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  • Nigerian billionaire businessman and industrialist Dr. Cosmos Maduka has been spotted preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Lagos, in a moment that has drawn attention to the faith of one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen.
    Maduka, the founder and chairman of the Coscharis Group, is not just another wealthy businessman. He is one of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs, having built a vast business empire spanning automobiles, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and other sectors.
    His Coscharis Group represents some of the world’s biggest automobile brands in Nigeria, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover. The conglomerate also operates a vehicle assembly plant in Nigeria.
    Forbes reported years ago that Maduka’s wealth was already estimated at more than $500 million. Maduka has also previously suggested that if Coscharis had been listed on the stock exchange, his personal wealth could have been significantly higher, reportedly putting his potential valuation at around $5 billion.
    What makes his latest appearance particularly striking is that, despite his immense business success, Maduka continues to publicly demonstrate his Christian faith and participate in evangelism.
    His journey is also remarkable. Despite having limited formal education, Maduka rose through determination and entrepreneurship to become the head of one of Nigeria’s largest privately owned business groups. He later served as a director of Access Bank for 12 years and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
    Beyond business, Maduka has also played a major role in Nigerian sports. He served as President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for 16 years and was involved in taking Nigerian athletes to several Olympic tournaments.
    Now, videos of the billionaire businessman preaching the gospel in Lagos have offered another glimpse into a side of his life that goes beyond boardrooms, luxury cars and billion-naira business deals.
    For Maduka, evangelism appears to be more than a public image—it is something he is deeply passionate about.
    And perhaps that is what makes the sight so remarkable: a man who has achieved extraordinary financial success choosing to stand in public and preach about Christ.
    Forget the noise surrounding Nigeria’s celebrity billionaires and popular socialites. Dr. Cosmos Maduka belongs to a different category of wealth and influence—and yet, he can still be found taking the gospel to the streets.
    His story is a reminder that wealth and faith do not have to exist in separate worlds. Even at the highest levels of business success, some people still choose to make their faith a visible part of their lives.
    Nigerian billionaire businessman and industrialist Dr. Cosmos Maduka has been spotted preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Lagos, in a moment that has drawn attention to the faith of one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen. Maduka, the founder and chairman of the Coscharis Group, is not just another wealthy businessman. He is one of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs, having built a vast business empire spanning automobiles, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and other sectors. His Coscharis Group represents some of the world’s biggest automobile brands in Nigeria, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover. The conglomerate also operates a vehicle assembly plant in Nigeria. Forbes reported years ago that Maduka’s wealth was already estimated at more than $500 million. Maduka has also previously suggested that if Coscharis had been listed on the stock exchange, his personal wealth could have been significantly higher, reportedly putting his potential valuation at around $5 billion. What makes his latest appearance particularly striking is that, despite his immense business success, Maduka continues to publicly demonstrate his Christian faith and participate in evangelism. His journey is also remarkable. Despite having limited formal education, Maduka rose through determination and entrepreneurship to become the head of one of Nigeria’s largest privately owned business groups. He later served as a director of Access Bank for 12 years and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Beyond business, Maduka has also played a major role in Nigerian sports. He served as President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for 16 years and was involved in taking Nigerian athletes to several Olympic tournaments. Now, videos of the billionaire businessman preaching the gospel in Lagos have offered another glimpse into a side of his life that goes beyond boardrooms, luxury cars and billion-naira business deals. For Maduka, evangelism appears to be more than a public image—it is something he is deeply passionate about. And perhaps that is what makes the sight so remarkable: a man who has achieved extraordinary financial success choosing to stand in public and preach about Christ. Forget the noise surrounding Nigeria’s celebrity billionaires and popular socialites. Dr. Cosmos Maduka belongs to a different category of wealth and influence—and yet, he can still be found taking the gospel to the streets. His story is a reminder that wealth and faith do not have to exist in separate worlds. Even at the highest levels of business success, some people still choose to make their faith a visible part of their lives.
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  • TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

    SERMON TOPIC:

    6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN.

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

    Text:

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

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

    LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:-

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

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

    BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

    JUDAS ISCARIOT

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

    A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH.

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

    PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS.

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

    QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION.

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

    POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

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

    STRONG CLOSING:

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

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

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

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

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    https://selar.com/m/umoedem

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    CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540

    Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN. “A Christian by Name, or a Christian by Nature?” Text: Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:3–6 šŸ”„ NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS “LORD” KNOWS THE LORD. There is a dangerous assumption in Christianity today: “If someone goes to church, carries a Bible, posts Bible verses, sings worship songs, or calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ then that person must be a Christian.” But Jesus warned us that this is not always true. > “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:2 That statement should make every one of us pause. Jesus did not say, “Not everyone who attends church.” He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.’” This means it is possible to have Christian language without Christian life. It is possible to have a Bible in your hand but not have Christ in your heart. It is possible to be active in church but inactive in obedience. It is possible to know Christian songs without knowing Christ. And therefore, the question today is not: “Do people think I am a Christian?” The question is: “Does my life give evidence that I truly belong to Christ?” This message is not designed to judge other people. It is a mirror before it becomes a weapon. Before you examine your neighbor, examine yourself. LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:- 1. THEY HAVE NO GENUINE DESIRE TO OBEY CHRIST. A genuine Christian is not perfect, but there is a genuine desire to please God. Jesus said: > “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Obedience does not save us; Christ saves us. But genuine salvation produces a desire to obey the One who saved us. Someone may say: > “Jesus is my Lord.” But if Jesus is truly Lord, He must have authority over your decisions. You cannot continually say: “Jesus is Lord,” while your lifestyle says: “I am my own lord.” Important distinction A true Christian can fall into sin. But there is a difference between: falling into sin and building your life around sin. There is a difference between: > “Lord, I have failed. Forgive me.” and: > “I know it is wrong, but I don't care.” The first demonstrates repentance. The second demonstrates rebellion. 2. THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. Jesus said: > “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 Notice that Jesus did not say: “You shall know them by their clothes.” He did not say: “You shall know them by their church attendance.” He said: “By their fruits.” What is growing in your life? Is there increasing love? Is there increasing patience? Is there forgiveness? Is there humility? Is there self-control? Is there compassion? Is there holiness? Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. A genuine Christian should show evidence of spiritual transformation. Not perfection. Transformation. If someone has been claiming Christ for years but there is absolutely no evidence of Christlike character, that should lead to serious self-examination. 3. THEY LOVE THE WORLD MORE THAN THEY LOVE GOD. 1 John 2:15 says: > “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” The Bible is not saying Christians cannot enjoy God's creation, work hard, have possessions, or live normal lives. The warning is about worldliness becoming the master of the heart. When money becomes more important than righteousness... When popularity becomes more important than holiness... When sexual pleasure becomes more important than obedience... When social media approval becomes more important than God's approval... When material possessions become our identity... Something is wrong. Jesus asked: > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 A Christian lives in the world, but the world must not live in the Christian's heart. 4. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR OTHER BELIEVERS. This is one of the strongest biblical tests. 1 John 3:14 says: > “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” Christianity is not merely about loving God with our lips. It also affects how we treat people. You cannot continually hate everyone, refuse forgiveness, enjoy destroying people's reputations, and then claim that your relationship with Christ is healthy. Jesus said: > “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 Love does not mean allowing people to abuse you. Love does not mean approving everything people do. Love means treating people with the character of Christ. Ask yourself: How do I treat people who cannot benefit me? How do I treat those who disagree with me? How do I respond when someone succeeds? Can I forgive? Can I apologize? Can I celebrate another person's progress? Because sometimes the greatest evidence of Christianity is not what happens inside the church building, but how we behave outside it. 5. THEY ONLY FOLLOW JESUS WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT. Some people want Jesus as Savior but refuse Him as Lord. They want: Blessing without obedience. Breakthrough without discipline. Promises without repentance. Heaven without holiness. The crown without the cross. But Jesus said: > “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 Following Christ will sometimes cost you something. It may cost you a relationship. It may cost you an opportunity. It may cost you popularity. It may cost you comfort. It may require you to say: “No.” when everybody else is saying: “Yes.” A genuine disciple does not follow Jesus only when following Him is profitable. Real Christianity is tested when obedience becomes costly. 6. THEY HAVE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE BUT NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. This may be the most frightening sign. A person can know about Jesus without actually knowing Jesus. You can memorize Scripture. You can preach sermons. You can sing worship songs. You can teach Sunday school. You can even perform religious activities. And still have a heart far from God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23: > “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Those are terrifying words. Notice something: Jesus did not say: “You never knew about Me.” He said: “I never knew you.” Christianity is not merely information about Christ. It is relationship with Christ. You can know the Bible and not obey the Author. You can know Christian vocabulary and not know the Savior. You can sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost. šŸ“– BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT One of the most sobering examples is Judas. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He was among the disciples. He participated in ministry. Yet his heart was not surrendered to Christ. Eventually, he betrayed Jesus. This teaches us something uncomfortable: Being close to Christian activity does not automatically mean being close to Christ. You can be around the fire and still be cold inside. You can be around worship and still have an unconverted heart. You can be around pastors and still need salvation. You can be a church worker and still need Jesus. Therefore, don't ask: “How long have I been in church?” Ask: “Has Christ truly transformed my life?” šŸ”„ A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH. Salvation is not proven by perfection; it is evidenced by transformation. The Christian life is not: > “I never make mistakes.” It is: > “I no longer want to remain the person I used to be.” When Christ enters a person's life, something begins to change. Their desires begin to change. Their priorities begin to change. Their relationships begin to change. Their attitude toward sin begins to change. Their hunger for God's Word begins to change. Their response to correction begins to change. Their heart begins to change. That is the work of grace. šŸ› ļø PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. Examine yourself Paul says: > “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 Don't only examine your neighbor. Examine yourself. 2. Repent where necessary Don't defend what God is asking you to surrender. If the Holy Spirit reveals something, repent. 3. Return to God's Word Don't build your Christianity around social media quotes. Build it around Scripture. Read it. Study it. Believe it. Practice it. 4. Develop a genuine prayer life Prayer is not merely asking God for things. Prayer is relationship. Talk to God. Listen to God. Seek His will. 5. Look for spiritual fruit Ask: “Am I becoming more like Christ?” Not: “Am I better than someone else?” 6. Make Jesus Lord, not merely Savior Don't only ask Jesus to rescue you from hell. Ask Him to rule your heart. šŸ¤” QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION. 1. If someone watched my life for 30 days, would they see evidence of Christ? 2. Do I obey God only when obedience benefits me? 3. What fruit of the Spirit is growing in my life? 4. How do I treat people who cannot reward me? 5. Have I genuinely repented of my sins, or have I simply learned Christian language? 6. Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him? šŸ™ POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Examination Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, wherever I have lived in disobedience, forgive me and give me grace to turn completely back to You. 3. Prayer for Transformation Holy Spirit, transform my character and produce Your fruit in my life. 4. Prayer for Genuine Faith Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life. Let my Christianity be genuine, not merely outward. 5. Prayer for Love Lord, give me grace to love people sincerely, forgive quickly, and represent Christ correctly. 6. Prayer for Perseverance Jesus, when following You becomes difficult, give me strength not to turn back. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Hunger Lord, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word, prayer, holiness, and Your presence. šŸ”„ STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST WEAR THE NAME—CARRY THE NATURE. Church, the greatest question is not: “Am I called a Christian?” The greatest question is: “Does Christ truly live in me?” Don't be satisfied because your name is on a church register. Don't be satisfied because you have a Bible. Don't be satisfied because you attend Christian programs. Don't be satisfied because you can quote Scripture. Don't be satisfied because people call you “Brother” or “Sister.” Make sure you know Jesus. If you have drifted, come back. If you have been pretending, repent. If your faith has become merely religious, return to Christ. If you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to surrender. Because one day, every religious mask will fall. Every title will disappear. Every reputation will disappear. Every earthly achievement will disappear. And we will stand before Christ. So let our prayer be: > “Lord Jesus, make me a genuine Christian—not merely a Christian by name, but a Christian by nature, character, faith, obedience, and love.” Don't just carry the Bible. Live the Bible. Don't just talk about Jesus. Follow Jesus. Don't just wear the name Christian. Let Christ be seen in you. May our lives preach the Gospel even when our mouths are silent. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Accept Jesus Christ today by joining a Bible believing Church near you You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com
    0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views
  • Greetings everyone

    Yesterday evening, I visited a brick kiln and met around 20 childrenwho should have been sitting in a classroom, holding books and dreaming about their future.

    Instead, I found them working alongside their parents.

    There is no school for these children. Their families are struggling to survive, and the children have become part of that struggle. Their little hands are being used for hard labour when they should be holding pencils, turning pages, and learning.

    I came home, but I couldn't stop thinking about them.

    I kept asking myself: What if nobody comes forward for these children? What will their future look like?

    So I have decided to start a small educational effort for them. I want to teach them basic education and, most importantly, share with them the love, hope, and message of Jesus Christ.

    But I cannot do this alone.

    These children need food, school bags, books, notebooks, pencils, uniforms, and other basic school accessories. Even a small contribution can make a real difference in their lives.

    I am not asking you to give because these children are poor.

    I am asking you to give because every child deserves a chance.

    A meal can fill a hungry stomach.
    A book can open a mind.
    An education can change a future.
    And a little love can give a child hope again.

    Please help us give these 20 children a chance to learn, grow, and dream.

    If you can help with food, school supplies, teaching materials, or financial support, please contact me.

    Let's not allow poverty to decide their entire future.

    Let the little children come to me. — Matthew 19:14

    Please share this post so it can reach someone who is willing to stand with these children.

    One child. One book. One meal. One act of love.
    Together, we can make a difference.
    Greetings everyone Yesterday evening, I visited a brick kiln and met around 20 childrenwho should have been sitting in a classroom, holding books and dreaming about their future. Instead, I found them working alongside their parents. There is no school for these children. Their families are struggling to survive, and the children have become part of that struggle. Their little hands are being used for hard labour when they should be holding pencils, turning pages, and learning. I came home, but I couldn't stop thinking about them. I kept asking myself: What if nobody comes forward for these children? What will their future look like? So I have decided to start a small educational effort for them. I want to teach them basic education and, most importantly, share with them the love, hope, and message of Jesus Christ. ā¤ļøāœļø But I cannot do this alone. These children need food, school bags, books, notebooks, pencils, uniforms, and other basic school accessories. Even a small contribution can make a real difference in their lives. I am not asking you to give because these children are poor. I am asking you to give because every child deserves a chance. A meal can fill a hungry stomach. A book can open a mind. An education can change a future. And a little love can give a child hope again. šŸ™Please help us give these 20 children a chance to learn, grow, and dream. If you can help with food, school supplies, teaching materials, or financial support, please contact me. Let's not allow poverty to decide their entire future. Let the little children come to me. — Matthew 19:14 ā¤ļø Please share this post so it can reach someone who is willing to stand with these children. One child. One book. One meal. One act of love. Together, we can make a difference.šŸ™ā¤ļøāœļø
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  • DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 242
    DATE: 30TH AUGUST 2026
    TOPIC: SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS_1
    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NKJV)
    ā€œBut even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe...ā€ —
    Devotional message:

    One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is not only to create problems but to blind people to the solutions God has already placed within them.Paul tells us that ā€œthe god of this age has blindedā€ the minds of those who do not believe. Spiritual blindness can cause a person to see the problem but fail to recognize the grace, authority, wisdom, resources, and potential God has placed within them to become part of the solution.

    You see your family in trouble, and instead of asking God, ā€œWhat can I do?ā€, you join everyone else in complaining.You see your child trapped in addiction, drunkenness, or a lifestyle that does not glorify God, and you simply say, ā€œThat is how they are.ā€You see problems in your community, workplace, nation, church, or family, and you join the multitude in lamenting about them.

    Child of God, you are not merely a spectator of the problems around you; you are called to be part of God's solution.Why should the sick be around you without you praying for them and trusting God for their healing? Why should someone oppressed by darkness be regarded as a hopeless case when Jesus has given His Church authority over the power of the enemy?

    Why should a child lack school fees while you have been entrusted with resources? Why should a servant of God go hungry while God has blessed you with the ability to provide? Why should someone struggle to pay rent while you have the capacity to help?

    This is not to suggest that every problem around us is solely our responsibility or that we can solve everything through human strength. Rather, God has strategically positioned His people in different places and entrusted them with different resources so that they can become channels of His grace.

    What you carry matters.Jesus said:ā€œHe who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.ā€ — John 7:38 (NKJV).There is something God has deposited within you that is meant to flow beyond you. A river does not exist merely to water itself; it flows so that others may live.

    Therefore, do not become so consumed by the magnitude of the problem that you forget the greatness of the God who lives in you.The enemy wants you to look at the mountain and conclude, ā€œIt is too big.ā€God wants you to look at the mountain and ask, ā€œLord, what have You placed in me that can become part of the answer?ā€

    The Israelites cried because of their oppression in Egypt, and God raised Moses. When humanity was lost in sin, God sent His Son. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly raised people whom He positioned as instruments of deliverance, provision, leadership, wisdom, and transformation.

    Complaining without action does not transform communities. But prayer, wisdom, obedience, generosity, creativity, courage, and action can become instruments through which God brings transformation.Remember: you are not the source; God is the Source. You are the vessel. The power, wisdom, grace, and resources ultimately come from Him.

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see what You have placed within me.May I never overlook what You have placed in me. Here I am, Lord; send me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    Daily Bible Reading
    Isaiah 6:1–8,John 7:37–39,Matthew 5:13–16,Ephesians 2:10
    Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Contact :
    Email : DominionvoicesminisrtyAnderson Mwila.com
    Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi
    Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026
    Ā© Dominion Voices Ministry
    šŸ•Šļø DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 242 DATE: 30TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS_1 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NKJV) ā€œBut even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe...ā€ — Devotional message: One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is not only to create problems but to blind people to the solutions God has already placed within them.Paul tells us that ā€œthe god of this age has blindedā€ the minds of those who do not believe. Spiritual blindness can cause a person to see the problem but fail to recognize the grace, authority, wisdom, resources, and potential God has placed within them to become part of the solution. You see your family in trouble, and instead of asking God, ā€œWhat can I do?ā€, you join everyone else in complaining.You see your child trapped in addiction, drunkenness, or a lifestyle that does not glorify God, and you simply say, ā€œThat is how they are.ā€You see problems in your community, workplace, nation, church, or family, and you join the multitude in lamenting about them. Child of God, you are not merely a spectator of the problems around you; you are called to be part of God's solution.Why should the sick be around you without you praying for them and trusting God for their healing? Why should someone oppressed by darkness be regarded as a hopeless case when Jesus has given His Church authority over the power of the enemy? Why should a child lack school fees while you have been entrusted with resources? Why should a servant of God go hungry while God has blessed you with the ability to provide? Why should someone struggle to pay rent while you have the capacity to help? This is not to suggest that every problem around us is solely our responsibility or that we can solve everything through human strength. Rather, God has strategically positioned His people in different places and entrusted them with different resources so that they can become channels of His grace. What you carry matters.Jesus said:ā€œHe who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.ā€ — John 7:38 (NKJV).There is something God has deposited within you that is meant to flow beyond you. A river does not exist merely to water itself; it flows so that others may live. Therefore, do not become so consumed by the magnitude of the problem that you forget the greatness of the God who lives in you.The enemy wants you to look at the mountain and conclude, ā€œIt is too big.ā€God wants you to look at the mountain and ask, ā€œLord, what have You placed in me that can become part of the answer?ā€ The Israelites cried because of their oppression in Egypt, and God raised Moses. When humanity was lost in sin, God sent His Son. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly raised people whom He positioned as instruments of deliverance, provision, leadership, wisdom, and transformation. Complaining without action does not transform communities. But prayer, wisdom, obedience, generosity, creativity, courage, and action can become instruments through which God brings transformation.Remember: you are not the source; God is the Source. You are the vessel. The power, wisdom, grace, and resources ultimately come from Him. Prayer Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see what You have placed within me.May I never overlook what You have placed in me. Here I am, Lord; send me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading Isaiah 6:1–8,John 7:37–39,Matthew 5:13–16,Ephesians 2:10 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 Ā© Dominion Voices Ministry
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  • SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2026

    IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL

    Topic: Your Mistake Is Not Your Identity

    Bible Reference

    For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.
    Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)

    A Short Story

    Samuel was doing well in school until he made a serious mistake. He had always been one of the better students in his class, but during an important examination, he allowed fear and pressure to influence him. He cheated, and he was caught. The school punished him, and his parents were deeply disappointed.

    After that experience, Samuel changed. He stopped believing in himself. Whenever people talked about academic success, he remembered his failure. He began telling himself that he was no longer the responsible person everyone thought he was. Even when teachers encouraged him to work harder, he felt that his past had already ruined his future.

    One afternoon, his teacher, Mr. James, called him aside after class. He told Samuel that what he had done was wrong and that he should not pretend otherwise. However, he also told him something Samuel needed to hear.

    You made a bad decision, but you are not a bad person. Take responsibility for what happened, learn from it, and make better decisions from now on.

    Samuel went home thinking about those words. He realised that he had made two mistakes. The first was cheating in the examination. The second was allowing that mistake to become the way he saw himself.

    He decided to start again. He apologised to his parents, accepted the consequences of his actions, and became more serious about his studies. He stopped looking for shortcuts and began preparing properly for his examinations.

    His journey was not easy. There were times when he remembered his past and felt ashamed, but he refused to return to his old way of thinking. Eventually, he became more disciplined and performed much better in his next examinations.

    Samuel never forgot his mistake, but he stopped allowing it to define him. The experience became a lesson that helped him become more honest, responsible, and disciplined.

    Today's Message

    Everybody makes mistakes. Some mistakes are small, while others can have serious consequences. As you grow through your teenage years, young adulthood, career, relationships, business, and family life, you will make decisions that you will later wish you had handled differently.

    You may fail an examination. You may choose the wrong friends. You may waste money. You may enter a relationship you should have avoided. You may make a poor business decision. You may say something that hurts someone. You may fall into a sinful habit. You may make a decision that brings shame or disappointment.

    When this happens, do not pretend that the mistake did not happen. Take responsibility for it. Learn from it. Apologise where necessary. Accept correction and make changes.

    But do not allow one mistake to convince you that your life is over.

    Proverbs 24:16 says that a righteous person may fall seven times and rise again. The message is not that righteous people never fall. It is that falling does not have to be the end of their story.

    Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and gave him work to do. David made serious mistakes, yet he humbled himself before God and continued to serve Him. The Bible does not hide the failures of these people because God wants us to understand that failure does not automatically cancel a person's future.

    You may have made a mistake that you are ashamed of. Perhaps nobody else knows about it, but you think about it whenever you are alone. You may have told yourself that God cannot use you anymore. You may believe that you have gone too far to start again.

    That is not the message of Scripture.

    If you have sinned, repent. If you have hurt someone, apologise. If you have made a foolish decision, learn from it. If you need help, seek it. If there are consequences, face them. But after doing what is right, do not spend the rest of your life punishing yourself for a past that God wants to use as a lesson.

    There is a difference between guilt that leads you to repentance and shame that makes you believe you are worthless. God can correct you without destroying you. His correction is meant to bring you back, not to convince you that you have no future.

    You also need to be careful about the names you give yourself.

    Do not keep saying, I am a failure.

    Do not keep saying, Nothing good can come from me.

    Do not keep saying, I always make bad decisions.

    Do not allow a mistake to become your identity.

    You made a mistake. That is different from saying that you are a mistake.

    Your past may explain some things about you, but it does not have to control your future. What matters now is what you do with the lesson.

    Perhaps you failed in one area of your life. That does not mean you must fail in every other area. Perhaps one relationship ended badly. That does not mean you can never have a healthy relationship. Perhaps your business failed. That does not mean you can never become successful. Perhaps you performed badly in school. That does not mean you cannot improve.

    Start again with wisdom.

    This time, do things differently.

    Get better advice. Build better habits. Choose better friends. Study harder. Pray more. Ask questions. Be accountable. Avoid the environment that led you into the mistake.

    Starting again does not mean returning to the same behaviour and expecting a different result. It means taking what you have learned and using it to make better choices.

    Your story is not finished because you made a mistake.

    There is still room to grow. There is still room to change. There is still room to rebuild. There is still room to become better.

    Get up and keep moving.

    What To Do Today

    1. Think about one past mistake that still affects the way you see yourself.

    2. Accept responsibility for it, learn the lesson, and decide what you will do differently.

    3. If you need to apologise or make something right, take that step.

    4. Stop describing yourself by your past mistakes and begin focusing on the person you are becoming.

    Prayer

    Lord, help me to learn from my mistakes without allowing them to destroy my confidence or my future. Give me the humility to accept correction, the courage to apologise when I am wrong, and the wisdom to make better decisions. Help me to receive Your forgiveness and move forward with a clean heart. Teach me to see myself through Your Word and not through my past failures. Give me grace to rise again and become the person You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Daily Challenge

    Think of one mistake you have allowed to define you. Write down the lesson you learned from it, then make one decision today that shows you are moving forward.

    Remember: You may have fallen, but you can rise again. Your mistake is part of your story, but it does not have to be your identity.

    Anthony Ijere
    Christian Author and Revivalist
    SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Your Mistake Is Not Your Identity Bible Reference For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again. Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV) A Short Story Samuel was doing well in school until he made a serious mistake. He had always been one of the better students in his class, but during an important examination, he allowed fear and pressure to influence him. He cheated, and he was caught. The school punished him, and his parents were deeply disappointed. After that experience, Samuel changed. He stopped believing in himself. Whenever people talked about academic success, he remembered his failure. He began telling himself that he was no longer the responsible person everyone thought he was. Even when teachers encouraged him to work harder, he felt that his past had already ruined his future. One afternoon, his teacher, Mr. James, called him aside after class. He told Samuel that what he had done was wrong and that he should not pretend otherwise. However, he also told him something Samuel needed to hear. You made a bad decision, but you are not a bad person. Take responsibility for what happened, learn from it, and make better decisions from now on. Samuel went home thinking about those words. He realised that he had made two mistakes. The first was cheating in the examination. The second was allowing that mistake to become the way he saw himself. He decided to start again. He apologised to his parents, accepted the consequences of his actions, and became more serious about his studies. He stopped looking for shortcuts and began preparing properly for his examinations. His journey was not easy. There were times when he remembered his past and felt ashamed, but he refused to return to his old way of thinking. Eventually, he became more disciplined and performed much better in his next examinations. Samuel never forgot his mistake, but he stopped allowing it to define him. The experience became a lesson that helped him become more honest, responsible, and disciplined. Today's Message Everybody makes mistakes. Some mistakes are small, while others can have serious consequences. As you grow through your teenage years, young adulthood, career, relationships, business, and family life, you will make decisions that you will later wish you had handled differently. You may fail an examination. You may choose the wrong friends. You may waste money. You may enter a relationship you should have avoided. You may make a poor business decision. You may say something that hurts someone. You may fall into a sinful habit. You may make a decision that brings shame or disappointment. When this happens, do not pretend that the mistake did not happen. Take responsibility for it. Learn from it. Apologise where necessary. Accept correction and make changes. But do not allow one mistake to convince you that your life is over. Proverbs 24:16 says that a righteous person may fall seven times and rise again. The message is not that righteous people never fall. It is that falling does not have to be the end of their story. Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and gave him work to do. David made serious mistakes, yet he humbled himself before God and continued to serve Him. The Bible does not hide the failures of these people because God wants us to understand that failure does not automatically cancel a person's future. You may have made a mistake that you are ashamed of. Perhaps nobody else knows about it, but you think about it whenever you are alone. You may have told yourself that God cannot use you anymore. You may believe that you have gone too far to start again. That is not the message of Scripture. If you have sinned, repent. If you have hurt someone, apologise. If you have made a foolish decision, learn from it. If you need help, seek it. If there are consequences, face them. But after doing what is right, do not spend the rest of your life punishing yourself for a past that God wants to use as a lesson. There is a difference between guilt that leads you to repentance and shame that makes you believe you are worthless. God can correct you without destroying you. His correction is meant to bring you back, not to convince you that you have no future. You also need to be careful about the names you give yourself. Do not keep saying, I am a failure. Do not keep saying, Nothing good can come from me. Do not keep saying, I always make bad decisions. Do not allow a mistake to become your identity. You made a mistake. That is different from saying that you are a mistake. Your past may explain some things about you, but it does not have to control your future. What matters now is what you do with the lesson. Perhaps you failed in one area of your life. That does not mean you must fail in every other area. Perhaps one relationship ended badly. That does not mean you can never have a healthy relationship. Perhaps your business failed. That does not mean you can never become successful. Perhaps you performed badly in school. That does not mean you cannot improve. Start again with wisdom. This time, do things differently. Get better advice. Build better habits. Choose better friends. Study harder. Pray more. Ask questions. Be accountable. Avoid the environment that led you into the mistake. Starting again does not mean returning to the same behaviour and expecting a different result. It means taking what you have learned and using it to make better choices. Your story is not finished because you made a mistake. There is still room to grow. There is still room to change. There is still room to rebuild. There is still room to become better. Get up and keep moving. What To Do Today 1. Think about one past mistake that still affects the way you see yourself. 2. Accept responsibility for it, learn the lesson, and decide what you will do differently. 3. If you need to apologise or make something right, take that step. 4. Stop describing yourself by your past mistakes and begin focusing on the person you are becoming. Prayer Lord, help me to learn from my mistakes without allowing them to destroy my confidence or my future. Give me the humility to accept correction, the courage to apologise when I am wrong, and the wisdom to make better decisions. Help me to receive Your forgiveness and move forward with a clean heart. Teach me to see myself through Your Word and not through my past failures. Give me grace to rise again and become the person You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Think of one mistake you have allowed to define you. Write down the lesson you learned from it, then make one decision today that shows you are moving forward. Remember: You may have fallen, but you can rise again. Your mistake is part of your story, but it does not have to be your identity. Ā©ļø Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist
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  • Summer's officially winding down and, much of the country starts the transition between long, lazy days of summer and juggling the chaos of deadlines, frantic schedules, and extracurricular activities.

    For me, I will jump into my 24th year in the classroom.

    24 years of slow, sluggish days of recovery from the previous school year to the mach-3 craziness of a typical school day: a frazillion questions—some of which actually have something to do with the subject—as well as a litany of excuses, accommodation requests, apathy, and a cacophony of laughter directed at me because of something stupid I inadvertently or did.
    Of course, it also comes meaningful and insightful classroom discussions, fond memories, and watching a light bulb come as a connection is made between the head and the heart.

    I pray for many more school years to come.

    Typically on the first day of school, the most frequent prompt that comes up is: what I did last summer.

    This prompt produces a variety of responses, ranging from vacations, camping trips, swimming, tubing, fishing, and the county fair.

    I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as well as what would be my answer.

    All things considered, I had an eventful summer.
    I embarked on another road trip, a budding impromptu tradition that takes me along American’s backroads exploring places I have never seen before. These annual road trips have become therapeutic for me.

    The weekend after I returned, I went to my 40th High School Reunion, reliving old memories and seeing classmates I honestly thought I would have never seen again.

    Next, my wife and I spent our 28th Anniversary exploring the old territorial capitol of Montana, Virginia City.

    However, despite all of that activity, if I had to honestly define my summer, I would describe it as a time to heal.

    This last spring, I lost my mother the same week my wife lost her job. It was a world turned upside-down.

    In addition to the typical annual stress of teaching during a second semester, I had to be an emotional strength and encourager for my wife as we grieved the loss of my mother. We had to juggle a household that, for a time, dealt with a 60% income drop, a loss of insurance, and an uncertain future.

    Now, I will emphatically state that God came through for us during that ordeal. He absolutely did.

    However, those months also took a great toll on my being. I didn’t feel like myself at home or at work. My filters were down. My emotions were raw, shriveled and depleted. I was subdued and weak. I just wanted to crawl under a rock.

    But the summer brought a time of restoration of heavy solitude. It brought with wonderful experiences alone, with my wife, and with God.

    The teacher in Ecclesiastes writes of seasons in life:

    ā€œA time to be born and a time to die,
    A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal,
    A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh,
    A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up,
    A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend,
    A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate,
    A time for war and a time for peace.ā€ (Ecclesiastes 3:2–8)

    Life is filled with seasons. As much as we try, they are unavoidable. Frankly, it is easy to cling to God when life is wonderful; however, true spiritual growth comes when life isn't peachy.

    We always enjoy mountain top experience; however, it is also important to remember that nothing grows on a mountain top. The rich, fertile soil lies in the valley.

    It often seems superficial that use suffering to test us or to teach us a lesson. More often, he quietly sits with us in difficult seasons for us to cling to.

    So what is the answer to that question asked in nearly every classroom in America? I healed.

    My summer was a time for restoration, a time for healing.

    In a matter of days, the school year kicks off and a new season begins.

    And with the new year, when the next season arrives, my grip on God—with prayer and knowledge he is with me—remains tighter than ever.
    Summer's officially winding down and, much of the country starts the transition between long, lazy days of summer and juggling the chaos of deadlines, frantic schedules, and extracurricular activities. For me, I will jump into my 24th year in the classroom. 24 years of slow, sluggish days of recovery from the previous school year to the mach-3 craziness of a typical school day: a frazillion questions—some of which actually have something to do with the subject—as well as a litany of excuses, accommodation requests, apathy, and a cacophony of laughter directed at me because of something stupid I inadvertently or did. Of course, it also comes meaningful and insightful classroom discussions, fond memories, and watching a light bulb come as a connection is made between the head and the heart. I pray for many more school years to come. Typically on the first day of school, the most frequent prompt that comes up is: what I did last summer. This prompt produces a variety of responses, ranging from vacations, camping trips, swimming, tubing, fishing, and the county fair. I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as well as what would be my answer. All things considered, I had an eventful summer. I embarked on another road trip, a budding impromptu tradition that takes me along American’s backroads exploring places I have never seen before. These annual road trips have become therapeutic for me. The weekend after I returned, I went to my 40th High School Reunion, reliving old memories and seeing classmates I honestly thought I would have never seen again. Next, my wife and I spent our 28th Anniversary exploring the old territorial capitol of Montana, Virginia City. However, despite all of that activity, if I had to honestly define my summer, I would describe it as a time to heal. This last spring, I lost my mother the same week my wife lost her job. It was a world turned upside-down. In addition to the typical annual stress of teaching during a second semester, I had to be an emotional strength and encourager for my wife as we grieved the loss of my mother. We had to juggle a household that, for a time, dealt with a 60% income drop, a loss of insurance, and an uncertain future. Now, I will emphatically state that God came through for us during that ordeal. He absolutely did. However, those months also took a great toll on my being. I didn’t feel like myself at home or at work. My filters were down. My emotions were raw, shriveled and depleted. I was subdued and weak. I just wanted to crawl under a rock. But the summer brought a time of restoration of heavy solitude. It brought with wonderful experiences alone, with my wife, and with God. The teacher in Ecclesiastes writes of seasons in life: ā€œA time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up, A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, A time for war and a time for peace.ā€ (Ecclesiastes 3:2–8) Life is filled with seasons. As much as we try, they are unavoidable. Frankly, it is easy to cling to God when life is wonderful; however, true spiritual growth comes when life isn't peachy. We always enjoy mountain top experience; however, it is also important to remember that nothing grows on a mountain top. The rich, fertile soil lies in the valley. It often seems superficial that use suffering to test us or to teach us a lesson. More often, he quietly sits with us in difficult seasons for us to cling to. So what is the answer to that question asked in nearly every classroom in America? I healed. My summer was a time for restoration, a time for healing. In a matter of days, the school year kicks off and a new season begins. And with the new year, when the next season arrives, my grip on God—with prayer and knowledge he is with me—remains tighter than ever.
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  • Hello family in Christ . I am a Sunday School teacher and music teacher . Remember me in your prayers.
    Hello family in Christ 😊. I am a Sunday School teacher and music teacher . Remember me in your prayers.
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