📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 5–6 | Ephesians 5 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Chronicles 5 Faith, Failure, and the God Who Gives Victory 1 Chronicles 5 records the genealogies and history of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes settled east of the Jordan River because the land was suitable for their livestock. Although the chapter contains many names, it presents a clear spiritual contrast between trusting God in battle and later abandoning Him through idolatry. The chapter begins with Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son. Because of his sin, however, the privileges of the firstborn were divided among others. Joseph received the birthright, while Judah became the tribe from which the ruler would come. This reveals that spiritual privilege carries responsibility. Position alone cannot replace obedience and godly character. The mention of Judah’s leadership is especially important. Although the chapter focuses on the eastern tribes, it reminds readers that the promised ruler would come from Judah. God was already directing Israel’s history toward David and ultimately toward the Messiah. The tribes east of the Jordan became strong and numerous. When they faced powerful enemies, they cried out to God during the battle. The Lord answered them because they trusted Him. Their victory did not come merely from their military skill, organization, or numbers. God gave the enemy into their hands because the battle belonged to Him. This moment demonstrates the power of dependence upon the Lord. These warriors prepared responsibly, but their confidence was ultimately placed in God. Faith did not eliminate action; it directed their action and gave them confidence that the Lord was fighting on their behalf. Sadly, the chapter does not end with victory. Over time, these same tribes became unfaithful to the God of their fathers and pursued the false gods of the surrounding nations. The people who once cried out to God in dependence gradually turned away from Him in compromise. As a result, the Lord allowed foreign kings to carry them into exile. Their military strength could not protect them once they abandoned the God who had given them victory. The chapter shows that past faithfulness does not guarantee future faithfulness. Every generation must continue walking with the Lord. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 5 reveals that victory comes through faith and dependence upon God, while spiritual compromise eventually leads to loss. The Lord responds to those who cry out to Him, but He also disciplines His people when they persistently abandon His covenant. This chapter points to Christ, the promised Ruler from the tribe of Judah. Unlike Israel’s earthly warriors, Jesus won the ultimate battle through perfect obedience to the Father. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated sin, death, and every spiritual enemy. All who trust in Him share in His victory. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 5 reminds us not to rely upon past victories, spiritual heritage, or personal strength. We must continue trusting the Lord in every battle and guarding our hearts against compromise. In Christ, we have a victorious King who hears us when we call upon Him and gives us strength to remain faithful. The battle belongs to the Lord, but we are called to walk in continual dependence, obedience, and trust. 1 Chronicles 6 Called to Worship and Serve in God’s Presence 1 Chronicles 6 focuses on the tribe of Levi, the family appointed by God to serve in connection with the tabernacle, the temple, the priesthood, and the worship of Israel. While the previous chapters trace royal and tribal lines, this chapter emphasizes the spiritual leadership that God established among His people. The genealogy traces the priestly line from Levi through Aaron and eventually to those who served before and after the exile. These records confirm that priestly service was not based upon personal ambition or human appointment. God called and established those who would minister before Him. Aaron’s descendants carried the responsibility of offering sacrifices and ministering at the altar. Their service reminded Israel that sinful people could not approach a holy God casually. Sacrifice, cleansing, mediation, and obedience were necessary because God is holy. The chapter also gives attention to the Levites who served through music and worship. David appointed singers to minister before the Lord, and their service became an important part of Israel’s spiritual life. Worship was not treated as an afterthought. It was organized, intentional, and centered upon the greatness of God. Different Levite families received different responsibilities. Some served as priests, others as singers, gatekeepers, assistants, or caretakers of sacred things. No single family performed every task. God distributed responsibilities so that His people would serve together in unity. This reveals that ministry is both spiritual and practical. Public worship depends upon many faithful servants fulfilling responsibilities that others may never notice. God values every role when it is performed with humility and faithfulness. The chapter also records the cities assigned to the Levites throughout Israel. Rather than receiving one large territory, the Levites were scattered among the tribes. Their presence reminded the entire nation of God’s Word, worship, and covenant. Spiritual instruction was intended to influence every part of Israel’s life. Yet the priesthood and sacrificial system were never the final answer to humanity’s sin. The priests themselves were imperfect and needed sacrifices for their own sins. Their ministry pointed beyond itself toward a greater Priest who would provide a complete and lasting sacrifice. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 6 reveals God’s holiness and His gracious provision for worship. He appoints priests, establishes sacrifice, orders ministry, and gives His people a way to approach His presence. The chapter also demonstrates that every form of service matters within the work of God. This chapter points directly to Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest. Unlike the descendants of Aaron, Jesus is sinless and serves forever. He did not repeatedly offer animal sacrifices but offered Himself once for all. Through His finished work, believers receive forgiveness and direct access to the Father. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 6 reminds us that worship and service must remain central in our lives. Every believer has been called to serve according to the gifts and responsibilities God provides. Some roles are visible, while others are performed quietly, but every faithful act contributes to the work of God’s kingdom. In Christ, we are brought near to God and made part of a royal priesthood. We no longer depend upon an earthly priest to enter God’s presence on our behalf because Jesus has opened the way. Our response should be lives of worship, holiness, gratitude, and faithful service to the One who has redeemed us. Ephesians 5 — Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom Through the Christ Ephesians chapter 5 continues Paul's practical instruction by describing what it means to live as those who have been transformed by the Christ, the Son of God. Building upon the call to put off the old way of life, this chapter presents three defining characteristics of Christian living: walking in love, walking in light, and walking in wisdom. Each of these is rooted in the believer's relationship with the Christ and reflects God's redemptive plan at work in everyday life. The chapter begins by calling believers to imitate God as His beloved children. This imitation is seen most clearly in love. The Christ demonstrated perfect love by willingly giving Himself for the salvation of humanity. His sacrificial love becomes both the foundation and the model for Christian living. The redemptive plan is centered on the self-giving love of the Son of God, and believers are called to reflect that same love in their relationships with others. Paul then contrasts this Christlike love with the sinful attitudes and behaviors that belong to the old life. Greed, impurity, selfishness, and corrupt speech are inconsistent with the new identity believers have received in the Christ. Christian living is marked by holiness because the Son of God has called His people to reflect His character. The redemptive plan transforms both the heart and the conduct of those who belong to Him. The chapter next describes believers as children of light. Having been rescued from spiritual darkness through the Christ, they are now called to live in a way that reflects truth, righteousness, and goodness. Light exposes what is hidden and reveals what pleases God. Christian living therefore requires discernment, continually choosing what honors the Son of God rather than conforming to the values of the world. Paul encourages believers to use their time wisely because the days are spiritually challenging. Rather than living carelessly, they are to seek the will of the Lord in every circumstance. The redemptive plan gives purpose to every moment of life. The Christ calls His followers to invest their lives in what has eternal value, recognizing that each day presents opportunities to glorify Him. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of seeking satisfaction in temporary pleasures, believers are called to live under the Spirit's influence. This produces worship, gratitude, encouragement, and joyful obedience. Christian living is sustained by the continual work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to reflect the life of the Son of God. Paul then turns to relationships within the home, particularly marriage. He presents marriage as a living picture of the relationship between the Christ and His Church. Husbands are called to love sacrificially, following the example of the Son of God who gave Himself for His people. Wives are called to respond with respect and willing support. This relationship reflects God's redemptive plan by displaying the love, unity, and faithfulness that exist between the Christ and His redeemed people. The chapter concludes by elevating the significance of marriage beyond human companionship. Marriage becomes a testimony to the gospel itself. Just as the Christ lovingly cares for, nourishes, and sanctifies His Church, believers are called to reflect His character in their homes and relationships. Christian living demonstrates the reality of the gospel not only in public ministry but also in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Throughout Ephesians chapter 5, the Christ remains the perfect example of love, holiness, wisdom, and sacrificial leadership. Every instruction flows from His character and points believers back to His finished work. The redemptive plan transforms every area of life, enabling God's people to walk in a manner worthy of the calling they have received. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that our lives should continually reflect the character of the Christ. Christian living means walking in sacrificial love, shining as children of light, living wisely, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every decision. Whether in our worship, our relationships, or our daily responsibilities, we are called to display the beauty of the Son of God. As we follow His example and depend upon His grace, our lives become living testimonies of His transforming power and His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

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Present Truth # 1 God's Letter to You Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise. Who Wrote the Bible? Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors. “ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21. God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown. Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs. “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2. No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance. Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. Divisions Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written). The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44. “The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization. “The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27. One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does. “Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23. “Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated. The Power and Purpose of the Bible The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God! “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9. Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose? “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. “The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope. The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11. How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35. Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25. On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order. Can Everyone Understand the Bible? For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130. Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.” “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25. Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them. The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2. As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13. The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright. Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible? This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding? One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16. In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4. It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden. Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17. The Theme of Bible Inspiration Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27. Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word? Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake! “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13. This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us. Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

Daily Devotional. Wholly sanctioned; Body, Soul, and Spitlrit. The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 The sanctification set forth in the Sacred Scriptures has to do with the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Here is the true idea of entire consecration. Paul prays that the church at Thessalonica may enjoy this great blessing. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.... True sanctification is an entire conformity to the will of God. Rebellious thoughts and feelings are overcome, and the voice of Jesus awakens a new life, which pervades the entire being. Those who are truly sanctified will not set up their own opinion as a standard of right and wrong. They are not bigoted or self-righteous; but they are jealous of self, ever fearing, lest a promise being left them, they should come short of complying with the conditions upon which the promises are based.... Bible sanctification does not consist in strong emotion. Here is where many are led into error. They make feelings their criterion. When they feel elated or happy, they claim that they are sanctified. Happy feelings or the absence of joy is no evidence that a person is or is not sanctified. There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last. Those who are battling with daily temptations, over-coming their own sinful tendencies, and seeking for holiness of heart and life make no boastful claims of holiness. They are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Sin appears to them exceedingly sinful. ***** Genuine sanctification ... is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily conformity to the will of God. [249]

THE LORD IS THE STRONG HOLD OF MY LIFE , FORE WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID. TO TRUST GOD IS LIKE DOING NOTHING

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

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY JULY 24, 2O26. "DON'T LOOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (2)" '…Faith…if it does not have works, is dead.’  James 2:17 NKJV MOTHER TERESA said, ‘The biggest disease today isn’t leprosy or cancer. It’s the feeling of being uncared for, unwanted—of being deserted and alone.’ As a result, she spent her life rescuing sick babies and giving dignity to the dying. Asked why she did it, she replied, ‘Because Jesus did.’ What a great answer! When simultaneous disasters hit different countries around the world, humanitarian organisations say we suffer from ‘donor fatigue’. Let’s add one more: ‘compassion failure.’ Philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote, ‘Warmth, warmth, more warmth! For we are dying of cold and not of darkness. It is not the night that kills, but the frost.’ Think about this: of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible, 250 contain the words of the prophets. That’s roughly 25 percent. Half of what they say denounces sin and the other half condemns those who see human suffering and do nothing about it. Yet events that horrified those same prophets take place in our world every day, and we’re immune to them. Like wearing a watch, you get used to it and after a while you don’t even notice it. But the prophets noticed! They never became desensitised to sin—or human suffering. And you mustn’t either. You say, ‘But my main focus at the moment is on building up my faith.’ That’s a good thing; but never forget that ‘Faith by itself, if it does not have works [of compassion], is dead.’ Bible In A Year: Deut 3-4; Matt 12:1-14; Ps 46; Pro 16:20-22. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. MD.ii. [23/07, 10:32 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 24TH JULY, 2026``` *DON'T BE A COLLATERAL VICTIM* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚠️‼️🛑🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 12:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east" (JOSHUA 12:1).*_ *There are people who sleep walk into disaster, through either arrogance, pride or sheer hubris. It may be that they had recorded successes in previous battles, or have become famous for their accomplishments. They may deem themselves to be invincible, and either declare a war that's totally unnecessary, or inject themselves into other people's battles. In the end, they become the victims of their ego and exaggerated sense of power and importance.* *This is what happened to the kings of the nations on the east of River Jordan. The children of Israel were on a journey ordered by the Almighty God. They were heading to the land of Canaan, in fulfilment of the promise God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Their land was not part of Canaan, and therefore, was not intended to be inherited by the Israelites. The inheritance of the Israelites was to be solely Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey. But on their way, the Israelites encountered nations that had heard about the supernatural work of God in bringing them out of Egypt. Although the Israelites did not declare war against them, these nations, some out of unfounded fear of losing their territory, and others out of envy and hatred against this nation that had a God that can subdue, humble and defeat Egypt, the great world power of the time, took it on themselves to stop Israel from progressing towards their land of promise. One of such kings was Sihon, king of the Amorites, whose nation was mainly a lush vegetation sandwiched by rivers and plain land that was a haven for pastoralists and for other forms of agriculture. The other king was Og, king of Bashan, a land of the remnants of the giants, with similar topography as the land of the Amorites. When they rose against the Israelites, they were roundly defeated, their kingdoms destroyed and their land confiscated by Moses. He subsequently allocated the land to two and half tribes of Israel, which desired to settle there because it was suitable for their vocation as pastoralists. Had those nations stayed out of the way of the Israelites, they would have remained in their land.* *We must be wise and not take on battles that are not ours, whether out of sympathy with other people or to prove that we are powerful. As believers, we have more than enough battles against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places, against sin and Satan. The armour Christ has given us is intended to defeat these adversaries. It is not to be wasted on self-imposed battles that do not benefit the kingdom of God. Those who engage in the wrong battles suffer great loss, and live to regret it for the rest of their lives. Let us focus on the assignment Christ has given us, namely, taking the gospel to the world of sinners, and endeavouring to bring as many as are willing, into the kingdom of God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Those who fight battles without profit, reap rewards without benefits.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *EXODUS 26-29*📜📜 [23/07, 10:32 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 24TH JULY, 2026``` *DIVINE FRESHNESS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 1:1-6```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (PSALM 1:3).*_ *Freshness implies newness of life, originality, and the absence of weakness or death. It is always God's will that His creatures be strong, hale, and hearty. The reverse, however, is the case with many who live in continual weakness, pain, and disability.* *God provides the means of drawing from His life for energy. Still, instead of utilizing the provision, they resort to the use of hard drugs and destructive substances for strength and vitality.* *Our passage for today unveils simple steps for young people to enjoy God's divine freshness. One, they must abstain from the way, walk, and counsel of the wayward and wicked. Two, they should delight in, read and meditate daily on God's word.* *Three, they should appropriate the avalanche of God's blessings and prosperity through prayer and faith. Four, they should not meddle with the ungodly. Friend, the ungodly experience dryness instead of divine freshness. They go through harrowing experiences since they are cut off from God, the source of life and all goodness.* *Would you like to be renewed and transformed? Call on the Lord God, today.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Freshness implies newness.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Stay rooted in Christ, and never run dry!*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Jesus, help me to maintain spiritual freshness.*_ [23/07, 10:32 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 24TH JULY, 2026``` *THE FOOL IN FULL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😠😡🫸🏽📓⚠️‼️🛑🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```PSALM 53:1-6```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good" (Psalm 53:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 An extract from _Merriam Webster_ dictionary goes thus: *"Something is said to be 'in full' when it has come to the highest or the fullest state of degree, when it is at the uttermost extent or when it is complete, especially in details, number, or duration."* The fool in full is the greatest fool that will ever live on earth. He breathes in the air made by God, cultivates the soil created by God, and eats out of the produce thereof, lives in the world God created and enjoys the gift of life given by God, to mention a few; and yet, turns around to say "there is no God." The fool deliberately denies the existence of God despite the many proofs of God's existence. He sees the sun, the moon, the stars, the seas and the uncountable creatures in it, but never pauses to ask: *"Who made the world?"* The things he sees tell him there is God, but in his heart, he refuses to give Him the glory. There is, however, another fool who accepts there is God but refuses to accept His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This category of fools claim they can worship the Living God the way they like. They corrupt the way of worshipping Him; worshipping idols, the work of their hands. The fool can never do what is good before God. *You should not be a fool. Believe in the only true God and in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Turn away from all corrupt and abominable thoughts and actions. Then you will be saved from the foolishness of this world.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Thank You Lord, for delivering me from the foolishness of unbelief.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *John 17:2, 3* [23/07, 10:33 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 24TH JULY, 2026. *REHEARSAL OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 12:1-6. 1.Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east: 2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah: 4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 6 Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. *Timeless Truth:*_"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits"_ (Psalm 103:2). *INTRODUCTION* From creation, God has been engaged in doing great and new wonders. Some are penned down in the Bible while there are many more that have been experienced by individuals, families, communities and nations since creation of man. The fact that God is immutable guarantees that those miracles can be repeated and increased in greatness and number. One of the greatest ways to strengthen faith is to deliberately rehearse God's faithfulness and meditate on those past wonders of God. Throughout Scripture, God often instructed His people to remember His mighty acts so that they would trust Him for future victories. Israel's conquest of the Amorites under Sihon and the later record of those victories in Joshua remind us that God's past interventions are powerful testimonies of His unfailing covenant. Every believer should cultivate the habit of recalling God's goodness instead of dwelling on past fears or failures. As we recount His faithfulness, our confidence in His promises grows. *1.Arrogant Courting of Battles* Israel peacefully requested passage through the land of Sihon, king of the Amorites, but Sihon arrogantly rejected the request and chose war instead (Numbers 21:21–25). It is the norm in military warfare that you don't fight those who come and prefer peace to war. The worst is to lead them as captives. Sihon had taken pride in defeating Moab and taking her possessions (Numbers 21:26-2). Their victory over Moab was celebrated as it became a song in the land. He was optimistic and emboldened that he could repeat the same feat against Israel. However, he was thoughtless and proud. His pride blinded him to the fact that he was fighting against God's covenant people. It is dangerous and risky to fight against the covenant people of God. The battle ended in complete defeat of Sihon because no human strength can prevail against God's purpose. b. Believers have the domineering power of Jesus Christ to crush every power of the adversaries. However, this is not a license for believers to arrogantly court and tempt the people of darkness to unnecessary warfare. When Herod wanted Jesus to perform some miracles for a show of power, Jesus declined because it was unnecessary (Luke 23:8). When Satan tempted Jesus to jump down from the mountain, Jesus also declined because it was an unnecessary show of power. Believers should avoid unnecessary boasting and fight in the name of the Lord that is borne out of arrogance or pride. Believers should never fear opposition, for God remains the Defender of those who trust Him. At the same time, we must guard against pride, remembering that arrogance always invites destruction. *Question* Am I trusting God's strength in life's battles, or am I relying on human confidence and pride? *2. Appreciative Counting of Blessings* Joshua carefully recorded the kings and their land, whom God had delivered into Israel's hands (Joshua 12:1–5). These verses are more than historical records—they are memorials of divine faithfulness. God's people are encouraged to remember every victory and every answered prayer. Gratitude protects the heart from discouragement and unbelief. When we regularly count our blessings, we discover that God's mercies greatly outweigh our trials. Thanksgiving also prepares us to receive greater blessings from the Lord. As the psalmist puts it, *"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."* This will take a diligent and deliberate effort like Joshua did when he wrote down and recalled the good wonders of God to himself and to the whole Israel. *Question* How often do I deliberately remember and thank God for His past faithfulness in my life? *3. Additions to Covenant for the Beloved* a. The conquered territories were not part of the promised Canaan inheritance. But Sihon and Og lost their land through their pride and arrogance and those blessings were taken from them and added to the children of Israel (Joshua 12:6). After getting victory, Moses assigned the conquered territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh as their inheritance. God's faithfulness extends beyond victory in battle to the fulfillment of His covenant promises. b. There are several cases where God took away the assigned blessing of the arrogant and added them to the portion of the godly. Reuben and Esau were supposed to have the double blessings of their first born, but they both lost them through carelessness and profanity. Their blessings were added to Judah and Jacob respectively. Jesus warned the Ephesian Church of loss of ministry if they didn't repent from the loss of their first love and the immoral practices of the Nicolaitans(Revelation 2:5). He also warned the Pastor of Philadelphia that if he was not watchful, his crown would be taken from him and be given or added to another person. *"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown"* (Revelation 3:11). Remember, King Saul lost his crown, which was supposed to be generational, to David. The same with Esau and none of them could get his back. Fight and be watchful to retain and enjoy all your blessings and inheritance assigned to you by God. *Question* Am I very watchful and prayerful in ensuring that my blessings and inheritance are not taken from me and transferred to another person? *Prayer Points* 1.Heavenly Father, help me always remember and celebrate Your faithfulness in every season of my life 🙏. 2.Lord, deliver me from every form of pride, boasting and unnecessary show of power and grant me victory over every battle confronting my faith 🙏. 3.Give me a grateful heart that continually counts Your blessings instead of focusing on life's difficulties. 4.Give Your children grace to be watchful and prayerful and don't allow anyone to take their assigned blessings and inheritance 🙏. *HYMN:* Count Your Blessings *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* EXODUS 26-29. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. ⏤ Proverbs 16:9 To pray is to let go and let God take over. ⏤ Philip Yancey O God, our Father, we, Your children, wait for Your blessing before we go out to the work and care of this new day. We thank You for the blessings You gave us in our sleep. You have renewed our strength and restored what yesterday’s toil took from us. We are strong this morning and ready for another day’s work because of the blessings You gave us in our sleep. We consecrate our lives to You for this new day. Take us and use us as You will. We don’t want to make our own plans, for we are too short-sighted and would only plan for present comfort or earthly success. We would rather have You reveal Your plan for our day. It may not be easy, but we know it is wiser and better than our way could ever be, for You see the end from the beginning, and You choose the best things for us. We lay our plans at Your feet and ask You to use them if they are the best, but if not, to set them aside so that Your plan for the day may work unhindered in us. We pray for our neighbors. Some of them are sick. Remember them and grant them healing and restoration. Send them Your comfort in their pain, and let them be richly blessed by the experiences they are going through. Some of our neighbors have gone through sorrows. Heal their broken hearts and give them comfort that will make them stronger to bear their grief, and help them find the blessings You have hidden in their sorrow. Receive us now into Your care for this day; bless us, keep us, and use us as You will. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/19/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 🔥SERMON: BE SPIRITUALLY ALERT — EMBER MONTHS ARE HERE. Theme: “Watch and Pray: Finishing the Year Strong in Christ” Key Text: 1 Peter 5:8–9 > “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 🔥 THE YEAR IS NOT OVER YET! Beloved, we have entered the final stretch of the year. The ember months—September, October, November and December—are often associated with celebrations, travelling, weddings, parties, business activities, family gatherings and end-of-year excitement. But as Christians, we must understand something: The end of the year is not a time to become spiritually careless. It is a time to become spiritually alert! Many people become relaxed because they think, “The year is almost over.” But the devil does not take a holiday. Your prayer life must not go on holiday. Your Bible study must not go on holiday. Your holiness must not go on holiday. Your spiritual discernment must not go on holiday. The fact that we are approaching the end of the year does not mean we should lower our spiritual guard. This is the season to watch, pray, discern and finish well! 1. 🛡️ BE SOBER AND VIGILANT. 1 Peter 5:8 Peter says: > “Be sober, be vigilant…” To be sober means to remain spiritually clear-minded. To be vigilant means to remain watchful and alert. A Christian can be physically awake but spiritually asleep. You may attend church and still become spiritually careless. You may carry a Bible and still lose spiritual sensitivity. You may pray yesterday and still need to pray today. The ember months can bring many distractions: Excessive celebrations Ungodly relationships Financial pressure Peer pressure Sexual temptation Substance abuse Unnecessary travelling Reckless spending Internet and social-media distractions Pressure to “make it before the year ends” Do not allow the excitement of the season to silence the voice of the Holy Spirit. 2. 🙏 WATCH AND PRAY Matthew 26:41 > “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation…” Notice that Jesus did not say pray without watching. He said: Watch AND pray. Prayer without spiritual alertness can make us careless. Spiritual alertness without prayer can make us powerless. We need both. During these months, increase your prayer life. Pray concerning: Your family Your children Your marriage Your career Your ministry Your finances Your travels Your relationships Your spiritual life The decisions you will make Do not wait until trouble comes before you begin to pray. Prayer is not only a crisis response; prayer is spiritual preparation. 3. 🕯️ DO NOT LET THE SEASON STEAL YOUR SPIRITUAL FIRE Romans 12:11 > “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. One danger of the ember months is spiritual fatigue. People become tired and say: > “I have prayed enough this year.” No! You don't retire from your relationship with God because the calendar is approaching December. Your spiritual fire must continue burning. Leviticus 6:13 > “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” Your altar must remain alive. Don't let December find you spiritually empty. Keep reading the Word. Keep praying. Keep worshipping. Keep serving. Keep witnessing. Keep forgiving. Keep walking in holiness. 4. ⚠️ BE CAREFUL WITH DECISIONS MADE UNDER PRESSURE. The final months of the year can create tremendous pressure. People begin asking: “What have you achieved this year?” “How much money have you made?” “When are you getting married?” “When will you build your house?” “When will you buy a car?” “What are you doing with your life?” Such questions can create comparison and desperation. And desperation can lead people into wrong decisions. Remember: You do not need to destroy your future because you are trying to impress people before December 31. Psalm 37:7 says: > “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” Do not enter a wrong relationship because you are afraid of being single. Do not enter fraudulent business because you want quick money. Do not compromise your faith because you want acceptance. Do not abandon God's principles because you feel behind. God's timing is better than human pressure. 5. 🎯 FINISH THE YEAR STRONG. Philippians 3:13–14 Paul says: > “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” There is still time. Perhaps January did not go as planned. Maybe February brought disappointment. Maybe March brought unexpected challenges. Maybe you made mistakes. Maybe opportunities passed. Maybe you experienced losses. But the year is not over yet. Don't spend the remaining months mourning what went wrong. Ask: > “Lord, what can I still do with the time You have given me?” You can still pray. You can still reconcile. You can still start. You can still learn. You can still serve. You can still evangelize. You can still correct your mistakes. You can still become spiritually stronger. There are still chapters of your story that have not been written. 📖 BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: NEHEMIAH. Consider Nehemiah. When Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, their enemies attempted to distract and intimidate them. Nehemiah 4:9 > “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night…” Look at the balance: They prayed AND they watched. They did not say: > “We are praying, so we don't need to be careful.” Neither did they say: > “We are watching, so we don't need God.” They did both. Prayer + Watchfulness = Spiritual Alertness This is a powerful principle for the ember months. Pray as though everything depends on God. Work and watch as though God expects you to be responsible. 💡 DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS. 1. Not every opportunity is a God-given opportunity. Some opportunities are simply distractions dressed as blessings. Discern before you accept. 2. Not every relationship deserves access to your destiny. Some relationships strengthen your faith. Others weaken it. Watch your associations. 3. The enemy often uses distraction before destruction. He does not always begin with something obviously evil. Sometimes he begins with: > “Just this once.” Then another time. Then another. Eventually, compromise becomes normal. 4. The final months require spiritual discipline, not spiritual panic. Do not wait until December to start asking God to fix everything. Walk with God daily. 5. Your greatest victory may be finishing faithfully. Not everyone who starts well finishes well. Your goal should not simply be: > “I want to end the year wealthy.” Say: > “I want to end the year closer to God, stronger in faith, cleaner in character and faithful to my assignment.” ✅ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR THE EMBER MONTHS. 1. Establish a daily prayer time. Even if it is 15–30 minutes, be consistent. 2. Read the Bible daily. Don't allow social media to receive more attention than God's Word. 3. Examine your relationships. Ask who is strengthening your faith and who is weakening it. 4. Avoid unnecessary risks. Be wise with travelling, finances, relationships and celebrations. 5. Control your spending. Don't spend January's resources trying to impress people in December. 6. Stay connected to Christian fellowship. Don't isolate yourself spiritually. 7. Practice gratitude. Count your blessings instead of comparing yourself with others. 8. Set spiritual goals. Before the year ends, decide what you want to accomplish spiritually. 9. Reconcile where necessary. Do not carry unnecessary bitterness into another year. 10. Finish what God has entrusted to you. Don't abandon your assignment because the year has been difficult. 🤔 QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. How spiritually alert am I right now? 2. Has my prayer life become weaker? 3. What distractions are threatening my relationship with God? 4. Are there relationships I need to reconsider? 5. Am I making decisions because of God's leading or because of pressure? 6. What temptation do I need to become more watchful against? 7. What unfinished assignment should I complete before the year ends? 8. If the year ended today, would I be satisfied with my walk with God? 9. What must I stop doing? 10. What must I start doing? 🙏 POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for spiritual alertness Father, awaken my spirit and make me sensitive to Your voice. Help me to recognize every distraction and every trap of the enemy. 2. Prayer for protection Lord, preserve me, my family and everyone connected to me throughout these remaining months. Keep us from evil and unnecessary danger. 3. Prayer against temptation Father, strengthen me to say NO to every temptation that can destroy my testimony, destiny and relationship with You. 4. Prayer for divine direction. Lord, guide my decisions. Give me wisdom to know what to accept, what to reject and what to wait for. 5. Prayer against desperation Father, deliver me from the pressure to compete, compare or compromise. Help me to trust Your timing. 6. Prayer for restoration Lord, restore whatever I have lost that is according to Your will, and give me wisdom to recover what can still be recovered. 7. Prayer for finishing well Father, I will not finish this year spiritually empty. Give me grace to finish stronger, wiser, purer and closer to You than I started. 8. Prayer for the family Lord, preserve our families. Let no tragedy, division or destructive influence prevail over our homes. 9. Prayer for purpose Father, help me to complete every assignment You have entrusted to me before the end of this year. 10. Prayer of surrender Lord Jesus, I surrender the remaining months of this year to You. Take control of my life, my plans, my family, my decisions and my future. Let Your will be done in my life. Amen. 🔥 STRONG CLOSING: DON'T SLEEP THROUGH YOUR SEASON! Church, the ember months are here, but God's grace is still available! Don't become careless. Don't become distracted. Don't become desperate. Don't compromise. Don't allow celebrations to replace consecration. Don't allow social pressure to replace God's direction. Don't allow the mistakes of yesterday to destroy the possibilities of tomorrow. WATCH! PRAY! DISCERN! STAND FIRM! FINISH STRONG! The year may be approaching its final months, but your assignment is not finished. Your testimony is not finished. Your purpose is not finished. Your story is not finished. And above all: God is not finished with you! > “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” — Mark 13:33 🔥 MY CHARGE TO YOU: Enter the ember months with prayer. Walk through them with wisdom. Live through them with holiness. Move through them with discernment. And finish them with thanksgiving. Be spiritually alert. Your destiny is too valuable to sleep through your season! In Jesus' name, Amen. Surrender your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. 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 CONTACT - Whatsapp 2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

💪 GOD IS YOUR STRENGTH ✝️💜 There are moments when you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure of what comes next. But remember—you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. God is your strength, your refuge, and your helper. 🙏 📖 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 When you feel weak, pray. When you feel afraid, trust Him. When you feel lost, seek His Word. When you feel tired, rest in His presence. When you receive blessings, give Him the glory. ❤️ God knows your struggles, hears your prayers, and walks with you through every season. Be strong and courageous. God is with you always! 🌅✝️ Comment AMEN 🙏 if you believe God is your strength today. #GodIsMyStrength #Philippians413 #TrustGod #JesusChrist #ChristianFaith #Faith #Prayer #GodIsWithYou #BibleVerse #ChristianPost #Amen

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