Day 31 - Evening Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love Respect and Peace Can Grow. 🌙 Reflection Tonight is different. It is not simply the end of another day. It is the end of a month. Before you rush into tomorrow, pause. Think about where you were when August began. What have you learned? Where have you grown? What still needs attention? And perhaps most importantly: Have you allowed Christ to become more central in your marriage? The journey continues tomorrow. A new month will bring a new beginning. 📖 God's Word "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning." — Lamentations 3:22–23 🌙 Heart Check What is one thing I will intentionally carry from August into the new month of my marriage journey? 💎 Marriage Nugget "A lasting marriage is built one faithful day at a time." 🙏 Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for every day of August. Thank You for the moments of joy and the moments that challenged us. Thank You for teaching us about unity, understanding, love, forgiveness, friendship, peace and service. Where we have grown, help us continue growing. Where we have failed, give us grace to begin again. Where there are wounds, bring healing. Where there is distance, restore connection. And where our marriage is already strong, make it a blessing to others. As we close this month, we place our marriage and our home afresh into Your hands. May our love honour You. May our home reflect You. And may our marriage bless generations to come. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

BY HIS WOUNDS, WE ARE HEALED. ✝️ The wounds of Jesus are not merely a reminder of His suffering—they are the eternal sign of His immeasurable love for humanity. He carried our brokenness, our sins, our pain, and our burdens upon the Cross. Every stripe speaks of sacrifice. Every drop of blood speaks of mercy. And every wound proclaims the promise of redemption. “He was wounded for our transgressions… and by His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 Today, place your fears, pain, and brokenness into His hands. Trust His love. Trust His Cross. Trust His promise. Jesus heals. Jesus saves. Jesus loves. ❤️

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TOPIC: 5 “RELIGIONS” THAT SEEM CHRISTIAN, BUT ARE NOT! Theme Scripture: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders…” — Matthew 24:24 > Important clarification: This message should not be used to attack people or mock sincere believers. The issue is doctrine—what a movement teaches about Jesus Christ, salvation, Scripture, and the gospel. Some groups may use Christian language while holding beliefs that differ fundamentally from historic biblical Christianity. NOT EVERYTHING THAT SAYS “JESUS” PREACHES JESUS. Church, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity today is not only atheism. It is deception wearing religious clothing. The greatest danger is not always the person who says, “I don't believe in Jesus.” Sometimes the greater danger is the person who says, “Jesus is Lord,” carries a Bible, talks about prayer, sings Christian songs—but teaches another gospel. Jesus warned us: Matthew 7:15: > “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing…” Notice something: Jesus did not say they would come looking like wolves. They come in sheep's clothing. That means deception can look familiar. It can sound spiritual. It can quote Scripture. It can mention Jesus. It can even perform impressive religious activities. But the question is: WHO IS JESUS TO YOU? Because Christianity is not simply about believing that Jesus existed. It is about believing who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and how sinners are saved through Him. 1. THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES. Jehovah's Witnesses use the Bible extensively and speak about God and Jesus. However, their theology differs fundamentally from historic Christian doctrine. One major difference concerns the identity of Jesus Christ. Historic Christianity teaches that Jesus is truly God, eternally existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John 1:1 says: > “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And John 1:14 identifies the Word: > “And the Word was made flesh…” Jesus is not merely a created messenger. Why does this matter? Because if Jesus is only a created being, then the biblical doctrine of Christ has been fundamentally changed. Colossians 1:16 says concerning Christ: > “For by him were all things created…” If all things were created through Him, Christ cannot simply be another created thing. Spiritual lesson: Do not determine truth by how much Scripture someone quotes. Determine truth by whether their teaching agrees with the whole counsel of Scripture. 2. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — LDS/MORMONISM. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the name of Jesus Christ and teaches about God, salvation, prayer and family. But its theology differs substantially from historic Christianity. Among its distinctive teachings are additional scriptures and doctrines concerning God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation and eternal destiny. The biblical faith teaches that Scripture is God's authoritative revelation and that the gospel of Christ is not to be replaced by another gospel. Paul warned: Galatians 1:8 > “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” The issue is therefore not merely: “Do they talk about Jesus?” The issue is: “Is the Jesus they preach the Jesus revealed in Scripture?” Paul said: 2 Corinthians 11:4 > “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus… There can be a different Jesus presented using the same name. 3. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. Christian Science uses Christian vocabulary and refers to Jesus, God, prayer and healing. But its understanding of fundamental Christian doctrines differs significantly from biblical Christianity. Historic Christianity teaches the reality of sin, the physical incarnation of Christ, His death and bodily resurrection. The Bible says: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 > “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” The resurrection was not merely a spiritual idea. Jesus physically rose from the dead. Thomas was invited to touch the wounds of the risen Christ. Jesus Himself said: Luke 24:39 > “A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” Spiritual lesson: Never reduce Christianity to positive thinking, spirituality or personal experience. The Christian faith is grounded in the historical work of Jesus Christ. The cross was real. The blood was real. The resurrection was real. And salvation is real. 4. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM Unitarian Universalism is religiously diverse and generally does not require belief in the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, or salvation through Christ alone. This is important because Christianity is not simply: > “Be a good person, love everybody, and believe in God.” Jesus did not teach that human morality alone could save us. Jesus said: John 14:6 > “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Christianity is fundamentally Christ-centered. Acts 4:12 declares: > “Neither is there salvation in any other…” The danger of religious morality A person can be kind and still be spiritually lost. A person can give to charity and still need salvation. A person can help the poor and still need Christ. Good works are important—but good works do not replace the gospel. Ephesians 2:8–9 says: > “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” 5. ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM Here we need to be especially careful. Not everyone who uses the term "Oneness Pentecostal" believes exactly the same thing, but historic Christian churches generally regard Oneness theology as outside orthodox Trinitarian Christianity. Why? Because historic Christianity teaches: One God in three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 says: > “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” At Jesus' baptism, we see the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice from heaven. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. Yet there is one God. This is the mystery of the Trinity. Spiritual lesson: We must never reshape God into something easier for our minds to understand. We submit our understanding to God's revelation. THE BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE BEREANS. Acts 17:11 gives us one of the greatest examples of spiritual discernment. The Bereans: > “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Notice they did not blindly accept even Paul's preaching. They searched the Scriptures. That is spiritual maturity. The question is not: > “Who preached it?” The question is: > “Is it biblical?” Not: > “How popular is this teacher?” But: > “Does this teaching agree with Scripture?” Not: > “How many miracles happened?” But: > “Does this exalt the biblical Christ?” 5 TESTS FOR IDENTIFYING FALSE TEACHING. 1. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT JESUS? Is Jesus truly God? Did He truly become flesh? Did He truly die? Did He physically rise from the dead? Is He the only Savior? 1 John 4:2–3 gives us a serious test concerning the confession of Christ. 2. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT SALVATION? The biblical gospel says: Ephesians 2:8: > “For by grace are ye saved through faith…” Salvation is not something we purchase with good works. It is God's gift through faith in Christ. 3. WHAT AUTHORITY DOES IT GIVE SCRIPTURE? Whenever a movement says: > “The Bible is not enough; you need our special revelation…” Christians must examine that claim carefully. The Bereans searched the Scriptures. Acts 17:11. 4. DOES IT PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL? Paul was extremely strong about this. Galatians 1:9: > “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” There is only one gospel. 5. DOES IT PRODUCE CHRISTLIKE FRUIT? Jesus said: Matthew 7:20 > “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Truth should produce holiness. Grace should produce transformation. The gospel should produce Christlikeness. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT. The devil does not always need to convince people to stop believing in God. Sometimes he only needs to convince them to believe in a distorted version of God. That is why discernment is essential. Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus. Matthew 4:6. So the question is not simply: “Does this person quote the Bible?” The question is: “Is the Bible being interpreted correctly and is Christ being faithfully proclaimed?” PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. READ YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF Do not build your theology entirely on sermons, TikTok videos, Facebook posts or YouTube clips. 2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers to rightly divide the word of truth. 2. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH Know what the Bible teaches about: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit Sin Salvation Grace The resurrection The second coming The authority of Scripture 3. TEST EVERY TEACHING Don't reject something merely because it is unfamiliar. And don't accept something merely because it is popular. Test it by Scripture. 4. DON'T MOCK PEOPLE Our assignment is not to insult people. Our assignment is to speak the truth in love. 2 Timothy 2:24–25 teaches believers to correct those who oppose the truth with gentleness. 5. KEEP YOUR EYES ON CHRIST. The goal of discernment is not to become experts in other people's errors. The goal is to become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and His Word. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION. 1. Who do I believe Jesus Christ really is? 2. Do I know the biblical gospel clearly? 3. Can I recognize false teaching when I hear it? 4. Do I read Scripture for myself? 5. Have I allowed popularity to become my standard for truth? 6. Am I following Christ—or merely following a religious personality? 7. Can I defend my faith from Scripture? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS. 1. Father, give me the spirit of discernment. Help me distinguish truth from error, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, establish me deeply in Your Word so that I will not be carried away by every doctrine. 3. Father, reveal every false belief operating in my life and lead me into biblical truth. 4. Lord Jesus, help me know You—not merely know about You. 5. Give me wisdom to recognize false teachers without becoming judgmental, arrogant or hateful. 6. Holy Spirit, protect my heart from deception and keep me faithful to the true gospel. 7. Father, make me a faithful teacher of Your Word who will speak truth with love. STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST CARRY A BIBLE—KNOW THE CHRIST OF THE BIBLE Beloved, we are living in a generation where information is everywhere but discernment is becoming scarce. Everybody has a microphone. Everybody has an opinion. Everybody can build a platform. Everybody can quote a Bible verse. But not everybody is preaching the gospel. Therefore, don't follow a preacher simply because he is famous. Don't follow a movement because it is popular. Don't follow a religion because it uses Christian language. Follow Jesus Christ. Search the Scriptures. Test every doctrine. Guard your faith. Know the Word. Know the Savior. And when deception comes wearing religious clothing, may the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to recognize it. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1 The question is not merely, “Does it look Christian?” The question is: “Does it faithfully proclaim the Jesus of Scripture and the gospel of grace?” Stand on the Word. Hold fast to Christ. Walk in truth. And never trade biblical truth for religious appearance. Surrender to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173028, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER! “Starting This Morning in the Presence of God!” “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” — Psalm 5:3 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for waking us up to see another Saturday morning! Thank You for carrying us through another week. Through every challenge, disappointment, victory, and unexpected situation, You have remained faithful. Your Word declares, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) Lord, we receive new mercy, new grace, new strength, and renewed hope this morning. Father, some are waking up thankful, while others are waking up tired. Some are celebrating, while others are carrying burdens nobody knows about. Some are worried about their families, finances, health, employment, relationships, or what tomorrow may bring. But today we choose to place everything into Your hands. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Lord, lift every heavy heart. Calm every troubled mind. Strengthen everyone who feels weary. Bring peace where there has been confusion and hope where discouragement has tried to settle in. Father, we pray for those who are sick and suffering physically, mentally, or emotionally. Stretch forth Your healing hand. Touch bodies, restore strength, regulate minds, and comfort those walking through difficult seasons. Your Word says, “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) Lord, remember our families today. Protect our children, grandchildren, spouses, parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. Keep them from dangers seen and unseen. Let our homes be filled with love, forgiveness, unity, peace, and the presence of God. We pray for those facing financial struggles, employment concerns, and uncertain situations. Open doors that no man can shut. Provide resources, opportunities, favor, and increase according to Your will. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) Father, order our steps throughout this Saturday. Before we make a decision, give us wisdom. Before we speak, guard our words. Before we become discouraged, remind us of Your promises. And wherever we go, let our lives bring glory to You. Lord, after everything we have faced this week, help us to remember: WE ARE STILL HERE! WE ARE STILL STANDING! WE ARE STILL BLESSED! AND GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL! So this Saturday morning, we will not allow yesterday's trouble to steal today's joy. We will rejoice because You gave us another day, another opportunity, and another reason to praise Your name! May Your goodness and mercy follow us throughout this day. Cover our homes, our families, our travels, and everything concerning us. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” — Psalm 23:6 (KJV) Father, we surrender this Saturday into Your hands. Have Your way in our lives today. We declare that this will be a blessed Saturday, a peaceful Saturday, a protected Saturday, and a Saturday filled with the presence and favor of God! In the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen, Amen, and AMEN! SATURDAY MORNING DECLARATION... Today I will walk in faith and not fear. I am covered by God's grace, surrounded by His favor, strengthened by His power, and guided by His Word. No matter what this day brings, I will rejoice because the Lord is with me! “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped.” — Psalm 28:7

❤️ BY HIS WOUNDS, WE ARE HEALED ✝️ Jesus gave His life for us because of His incredible love. His sacrifice brings forgiveness, hope, peace, and the promise of new life. 🙏 ❤️ He loves you. ✝️ He died for you. 📖 He forgives you. 🌅 He gives you hope. 🕊️ He is always with you. 📖 “By His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 Whatever you are going through today, remember: you are not alone. Jesus is enough. Keep praying, reading His Word, worshiping, fellowshipping with believers, and sharing His love with others. ❤️ Be strong. Be courageous. Have faith. God is in control! 🙌 Comment AMEN 🙏 if you are grateful for Jesus and His sacrifice. #JesusChrist #ByHisWounds #Isaiah535 #ChristianFaith #GodsLove #Faith #Hope #Forgiveness #BibleVerse #ChristianPost #Amen

𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩 ✍️ “𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.” We may say we love Christ, sing our devotion, and attend church faithfully—but Jesus asks deeper: “Lovest thou me?” It is easy to confess love for the Shepherd while overlooking the sheep beside us. Whether busy in ministry or focused on ourselves, the question is not just if we love Christ—but if that love moves us to care for those He loves. In 🕮 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟐𝟏:𝟏𝟕, Jesus asked Peter three times, “𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦?… 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱.” Each time, love was linked to responsibility for His people. Jesus did not ask about gifts, followers, or success—only, “Lovest thou me?” followed by the command to care for His sheep. Love for Christ is not shown by words alone, but by faithful care for those who belong to Him. A shepherd does not love his sheep from a distance. He walks with them, feeds them, watches them, protects them, and carries the weak. So it is with believers: we do not love Christ by ignoring His people; we love Him by tending to their needs, their wounds, and helping them grow in the Word. Scripture ties love to shepherding. “𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱” (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟐𝟏:𝟏𝟕). “𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬… 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥” (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟎:𝟐𝟖). “𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥… 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺” (𝟏 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓:𝟐). “I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them” (𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟐𝟑:𝟒). We do not care for people to earn love; we care because we are loved. But feeding sheep requires giving them truth, not just attention. A starving sheep needs nourishment, not empty words. We must avoid feeding only what people want to hear while withholding what their souls need. “𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥” (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟒:𝟒). Don’t offer spiritual cotton candy—sweet to taste, but unable to nourish. Before Christ commanded Peter to feed His sheep, He first fed us with His own life. He gave Himself as the Good Shepherd who “𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱” (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟎:𝟏𝟏). Through His death, burial, and resurrection (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒), He secured our salvation and gathered us into His fold. We care for His people because Christ first cared for us, feeding our wandering souls with grace. Yet the question still reaches us today: “𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦?” It is not answered by songs, sermons, or words alone. Who around us is spiritually hungry, discouraged, or weary? We need Christ not just to give us people to care for, but because He is the Good Shepherd who teaches us to love His sheep. If we love Him, we cannot ignore His sheep. Feed, strengthen, and love them as Christ loved us. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, forgive our self-focused faith. Thank You for Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. Give us tender, compassionate hearts to care for Your people, feeding and protecting the flock with sacrificial love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

Luke 16:30-31 NLT “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.16.30-31.NLT Good morning and praise God. I hope you're having a great day. It's quite late at night and my good LORD has seen it best time for me to share with you an important message. The lesson is from the parable of Rich man and Lazarus. This is only recorded by Dr. Luke. He was the best person to record this message as it is message especially to elites and he was one of them being a physician by profession. The world mourns departure of Rebecca Dolly Parton. She has lived and plainly talked that living this life is not just about yourself. She wasn't born rich but she worked hard and if she really wanted to live rich, she'd, however she decided to share her wealth to the needy people God put in her life. She's lived having defeated a common demon called selfishness and the sister demon called riches and famous brother materialism. We can be confident she's made it through the narrow way. From our Bible extract today, the rich man's sin that ended him in Hell was that he never found need to revere God. He probably had worked hard to earn his riches and so he would look down to Lazarus who'd be a beggar at his gate as a failure. He would maybe see Lazarus as a man who did not work hard enough and so ended eating from what fell from his table and had no money to pay medications so remained ill with wounds that were lick by dogs. The rich man failed the test that God set before Him. Lazarus was just at his gate. Was he waiting for a voice message from heaven to know he needed to take care of Lazarus? We can assume this richman was loved in his church because he would give large sum of money to show off. People would listen careful to him when he spoke and even take his invalid ideas as valid. To the world, this rich man was blessed and Lazarus was cursed. In our last devotion we learned about a people that Jesus will reject and cast out though they'd claim they lived all their lives serving him. They'll join this team "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." Rev 22:15. Oops heaven has no place for wild scavengers! You're either heir with Son (Jesus Christ) or outside. Imagine eternity without God who created you? I refuse this in Jesus name! My fellow believer, God is calling us to be careful about riches of this world. It is not just about money but of anything that will blind us to an extent that we don't see the test presented to us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves . Shedding that gown of materialism is a big step to becoming rich in Christ. Do you remember the promise of Satan to Jesus Christ when he tempted him? Luke 4:7 "I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” Yes, the enemy is crafty and witty and knows how to entice with 'true lies'. Let's take guard and keep the greatest commandment."Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30:31. Live it not just reciting it with your mouth. Bible warns against loving with mouth. It should be from your heart and with action. It is not by your strength but through grace He gives us as we seek Him through Word and prayer. Be the hand of God to as many brothers and sisters as God directs you. May He who is the way, truth and life revive you. May He who is the light of the world shine upon your life always. Amen. Have a blessed day. Shalom. Shalom.

In the Bible, olive oil was highly valued because it was useful, costly to produce, and deeply symbolic. Everyday necessity: It was used for cooking, baking, preserving food, skin care, and treating wounds. Light: Olive oil fueled lamps, so it represented light, guidance, and God’s presence. Anointing: Kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of being set apart for God’s service. Worship: Olive oil was part of offerings and the sacred anointing oil used in tabernacle and temple worship. Prosperity and blessing: A good olive harvest meant stability and abundance; references to “oil” often conveyed richness and joy. Healing and hospitality: Anointing someone with oil could express welcome, honor, or care. Olive oil itself was not treated as magical. Its value came from its practical importance and from the meanings God attached to familiar things. For example, Psalm 23 says, “You anoint my head with oil,” portraying God as a gracious host who honors and cares for his people. In the New Testament, oil can likewise symbolize healing and compassionate care, as in the Good Samaritan’s treatment of the wounded man.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 27) 1. Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. 3. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. 4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy? 5. Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. 6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place. 9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me. 12A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;. The simple pass on and are punished. 13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. 14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him. 15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; 16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. 17. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored. 19. As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. 20. Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. 22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24. For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26. The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; 27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

SELF-PITY IS ALSO A STRONGHOLD There is a world people can build inside themselves. A world called self-pity. Self-pity says: "Nobody understands me." "Nobody sees what I have suffered." "Nobody appreciates me." "Look at everything that has happened to me." Now, there are real difficulties in life. People go through painful experiences. People have been hurt, but there is a difference between acknowledging pain and building your identity around pain. Self-pity keeps bringing you back to yourself. Everything becomes about your disappointment. Everything becomes about what people did to you. Everything becomes about what you did not receive. And slowly, you become trapped in a world where you are always the victim. Look at Elijah. After Jezebel threatened him, he ran away and sat under a tree. When God asked him what he was doing there, Elijah answered by focusing on himself. He said he had been very jealous for The Lord,.... but he was the only one left (1 Kings 19:10) But Elijah was not seeing the situation correctly. God still had people, and He was still working. The problem was not that Elijah had experienced difficulty. The problem was that his pain had become his entire perspective. Self-pity can make you forget God's bigger picture. It can make you abandon your assignment. You must burn down that world — not because your pain is fake, but because your pain cannot become your master. You are not only what happened to you. You are not only what people did to you. You are a child of God with a purpose. Do not allow self-pity to become a place you live. God has more for you than constantly looking at yourself and your wounds. Remember this Scripture and let The Word spoken there be your comfort: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith The LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Shalom!