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.

Ellen G. White
No error accepted by the Christian world strikes more boldly against the authority of Heaven, none is more directly opposed to the dictates of reason, none is more pernicious in its results, than the modern doctrine, so rapidly gaining ground, that God’s law is no longer binding upon men. Every nation has its laws, which command respect and obedience; no government could exist without them; and can it be conceived that the Creator of the heavens and the earth has no law to govern the beings He has made? Suppose that prominent ministers were publicly to teach that the statutes which govern their land and protect the rights of its citizens were not obligatory—that they restricted the liberties of the people, and therefore ought not to be obeyed; how long would such men be tolerated in the pulpit? But is it a graver offense to disregard the laws of states and nations than to trample upon those divine precepts which are the foundation of all government? GC 584.1

Wherever the divine precepts are rejected, sin ceases to appear sinful or righteousness desirable. Those who refuse to submit to the government of God are wholly unfitted to govern themselves. GC 584.3

Need to know.
Signs You Have an Octopus Spirit!

What is the Octopus Spirit?

This is a spirit that causes you to feel like your mind is wrapped, squeezed, and pulled in many directions at once. It clouds your thinking, steals your peace, and tries to choke out your spiritual life with lies that sound like your own voice.

The Bible does not use the word ‘octopus’ but it does describe this type of mental attack and calls us to take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

So here are 8 points, or ‘tentacles,’ that can show if you are being oppressed by this spirit.

Tentacle #1: You have intrusive thoughts that you did not invite.

For example:
- You are worship and a blasphemous thought flashes in.
- You are driving and a thought tells you to hurt yourself.
- You are holding your child and a dark image appears.

You feel sick inside and wonder what is wrong with you. James 1:14 shows the enemies entices and whispers. You are not the thoughts you did not invite.

Tentacle #2: Every thought turns hopeless.

You make one small mistake and your mind jumps to ‘it is over.’ You have one bad day and feel, ‘this is who I am forever.’

If your thoughts keep ending in, ‘there is no point,’ that is a sign of mental oppression.

Tentacle #3: You have mental loops that don’t stop.

- You replay old conversations nonstop.
- You reheard disasters that have not happened.
- You wake up at night and relive things you cannot change.

You are not processing. You are in torment. The octopus spirit keeps your mind spinning without peace.

Tentacle #4: Your thoughts become your identity.

You used to think, ‘I am struggling with fear.’ Now you say, ‘I am a fearful person.’ You used to think, ‘I am tempted by lust.’ Now you call yourself a lustful person.

The Bible tells you to take thoughts captive, not to wear them as your name. When a repeated thought becomes how you describe yourself, it turns into a stronghold.

Tentacle #5: Prayer feels heavy and numbing feels easy.

The Bible feels boring, worship feels hollow, and prayer feels dry and heavy. But scrolling, eating, drinking, and binge watching feel effortless.

This can be spiritual warfare that pulls you away from what nourishes your spirit and drags you toward what only numbs you.

Tentacle #6: You hide and isolate.

You start thinking things like:
- ‘Do not tell anyone.’
- ‘They will judge me.’
- ‘No one will understand.’
- ‘Handle your problems alone.’

This spirit thrives in secrecy and isolation. The Bible calls us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other to be healed. (James 5:16)

When you think your thoughts into the light, the grip of this spirit begins to loosen.

Tentacle #7: You live in mental fog and double mindedness.

You feel constant fog in your mind and struggle to focus, pray, and make decisions. Some days you feel close to God, but other days you feel numb and distant.

That fog is not from your Father. It is the enemy clouding the water so you cannot see clearly.

Tentacle #8: You start giving yourself permission to sin.

At first the voice in your head tempts you. Then it starts to sound like permission.

- ‘You deserve it.’
- ‘Just do it this once.’
- ‘God will understand.’
- ‘It’s not that serious.’

When your own thoughts start writing permission slips and signing God’s name on them, this is a sign that this spirit is at work.

If you see these signs in your life, it does not mean things are hopeless. It means the Holy Spirit is bringing this into the light so Jesus can set you free.

Here is what to do:
- Come to Jesus and confess that your mind belongs to Him.
- Identify the lies and name them out loud as lies.
- Replace lies with the truth of Scripture.
- Repent of any open doors and invite Jesus to close them.
- In the name of Jesus, command every spirit tied to these lies to leave.
- Refuse isolation and share honestly with a trusted, mature believer.
- Begin to renew your mind daily in the word of God.

You do not have to live with this forever. In Christ there is real freedom.

A Nugget of Truth.
Do You Truly Love Christ?

The quote says, “We never truly love Christ if we never learn to hate every sin in us that crucified Him.”

To love Christ is more than words, emotion, or religious appearance. True love for Jesus produces repentance and obedience.

Jesus said:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 KJV

Sin is not something we should make peace with. We must hate the sin that separates us from God and desire holiness. The cross shows us how serious sin is—and how great Christ’s love is in bearing its penalty for us.

The Bible says:
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” — Hebrews 12:6 KJV

Therefore, let us examine our hearts. Do we merely say that we love Jesus, or are we willing to forsake the sins we know are displeasing to Him?

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 KJV

Do not love the sin Christ died to save you from. Love Christ, repent of sin, and walk in holiness. The cross calls us not merely to admire Jesus, but to surrender our lives to Him.

Daily Bible Lesson
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SEALED BY GOD?

The Bible describes a final group of people who receive the seal of God before the closing events of earth’s history.

Revelation 7:3
“Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”

The seal is placed in the forehead — representing the mind, character, and settled decisions of the individual.

God’s people are not simply convinced of the truth.

They have allowed Christ to complete His work in them.

Hebrews 8:10
“I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.”

God’s law is no longer merely something written on stone. It has been written into their hearts and reflected in their lives.

Through complete surrender to Christ, sin has been overcome and His character has been reproduced in them.

Revelation 14:5 describes this final generation:
“And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”

They have reached the point where they would rather die than knowingly sin against God.

They are settled into the truth — both intellectually and spiritually — so completely that they cannot be moved.

This is why Revelation 14:12 says:
“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

The sealing is therefore more than understanding the Sabbath.

It is the finishing of Christ’s work in His people.

His law is written in their hearts.
His character is reflected in their lives.
Sin no longer has dominion over them.
They stand fully surrendered and faithful to God.

Christ is preparing a people who will reflect His character completely before He returns.

The question is not only:
“Do I know the truth?”

The deeper question is:
“Am I allowing Christ to reproduce His character in me?”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 1)

1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2. To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,

3. To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;

4. To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—

5. A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6. To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8. My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

10. My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.

11. If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14. Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.

17. Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;

18. But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

20. Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.

21. She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:

22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.

23. Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

24. Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25. Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,

26. I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

27. When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

28. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

29. Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,

30. They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.

31. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

21:23-27

At any point in scripture when Jesus is asked a question it is rarely for the purposes of receiving an answer. Sometimes there are those who genuinely want an answer, sometimes asking the question is a distraction to the one being asked. And there are no examples of the Pharisees asking a genuine question in a sincere desire to come to a knowledge of the truth.

There is always an ulterior motive for a Pharisee asking questions of Jesus and here it is no different. Jesus has cleansed the temple for a second time, has brought healing to the region and is condemning their work in making the temple a business. Jesus is disrupting the day to day business model of the temple.

So the Pharisees ask him, “by what authority do you do this?” Note it wasn't to get an answer. They asked for the express purpose of trapping Jesus in an answer. They were painfully aware of where Jesus believed His authority to originate from.

The question Jesus asks them is even more telling. Not because they didn't know the answer but because they were afraid of what response their answer would have. At this point in Jesus's ministry, John the Baptist is a memory. So when Jesus asks them about John's ministry, He knows they won't answer honestly.

Jesus knew their reasoning would be this way. They were more concerned over the people's reaction to their answer than they were the actual answer being correct. Was John's ministry from Heaven or men?

And they couldn't answer for fear. So they took the cowards way out and lied. We don't know, they said. So Jesus doesn't bother trying to justify an answer for them. No answer will fully satisfy them, because any answer that doesn't fit their agenda is summarily dismissed without thought.

There is only One from whom the authority to do these things would be readily accepted. The answer to their question is the same answer to Jesus's question and they knew it. Only God could grant this authority and they knew this but were not permitted to acknowledge it. This is yet again another proof for Matthew supporting the diety of Jesus as the Messiah.




[23] When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” [24] But Jesus responded and said to them, “I will also ask you one question, which, if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. [25] The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ [26] But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.” [27] And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.

TITLE: PURITY IS OUR REQUIREMENT — OUR SANCTIFICATION WILL OF GOD — BECOMING 144000 — Rev 14:1-5 — BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT BY EFFORTS

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INTRODUCTION:

Church — Purity is our requirement. Our sanctification is will of God.

1 Thess 4:3 — For this is will of God, your sanctification
1 Thess 4:7 — For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness
Heb 12:14 — Pursue holiness, without which no one will see Lord
1 Pet 1:15-16 — Be holy, for I am holy
Matt 5:8 — Blessed are pure in heart, for they shall see God

Example God gives is 144000 — Rev 14:1-5 — People God needs us to become.

MAIN TEXT: Rev 14:1, 3-5

Rev 14:1 — Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 having His Father's Name written on their foreheads
Rev 14:3 — Redeemed from earth
Rev 14:4 — These are ones who were not defiled... for they are virgins. These are ones who follow Lamb wherever He goes. Redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to Lamb
Rev 14:5 — And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before throne of God

This is standard of final salvation — Pure & blameless.

POINT 1: HOW DO YOU HAVE THIS? NOT BY YOUR EFFORTS BUT BY GOD'S REDEMPTIVE GRACE OF JESUS' BLOOD AND OUR FAITHFULNESS

Eph 2:8-9 — For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is gift of God, not of works
Titus 2:11-12 — Grace of God... teaches us to deny ungodliness
Eph 1:7 — In Him we have redemption through His blood according to riches of His grace
Rev 17:14 — Those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful
Rev 2:10 — Be faithful until death and I will give you crown of life
Rev 14:4 — These are ones who follow Lamb wherever He goes — Faithfulness

Not effort = Rom 9:16 — Not of him who wills, nor runs, but of God who shows mercy — But grace + your faithfulness to follow.

POINT 2: WE ARE IN FLESH THOUGH SAVED, LED BY SPIRIT — BATTLE BETWEEN FLESH & SPIRIT EVERYDAY

Rom 8:9 — You are not in flesh but in Spirit, if indeed Spirit of God dwells in you
Gal 5:16-17 — Walk in Spirit, and you shall not fulfill lust of flesh. For flesh lusts against Spirit, and Spirit against flesh; and these are contrary to one another
Rom 7:21-23 — Battle in members
Gal 5:24 — Those who are Christ's have crucified flesh with its passions

You are saved, spirit-led, but battle is manifested everyday in our lives.

POINT 3: YOU MUST KEEP A CLEAN RACE UPTO END — STARTED BY GRACE AND FAITH UNTIL FINAL SALVATION AS PURE & BLAMELESS LIKE 144000

Heb 12:1 — Let us run with endurance race set before us
2 Tim 4:7 — I have finished race, I have kept faith
1 Cor 9:24-27 — Run to obtain, bring body into subjection
Phil 1:6 — He who has begun good work will complete it
Eph 2:10 — Created for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them
Matt 24:13 — He who endures to end shall be saved
Rev 14:5 — Without fault before throne — Eph 1:4 — Holy and without blame — Jude 1:24 — Present you faultless

You started by grace and faith — Gal 3:3 — Having begun in Spirit — You must keep clean race upto end.

POINT 4: BRETHREN THIS ISN'T EASY BUT BY PRAYER AND WORD BECOME IT, BECOME PURE

1 Tim 4:5 — For it is sanctified by word of God and prayer
John 17:17 — Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth
Ps 119:9 — How shall young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word
Ps 119:11 — Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You
Eph 5:26 — Washing of water by word
John 15:3 — You are already clean because of word

Word + Prayer = Purity. That is formula for 144000 formation.

POINT 5: IN THIS LAST AGE WITH THAT BATTLE — TRUE REPENTANCE & BLOOD WASH IS CRUCIAL

True repentance = turning away from sin or evil you did & don't do it again.

Acts 3:19 — Repent therefore and be converted, that sins may be blotted out
2 Cor 7:10 — Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation
Prov 28:13 — He who confesses and forsakes will have mercy
Luke 3:8 — Bear fruits worthy of repentance
1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin

Blood washes, purifies you:

Rev 1:5 — Washed us from sins in His own blood
1 John 1:7 — Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin
Heb 9:14 — Blood of Christ cleanse your conscience
Isa 1:18 — Though sins like scarlet, shall be as white as snow

POINT 6: THINGS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED FOR PURITY EARNING — SIN

Gal 5:19-21 — Works of flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries
1 Cor 6:9-10 — Neither fornicators, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners will inherit kingdom
Eph 4:31 — Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking be put away
James 3:16 — Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there
Col 3:8 — Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language
Rev 21:8 — Unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have part in lake

You listed: envy, jealous, gossiping, quarreling, drunkenness, adultery, corruption, unbelief, compromise of truth — turning away from truth to follow deception, lies — etc — Must be avoided.

2 Cor 7:1 — Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness
James 1:27 — Keep oneself unspotted from world

POINT 7: NOT GOING TO RUN THIS CLEAN RACE TO FINAL SALVATION BY THY EFFORTS BUT BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Zech 4:6 — Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit
Phil 2:13 — It is God who works in you both to will and to do
Titus 3:5 — Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us
2 Tim 1:9 — Saved us... not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace

Your part is faithfulness — His part is grace to keep you.

POINT 8: YOU NEED TO PRAY THE WORD THAT CLEANSES US — DAVID SAYS HIS WORD KEEPS ME BLAMELESS AND IN WALK OF RIGHT PATH

Ps 119:9, 11 — Cleanses way, keeps from sin
Ps 18:23 — I was also blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity
Ps 119:133 — Direct my steps by Your word
Ps 37:31 — Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide
Josh 1:8 — Meditate in word day and night... then you will make your way prosperous

Pray the word — Jer 23:29 — Is not My word like fire? — It burns impurity.

POINT 9: ENSURE YOU BELIEVE IN THY PRAYING — PRAYER IN FAITH = WORKS, NOT FAITH ALONE — BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED — SPEAK THAT YOU BELIEVE

2 Cor 4:13 — We having same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak
Mark 11:23-24 — Whoever says... and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore... whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them
James 2:17, 22, 26 — Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead... Faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect
John 6:29 — This is work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent — John 6:28-29 — What shall we do, that we may work works of God?

Believing = works of faith. When you pray minus faith, and don't see it, this might fail your prayer.

James 1:6-7 — Let him ask in faith, with no doubting... let not that man suppose he will receive anything from Lord
Heb 11:6 — Without faith it is impossible to please Him
Matt 21:22 — Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive

So in this, your prayer is sealed with faith & works.

Isa 43:26 — Put Me in remembrance; state your case
Job 22:28 — You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you
Rom 10:10 — With heart one believes unto righteousness, and with mouth confession is made unto salvation

CONCLUSION & ALTAR CALL PRAYER:

Therefore — Believe = works of faith — John 6:29 — And you will receive, it will be done unto you — Mark 11:24

Today we choose to be pure & blameless like 144000 — Not by efforts but by grace through faithfulness — Turning, washed by Blood, avoiding sin, by word & prayer, believing we have received purity.

1 John 3:3 — Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure

Let us pray Rev 14:1-5 prayer we made — And believe we have received it —

Amen.

Tuesday, 1st September, 2026

TITLE: "SURRENDER AND COMMIT: LET GOD DIRECT YOUR PLANS"

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

Romans 12:1–2 (KJV) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

“Surrender your life to God, renew your mind, and commit your plans to Him.”

DAY'S REFLECTION

A new month gives us a fresh opportunity to surrender, reset, and refocus. Romans 12:1 calls us to present ourselves to God as a “living sacrifice.” Unlike an offering that is given once and forgotten, a living sacrifice means continually yielding our lives, choices, plans, and desires to God.

Paul says, “be not conformed to this world.” To conform means to allow outside pressures to shape our thinking and behaviour. The world will constantly tell us what to value, pursue, and imitate. But believers are called to follow God's standards.

Instead, Scripture says, “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation begins from within. When God's Word changes our thinking, it changes our attitudes, decisions, habits, and ultimately our lives.

Then Proverbs 16:3 gives us a practical key: “Commit thy works unto the LORD.” To commit means to entrust or hand over completely. It does not mean abandoning responsibility; it means doing our part while trusting God with the outcome.

Many people make plans and then ask God to bless them afterward. Biblical wisdom teaches us to bring our plans to God first. When our desires are surrendered to Him, He establishes our thoughts and helps bring clarity and stability to our decisions.

Life experience shows that plans made without proper direction can produce unnecessary stress and disappointment. But when we seek God's will, we gain wisdom to know what to pursue, what to change, and what to leave behind.

As September begins, don't simply make new plans—give God your plans. Don't just seek new opportunities—seek God's direction. Don't allow the pressures of the world to shape your identity—allow God's Word to renew your mind.

Surrender. Renew. Commit. Then move forward with confidence.

MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

Psalm 37:5 (KJV) "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things."

LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

1. True worship includes surrendering our entire lives to God.

2. Our minds must continually be renewed by God's Word.

3. We should not allow worldly pressure to determine our values.

4. Commit your plans and work to God before pursuing them.

5. God's direction brings stability and clarity.

6. Surrender does not mean inactivity; it means working while trusting God.

EVERYDAY ACTION

Give God your plans before pursuing them. Renew your mind with Scripture. Reject one unhealthy influence. Do today's work wholeheartedly. Trust God with the results.

PRAYER

Father, I surrender my life, plans, and desires to You. Renew my mind through Your Word, establish my thoughts, and direct my steps throughout this new month. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DECLARATION

I belong to God. My mind is renewed, my plans are committed to the Lord, and my steps are divinely directed. September shall be a month of God's purpose, wisdom, and fruitful progress in my life. Amen!

Devotion by

Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
+233 544 295 158

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# **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.**