tale 🌿 🪑 The Empty Chair Mary had friends, technically she wasn't alone. That was what she always told herself. She had people she could call. People who would answer a message. People she could talk to about the weather, the latest news, or something funny that had happened during the day. What she didn't have was someone to do things with. She wasn't completely alone, but there was a difference between having people she could talk to and having a companion to spend time with. Mary knew there was a difference. She knew it every evening when she came home. She knew it when she made dinner and automatically put two plates on the counter before realizing there was only one person eating. She knew it when something funny happened on television and she turned toward the other side of the couch to share the joke, only to find an empty cushion. She knew it when she poured herself a glass of tea and, without thinking, reached for another glass. Then stopped. There was no one to pour it for. One evening, Mary sat on the couch with her dinner untouched beside her. The television was playing, but she wasn't watching it. Her eyes kept drifting toward the empty chair across the room. It wasn't anything special. Just an old chair with a cushion that had lost some of its shape, but tonight, it seemed to be extra empty. Mary stared at it for a long time. Then she whispered, “I wish somebody was here.” The words surprised her. She had spent years teaching herself not to say things like that. Whenever she admitted she was lonely, someone would remind her that she already had friends. Whenever she said she wanted companionship, someone would tell her she needed to learn to be happy alone. Whenever she complained about having no one to do things with, someone would say, “You just have to get out there.” Mary knew they meant well, but sometimes she wanted more than advice. She wanted someone to sit beside her. Someone to go places with. Someone to call and say, “Want to grab a coffee?” Someone who would watch a terrible movie with her and laugh at how terrible it was. Someone who would notice when she was quiet. Someone who didn't have to be invited because they were already there. Mary leaned back against the couch. “I don't want to be needy,” she whispered. The room offered no answer. The loneliness tightened around her heart. The loneliness engulfed her and tears formed in her eyes. Mary closed her eyes, curled into a fetal ball, and allowed herself to cry. When she opened them again, she wasn't in her living room. She was sitting in a beautiful garden beneath a giant tree. The mystical garden stretched around her in the soft evening light. Flowers moved gently in a breeze she couldn't feel. Somewhere nearby, water trickled over smooth stones. Mary didn't know how she had gotten there, but she wasn't frightened. She had been to this garden before. Some people claimed it was magical. She looked up at the giant tree. “You know why I'm here, don't you?” The leaves rustled. Mary smiled sadly. “I'm so lonely.” The tree remained silent. Mary pulled her knees toward herself. “I know what everyone says. I know I do have people in my life. I do have friends. I know I should be grateful. I really am grateful.” She swallowed. “But I want someone...” The words finally came out. “I want someone to share my life with.” A breeze moved through the branches. Mary looked up. “Can you help me?” The tree did not answer. Mary waited. “Can you find someone for me?” Still nothing. Her smile disappeared. “It's silly, but I thought that since I just appeared here, maybe you had some magic that could help me.” The branches swayed gently. Mary looked away. “Apparently not.” She stood and began walking through the garden. At first, she noticed all the companionship around her. She saw two birds that sat together on a branch. A pair of rabbits chased one another through the flowers. A butterfly rested on another butterfly's wings. Even the bees seemed to have somewhere to go and someone waiting for them. Mary stopped beside the pond. “Even the animals have someone.” Her voice cracked. “And I don't.” She sat beside the water. For a long time, she didn't notice anything different. Then something strange began. The garden seemed to change. Mary watched as a bee landed on a flower. The flower gave it the nectar that it searched for. A bird flew down to the pond where it found a worm in the soft soil and water to quench is thirst. A fruit fell from one of the branches and disappeared into the soil where the seed would grow. Mary watched quietly. She finally began to understand. The garden wasn't showing her perfect lives. This wasn't exactly the companionship she longed for. What it was showing her was a different kind of companionship. It showed her the connections that are made in all life. Little ones. Simple ones. Necessary ones. Then its leaves shimmered and Mary heard a whisper in her heart. "You are not wrong for wanting companionship.'' Mary's eyes filled with tears. People had told her it was good to be independent. They had told her to enjoy her own company. They had told her she didn't need anyone, but nobody had told her that wanting someone beside her wasn't a weakness. Mary rested her hand against the tree. “I don't want someone to rescue me.” The leaves rustled. “I just don't want to do everything alone. I just need a friend to do things with.” The tree remained silent, but somehow Mary understood. There was a difference between being incomplete and being lonely. She could be whole and still want someone to share some of the things in her life with. She could be grateful and still wish for a little companionship. She could love herself and still want someone sitting in the empty chair. Mary wiped her eyes. “Then why can't you find someone for me?” The tree's branches slowly moved toward the ground. One small branch pointed toward the garden gate. Mary frowned. “You want me to leave?” At first she was hurt, but then she understood. The garden couldn't choose another person's heart. It couldn't manufacture friendship. It couldn't make someone walk into her life. It couldn't promise that tomorrow she would meet the person she'd been waiting for. But it could give her somewhere to come back to when the loneliness became too heavy. It could remind her that loneliness wasn't proof that she was forgotten. Companionship had many different forms. Perhaps most importantly, it reminded her not to close her heart simply because she had been disappointed before. Mary stood. The tree's leaves shimmered. “I guess I just stopped trying.” She looked toward the garden gate. “Because every time I tried, I got hurt.” The garden grew very still. Mary took a deep breath. “Maybe I decided it was easier to do things alone, preferring to be lonely than to be hurt. That's not the same thing as being okay, is it?” The tree answered with a gentle shower of golden leaves. Mary laughed through her tears. “No,” she whispered. “It isn't.” When Mary returned home, the television was still playing. The empty chair was still there. Nothing about her house had changed. But Mary had. She looked at the chair. For years, she had thought the empty chair was proof that nobody was coming, no one wanted to be with her. Tonight, she saw it differently. It was simply an empty chair waiting to be filled. The next morning, Mary picked up her phone. She stared at the screen for several minutes. If she wanted a friend, she should make an effort. There was a woman she occasionally talked to. They had always talked easily, but Mary had never asked her to do anything outside their usual conversations. Her finger hovered over the call button. Then she pressed it. “Hi,” Mary said when the woman answered. “I was wondering…” She almost stopped. She fears that the woman would be too busy. That she would think Mary was being strange. But Mary continued. “Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?” There was a pause. Then came the answer. “I'd love to.” Mary smiled. It wasn't a miracle. It wasn't the end of her loneliness. It wasn't the person she had dreamed about finding for a relationship. It was simply coffee and the beginning of a new friendship. Sometimes the beginnings of any kind of relationship are very small. Sometimes they sound like: Would you like to come with me? Would you want to watch a movie? Do you want to get coffee? Would you like to sit here? Mary still visited the garden. She still had lonely evenings. There were still nights when she looked at the empty chair and wished someone were sitting in it, but now she wouldn't allow the loneliness to tightened around her heart. She knew she could ask for simple companionship when she felt lonely and she could always come here for comfort and peace. Wanting someone beside you does not make you weak. Being lonely does not mean you are forgotten. An empty chair is not a threat that no one will ever come. Sometimes… It is simply a chair waiting for a story that hasn't been written yet. Seed from the Garden “God setteth the solitary in families.” — Psalm 68:6 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two people are better than one because they can help each other up. God sees the lonely places we don't always know how to explain. He doesn't shame us for wanting companionship. While He may not answer that longing in the way or timing we expect, we can trust that our loneliness does not mean we have been forgotten. Sometimes the first step isn't finding the person we've been waiting for. Sometimes it's simply finding the courage to open the door to allow people in. #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #stacyfrantz #MysticalGardens

🌅 Morning Grace — Today Is a Gift Scripture: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) This morning, before the worries of tomorrow begin to whisper and before yesterday tries to follow you into today, remember this: Today is a gift from God. You may not know what this day will hold, but you know Who holds it. God has already gone before you. His mercy is waiting for you. His grace is sufficient for you. And His presence will walk with you through every moment. Don’t let fear steal what faith was meant to carry. Don’t let guilt rob you of the grace Jesus already purchased. Don’t let worry consume a day God gave you to live. Walk in His light. Trust His plan. Live in His grace. Some days won’t unfold the way we hoped. There may be unexpected turns, difficult moments, or prayers that still seem unanswered. But even there, God is working. So today, choose faith over fear. Choose grace over guilt. Choose hope over worry. And choose Jesus over everything. ❤️ Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of another morning. Help me not to waste today worrying about things I cannot control. Teach me to recognize Your presence in the ordinary moments and trust You with the uncertain ones. Let my words bring encouragement, my actions show love, and my life point someone toward Jesus. Whatever comes today, remind me that Your mercy is new, Your grace is enough, and I never walk alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏 Today is a gift from God. Make it count for Him. Walking in Grace today, Rise in Grace Ministries ❤️