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.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (PROVERBS 31) 1. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2. What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3. Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5. Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7. Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 8. Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

The Lord Almighty is the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth. This world was created by the power of His Word. That Word became flesh and dwelt among us when Jesus came down to earth. During His time here, Jesus proved that nothing was too hard for Him. He turned water into wine, fed a multitude with five loaves and two fish, calmed the storm, walked on water, healed the blind, lame, deaf, and paralyzed, raised the dead, forgave sins, and accomplished so much more. No matter how hard or impossible our situations may seem, let us hand them over to Jesus, knowing that nothing—absolutely nothing—is impossible for Him to handle. Have a wonderful day, knowing that to the God who made everything out of nothing, there's nothing that He can't do. 😊 Esther Collins Based on Jeremiah 32:17

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY AUGUST 31, 2026. "WHAT IS "SUCCESS " FOR YOU?" I have glorified You on the earth...’ John 17:4 NKJV AT THE end of His life, Jesus was able to pray, ‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ Jesus didn’t try to compete with John the Baptist or model Himself after some Old Testament prophet. He knew what ‘success’ was for Him. To know what it is for you, you must: 1) Discern what success really is. When others feel good about you, you’re popular; but when you feel good about yourself, you’re successful. Your life’s highest calling will always create the highest level of joy within you. 2) Before you set goals, pray. ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV). It’s not wrong to set goals, it’s just wrong to set them without first consulting God. 3) Stop expecting others to bring you success. Don’t wait for flowers to arrive. God gave you seed; start growing some of your own. ‘Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else’ (Galatians 6:4 NLT). And besides, when you’re less needy you’ll become more attractive to others. 4) Get over yourself—everyone else has. A minister said he was praying one day, ‘Father, why does the devil keep reminding me of my past?’ God replied, ‘Because he’s running low on material!’ Repent, and then move on. God says He will ‘…not remember your sins’ (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV). There’s only one good reason to bring up the past, and that’s to learn from it and grow wiser. Bible In A Year: Ezek 22-23, Matt 22:23-33, Ps 142, Pro 19:21-23. 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. [30/08, 9:40 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* MONDAY, 31ST AUGUST, 2026. *DANCING AT THE GATES OF HELL* *TEXT:* MICAH 2:7-13. 7 O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? 8 Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war. 9 The women of my people have ye cast out from their pleasant houses; from their children have ye taken away my glory for ever. 10 Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction. 11 If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people. 12 I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. 13 The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them. *Timeless Truth:*_"Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came"_ (Amos 6:1). *INTRODUCTION* It is dangerous to live carelessly at the edge of spiritual destruction, presuming that God's patience means that His judgment will never come. The people of Israel had become comfortable with sin, oppression and false teachings, yet they still wanted to hear pleasant messages. They were, in effect, dancing at the gates of hell—enjoying temporary pleasures while moving dangerously close to divine judgment. The audience of Micah foreshadows this modern age or last days when the *"people will no longer be able to endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears"* (2 Timothy 4:3). If Israel was severely punished for preferring fables to the sound Word of truth, the people of this age will have a more *"sorer punishments"* in eternal hell fire. Micah's message calls us to examine our hearts, remember the consequences of persistent rebellion and hasten to leave every path that leads to destruction. *1. Heart-Probing Questions* a. There were some probing questions in the text. *"O house of Jacob, is the Spirit of the LORD straitened [limited]?"* The people complained that God's power or patience was too short or that His Spirit should only give good messages instead of warning them about judgment. In the last days too, the same attitude and preference will increasingly continue. *"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables"* (2 Timothy 4:4). The sound doctrine of the Word of God will be a heavy burden and unbearable to the religious lovers of pleasure. Many preachers will unfaithfully dilute their messages to suit their audience and make them happy though they will eventually, lead them to destruction and hell. They also asked, *"Are these his doings?"*. The people questioned if God was really behind the hard times or the warnings of punishment they were hearing. To them, God is too good to inflict such a heavy judgment. It was not God that was behind their hard times, but their evils. When you do evil, evil will follow and when you do good, good will follow. b. God answered their questions. *"Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?"* God answers that His messages are always good and helpful for people who actually, live right and obey Him. Even when the Word of God is a warning judgment, it is equally to do good to those who are rebellious and disobedient for it will turn them from the path of destruction. All the messages of God are good and are intended to do good in the lives of the obedient. Hearing His Word is never a liability if there is love for the truth. We must stop blaming God, the Church, our circumstances or other people for the consequences of our disobedience. The probing question is directed at our hearts: Are we walking uprightly before God? A person who rejects God's correction, but expects His blessings is dangerously deceiving himself. *Question* When God's Word confronts your lifestyle, do you humbly submit to it or resist its correction? *2. History of Protracted Quarrel* a. The basis of God's quarrel with Israel had always been because of their sins and violence against moral laws. God always gives reasons to justify His judgments so that it is clear to all that people's disobedience is not a matter of ignorance, but a deliberate choice and exercise of their will. Some of their evils were listed. The rebellion of God's people was not a momentary mistake; it had become a prolonged quarrel against God's righteous ways. They rose against others as enemies, robbed the peaceful, oppressed women and drove children away from their inheritance. *"The women of my people have ye cast out from their pleasant places"*. Furthermore, the children were messed up, demoralized and denied basic moral training and discipline that would make them radiate the glory of God. *"From their children have ye taken away my glory for ever"*. Robbery and insecurity of lives and property became a booming trade in the land. *"Ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely"*. Worse still, they preferred false prophets who specialize in prophesying ephemeral blessings including wine and strong drink. b. Israel had a long history of persistent rebellion despite warnings from the prophets. Sin often begins as a private compromise, but can grow into a lifestyle that damages others. Persistent rebellion against God results in injustice, selfishness and spiritual blindness. Those dancing at the gates of hell may laugh at warnings and celebrate false assurances, but judgment does not disappear because people refuse to hear about it. *Question* Is there any sinful habit you have allowed to continue for so long that it is now affecting other people? *3. Hasten to Permanently Quit* God commanded His people to arise and depart because their sinful condition had made their present position spiritually unsafe. Lot was told by the angel to hasten *"while he lingers"* though the fire of hell was almost dropping like rain. He was warned *"escape for thy life"* (Genesis 19:16,17). If he had delayed further, the fire of God would have caught him with all his family members. When God pronounces His judgments on wickedness, the wisest thing to do is to speedily take steps and quit whatever is displeasing to God. *“This is not your rest.”* Though the judgment of God was catching up with them, they still believed their mind and the messages of compromising prophets who promised them *"peace, peace, when there is no peace"*. They were relaxed, unresponsive and continued their lives of pleasure as if the prophet was just wasting his time. Any promised rest or enjoyment in the midst of sin is fake and deceptive. *"Arise ye, and depart, for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction"*. God always remembers mercy in His wrath. He asked them to seek for exile in other countries because the judgment on the land as a result of their evil was irreversible. God's solution against His judgments is always departure from sin and objects of divine rebukes and displeasure. *"Depart ye, depart ye"*. b. As characterictic of God, the message ended with hope and restoration for the repentant remnants. God promised to gather His remnant and lead them like a shepherd. After they had suffered in the land of the captivity, "the Breaker" (The Messiah) went before them, opening the way for deliverance and led them back to their land. This will also be repeated in the last days when Messiah will come back to deliver Israel from the hand of their enemies, especially the Antichrist. God does not call us to abandon sin without providing the grace and power to escape it. Christ is our Deliverer, able to break the chains of bondage and lead us into true freedom. Do not dance near the gates of hell. Arise, repent and permanently quit every sinful path. Run toward Christ, who alone leads His people safely through the way of life. *Question* What must you urgently and permanently leave behind in order to walk freely with Christ? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, search my heart and reveal every area where I have resisted Your Word and correction🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from every prolonged habit of sin that is destroying my fellowship with You and hurting others🙏. 3.Lord, give me more love for the truth and give me hatred for all forms of deceptions🙏 4.Lord Jesus, my Deliverer and Breaker, go before me, break every chain of bondage and lead me into a life of holiness and victory👆. *HYMN:* Have you counted the cost? *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* ESTHER 6-10. [30/08, 9:40 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) MONDAY 31ST AUGUST, 2026``` *CAGED IN COMFORT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚠️‼️🛑🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MICAH 2:7-13```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction" (MICAH 2:10).*_ *In 2019, a massive earthquake struck Indonesia, displacing thousands of people. Entire communities were forced to abandon their homes, not because they wanted to, but because the ground beneath them had become unstable. For many, staying behind meant certain destruction. The tragedy was not just in the collapse of buildings but also in the reluctance of some to leave despite clear warnings.* *Micah's message to Israel carried a similar urgency. In Micah 2:10, the prophet declares, "Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction." The people of Israel had settled into spiritual complacency, believing that their land and prosperity were secure. Yet, their corruption had made their very dwelling place dangerous. God's warning was clear: comfort without righteousness leads to ruin.* *The Israelites had defiled the land with injustice and idolatry. They exploited the poor, perverted justice, and silenced the voices of truth. Yet, they refused to believe that judgment was coming. Their sense of security was false. Micah's call was not just about physical exile but also about a spiritual awakening.* *This is a message for our generation. Many cling to lifestyles, habits, or environments that have become spiritually toxic. Some remain in relationships, careers, or ideologies that corrupt their faith. The call to "arise and depart" is not always about physical relocation but about spiritual repositioning. God often calls His people to leave behind what is no longer safe for their souls. When we refuse, destruction follows. Israel's refusal to heed this warning led a life devoid of His presence and peace.* *Are there habits, relationships, associations, or mind-sets that you need to leave behind? Spiritual stagnation is as dangerous as physical complacency. When a place, practice, or pursuit no longer aligns with God's will, staying becomes destructive. The believer's true rest is not in earthly security but in God Himself. When He calls us to move, it is always for our preservation. Do not let comfort keep you in a place that has become unfit for your soul.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*No amount of wealth can buy enduring rest for it only abides in Christ.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *ESTHER 6-10*📜📜 Caged In Comfort https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 190: "CALLED UNTO HOLINESS"; GHS 179: HIGHER GROUND; GHS 189: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY; AND GHS 253: MY PORTION FOR EVER* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna31stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [30/08, 9:40 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```MONDAY 31ST AUGUST, 2026``` *POWER OF FAITH CONFESSION - 1* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:LUKE 7:1-10```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed" (LUKE 7:7).*_ *Faith confession is when your spoken word agrees with the written word of God - the Bible. It is saying what God says about your situation. God has said wonderful, life-changing things about His children. When we agree with His word and speak the same thing, the resultant effect is that it brings positive changes in our circumstances - academics, health, career, spiritual life, and standard of living.* *Saying what God says about your life brings you to heights you can never dream you could reach. Therefore, speak victory and not defeat. Meditate on the unfailing promises of God. "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 12:14a). Be positive with your words. Negative words attract negative things to you.* *Your words will either bring pain or pleasure. Your confession will produce life or death. Your words shape your life. Therefore, choose your words carefully before you utter them. God spoke, "and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9). In like manner, you possess what you confess because you are created after the image of God.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Speak victory and not defeat.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be positive in your confession.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help my decision to always speak positive words.*_ Power Of Faith Confession - 1 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday31stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [30/08, 9:40 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```MONDAY 31ST AUGUST, 2026``` *THE BLAME GAME* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥👉🏼👈🏼❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 3:9-15```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat" (Genesis 3:12).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God put our first parents in the Garden of Eden to care for it and enjoy all the good things in it. But the devil came and deceived the woman to disobey God, and eventually Adam too disobeyed. When God came down calling for man and asking why they had disobeyed His instruction, the blame game started. Each of them started shifting blame. God who is patient and longsuffering asked the woman to explain what happened, she too pushed the blame to the serpent. If they had simply acknowledged their sinfulness and begged for forgiveness, the human race will not be in the mess we are in today. Their disobedience corrupted and made us dirty before God. We all inherited the nature of sin and wickedness. This is the reason many children often pass off their wrongdoings to others. Some children, even when caught red-handed, will still blame someone else for their disobedience. *God wants us to be humble enough to accept responsibility for our wrongdoings. Do not shift the blame, repent and ask God to have mercy on you.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, give me the courage to always own up to my disobedience and also repent.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Samuel 15:10-21* The Blame Game https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk31stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: ⏤ Philippians 3:20 The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. ⏤ E.M. Bounds O God, most merciful—bless us this morning. Lay Your hand upon us with a Father’s blessing. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be upon us and in us all day long. Let Your word dwell in our hearts richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing us. May it be so deeply rooted in us that it keeps us from sin. May the power of Your Spirit rest upon us throughout this day, cleansing and purifying our thoughts, feelings, and all our inner life, and compelling us to walk in holiness in all we say and do. Please guide us today, O God, and keep us in all our experiences. Guard us from carelessness. Let us not drift away from the holy truths we have been taught, nor from Jesus Christ our Savior. Let us not become entangled in the affairs of this world in a way that causes us to lose any of the sanctity of our lives. Though we are in the world, let us not be of it. Help us to maintain a godly life amid all that is ungodly. May our citizenship always be visibly in Heaven, even though we dwell on this earth. May we be true pilgrims, looking for a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Let us not love this world as if we were going to stay in it forever. Grant a personal blessing to each one in our family. Our needs are different. Tenderly care for those of us who are weak. Shelter any of us who will be exposed to temptation today, and let us not fall. If any unforeseen trouble or sorrow lies in our path, prepare us for it, that we may not be caught off guard and fall into sin. May we each carry out into the world a power of love and grace that will bless everyone we meet. We ask all this for Jesus’ sake. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/57/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (PROVERBS 31) 1. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2. What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3. Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5. Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7. Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 8. Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Amen. Here is a strong KJV prayer for all ministries to manifest the gifts of the Spirit, and for the Holy Spirit and His healing power to move in the church today. 🙏 Prayer for the Gifts of the Spirit and Healing Power in the Church Today Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I come before You today asking that Your Holy Spirit have full liberty to move throughout the church. Let every ministry, every minister, every servant, and every member yield themselves completely to You. Father, let the gifts of the Spirit manifest according to Your perfect will. Give wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment, prophecy, healing, miracles, tongues, and interpretation as You see fit. Let every gift operate in love, humility, order, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 Lord, fill Your ministers and Your people afresh with the Holy Ghost. Give pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists, worship leaders, singers, musicians, intercessors, and every ministry servant boldness and sensitivity to Your Spirit. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18 Father, let the healing power of the Holy Ghost manifest in the church today. Stretch forth Your hand to heal the sick, the hurting, the brokenhearted, and those who are suffering. Let faith arise in the hearts of Your people. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.” — Acts 5:12 Lord Jesus, You are still our Healer. Let Your healing mercy touch bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. Bring comfort to those who are hurting and strength to those who are weak. “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him.” — James 5:14 Holy Spirit, have Your way in every service today. Let there be no confusion, pride, competition, or striving for recognition. Let everything be done for the glory of God and the building up of His people. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40 Father, let the preaching of Your Word be accompanied by the demonstration of Your power. Let unbelievers see Your goodness, let the lost be saved, let the bound be set free, let the discouraged receive hope, and let the sick receive prayer and comfort. “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” — 1 Corinthians 4:20 Lord, increase the faith of Your church. Teach us to seek the Giver more than the gifts. Let every spiritual gift point people toward Jesus Christ and bring glory to Your holy name. “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts.” — 1 Corinthians 14:1 Father, pour out Your Spirit upon the church today. Let worship rise, let prayer rise, let faith rise, and let Your presence fill the house. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” — Acts 2:17 I pray that every ministry would function according to the calling You have placed upon it. Give each person grace to serve faithfully, courage to obey You, and discernment to know when and how the Holy Spirit is leading. Let there be salvations, deliverances, healings, restoration, reconciliation, repentance, miracles, signs, wonders, and powerful testimonies, all according to Your will and all bringing glory to Jesus Christ. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple... did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God.” — Acts 2:46–47 Heavenly Father, have Your way in the church today. Let the Holy Spirit move freely. Let Your Word go forth with power. Let Your healing presence touch those who need You. Let every ministry operate in love and unity, and let Jesus Christ be exalted above everything. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6 In the mighty, powerful, and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2 Samuel 16 1 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” 3 “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” 4 So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!” 5 As King David approached...

TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE By Pastor Jonathan Ubah Text: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” INTRODUCTION Beloved, there are seasons when life can make you feel like trash—rejected, forgotten, broken, disappointed, or useless. Sometimes people look at your past and conclude that nothing good can come from you. But I came to announce to somebody today: God is a specialist in turning trash into treasure! What people reject, God can select. What people discard, God can develop. What looks like a wasted season can become a powerful testimony. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise.” God does not always choose what looks valuable to men. He sees what others cannot see. 1. GOD CAN USE YOUR BROKENNESS Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart.” Sometimes we think our brokenness disqualifies us, but God can work through broken things. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. His circumstances looked like trash, but God was preparing him for the palace. Genesis 50:20 says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Your pain is not necessarily your punishment. Sometimes God uses painful seasons to prepare us for greater purposes. Don't despise your broken pieces. Put them in the hands of God. 2. GOD CAN TURN YOUR FAILURE INTO A TESTIMONY Micah 7:8: “When I fall, I will arise.” Failure is not final unless you choose to remain down. Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and later used him mightily in the early Church (John 21:15–17; Acts 2:14–41). You may have made mistakes. You may have taken the wrong turn. You may have experienced things you are not proud of. But hear this: Your failure is an event, not your identity. The enemy wants you to look at what you did and conclude that you are finished. But God looks at you and sees what you can become by His grace. Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” Get up! Wash your tears. Learn from the experience. Return to God and keep moving. God can turn your mess into a message and your test into a testimony. 3. GOD CAN TURN REJECTION INTO DIVINE ELEVATION Psalm 118:22: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” Jesus Himself was rejected by men, yet He became the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan. David was overlooked by his own family when Samuel came looking for the future king. His brothers were presented, but David was left in the field. Yet God said in 1 Samuel 16:12: “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Never allow people's rejection to make you reject yourself. Sometimes rejection is God's way of redirecting you. Some doors closed because God was preparing another door. Some people walked away because they were never assigned to your destiny. What they rejected may be exactly what God will use to announce you. CONCLUSION Beloved, the trash is not the final destination of what God has chosen. Joseph went from the pit to the palace. David went from the field to the throne. Peter went from denial to becoming a powerful witness for Christ. And if God could transform their stories, He can transform yours. Your past is not too dirty for His grace. Your failure is not too great for His mercy. Your rejection is not too strong for His purpose. Give God your broken pieces. The same God who turned water into wine can turn your sorrow into joy, your weakness into strength, your failure into wisdom, and your trash into treasure. PROPHETIC DECLARATION I declare over your life: Every rejected area of your life shall become a testimony. Every painful experience shall produce purpose. Every closed door shall lead you to God's appointed door. Your wasted seasons shall be redeemed, and God shall turn your trash into treasure! You will not die in the place of rejection. You will not remain in the place of brokenness. You will arise, shine, and fulfill God's purpose for your life. Your story is changing! Your testimony is coming! Your treasure is emerging! In Jesus' mighty name, Amen!

PRAYER FOR BORN AGAIN or BELIEVERS IN THIS LAST AGE — TO STAND LIKE 144,000 — IN STEPS THAT 144,000 HAVE DONE — REASON WHY THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY PURE & BLAMELESS — REV 14:4-5 Pray this daily — Aloud — With faith — Using grace of Death, Burial, Resurrection --- Father in Heaven — In Name of Jesus Christ — Son of God who died, was buried, rose — Sign of Prophet Jonah — Matt 12:39-40 — Only sign in endtimes — Church purchased with His own Blood — Acts 20:28 — I come as born again — John 3:3 — Unless one is born again cannot see Kingdom — 1 Pet 1:23 — Born again of incorruptible seed — Make me stand like 144,000 in this last age — Pure & Blameless before Throne — Rev 14:4-5 — not defiled, virgins, follow Lamb, no deceit, without fault — STEP 1 — BY FAITH I DIE DAILY — I USE HIS DEATH AS MY DEATH — PUT SIN DEAD 1 Cor 15:31 — I die daily Gal 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ Father, today by faith I die to sin with Christ death — I put anger dead — Eph 4:31 — Let all bitterness, wrath, anger... be put away I put fornication dead — 1 Cor 6:18 — Flee sexual immorality I put adultery dead — Ex 20:14 — You shall not commit adultery I put lie dead — Col 3:9 — Do not lie to one another I put gossip dead — Prov 16:28 — Whisperer separates best friends I put masturbation dead — 1 Cor 6:19 — Your body is temple of Holy Spirit I put drunkenness dead — Eph 5:18 — Do not be drunk with wine I put theft dead — Eph 4:28 — Let him who stole steal no longer I put occult dead — Deut 18:10-12 — abomination 1 Pet 2:24 — Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness. Lord, I reckon myself dead indeed to sin but alive to You — Rom 6:11 — Body of sin done away with — No longer slave to sin — Rom 6:6-7 — I will not let sin reign in my mortal body — Rom 6:12 — Because 144,000 died daily — That is why they were not defiled — virgins — Rev 14:4 — not defiled with women, for they are virgins — Make me virgin today — Unspotted from world — James 1:27 STEP 2 — I USE GRACE OF HIS BURIAL — I BURY OLD LIFE — NO RETURN Rom 6:4 — buried with Him through baptism into death Col 2:12 — buried with Him in baptism Father, I bury today — I bury world — 1 John 2:15 — Do not love world I bury evil altars — Judges 6:25 — Tear down altar of Baal I bury ancestor worship — Deut 18:11 — one who calls up dead — abomination I bury old friends of sin — 1 Cor 15:33 — Evil company corrupts good habits I bury old garments spotted — Jude 1:23 — garment spotted by flesh I bury former lusts — 1 Pet 1:14 — not conforming yourselves to former lusts 2 Cor 5:17 — Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I will not return like dog to vomit — 2 Pet 2:22 — Nor like Lot's wife looking back — Luke 17:32 — Because 144,000 buried old life no return — That is why they are firstfruits redeemed from among men — Rev 14:4 — redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to Lamb — Make me firstfruit holy — Rom 11:16 STEP 3 — I USE GRACE OF HIS RESURRECTION — I HAVE NEWNESS IN CHRIST — WALK NEW CREATION Rom 6:4 — even so we also should walk in newness of life Eph 2:5-6 — made us alive together with Christ and raised us up together 2 Cor 5:17 — If anyone is in Christ, he is new creation Father, today I receive resurrection power — Raise me — Make me alive — Phil 3:10 — That I may know Him and power of His resurrection Renew my mind — Rom 12:2 — Be transformed by renewing of your mind Give me clean life — 1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin, for His seed remains in him Make me follow Lamb wherever He goes — Rev 14:4 — These are ones who follow Lamb wherever He goes — John 10:27 — My sheep hear My voice and follow Me Put truth in my mouth — Col 3:9-10 — put off old man... put on new man — No deceit — Zeph 3:13 — Nor deceitful tongue be found in their mouth Not by works — Eph 2:8 — For by grace you have been saved through faith — But by grace of death burial resurrection — Because 144,000 walked in newness — That is why in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before throne — Rev 14:5 — Make my mouth pure — Without fault — Eph 5:27 — glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish STEP 4 — IF I FALLEN BEFORE — WASH ME NOW — MAKE ME REVIVED — BUT THEN KEEP ME PURE LIKE 144,000 Father, if I am David type fallen — Born again but fell — Wash me now — 1 John 1:7 — Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin Rev 1:5 — Washed us from our sins in His own blood 1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness Isa 1:16-18 — Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean... Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow Zech 13:1 — Fountain shall be opened for sin and for uncleanness Tit 3:5 — Through washing of regeneration and renewing of Holy Spirit Eph 5:26-27 — Sanctify and cleanse her with washing of water by word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish Create in me clean heart — Ps 51:10 — Bathe me — John 13:10 — He who is bathed is completely clean — Then keep me — Jude 1:24 — Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before presence of His glory with exceeding joy — 1 Thess 5:23 — Now may God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. So that whether live or die I am Yours — Rom 14:8 — Whether dead in Christ rise first or alive remain caught up — 1 Thess 4:16-17 — I remain Lord's — Pure — Virgin — Firstfruit — Following Lamb — No deceit — Without fault — Like 144,000 — Rev 14:1-5 I pray this for me, for living ones in this last age, for house of God under Red 7, for Toro, Norway, USA, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Mideast, UK, all nations — Let us repent now — Choose kindness, faithfulness, obedience, love over bloodshed and weapons — 1 Pet 4:17-18 — Judgment began with us — Let us be Gold pure — Job 23:10 In Name of Jesus — Who loved us and washed us — Amen.

Daily devotion for August 29th The True Sabbath Rest In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath, Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. Nehemiah 13:15 Nehemiah was concerned by this disregard for the Law. He is trying to correct the difficulties that had caused problems for Israel in the past. So he orders the gates to be closed at sunset on Friday. He requires the Levites to cleanse themselves and to guard the gates so that no one violates the Sabbath. Should we also keep the Sabbath by refraining from work and travel? As we have seen throughout this book, these regulations imposed upon Israel were what the New Testament calls shadows, pictures of something even more important that God wants observed. You observe the Sabbath when you fulfill what the Sabbath portrays. At the heart of the Sabbath is the word rest. The Sabbath is intended for people, that they may learn to rest. The Sabbath is God's stress management program! It is how to prevent burnout—how to recover from too much pressure and catch up with yourself. It is how to gather yourself together and become able to handle the work you must do. There are two reasons given in the Scripture for the Sabbath. The first one is found in Exodus 20:11. There we are told that because God finished creation in six days and then rested on the seventh day, He asked His people to rest after six days of labor. Why did God rest? He accomplished His objective. People too must recognize a limit to their work. There is a need to stop, to allow the body, mind, and spirit to recognize their limitations. The second reason the Sabbath was given is often ignored. God said to Israel, Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day (Deuteronomy 5:15). They were to rest in order to reflect on God's ability to work beyond the labors they had already completed. So there are two aspects of the Sabbath—creation and redemption. There is a rest of cessation; a ceasing from our own works. But then there is the rest of rejoicing in the mighty delivering power of God. Father, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of my life, teach me that I need to enter into the rest of creation and redemption, always remembering that Your work comes before my work.