Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

*Today's daily sermon by Aniedo Chinjika*

*Tuesday 1 September 2026*

*Theme: IN HIM*

*Scripture: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Act 17:28 KJV*

When I saw this for the first time I was so excited, and I was happy to share it with the whole world, because this is truth. Truth is that which is spiritual and cannot change.

As a Christian you must understand that Christ is not just a person, he's an environment, just like the garden of Eden, that is why the apostle Paul said if any man be *IN* Christ he is a new creation old things are passed away and the new has come *2 Corinthians 5:17*

Believer are in the world but, are not of the world, you hail from the kingdom of heaven, that's the more reason your thinking should be different from the rest of the world, in Christ where you belong we see things differently, your reasoning should be different, no wonder the bible said: but you, you have the mind of Christ. *1 Corinthians 2:16.* You ought to understand how Christ reasons, in any situation where you find yourself, ask yourself if Jesus finds himself in this same situation what is he going to do.

From the scripture we understand that Jesus doesn't play with words, we see in so many occasions how he talked his way out of many situation. Paul said in him we live(dwell always), in him we move and have our being. Powerful! you see why what affect others should not be seen affecting you, because you live in another kingdom, even though your physical body is moving in the physical realm, he said there is an atmosphere you carry around, don't you know your body is the temple of the holy ghost?, finally the apostle paul said: in him we have our being, that means our life comes from him.

No wonder the Bible also said: if the Spirit of him that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, he that raised Christ from the dead will quicken your mortal body, your life as a Christian is not dependent on what you eat in the flesh, but where you live in the spirit, that's why you shouldn't be sick, or affected by disease and infirmity of any kind, because the holy ghost is in you, he is called the Spirit of perfection, he will perfect your body!.

*Prayer: marvelous father, thank you for your word that has become to me a living word, I understand today through your word that I carry your presence everywhere I go, sickness, disease, infirmity and the situation others are going through has no place in me, because I hail from Christ, from this day forward I command your light to shine in my path always. Amen*

FORGIVEN, ACCEPTED, AND LOVED

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

—Ephesians 1:6–8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you!

Romans 11:

"1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

WHY WE DON'T PUT AN ALTAR ON AN ALTAR:
A Prophetic Revelation on Spiritual Identity.
In many cultures across the world, a common weapon of spiritual and psychological warfare involves targeting a person's identity. Malicious individuals, envious colleagues, or hidden enemies often take a person’s photograph, name, or reputation, and subject it to dark altars, malicious gatherings, or toxic rituals. The goal is simple: to suppress, manipulate, or completely destroy the victim's destiny.
When people find out their identity is being targeted, fear usually sets in. But today, I want to introduce a universal spiritual law and a proverb that God gave me to break this fear once and for all: "We don't put an altar on an altar".

"THE ANATOMY OF AN ALTAR
To understand this proverb, we must understand what an altar is. An altar is not just a physical table or a heap of stones; it is a legal landing pad where the spiritual realm interfaces with the physical realm. It is a place of covenants, commitments, and spiritual authority.
When a malicious force tries to target your identity, they believe they are subjecting your life to the authority of their domain.

YOU ARE THE ALTAR
Here is the heavy spiritual mystery they fail to realize: As a believer, you are not an empty vessel. The Apostle Paul reminds us in (1 Corinthians 6:19) that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. If your body is a temple, it means there is an active, burning altar of the Living God residing inside your spirit. You are a moving, living altar. Your identity carries the spiritual frequency, presence, and fire of the God you serve.

THE CLASH OF FOUNDATIONS
Therefore, when an enemy targets you, they are literally trying to place an altar on top of an altar. In the realm of the spirit, this creates a violent clash of legalities. A lower, human-made, or demonic foundation cannot sit on top of or overwrite a supreme, divine foundation. You cannot place a counterfeit authority over the original authority of God. Instead of their dark setups swallowing up your destiny, your presence as a divine altar enters their space as a disruptive force.

THE EXAMPLE OF DAGON
We see this law perfectly demonstrated in (1 Samuel 5). When the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they foolishly brought it into the temple of their god, Dagon, and set it right next to him. They tried to place the supreme altar of Jehovah within the domain of a lesser deity.
What happened? The next morning, Dagon was found fallen face down on the ground before the Ark. They stood him up again, and by the next day, Dagon had fallen again—this time with his head and hands broken off.

A PROPHETIC DECLARATION
If you are reading this today, let this proverb give you absolute confidence. You are protected by a permanent spiritual covenant. If they have targeted your life in any hidden room to manipulate your marriage, finances, or health, do not panic. Because you are an altar, their opposition has just invited a consuming fire into its own space. The attack will backfire, the altars of darkness will shatter, and your victory is guaranteed. Remember this truth, declare it over your life, and let the world know: We don't put an altar on an altar.

THE "CLASH OF ALTARS" PROPHETIC PRAYER BY PROPHET LORDSON ASAMOAH ( Lordson DeLordson).

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,I stand as a servant of the Living God, and I decree this day over your life: You are a living, breathing altar of the Holy Spirit! Your identity is wrapped in Christ, and your destiny is anchored on a supreme divine foundation.
Hear the Word of the Lord: We don't put an altar on an altar!
Therefore, I command right now:

Every secret gathering, coven, or dark room across the world where your name is being mentioned for evil—let the fire of God scatter them!
Any altar of darkness where your picture, your clothing, or your identity has been laid to tie down your destiny—let that lower altar catch fire and shatter to pieces!
Just as Dagon fell and broke before the Ark of God. I decree that every opposing power trying to sit on top of your marriage, your finances, or your health must fall face down and break today!
Because you are an active altar of God, any dark force that touches your identity has touched a consuming fire.The weapon formed against you will not only fail, it will backfire violently by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You are protected.
You are fortified.
You are victorious.
In Jesus' mighty name, AMEN!

#SpiritualWarfare#TheClashOfAltars#BackfireToSender#ConsumingFire#VictoryInJesus#ProphetLordsonDeLordson#TempleOfTheHolySpirit#PropheticDeclaration#BelieversAuthority#SpiritualLaws

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
The Joy of Walking With God.

By Shelley Quinn

August 31st, 2026

“You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” Psalm 139:4–7 (NLT)

Intellectually, believers accept God is with us—watching over us. But, we don’t always consciously remember He walks with us every step of the way. We pray, and the busyness of our day—all the external and internal noise that bombards our minds—eclipses His presence. He never leaves us, but our vision becomes clouded. We ignore His unseen attendance, and reduce our Lord to the role of being a spectator in our lives.

Listening to someone pray, “Lord, be with us throughout this day,” a thought was whispered in my mind: I am with you! I have promised never to leave you or forsake you. If you will only thank Me for this, you will become more aware of My presence.

Often I have prayed for those who walk a difficult path, that God would give them a divine awareness of His constant presence. Suddenly, I cried out the same for myself. And that’s how my journey of a supernaturally conscious walk with God began.

The Bible describes Noah and his great grandfather, Enoch, as men who “walked with God.” God called Abraham to walk with Him. His call is not reserved for a few—it is for all who believe in Christ. The Apostle Paul instructs us, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25. Walking with God is a continuous progression—not lagging behind Him, or running ahead of Him. As His child, we walk humbly hand-in-hand with our Heavenly Father in a rhythmic pattern that develops harmony with Heaven.

Our Lord longs for us to open our hearts and receive His love. He seeks to share our life experiences, living in a state of uninterrupted fellowship. The intimacy of our relationship is magnified when we acknowledge Him as our constant Companion—the One who teaches and leads us along His narrow path of life. He opens our ears to hear His still small voice. Life choices are changed. We avoid activities that displease Him, and do all for His glory,

I’m practicing this walk. While it’s not yet perfected, my experience has become like David’s in Psalm 139. I know God lives in me through His indwelling Spirit, but it’s almost like I sense Him by my side throughout the day. My thoughts are a running conversation with my constant Companion. When I tell someone I will pray for them, or write an encouraging word to a suffering soul, it’s as though I’m talking with my Lord at that very moment. Our thoughts are becoming so connected, it often seems He gives me the words to say.

Take a moment now to thank God for His promise to be with you always. Pray each morning to be filled with the Spirit, and ask God to give you a divine awareness of His constant companionship. He will do it, and you will know the joy of walking with God.

Guidelines for living.
August 31st, 2026

What is a Creed?

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The industrialist Henry Ford used to say that he knew the Church was a divine institution because, contended Ford, no other organization so poorly organized and run would have survived for 2000 years. Going beyond the satire of what he said, there is a measure of truth in his statement.

After the resurrection, the followers of Jesus were left without an organization, with no financial base, and really without an organized plan for survival and growth. They had no buildings, no leader, and no game plan. It was almost fifteen years before Saul - known to history as the Apostle Paul - came on the scene. What held them together? What gave them cohesiveness?

John, one of the youngest of the Twelve, partly answered that question at the end of his life. He wrote, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us" (1 John 1:3). Simply put, two things were the basis of agreement and fellowship: what they had seen, and what they had heard, which began to be passed from generation to generation.

One of the challenges confronting the church is this old issue: What brings us together and what keeps us together? Music won't do it anymore; neither will a unified translation of the Bible, though the Bible itself is our age-abiding source of authority and belief. But is there more?

Shortly after the resurrection of Christ, men and women from different parts of the world began asking, "What do we really believe?" and "Is it the same everywhere?" The answers to those questions are contained in what are called the creeds of the church. Like you, perhaps, in the early years of my Christian experience, I thought of creeds and statements of faith as things that were rather dull and boring, of a historical nature. I wanted life and liberty.

But eventually I came to appreciate the fact that the historical creeds of the church are something like the steel or iron bands that held the staves of an old-fashioned wooden barrel together. Remember the old wooden barrels of bygone years that held cider and apples and that sort of produce? Around the world there are different groups with different cultures and sometimes differing views of the truth of God's Word. They are much like the staves of a barrel, but the concise statements of creeds are like the iron bands that hold it all together. Within is the treasure of what God has revealed in His Word.

In an age of diversity and fragmentation, we need to know what is important and why, which means taking a look at what has been believed from the days of the Early Church to the present.

The earliest creed or statement of faith was included in Paul's letter to the Corinthians about 56 AD. He wrote, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Pretty simple: Christ died, He was buried, He rose again the third day.

Over a period of years, especially when someone came along with strange or heretical beliefs, Christians said, "Whoa! Wait a minute! We don't believe that!" and they called church councils who took a hard look at what was commonly believed to be true, and the statement of faith expanded.

Usually, the councils of the church simply recognized what God's Holy Spirit had universally impressed upon people. What do you believe, anyway? It's an issue of tremendous importance, and you need to know.

Resource Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19

THE MISSING PIECE

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

Jesus’ retreat to the Garden of Gethsemane began a bad stretch of time for the Apostle Peter. First, he fell asleep on his watch after Jesus asked him to stay alert. Second, according to John 18:10, when Jesus’ enemies came to arrest Him, “Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave” (NLT). And then, later that same night, when he was recognized as one of Jesus’ followers, Peter denied even knowing Jesus—not once, not twice, but three times.

Can you identify with a guy like that? I know that it’s sometimes hard to imagine what God is up to in your life. You see a blank canvas, but God sees a finished painting. You see a piece of coal, but God sees a refined diamond. You see an untalented person, but God sees a mighty man or woman of God.

This is also true of those we see in Scripture. We see an impetuous, impulsive Simon, but God sees a strong, decisive Apostle named Peter. We see a conniving, manipulative Jacob, but God sees a godly, trusting man named Israel. We see a young, naïve Joseph, but the Lord sees a brilliant, wise world leader. And when it was all said and done, Joseph was able to look back and say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20 NKJV). He recognized that God used what happened to him to mold him into a compassionate, forgiving leader of many. He was clay in the Potter’s hands. He trusted in the Lord.

God specializes in making something out of nothing. I wonder what He’s doing with you right now. You’re a work in progress, and He isn’t finished yet. If you’re still alive and reading this, God has more work to do in your life! Most artists don’t like someone looking over their shoulders, trying to second-guess what they’re about to do. “Wait until I’m done,” they’ll say, “and then you’ll see.”

So, trust in the Lord during those times when it’s hard to see what He’s doing. Don’t allow the hardships you face to make you a bitter person. It’s time to let go of that. Rather, allow them to make you a better person.

Isaiah 64:4 says, “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” (NLT).

That night in Gethsemane was hardly the end of Peter’s story. After Jesus rose from the grave and ascended back to Heaven, Peter became one of the key leaders of the early Christian church, boldly proclaiming the gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

No matter what your past is like, and no matter where you are in your Christian journey, God has something important planned for you.

God bless you!

“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed,” Jesus said. “But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). Christ spoke these words during the week He was killed. It’s a lesson Paul had learned as he wrote to people in danger of relying on keeping the law to earn salvation. In Romans 3:10-20, he outlines why law-keeping will never save us. He then explains that it’s “apart from the law [that] the righteousness of God has been made known” (v. 21). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (v. 22). He goes on: “Our old self was crucified with him . . . that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (6:6). Because “Christ [lived]” in him (Galatians 2:20), the apostle could live a life honoring to God that would draw others to Christ. Today, God can help us surrender to the Spirit so others will see Christ in us.

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST, 2026

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
BE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS

*TEXT:*
1 SAMUEL 17:23-24, 34-37
23. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it.
24. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.

34. But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock,
35. I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.
36. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.
37. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

*TOPIC:*
BE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS

*THE MESSAGE:*
We often face one challenge or another in life. In this text, Israel was threatened by the giant Philistine Goliath in a battle. No one dared him until the young David showed up. Without fear, he stood before Goliath in confidence, trusting in the Lord who had delivered him from the lions and bears. He believed that the same God had given him victory over the Philistines. We are facing both spiritual and physical threats; ritualists, witches and wizards, and terrorists. We are killed daily with no one to speak in our defence. As young people, we must also be brave, courageous, and firm in our faith as we boldly pursue God's purpose for our lives. As we seek to defend ourselves, faith and prayer must be our watchword first.

*REFLECTION:*
God has not given us the spirit of fear.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to be bold to face the challenges of life. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
DANIEL 4-6.

ED.ii. PEACE IN THE STORM

"As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Him, saying: 'Master, Master, we're going to drown'! He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." - Luke 8:23-24

I think this is a beautiful story. God wants to speak to you today. Many people, children of God also, try to get rid of their problems. This is a good thing. However, the point is that many children of God have the illusion that when their problems are solved, they will be happy and have peace in their hearts.

Happy in all circumstances

But dear readers, Christians, the living God our Father wants us to be happy even when the circumstances are not as we want them to be. If you allow for your peace and tranquility to depend on circumstances, you will never be happy because there is always a change. This will be the same until your last breath.

The apostle Paul gives a list of difficult situations he has experienced in life. Despite all, Paul was more than a conqueror in Jesus, who gave Him the strength to move on.

You can also be more than a conqueror in the middle of your storm. Dear readers, do not always try to use all your faith to solve problems. You must learn to use your faith to have peace and tranquility in the storms of life. While the disciples were very concerned and tried to solve their problem, Jesus was sleeping wonderfully.

Do not let the storm which is raging outside rage in you. With Jesus you can have peace in all circumstances.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for toady.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. ⏤ Isaiah 55:11

It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone. ⏤ Hudson Taylor

We come back this evening, our Father, to continue our prayer for the coming of Your kingdom. The day is past, and the work of Your servants is done. Thousands of ministers have preached Your word, tens of thousands of teachers have taught the children, and in millions of Christian homes, supplications and prayers have been offered. Let not all this work be in vain. May Your Spirit gather up all that has been done for You today and give it Your divine blessing, without which nothing can come of it.

Revive Your work in this land and in the world through this Sunday's ministrations. May many of Your children carry new earnestness and zeal into their living and work tomorrow. May the seeds sown in the furrows today take root and grow. Let not the birds gather up and devour what has been sown. Let not the thorns spring up and choke it. Let not the heat of trials scorch the tender growths. May the good seed grow wherever it has been sown, and may abundant harvests wave on thousands of fields. Prosper Your work on the earth.

May Your peace rest upon our home tonight. May the gentle Dove descend and spread His white wings over us, sheltering us while we sleep. May holy influences rest upon us from this Sunday, and may its teachings and impressions stay with us throughout the week. Keep each of us from the world's ungodly power. Hold us all near Your heart, in the warmth of Your love, in the strong security of Your grace. May the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God our Father, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with us forever. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/56/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.