• 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
    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
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  • ๐…๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐–๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ
    “๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฎ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ;
    ๐˜‰๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ง๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ต, ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ.”

    Starting well is important, but finishing well is essential. A new commitment, a new ministry, or a fresh decision to follow Christ can fill us with zeal. But many begin with excitement and grow weary when the road becomes difficult. Whether we are running with strength or barely taking the next step, the question is not whether we started—but whether we will remain faithful until the end.

    Near the end of his life, Paul declared in ๐Ÿ ๐“๐ข๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ฒ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ•, “๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต, ๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ.” His journey was marked by persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering. Yet he did not measure life by comfort or convenience. By God's grace, Paul finished the course God gave him. He did not quit when the race became difficult.

    A runner does not receive the crown for leaving the starting line, but for crossing the finish line. So it is with the Christian life. There will be hills that exhaust us, storms that slow us, and voices that tell us to quit. But every faithful step, even when it is weak and unseen, moves us nearer to the finish.

    Scripture calls us to endurance: “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ถ๐˜ด” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ), while “๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜‘๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ). We are also commanded, “๐˜‰๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ง๐˜ถ๐˜ญ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฉ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ” (๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ). Faithfulness is not measured by one moment of excitement, but by a life that continues to trust and obey Christ.

    The enemy does not need to make us openly deny Christ if he can simply make us quietly drift away. Don't run like a broken compass—moving constantly but going nowhere. “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ”:๐Ÿ—). We do not finish by our own strength; we finish by daily dependence upon the Saviour.

    Before Paul could say, “๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ,” Christ had already finished the work Paul could never do. On the cross, Jesus cried, “๐˜๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ—:๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’). Our faithfulness does not earn salvation; Christ's finished work secures it. Because He finished redemption, we can faithfully finish our race.

    So where are you in the race today? What has tempted you to slow down, turn aside, or quit? We don't need Christ merely to help us cross the finish line—we need Him because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The race may be long. The road may be hard. But the finish is worth the fighting for. Start faithfully. Stay faithfully. Finish well, willingly.

    ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, thank You for Christ, who finished the work of redemption for us. Forgive us for growing weary and turning toward easier paths. Strengthen us to endure, keep the faith, and serve You faithfully to the end. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

    Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
    ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐...
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    ๐…๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐–๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ โœ๏ธ “๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฎ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ; ๐˜‰๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ง๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ต, ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ.” Starting well is important, but finishing well is essential. A new commitment, a new ministry, or a fresh decision to follow Christ can fill us with zeal. But many begin with excitement and grow weary when the road becomes difficult. Whether we are running with strength or barely taking the next step, the question is not whether we started—but whether we will remain faithful until the end. Near the end of his life, Paul declared in ๐Ÿ ๐“๐ข๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ฒ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ•, “๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต, ๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ.” His journey was marked by persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering. Yet he did not measure life by comfort or convenience. By God's grace, Paul finished the course God gave him. He did not quit when the race became difficult. A runner does not receive the crown for leaving the starting line, but for crossing the finish line. So it is with the Christian life. There will be hills that exhaust us, storms that slow us, and voices that tell us to quit. But every faithful step, even when it is weak and unseen, moves us nearer to the finish. Scripture calls us to endurance: “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ถ๐˜ด” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ), while “๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜‘๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ). We are also commanded, “๐˜‰๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ง๐˜ถ๐˜ญ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฉ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ” (๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ). Faithfulness is not measured by one moment of excitement, but by a life that continues to trust and obey Christ. The enemy does not need to make us openly deny Christ if he can simply make us quietly drift away. Don't run like a broken compass—moving constantly but going nowhere. “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ”:๐Ÿ—). We do not finish by our own strength; we finish by daily dependence upon the Saviour. Before Paul could say, “๐˜ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ,” Christ had already finished the work Paul could never do. On the cross, Jesus cried, “๐˜๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ—:๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’). Our faithfulness does not earn salvation; Christ's finished work secures it. Because He finished redemption, we can faithfully finish our race. So where are you in the race today? What has tempted you to slow down, turn aside, or quit? We don't need Christ merely to help us cross the finish line—we need Him because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The race may be long. The road may be hard. But the finish is worth the fighting for. Start faithfully. Stay faithfully. Finish well, willingly. ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, thank You for Christ, who finished the work of redemption for us. Forgive us for growing weary and turning toward easier paths. Strengthen us to endure, keep the faith, and serve You faithfully to the end. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐... _____________________________________________________ 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: ๐Ÿ‘‰ FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html ๐Ÿ“š Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) โœจ 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. ๐Ÿ‘‰ 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…
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  • TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

    SERMON TOPIC:

    6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN.

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

    Text:

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

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

    LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:-

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

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

    BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

    JUDAS ISCARIOT

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

    A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH.

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

    PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS.

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

    QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION.

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

    POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

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

    STRONG CLOSING:

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

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

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

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

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    Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN. “A Christian by Name, or a Christian by Nature?” Text: Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:3–6 ๐Ÿ”ฅ NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS “LORD” KNOWS THE LORD. There is a dangerous assumption in Christianity today: “If someone goes to church, carries a Bible, posts Bible verses, sings worship songs, or calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ then that person must be a Christian.” But Jesus warned us that this is not always true. > “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:2 That statement should make every one of us pause. Jesus did not say, “Not everyone who attends church.” He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.’” This means it is possible to have Christian language without Christian life. It is possible to have a Bible in your hand but not have Christ in your heart. It is possible to be active in church but inactive in obedience. It is possible to know Christian songs without knowing Christ. And therefore, the question today is not: “Do people think I am a Christian?” The question is: “Does my life give evidence that I truly belong to Christ?” This message is not designed to judge other people. It is a mirror before it becomes a weapon. Before you examine your neighbor, examine yourself. LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:- 1. THEY HAVE NO GENUINE DESIRE TO OBEY CHRIST. A genuine Christian is not perfect, but there is a genuine desire to please God. Jesus said: > “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Obedience does not save us; Christ saves us. But genuine salvation produces a desire to obey the One who saved us. Someone may say: > “Jesus is my Lord.” But if Jesus is truly Lord, He must have authority over your decisions. You cannot continually say: “Jesus is Lord,” while your lifestyle says: “I am my own lord.” Important distinction A true Christian can fall into sin. But there is a difference between: falling into sin and building your life around sin. There is a difference between: > “Lord, I have failed. Forgive me.” and: > “I know it is wrong, but I don't care.” The first demonstrates repentance. The second demonstrates rebellion. 2. THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. Jesus said: > “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 Notice that Jesus did not say: “You shall know them by their clothes.” He did not say: “You shall know them by their church attendance.” He said: “By their fruits.” What is growing in your life? Is there increasing love? Is there increasing patience? Is there forgiveness? Is there humility? Is there self-control? Is there compassion? Is there holiness? Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. A genuine Christian should show evidence of spiritual transformation. Not perfection. Transformation. If someone has been claiming Christ for years but there is absolutely no evidence of Christlike character, that should lead to serious self-examination. 3. THEY LOVE THE WORLD MORE THAN THEY LOVE GOD. 1 John 2:15 says: > “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” The Bible is not saying Christians cannot enjoy God's creation, work hard, have possessions, or live normal lives. The warning is about worldliness becoming the master of the heart. When money becomes more important than righteousness... When popularity becomes more important than holiness... When sexual pleasure becomes more important than obedience... When social media approval becomes more important than God's approval... When material possessions become our identity... Something is wrong. Jesus asked: > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 A Christian lives in the world, but the world must not live in the Christian's heart. 4. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR OTHER BELIEVERS. This is one of the strongest biblical tests. 1 John 3:14 says: > “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” Christianity is not merely about loving God with our lips. It also affects how we treat people. You cannot continually hate everyone, refuse forgiveness, enjoy destroying people's reputations, and then claim that your relationship with Christ is healthy. Jesus said: > “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 Love does not mean allowing people to abuse you. Love does not mean approving everything people do. Love means treating people with the character of Christ. Ask yourself: How do I treat people who cannot benefit me? How do I treat those who disagree with me? How do I respond when someone succeeds? Can I forgive? Can I apologize? Can I celebrate another person's progress? Because sometimes the greatest evidence of Christianity is not what happens inside the church building, but how we behave outside it. 5. THEY ONLY FOLLOW JESUS WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT. Some people want Jesus as Savior but refuse Him as Lord. They want: Blessing without obedience. Breakthrough without discipline. Promises without repentance. Heaven without holiness. The crown without the cross. But Jesus said: > “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 Following Christ will sometimes cost you something. It may cost you a relationship. It may cost you an opportunity. It may cost you popularity. It may cost you comfort. It may require you to say: “No.” when everybody else is saying: “Yes.” A genuine disciple does not follow Jesus only when following Him is profitable. Real Christianity is tested when obedience becomes costly. 6. THEY HAVE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE BUT NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. This may be the most frightening sign. A person can know about Jesus without actually knowing Jesus. You can memorize Scripture. You can preach sermons. You can sing worship songs. You can teach Sunday school. You can even perform religious activities. And still have a heart far from God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23: > “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Those are terrifying words. Notice something: Jesus did not say: “You never knew about Me.” He said: “I never knew you.” Christianity is not merely information about Christ. It is relationship with Christ. You can know the Bible and not obey the Author. You can know Christian vocabulary and not know the Savior. You can sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost. ๐Ÿ“– BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT One of the most sobering examples is Judas. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He was among the disciples. He participated in ministry. Yet his heart was not surrendered to Christ. Eventually, he betrayed Jesus. This teaches us something uncomfortable: Being close to Christian activity does not automatically mean being close to Christ. You can be around the fire and still be cold inside. You can be around worship and still have an unconverted heart. You can be around pastors and still need salvation. You can be a church worker and still need Jesus. Therefore, don't ask: “How long have I been in church?” Ask: “Has Christ truly transformed my life?” ๐Ÿ”ฅ A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH. Salvation is not proven by perfection; it is evidenced by transformation. The Christian life is not: > “I never make mistakes.” It is: > “I no longer want to remain the person I used to be.” When Christ enters a person's life, something begins to change. Their desires begin to change. Their priorities begin to change. Their relationships begin to change. Their attitude toward sin begins to change. Their hunger for God's Word begins to change. Their response to correction begins to change. Their heart begins to change. That is the work of grace. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. Examine yourself Paul says: > “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 Don't only examine your neighbor. Examine yourself. 2. Repent where necessary Don't defend what God is asking you to surrender. If the Holy Spirit reveals something, repent. 3. Return to God's Word Don't build your Christianity around social media quotes. Build it around Scripture. Read it. Study it. Believe it. Practice it. 4. Develop a genuine prayer life Prayer is not merely asking God for things. Prayer is relationship. Talk to God. Listen to God. Seek His will. 5. Look for spiritual fruit Ask: “Am I becoming more like Christ?” Not: “Am I better than someone else?” 6. Make Jesus Lord, not merely Savior Don't only ask Jesus to rescue you from hell. Ask Him to rule your heart. ๐Ÿค” QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION. 1. If someone watched my life for 30 days, would they see evidence of Christ? 2. Do I obey God only when obedience benefits me? 3. What fruit of the Spirit is growing in my life? 4. How do I treat people who cannot reward me? 5. Have I genuinely repented of my sins, or have I simply learned Christian language? 6. Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him? ๐Ÿ™ POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Examination Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, wherever I have lived in disobedience, forgive me and give me grace to turn completely back to You. 3. Prayer for Transformation Holy Spirit, transform my character and produce Your fruit in my life. 4. Prayer for Genuine Faith Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life. Let my Christianity be genuine, not merely outward. 5. Prayer for Love Lord, give me grace to love people sincerely, forgive quickly, and represent Christ correctly. 6. Prayer for Perseverance Jesus, when following You becomes difficult, give me strength not to turn back. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Hunger Lord, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word, prayer, holiness, and Your presence. ๐Ÿ”ฅ STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST WEAR THE NAME—CARRY THE NATURE. Church, the greatest question is not: “Am I called a Christian?” The greatest question is: “Does Christ truly live in me?” Don't be satisfied because your name is on a church register. Don't be satisfied because you have a Bible. Don't be satisfied because you attend Christian programs. Don't be satisfied because you can quote Scripture. Don't be satisfied because people call you “Brother” or “Sister.” Make sure you know Jesus. If you have drifted, come back. If you have been pretending, repent. If your faith has become merely religious, return to Christ. If you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to surrender. Because one day, every religious mask will fall. Every title will disappear. Every reputation will disappear. Every earthly achievement will disappear. And we will stand before Christ. So let our prayer be: > “Lord Jesus, make me a genuine Christian—not merely a Christian by name, but a Christian by nature, character, faith, obedience, and love.” Don't just carry the Bible. Live the Bible. Don't just talk about Jesus. Follow Jesus. Don't just wear the name Christian. Let Christ be seen in you. May our lives preach the Gospel even when our mouths are silent. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Accept Jesus Christ today by joining a Bible believing Church near you You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
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  • 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
    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
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  • ๐‘๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐“๐จ๐ ๐ž๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ
    “๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต, ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ;
    ๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜จ๐˜ฆ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ, ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜จ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ.”

    We often treat spiritual growth as a solitary pursuit. We read our Bibles alone, pray in secret, and wonder why our faith feels stagnant and brittle. But Christian growth is personal; it was never meant to be isolated. Whether we are growing in knowledge, stability, or grace, the question is not whether we are rooted in Christ—but whether we are helping others grow rooted with us.

    Paul writes in ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ”–๐Ÿ•, “๐˜ˆ๐˜ด ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜‘๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ฌ ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ: ๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ…” Receiving Christ is not the journey’s end—it is the start of new life. Believers are called to walk in Him, be rooted, built up, and established in faith. Maturity is not just knowing more, but being firmly grounded in Christ.

    A single tree may stand alone, but a forest withstands storms as its roots grow together, strengthening the soil. Likewise, believers are not meant to grow alone. God places us in a church to learn, encourage, correct, pray, and strengthen one another. Roots deep in Christ help others stand firm when storms shake them.

    Scripture teaches spiritual growth is a shared responsibility: “๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜บ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐Ÿ ๐“๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐š๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ), “๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’), “Bear ye one another's burdens” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ”:๐Ÿ), “๐˜ฆ๐˜น๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜บ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ‘:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘), and speak “๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ” for the body to “๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ” (๐„๐ฉ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“). Spiritual maturity isn’t just about church participation, but about growing through faithful edification.

    Growth does not happen by accident. We cannot grow merely by hearing the Word occasionally while remaining disconnected from Christ. We must continue in Him. “๐˜ˆ๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ธ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด, ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜บ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ” (๐Ÿ ๐๐ž๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ). Do not mistake spiritual information for spiritual transformation. We do not grow to be seen; we grow because we are saved.

    Before we could ever grow in Christ, He gave us life first. We were dead in sin, but through His death, burial, and resurrection according to the Scriptures (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), He secured salvation for believers. Christ is not just our growth example—He is our life source. He said, “๐˜ž๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ“). Apart from Him, there is no true growth; in Him, we are rooted and established.

    Are you growing deeper in Christ, or merely growing older in church? And as God strengthens you, who are you helping to stand? You do not need Christ merely to help you become a better believer—you need Him because He is the root and source of the life you are called to grow in. Stay rooted in Christ. Keep walking in Him. And as your roots grow deeper, help someone else stand stronger.

    ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, forgive our spiritual isolation. Thank You for planting us in Christ. Bind our hearts together in love, that we may grow deeply rooted, supporting one another in faith, and bearing fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

    Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
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    ๐‘๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐“๐จ๐ ๐ž๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ โœ๏ธ “๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต, ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ; ๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜จ๐˜ฆ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ, ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜จ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ.” We often treat spiritual growth as a solitary pursuit. We read our Bibles alone, pray in secret, and wonder why our faith feels stagnant and brittle. But Christian growth is personal; it was never meant to be isolated. Whether we are growing in knowledge, stability, or grace, the question is not whether we are rooted in Christ—but whether we are helping others grow rooted with us. Paul writes in ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ”–๐Ÿ•, “๐˜ˆ๐˜ด ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜‘๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ฌ ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ: ๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ต ๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ…” Receiving Christ is not the journey’s end—it is the start of new life. Believers are called to walk in Him, be rooted, built up, and established in faith. Maturity is not just knowing more, but being firmly grounded in Christ. A single tree may stand alone, but a forest withstands storms as its roots grow together, strengthening the soil. Likewise, believers are not meant to grow alone. God places us in a church to learn, encourage, correct, pray, and strengthen one another. Roots deep in Christ help others stand firm when storms shake them. Scripture teaches spiritual growth is a shared responsibility: “๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜บ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐Ÿ ๐“๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐š๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ), “๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’), “Bear ye one another's burdens” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ”:๐Ÿ), “๐˜ฆ๐˜น๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜บ” (๐‡๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ‘:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘), and speak “๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ” for the body to “๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฑ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ” (๐„๐ฉ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“). Spiritual maturity isn’t just about church participation, but about growing through faithful edification. Growth does not happen by accident. We cannot grow merely by hearing the Word occasionally while remaining disconnected from Christ. We must continue in Him. “๐˜ˆ๐˜ด ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ธ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด, ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜บ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ” (๐Ÿ ๐๐ž๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ). Do not mistake spiritual information for spiritual transformation. We do not grow to be seen; we grow because we are saved. Before we could ever grow in Christ, He gave us life first. We were dead in sin, but through His death, burial, and resurrection according to the Scriptures (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), He secured salvation for believers. Christ is not just our growth example—He is our life source. He said, “๐˜ž๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ“). Apart from Him, there is no true growth; in Him, we are rooted and established. Are you growing deeper in Christ, or merely growing older in church? And as God strengthens you, who are you helping to stand? You do not need Christ merely to help you become a better believer—you need Him because He is the root and source of the life you are called to grow in. Stay rooted in Christ. Keep walking in Him. And as your roots grow deeper, help someone else stand stronger. ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, forgive our spiritual isolation. Thank You for planting us in Christ. Bind our hearts together in love, that we may grow deeply rooted, supporting one another in faith, and bearing fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐... _____________________________________________________ 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: ๐Ÿ‘‰ FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html ๐Ÿ“š Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) โœจ 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. ๐Ÿ‘‰ 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…
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  • DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Friday, 28th August, 2026.
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    DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Friday, 28th August, 2026. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/deborah-chinedu-65600963_daily-spring-devotional-by-deborah-chinedu-ugcPost-7498641009489154048-IaBR?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAA1ZcGIB97LM8hmE5sj3arEDwGqaEIyajE8&utm_campaign=share_via
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  • ๐…๐ž๐ž๐ ๐Œ๐ฒ ๐’๐ก๐ž๐ž๐ฉ
    “๐˜๐˜ง ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ,
    ๐˜ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ช๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ.”

    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 ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ•, Jesus asked Peter three times, “๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ?… ๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ.” 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. “๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ•). “๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ฌ… ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ง๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ” (๐€๐œ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ–). “๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ… ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ต, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜บ” (๐Ÿ ๐๐ž๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ). “I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them” (๐‰๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐š๐ก ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘:๐Ÿ’). 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. “๐˜”๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ” (๐Œ๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฐ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ’). 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 “๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ). Through His death, burial, and resurrection (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), 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: “๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ?” 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.

    ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: 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!
    ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐...
    _____________________________________________________
    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…
    ๐…๐ž๐ž๐ ๐Œ๐ฒ ๐’๐ก๐ž๐ž๐ฉ โœ๏ธ “๐˜๐˜ง ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ช๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ.” 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 ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ•, Jesus asked Peter three times, “๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ?… ๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ.” 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. “๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ•). “๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ฌ… ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ง๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ” (๐€๐œ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ–). “๐˜๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ฌ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ… ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ต, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜บ” (๐Ÿ ๐๐ž๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ). “I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them” (๐‰๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐š๐ก ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘:๐Ÿ’). 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. “๐˜”๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฅ” (๐Œ๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฐ ๐Ÿ’:๐Ÿ’). 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 “๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ” (๐‰๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ). Through His death, burial, and resurrection (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), 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: “๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ?” 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. ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: 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! ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐... _____________________________________________________ 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: ๐Ÿ‘‰ FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html ๐Ÿ“š Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) โœจ 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. ๐Ÿ‘‰ 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…
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  • Because of previous posts, many of you know at least part of my story, which involves a 10-yr prison sentence in the state of Alabama. On the day of my arrest, I surrendered my life to Jesus in a way I had never done before.
    Through his word, I experienced radical, lasting life change. Now my message is a simple one: God is not mad at you, and the only way for you to live a fulfilled life is for you to first connect to God through Jesus, and then get on a path to discover and ultimately fulfill your God given purpose.
    And the best day to do that is today, because today is all you have.
    Because of previous posts, many of you know at least part of my story, which involves a 10-yr prison sentence in the state of Alabama. On the day of my arrest, I surrendered my life to Jesus in a way I had never done before. Through his word, I experienced radical, lasting life change. Now my message is a simple one: God is not mad at you, and the only way for you to live a fulfilled life is for you to first connect to God through Jesus, and then get on a path to discover and ultimately fulfill your God given purpose. And the best day to do that is today, because today is all you have.
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  • WELCOME my new Friend and follower of my Page here on Lordsbook.com
    ***** MY LATEST POSTS ARE BELOW THIS ONE *****
    I receive hundreds of Messages, so I regret that I am not able to reply to you as that special and unique individual which of course you are. However despite the limitations of the situation, you are certainly valued.
    I am often the second or third person on Lordsbook.com to greet and befriend new members with a range of intentionally Inspirational Christian Posts.
    I have provided some of our personal details at the left top of my page.
    If you have SPECIFIC questions concerning the Christian Faith, we will do our best to assist you.

    To review other new members, Click on to DIRECTORY and select USERS.
    You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review.

    ( if using a DESKTOP COMPUTER click on to PHOTOS at the top of your page, and then click onto DIRECTORY at the bottom of your page the person’s name to review their page
    You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review)

    ALSO LOOK ON THE 'GROUP PAGES' - IS YOUR COUNTRY REPRESENTED ? START UP A GROUP IF NOT.
    ~~ I also have a group named UNITED KINGDOM primarily for Christians rom the UNITED KINGDOM or British Commonwealth citizens
    It's at https://lordsbook.com/groups/United.Kingdom1
    if that's you - JOIN AND POST!
    I personally do not subscribe to Whatsapp or Instagram.
    My wife and I are elderly and retired and we no longer travel overseas or financially support additional ministries.
    We have a few health challenges due to our age which is not unexpected.
    Our financial resources are already arranged and geared to tithing and Gifts to our local church.
    We are not in a position to support additional Ministries.
    ** It is most important that all members carefully read the DISCLAIMER section on Lordsbook ***
    Sincere Blessings in Jesus Christ, Robin Stephen Aldrich
    WELCOME my new Friend and follower of my Page here on Lordsbook.com ***** MY LATEST POSTS ARE BELOW THIS ONE ***** I receive hundreds of Messages, so I regret that I am not able to reply to you as that special and unique individual which of course you are. However despite the limitations of the situation, you are certainly valued. I am often the second or third person on Lordsbook.com to greet and befriend new members with a range of intentionally Inspirational Christian Posts. I have provided some of our personal details at the left top of my page. If you have SPECIFIC questions concerning the Christian Faith, we will do our best to assist you. To review other new members, Click on to DIRECTORY and select USERS. You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review. ( if using a DESKTOP COMPUTER click on to PHOTOS at the top of your page, and then click onto DIRECTORY at the bottom of your page the person’s name to review their page You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review) ALSO LOOK ON THE 'GROUP PAGES' - IS YOUR COUNTRY REPRESENTED ? START UP A GROUP IF NOT. ~~ I also have a group named UNITED KINGDOM primarily for Christians rom the UNITED KINGDOM or British Commonwealth citizens It's at https://lordsbook.com/groups/United.Kingdom1 if that's you - JOIN AND POST! I personally do not subscribe to Whatsapp or Instagram. My wife and I are elderly and retired and we no longer travel overseas or financially support additional ministries. We have a few health challenges due to our age which is not unexpected. Our financial resources are already arranged and geared to tithing and Gifts to our local church. We are not in a position to support additional Ministries. ** It is most important that all members carefully read the DISCLAIMER section on Lordsbook *** Sincere Blessings in Jesus Christ, Robin Stephen Aldrich
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