📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 3–4 | Ephesians 4 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Chronicles 3 The Preserved Line of the Promised King 1 Chronicles 3 continues tracing the family line of Judah by focusing specifically on the descendants of David. The chapter records David’s sons, the kings who followed him, and the continuation of the royal family after the Babylonian exile. Although it consists largely of names, it carries a powerful message about God’s faithfulness to His covenant. The chapter begins with the sons born to David during his reign in Hebron and Jerusalem. David’s family history includes both blessing and brokenness. Some of his sons became connected with painful moments of rebellion, rivalry, and personal tragedy. Yet God’s redemptive purposes continued even through an imperfect household. The genealogy then follows the royal line through Solomon. God had promised David that his house, kingdom, and throne would be established according to His covenant purpose. Solomon became the immediate heir to that promise, but the covenant pointed beyond him toward a greater and eternal King. As the names of Judah’s kings are recorded, the chapter quietly summarizes generations of leadership. Some kings followed the Lord faithfully, while others led the nation into compromise and idolatry. Their reigns differed greatly, but God continued preserving the royal line. The covenant remained secure, not because every descendant was faithful, but because God was faithful. The genealogy continues through the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem had fallen, the temple had been destroyed, and the visible kingdom of David appeared to have ended. Yet the family line continued. Even in exile, God preserved the descendants through whom His promise would ultimately be fulfilled. This demonstrates that exile did not cancel God’s covenant. Human failure brought discipline and loss, but it could not overturn the Lord’s redemptive plan. What appeared to be the end of the kingdom was only another stage in God’s preparation for the coming Messiah. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 3 reveals God’s sovereign preservation of the Davidic line. Earthly kings failed, kingdoms declined, and the nation entered captivity, yet God’s promise remained alive. His covenant depended upon His own faithfulness rather than the strength or righteousness of human rulers. This chapter points directly to Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David. He is the true heir to David’s throne and the King whose reign will never end. The royal genealogy preserved through exile ultimately leads to Christ, in whom every promise concerning David’s kingdom finds complete fulfillment. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 3 reminds us that God’s promises remain secure even when circumstances appear hopeless. Human failure, national instability, and seasons of discipline cannot destroy what God has determined to accomplish. In Christ, we belong to an eternal kingdom ruled by the faithful King. We can trust that the God who preserved His promise through generations will remain faithful in every season of our lives. 1 Chronicles 4 God’s Grace Among Ordinary People 1 Chronicles 4 continues the genealogical record of Judah and also traces the descendants of Simeon. The chapter contains many names unfamiliar to modern readers, yet each one represents a person, family, occupation, and place remembered within the history of God’s covenant people. The chapter reminds us that God’s work is carried forward not only through famous kings and prophets but also through ordinary individuals and families. Among the genealogy appears the brief account of Jabez. His name is connected with pain, but his life is not controlled by that beginning. Jabez calls upon the God of Israel, asking for blessing, enlarged influence, divine guidance, and protection from evil. God grants his request. The account of Jabez does not teach that prayer is a formula for personal prosperity. Instead, it reveals a man who recognizes his complete dependence upon God. He does not rely upon his background, strength, or family position. He asks the Lord to direct his future and keep him from the evil that could bring further sorrow. His story demonstrates that a difficult beginning does not have to determine a person’s future. God’s grace is greater than the circumstances surrounding our birth, family history, or past experiences. When people seek Him sincerely, He is able to lead them beyond the limitations others may place upon them. The chapter also mentions craftsmen, potters, workers, leaders, and families who occupied particular towns and fulfilled practical responsibilities. These details reveal that ordinary work has value within God’s purposes. Service does not need to be publicly recognized to matter to the Lord. The descendants of Simeon are also described as seeking land for their flocks and defeating enemies who occupied the territory. Their account reflects the importance of courage, diligence, and acting upon the opportunities God provides. They did not remain passive but worked together to establish a place for their families. At the same time, the chapter must be understood within the unfolding history of Israel. These families were living within the covenant structure God had established for His people. Their victories, settlements, occupations, and family lines all formed part of the larger story leading toward the kingdom of David and ultimately toward Christ. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 4 reveals that God works through both prominent and ordinary people. He hears prayer, directs families, gives meaningful work, and uses faithful lives within His redemptive plan. The chapter also demonstrates that identity is not determined merely by pain or human circumstances but by God’s grace and calling. This chapter points to Christ, who brings people into a new identity that is not controlled by their past. Through Jesus, believers receive forgiveness, spiritual blessing, divine purpose, and deliverance from the power of evil. He enlarges our influence not for selfish ambition but so that our lives may display His grace and advance His kingdom. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 4 reminds us that no life is insignificant to God. He sees faithful service that others overlook, hears the prayers of those who depend upon Him, and can redeem even painful beginnings. In Christ, our past does not define our future. We are called to seek God’s hand upon our lives, serve faithfully wherever He places us, and use every opportunity for His glory and the advancement of His redemptive purposes. Ephesians 4 — Walking Worthy of the Calling in the Christ Ephesians chapter 4 marks the transition from the doctrinal truths of the first half of the letter to the practical application of those truths. Having explained all that believers possess through the Christ, the Son of God, Paul now calls them to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Christian living is the natural response to God's redemptive plan. The believer's conduct should reflect the grace, unity, and holiness that have already been provided through the Christ. The chapter begins with an appeal to walk worthy of the calling believers have received. This worthy walk is characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These qualities reflect the character of the Son of God and preserve the unity of His Church. The redemptive plan has brought believers into one family, and Christian living seeks to protect that unity through selfless love rather than personal ambition. Paul emphasizes that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. This repeated emphasis on oneness reveals that unity is not created by believers but given by God through the Christ. The Son of God has already made His people one, and they are now called to live consistently with that reality. The chapter also teaches that the Christ has given spiritual gifts to His Church. These gifts are not for personal recognition but for equipping believers, strengthening the body, and advancing God's kingdom. The redemptive plan includes the growth and maturity of the Church as every believer faithfully serves according to the grace given by the Son of God. Christian living is never passive; every believer has a meaningful role in building up the body of Christ. As believers mature, they become stable in their faith and are no longer easily influenced by false teaching or spiritual deception. Instead, they grow by speaking the truth in love while remaining firmly connected to the Christ, who is the head of the Church. Spiritual maturity is measured not merely by knowledge but by increasing conformity to the character of the Son of God. Paul then contrasts the believer's new life with the old way of living. Those who do not know the Christ continue in spiritual darkness because they are separated from the life of God. But believers have learned a different way through the Son of God. The redemptive plan transforms the heart, leading to an entirely new pattern of living. Christian living involves putting away the old sinful lifestyle and embracing the new life created by God's grace. The chapter describes this transformation as putting off the old self and putting on the new self. This new life reflects God's righteousness and holiness because it is created through the work of the Christ. The change is not merely outward behavior but inward renewal as the believer's mind is continually shaped by God's truth. Paul then applies these principles to everyday relationships. Believers are called to speak truthfully, control anger, work honestly, use words that encourage rather than destroy, show kindness, forgive one another, and avoid attitudes that grieve the Holy Spirit. Every area of life is to reflect the grace believers have received through the Son of God. Christian living is demonstrated not only in public worship but also in ordinary conversations, relationships, and daily choices. The chapter concludes with one of its greatest exhortations: believers are to forgive one another because God has forgiven them in the Christ. Forgiveness is not based on human merit but on the immeasurable grace demonstrated through the cross. The redemptive plan continually calls believers to extend to others the same mercy they have received from the Son of God. Throughout Ephesians chapter 4, the Christ remains the center of the believer's new life. He unites His Church, equips His people, transforms their character, and provides the perfect example of humility, truth, and forgiveness. Every aspect of Christian living flows from the new identity believers have received through Him. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that our conduct should reflect our calling in the Christ. Christian living is marked by humility, unity, spiritual maturity, and continual transformation. We are called to leave behind the old way of life and daily put on the character of the Son of God. As we speak truth in love, serve one another faithfully, forgive freely, and walk in holiness, we become living demonstrations of God's redemptive plan and faithful witnesses to the transforming grace of the Christ. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

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Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. Before I start, I must issue a disclaimer. I strongly suggest that you do not consume ANY morning/evening beverages (depending on when you are reading this) while you read this. You have been duly warned and I cannot be held responsible for any mishaps from here on out. Every morning, we have a scheduled mini-bible study with some friends to start our day off right with God. Every morning, we are usually a few minutes late because I am trying to get everything done with my posts so that I do not forget anything. As long as I stay in my routine, I am good. Yesterday, I overslept a little (on purpose-I was tired), so there was no writing done. We were ready with coffee and bible in hand at a quarter til 7. A MIRACLE. When we got out of the truck, I asked if hubby had the keys; he did not, so I went in to get them off the hook. Not there. Checked the table; not there. Checked the office and last night’s clothes; not there. Now, before you think that I locked them inside, I did not; the truck was open. After several minutes of searching, we took the borrowed car to bible study. I let my son, who is visiting from across the pond, know and asked them to look for my keys. They seem to know where all my stuff is … I sure don’t. haha. Bible study was fantastic and when we got home, he informed me that they could not find them. The mega search and destroy was on. I moved laundry piles. I dug through my outgoing trash on the street. I crawled around under all the seats and stood on my head to look under the vehicle. Freezer, refrigerator, laundry in the basket and on the bed. Pulled all the covers down and pillows off. Shook towels and linen. Hands into sofa cushions and trash cans. These keys were lost. Or…very much secure … however you want to look at it. Finally, we called a lock smith to come out and make new keys. A very nice man, professional and polite. Joked with us and even let us know that when, not if, but when we find the other key … how to reprogram it so it will work in the truck also. I paid him, and we offered to spread the word about his business. I went inside to change to go to town, I had to go help my mother with a weed problem. I changed my clothes and went to put on my shoes. Left shoe no problem. RIGHT shoe … out falls the truck key. The one place that I did not look. And why would I look in my shoes that were inside the open closet door? Right? Naturally, I hobbled outside where everyone -but the locksmith- was with shoe in hand and tossed the key over the back of the truck into the drive. Laughter consumed my yard’s atmosphere. BRIGHT SIDE: I now have three keys for my truck instead of one. If you spewed coffee, tea, water, or any other beverage, I am not to blame. I warned you. A couple of things came from that little event. Seeds were planted with the locksmith in that there are still good people out there willing to help someone out. It really is a good idea to have more than one key for your vehicle and to always put them in the same place. Most importantly, however, when you lose your keys … always check your shoes that are in your closet. Just saying. The locksmith has been in our area, I guess, for a while, and someone else has been trying to snipe business at lower rates. Which is the case in any business. When we offered to help spread the word about his quality service, he was extremely thankful. You never know who you can impart His love on or in. I do not know if he was a believer or just someone who needed a smile of supporting love. What I do know is that my little story will bring smiles to more than just him, and the fact that it is true … well, that makes it even funnier. This world is full of ugly; will you help me bring brightness to the dark? Will you help me shine His Light? Be blessed. **So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Now I Know Why By Idalia Dinzey September 1st, 2026 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” John 12:34 Can TV programs really affect the mind of a child and change the course of their life? I can answer that question with an experience from my childhood. I was somewhere between seven and eight years of age, and it was Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Puerto Rico. I was home with my three brothers as we watched a movie on TV called, Jesus of Nazareth. I remember watching the portrayal of Jesus’ life —how He became man to help us learn about our Heavenly Father, and how He was betrayed by one of His disciples who delivered Him into His enemy’s hands. Judas believed and knew that Jesus could put a stop to everything and get away…but He didn’t! As I watched, the movie took a painful turn, and suddenly, Jesus was being beaten! It was so heartbreaking that I ran to the screen and hugged it! “Oh Jesus, why?” I wept, even as my brothers yelled at me to get out of the way so they could watch. They didn’t understand what was happening inside of me. I ran to my room and sobbed into my pillow, “Why did you let them do that to you Jesus? Why? Why? Why?” I still cry as I read, hear, or watch anything about Christ’s ultimate sacrifice; but I no longer ask why, because I know why. And I’ve never let go that memory, and for a good reason. What I watched decades ago has remained in my heart and fueled my desire to teach our children about their salvation at an early age. I thank God for a mother who brought us up to love the Lord and be of service to Him. And I certainly never thought I’d be working with a television network that explains the “why’s” of Jesus to children, as well as adults. I know there are children whose parents don’t speak English, Spanish or Portuguese – the languages on 3ABN English and 3ABN Latino networks. But they are increasingly being taught English as an international language, and we shouldn’t underestimate the influence they’ll have as they translate our programs for their families. Television and radio can change lives for the good, and Bible truths bring about a sure change for the best! I’m so thankful for all who take a stand in supporting Jesus’ coming to our world to draw all men to Him. Our children and our homes have been blessed because of you!

Need to know. Signs You Have an Octopus Spirit! What is the Octopus Spirit? This is a spirit that causes you to feel like your mind is wrapped, squeezed, and pulled in many directions at once. It clouds your thinking, steals your peace, and tries to choke out your spiritual life with lies that sound like your own voice. The Bible does not use the word ‘octopus’ but it does describe this type of mental attack and calls us to take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) So here are 8 points, or ‘tentacles,’ that can show if you are being oppressed by this spirit. Tentacle #1: You have intrusive thoughts that you did not invite. For example: - You are worship and a blasphemous thought flashes in. - You are driving and a thought tells you to hurt yourself. - You are holding your child and a dark image appears. You feel sick inside and wonder what is wrong with you. James 1:14 shows the enemies entices and whispers. You are not the thoughts you did not invite. Tentacle #2: Every thought turns hopeless. You make one small mistake and your mind jumps to ‘it is over.’ You have one bad day and feel, ‘this is who I am forever.’ If your thoughts keep ending in, ‘there is no point,’ that is a sign of mental oppression. Tentacle #3: You have mental loops that don’t stop. - You replay old conversations nonstop. - You reheard disasters that have not happened. - You wake up at night and relive things you cannot change. You are not processing. You are in torment. The octopus spirit keeps your mind spinning without peace. Tentacle #4: Your thoughts become your identity. You used to think, ‘I am struggling with fear.’ Now you say, ‘I am a fearful person.’ You used to think, ‘I am tempted by lust.’ Now you call yourself a lustful person. The Bible tells you to take thoughts captive, not to wear them as your name. When a repeated thought becomes how you describe yourself, it turns into a stronghold. Tentacle #5: Prayer feels heavy and numbing feels easy. The Bible feels boring, worship feels hollow, and prayer feels dry and heavy. But scrolling, eating, drinking, and binge watching feel effortless. This can be spiritual warfare that pulls you away from what nourishes your spirit and drags you toward what only numbs you. Tentacle #6: You hide and isolate. You start thinking things like: - ‘Do not tell anyone.’ - ‘They will judge me.’ - ‘No one will understand.’ - ‘Handle your problems alone.’ This spirit thrives in secrecy and isolation. The Bible calls us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other to be healed. (James 5:16) When you think your thoughts into the light, the grip of this spirit begins to loosen. Tentacle #7: You live in mental fog and double mindedness. You feel constant fog in your mind and struggle to focus, pray, and make decisions. Some days you feel close to God, but other days you feel numb and distant. That fog is not from your Father. It is the enemy clouding the water so you cannot see clearly. Tentacle #8: You start giving yourself permission to sin. At first the voice in your head tempts you. Then it starts to sound like permission. - ‘You deserve it.’ - ‘Just do it this once.’ - ‘God will understand.’ - ‘It’s not that serious.’ When your own thoughts start writing permission slips and signing God’s name on them, this is a sign that this spirit is at work. If you see these signs in your life, it does not mean things are hopeless. It means the Holy Spirit is bringing this into the light so Jesus can set you free. Here is what to do: - Come to Jesus and confess that your mind belongs to Him. - Identify the lies and name them out loud as lies. - Replace lies with the truth of Scripture. - Repent of any open doors and invite Jesus to close them. - In the name of Jesus, command every spirit tied to these lies to leave. - Refuse isolation and share honestly with a trusted, mature believer. - Begin to renew your mind daily in the word of God. You do not have to live with this forever. In Christ there is real freedom.

Amazing Facts. Daily Devotionals When Will Judgment Happen? September 1st, 2026 In the year 1033, people around the world expected Jesus to return. That year, they reasoned, would signify the passing of a thousand years since the crucifixion and resurrection, and surely the Lord would come back for His own by then! (And if you are tempted to do the same, remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:36, that “no one” knows the “day and hour” of Christ’s return.) But just because the world doesn’t come stamped with a specific expiration date does not mean it’s impossible to discern the “signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3). One key factor is the presence of Rome at both ends of Jesus’ ministry. While the Savior was on earth, it was the pagan Roman Empire that captured and killed Him. Jesus gave up His life to atone for our sins, yes, but it was through the agency of the Roman state that this took place. Daniel identifies Rome as the “little horn” that will persecute the saints. And Rome is still a religious-civil power, one that has sought “to change times and law” (Daniel 7:25) and one that has interposed a manmade system of religion that puts other sinful humans in the role of mediator—a role belonging to Christ alone. This final Rome will also seek to compel obedience to its religion by aligning with worldly governments. Those who resist will face intense pressure to revert, and if they continue to resist, they will be confronted with the very real possibility of martyrdom. These will indeed be perilous times for millions of God’s faithful, the ones called a “remnant” people (Romans 9:27). But Jesus promised “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Now, then, is the time to study and pray, so that you’ll be ready for that great and terrible day. Apply It: Jesus told his followers to “watch” (Mark 13:37). Keep looking out—and always keep looking up! Dig Deeper: Daniel 8:9; Daniel 8:12; Hebrews 7:25 Key Bible Texts So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. (Daniel 8:17 KJV)

*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*

September 1 🌿 “WHEN I CANNOT SEE HIS HAND” WHEN I CHOOSE TO REMEMBER 📖 Lamentations 3:21–23 (LLV) — “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's faithful love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” There are times when hope seems to arrive naturally. Something changes. A prayer is answered. A door opens. The clouds begin to clear. And suddenly hope feels possible again. That is not what happens here. Jeremiah is surrounded by devastation. The city he loves has fallen. His people are suffering. His heart is filled with grief. Nothing around him has suddenly become better. Then Jeremiah says: “This I call to mind.” He makes a choice. He remembers something. And because of what he remembers, hope begins to return. “Therefore I have hope.” Sometimes hope begins not when our circumstances change, but when we remember what our circumstances have caused us to forget. God is still faithful. His mercy has not run out. His love has not disappeared. His character has not changed. Jeremiah cannot yet look around and say, “Everything is well.” But he can look toward God and say, “Great is Your faithfulness.” That is a very different kind of hope. It does not deny the ruins. It does not pretend the pain is small. It simply refuses to allow the ruins to tell the entire story. Then Jeremiah gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful images: “His mercies are new every morning.” Yesterday may have been difficult. Yesterday may contain things we cannot change. Yesterday may have exhausted every bit of strength we thought we had. But morning comes. And when it does, God's mercy has not been used up by yesterday. There is mercy for this morning. Grace for this day. Strength for this burden. Faithfulness for this step. Perhaps that is why remembering matters so much. When we cannot see God's hand in what is happening now, we can remember where we have seen it before. We remember the prayers He answered. The strength He supplied. The doors He opened. The times He carried us through something we once thought we could never endure. And memory becomes a bridge between yesterday's faithfulness and today's hope. Nothing around Jeremiah had changed. But he remembered something greater than what surrounded him. God had not changed. A new beginning sometimes begins by remembering: when I cannot see what God is doing today, I can remember who He has always been. Reflection: What evidence of God's faithfulness from yesterday do I need to deliberately remember today? Prayer: Heavenly Father, when difficulty fills my vision, I can easily forget the many ways You have already been faithful. Help me call them to mind. Remind me of Your mercy, Your provision, Your strength, and Your presence through every season behind me. Thank You that yesterday cannot exhaust the mercy You have prepared for today. Whatever surrounds me this morning, let me remember and say with Jeremiah: “Great is Your faithfulness.” In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tuesday, 1st September, 2026 TITLE: "SURRENDER AND COMMIT: LET GOD DIRECT YOUR PLANS" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Romans 12:1–2 (KJV) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON “Surrender your life to God, renew your mind, and commit your plans to Him.” DAY'S REFLECTION A new month gives us a fresh opportunity to surrender, reset, and refocus. Romans 12:1 calls us to present ourselves to God as a “living sacrifice.” Unlike an offering that is given once and forgotten, a living sacrifice means continually yielding our lives, choices, plans, and desires to God. Paul says, “be not conformed to this world.” To conform means to allow outside pressures to shape our thinking and behaviour. The world will constantly tell us what to value, pursue, and imitate. But believers are called to follow God's standards. Instead, Scripture says, “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation begins from within. When God's Word changes our thinking, it changes our attitudes, decisions, habits, and ultimately our lives. Then Proverbs 16:3 gives us a practical key: “Commit thy works unto the LORD.” To commit means to entrust or hand over completely. It does not mean abandoning responsibility; it means doing our part while trusting God with the outcome. Many people make plans and then ask God to bless them afterward. Biblical wisdom teaches us to bring our plans to God first. When our desires are surrendered to Him, He establishes our thoughts and helps bring clarity and stability to our decisions. Life experience shows that plans made without proper direction can produce unnecessary stress and disappointment. But when we seek God's will, we gain wisdom to know what to pursue, what to change, and what to leave behind. As September begins, don't simply make new plans—give God your plans. Don't just seek new opportunities—seek God's direction. Don't allow the pressures of the world to shape your identity—allow God's Word to renew your mind. Surrender. Renew. Commit. Then move forward with confidence. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Psalm 37:5 (KJV) "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Philippians 4:8 (KJV) "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; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. True worship includes surrendering our entire lives to God. 2. Our minds must continually be renewed by God's Word. 3. We should not allow worldly pressure to determine our values. 4. Commit your plans and work to God before pursuing them. 5. God's direction brings stability and clarity. 6. Surrender does not mean inactivity; it means working while trusting God. EVERYDAY ACTION Give God your plans before pursuing them. Renew your mind with Scripture. Reject one unhealthy influence. Do today's work wholeheartedly. Trust God with the results. PRAYER Father, I surrender my life, plans, and desires to You. Renew my mind through Your Word, establish my thoughts, and direct my steps throughout this new month. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I belong to God. My mind is renewed, my plans are committed to the Lord, and my steps are divinely directed. September shall be a month of God's purpose, wisdom, and fruitful progress in my life. Amen! Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

# **DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE** There is a difference between **visiting God and living close to God**. Psalm 91:1 says, *“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”* I think of the secret place as that quiet space where you can put everything down for a moment—the things you cannot explain to anyone, the worries you carry into the night, the questions you are afraid to ask out loud. It is where you come before God without pretending that everything is fine. In His presence, you can breathe again. The secret place is not necessarily a particular room, building, or mountain. It is a life of intimacy with God. It may be those early minutes before everyone else wakes up, a quiet corner after a long day, or simply a moment in your car when you turn everything off and talk honestly to God. **To dwell means to remain.** It is more than running to God when life falls apart and then forgetting Him when things become comfortable. It is learning to walk with Him in ordinary days as well as difficult ones. When you make God's presence a regular part of your life, prayer becomes more than an emergency call; it becomes a relationship. Something changes when you spend time with God consistently. Your problems may not disappear overnight, but your perspective begins to change. You become less controlled by fear and less dependent on people's approval. You begin to recognize God's voice, understand His Word more clearly, and make decisions from a place of faith rather than panic. The secret place does not promise a life without trouble; it gives you somewhere to stand when trouble comes. **Psalm 91:2** says, *“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’”* Perhaps you have been trying to carry too much on your own. You have been strong for everyone else, answering messages, solving problems, meeting expectations, and quietly wondering who will strengthen you. **Come back to the secret place.** You don't have to arrive with perfect words. Come tired. Come confused. Come grateful. Come disappointed. Just come. God is not asking you to perform; He is inviting you into His presence. Don't make the secret place somewhere you visit only when you are desperate. **Make it your dwelling.** Let prayer become part of your rhythm. Let Scripture shape your thinking. Let worship quiet your heart. And when the storms come—and they will—you will have something deeper than circumstances to hold onto. **You will know where your strength comes from, where your peace is found, and where you can return when everything around you feels uncertain.**