As He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41–42 ɴᴋᴊᴠ A thousand years earlier, David “went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives” (2 Sam. 15:30), the same route as the Lord Jesus takes here but in the opposite direction. The king “wept as he went up” and all the people with him, “weeping as they went up” because of an insurrection by his son, Absalom. Now our Lord descends Olivet towards Jerusalem, and He is weeping too, even though the disciples who accompany Him are rejoicing. The Pharisees demand that He rebuke them (Lk. 19:39) but they and the crowds who take up their strain are obeying Zechariah’s words: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9). But He cannot rejoice Himself, for He knows the adulation will soon turn to cries of “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” (Lk. 23:21). Selfless Savior! He does not weep for Himself like David, but for His earthly people. In rejecting Him they will not enjoy His justice and salvation as they hoped. And today, two thousand years later, even as they occupy Jerusalem again, most still spurn Him, barring themselves from the grace of God that gives “peace with God” through Him (Rom. 5:1–2). The city’s name speaks of peace, but it will never be a place of peace until they receive the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). The tribulation awaits them, but when He comes “with clouds” (Rev. 1:7) to deliver them, they will confess with tears, “the chastisement for our peace was upon Him” (Isa. 53:5). Then they will possess peace from Him in every sense. As for us, may we “sow in tears” (Ps. 126:5) the glad tidings of peace to Jew and Gentile alike (Eph. 2:17). Simon Attwood https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-30

DAILY DEVOTION… John 15:8 "'My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.'" The Fruit That Glorifies the Father When we think about achieving success in life, our minds often turn to career milestones, personal accomplishments, or financial security. But Jesus points us toward a completely different standard of a meaningful life. In John 15:8, He tells His followers: "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." Notice that the ultimate goal of bearing fruit is not our own pride or spiritual resume-building; it is the glory of God. Just as an apple tree does not strain or struggle to grow fruit, but simply draws life from the roots and trunk, our spiritual fruitfulness flows naturally from staying connected to Christ. When we abide in Him daily through prayer, His Word, and obedience, the Holy Spirit produces undeniable fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. This transformation is the most powerful evidence to a watching world that we belong to Him. It proves that our faith is real, active, and life-changing. Today, stop striving in your own strength. Instead, focus entirely on staying close to the Vine. Let His love fuel your actions, and watch how He naturally produces fruit that honors the Father and points others to His grace. Here are 3 spiritual truths gleaned from John 15:8: 1. Fruitfulness is the hallmark of true discipleship: Producing spiritual fruit is the visible evidence that confirms a genuine, life-transforming relationship with Christ. 2. God receives the ultimate glory: The purpose of spiritual growth and good works is not to build our own reputation, but to bring honor and praise directly to the Father. 3. Connection precedes production: Just as branches cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, our ability to live a fruitful life depends entirely on staying closely connected to Jesus. "Discipleship is not just a matter of bending your will to Jesus' will; it's melting your heart into a whole new shape. A disciple is not someone who simply follows a set of rules, but someone whose life is utterly reoriented around a personal allegiance to Him." — Timothy Keller Pastor, Teacher, Author _____________________________________

THE VOICE THAT CALMS THE STORM When Jesus Speaks, Chaos Must Obey Key Scriptures: Mark 4:35–41; Psalm 107:28–29; Isaiah 43:2 Life can throw storms our way that feel completely out of our hands. Sometimes these storms rage around us, and other times, they brew within. You might be grappling with financial strain, family issues, disappointment, uncertainty, illness, or even opposition, leaving you to wonder if God is still by your side. The disciples faced a similar tempest while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. As the waves crashed around them, Jesus was peacefully asleep. When they finally woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind died down, and a profound calm settled in (Mark 4:39). The storm was fierce, but the voice of Jesus was even more powerful. The disciples were filled with fear because they were fixated on the storm's magnitude rather than the presence of Jesus in their midst. Often, our biggest struggle isn’t the storm itself but the beliefs it instills in us. Fear whispers, "You're going to drown." Discouragement insists, "There’s no escape." Yet, God’s Word reassures us, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Having Jesus with you doesn’t mean you’ll never face storms; it means you’ll never have to face them alone. It’s important to note that Jesus didn’t panic when He encountered the storm. Instead, He spoke directly to it. This shows His authority over situations that seem beyond our control. Psalm 107:29 tells us, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." There are circumstances you can’t change through your own strength, connections, wealth, or intellect, but a single word from Jesus can transform everything. When God speaks, chaos can turn to calm, fear can shift to faith, and what seems impossible can become a powerful tesIf you're caught in a storm today, take a moment to listen for the voice of Jesus. Don’t let the chaos of the storm drown out the Word of God. He’s still whispering, "Peace, be still." The storm might be roaring, but God's voice is even louder. The waves may be crashing, but His authority stands even taller. The night might feel overwhelming, yet His presence is right there with you. Remember, your storm has an expiration date. Keep your faith anchored in Jesus, because the same voice that calmed the sea can soothe your heart, transform your situation, and guide you safely to the other side. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude, knowing You are the Lord over every storm. When our hearts are heavy and our circumstances feel chaotic, remind us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us. Lord, we ask You to speak Your peace into every storm we face. Calm the tempests of fear, confusion, financial strain, family struggles, disappointment, and uncertainty. Silence every voice that urges us to give up, and let Your Word ring louder than our challenges. Grant us the faith to trust You, even when the waves are crashing around us. Help us remember that while the storm is fleeting, Your presence is everlasting. Lead us safely to the other side, and let every storm we encounter become a testament to Your power and faithfulness. Jesus, speak into our storms today: "Peace, be still!" Let the winds die down, let the waves settle, and let Your peace reign in our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

THE VOICE THAT CALMS THE STORM When Jesus Speaks, Chaos Must Obey Key Scriptures: Mark 4:35–41; Psalm 107:28–29; Isaiah 43:2 Life can throw storms our way that feel completely out of our hands. Sometimes these storms rage around us, and other times, they brew within. You might be grappling with financial strain, family issues, disappointment, uncertainty, illness, or even opposition, leaving you to wonder if God is still by your side. The disciples faced a similar tempest while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. As the waves crashed around them, Jesus was peacefully asleep. When they finally woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind died down, and a profound calm settled in (Mark 4:39). The storm was fierce, but the voice of Jesus was even more powerful. The disciples were filled with fear because they were fixated on the storm's magnitude rather than the presence of Jesus in their midst. Often, our biggest struggle isn’t the storm itself but the beliefs it instills in us. Fear whispers, "You're going to drown." Discouragement insists, "There’s no escape." Yet, God’s Word reassures us, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Having Jesus with you doesn’t mean you’ll never face storms; it means you’ll never have to face them alone. It’s important to note that Jesus didn’t panic when He encountered the storm. Instead, He spoke directly to it. This shows His authority over situations that seem beyond our control. Psalm 107:29 tells us, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." There are circumstances you can’t change through your own strength, connections, wealth, or intellect, but a single word from Jesus can transform everything. When God speaks, chaos can turn to calm, fear can shift to faith, and what seems impossible can become a powerful tesIf you're caught in a storm today, take a moment to listen for the voice of Jesus. Don’t let the chaos of the storm drown out the Word of God. He’s still whispering, "Peace, be still." The storm might be roaring, but God's voice is even louder. The waves may be crashing, but His authority stands even taller. The night might feel overwhelming, yet His presence is right there with you. Remember, your storm has an expiration date. Keep your faith anchored in Jesus, because the same voice that calmed the sea can soothe your heart, transform your situation, and guide you safely to the other side. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude, knowing You are the Lord over every storm. When our hearts are heavy and our circumstances feel chaotic, remind us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us. Lord, we ask You to speak Your peace into every storm we face. Calm the tempests of fear, confusion, financial strain, family struggles, disappointment, and uncertainty. Silence every voice that urges us to give up, and let Your Word ring louder than our challenges. Grant us the faith to trust You, even when the waves are crashing around us. Help us remember that while the storm is fleeting, Your presence is everlasting. Lead us safely to the other side, and let every storm we encounter become a testament to Your power and faithfulness. Jesus, speak into our storms today: "Peace, be still!" Let the winds die down, let the waves settle, and let Your peace reign in our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Moving Forward After Deception "And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me." — Genesis 31:7 Jacob did not minimize what happened. He acknowledged the painful reality of deception. It was not a single misunderstanding or isolated disappointment. His wages were changed ten times—a repeated pattern of broken trust, uncertainty, and injustice. Deception carries weight. It can consume years, alter plans, strain relationships, and leave deep emotional and spiritual wounds. It often raises difficult questions: How did I not see it? Could I have done something differently? Scripture does not pretend these experiences are light or insignificant. Yet Jacob's testimony does not end with "ten times." It ends with "but God." "...but God suffered him not to hurt me." This is the heart of someone who has been previously deceived yet continues to praise the Lord. Such a person does not become defined by the untoward experience, nor remain imprisoned by bitterness or regret. Instead, he recognizes that God's sovereign hand was present even during the season of deception. The scars may remain, and the lessons may be costly, but God's preserving grace proves greater than the deception itself. What others intended for harm did not ultimately prevent God's purpose from being fulfilled. Rather than endlessly reliving the interruption, he moves forward to what the Lord had already prepared before that intermission. The enemy may delay, distract, or deceive, but he cannot overturn God's purposes for those who trust in Him. This does not mean ignoring the lessons of the past. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to test every spirit, examine every teaching, and grow in discernment. But biblical discernment is meant to lead us closer to Christ, not into lifelong suspicion, fear, or despair. A grateful heart says: "I was deceived, but the Lord did not abandon me." A humble heart says: "I have learned to depend more fully on God's Word." A hopeful heart says: "The Lord's purposes for my life are still before me." Our testimony, then, is not merely that deception existed, but that the Lord Jesus Christ remained faithful through it all. He preserves His people, matures them through trials, and leads them onward in His perfect time. Like Jacob, we can honestly acknowledge the pain of being deceived—even ten times—while joyfully declaring: "But God suffered him not to hurt me." The final word belongs not to deception, but to the faithfulness of God.

Nehemiah 4:9, 15-16 NIV But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah Good morning and praise God. I am more than happy and Holy Spirit filled as I write this devotion. I am so happy to know my redeemer lives. Hallelujah. Thank you for taking your time to be encouraged by this word as it has encouraged me. Nehemiah choose to do God's work of rebuilding the walls. He prayed for it and wa greatly favored to be authorized in this world by the leaders who had to give him letter. The enemy was not happy about this. The enemy always want God's peiple remain in ruin and shame. To Nehemiah, they came as Tobias , Sanballat and Geshem. They began with pretext that they wanted to help him but Nehemiah had already prayed and so would see the enemy from a distance. When the mental didn't work, they decided to become physical and fight. Nehemiah and the men working with him also armed themselves but never stopped rebuilding until all the work was done. Oh great friend of Jesus, your enemy is watching to stope you from doing God's work. He is trying all ways to stop and maybe have won in some areas of your life and the rebuilding has stopped or is delayed in your life. From this Nehemiah story we are learning how to keep building. It is by taking the full armor of God. The helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, sword of Spirit, shield of faith, belt of Truth and shoes of the Gospel of peace. Dear friend, it is time to focus ahead to what God created you to build and rebuild. The enemy is not above the one who knew he was coming. Our Father knows all about him and is ready to shield and save us from his tricks that wastes our precious time. Sicknesses, stress, strain, fears, hopelessness, pain, dishonor and many more are not what God promised you! You only need that you're more than a conqueror in Jesus name! Youre child of Most High God. Take up your armor and defeat the enemy. Pray, and again I say pray. Talk to God who created you. With Him all things are possible. God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom . Shalom.

Are you actually connected to God? Your fruit will tell you. Jesus said it plainly: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 Here's what I keep coming back to: a branch doesn't strain to produce grapes. It doesn't wake up at 5am to try harder. It just stays attached. So when love feels forced... when peace won't come... when patience runs out by 9am - the question usually isn't "how do I get more of this?" It's "have I drifted?"❤️🙏 #christ

Holy Wit – Reflections # 8 — Love in Deed and Truth Walking in the Light: Studies Through 1 John Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:11–24 There was a man in the church whom everyone knew was struggling. He had not announced it from the front. There had been no formal appeal, no notice pinned to a board, and no carefully arranged collection. People simply knew. His work had become irregular. His wife had been unwell for several months. There were children in the home, school expenses had not stopped, and the cupboards were beginning to show the strain. On Sunday mornings, people greeted him warmly. “Brother, we are praying for you.” “God will provide.” “Keep trusting the Lord.” All of these things were true. God does provide. Prayer matters. Trust in the Lord is never misplaced. Still, when the service ended, most people went home. One man did not. He had noticed that the struggling brother’s shoes were coming apart. He had noticed the children no longer brought anything to the church meal. He had noticed the way the man’s wife declined invitations, not because she did not want fellowship, but because travelling cost money they did not have. So he went home, spoke with his own family, and returned later that afternoon. He brought rice, cooking oil, vegetables, soap, medicine, and enough money to cover several urgent expenses. He did not make a speech. He did not take a photograph. He did not describe his generosity to others. He simply placed the bags inside the house and said, “The Lord has given us enough to share.” The struggling man began to cry. It was not only the food. It was the fact that somebody had seen him. There is a kind of love that speaks well and does nothing. It knows the correct words. It offers blessings, promises prayer, and expresses concern. It may even feel sincere sympathy. Yet it never moves beyond the lips. John refuses to call that sufficient. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” John does not despise words. Words can encourage, comfort, instruct, and strengthen. The gospel itself must be proclaimed in words. A silent church is not necessarily a loving church. But words that never become action are easily exposed as empty. John places Cain and Christ before us as two completely different pictures of the heart. Cain saw his righteous brother and killed him. Christ saw guilty sinners and gave Himself for them. Cain removed another person because that person’s righteousness troubled him. Christ laid down His own life for those who had rebelled against Him. Cain took life. Christ gave His life. That contrast gives us John’s definition of love. Love is not merely liking someone. It is not affection detached from duty. It is not politeness, friendliness, or warm feeling by itself. Love gives. Love bears cost. Love moves towards need rather than away from it. The cross is the supreme revelation of this kind of love. Christ did not love His people by offering encouraging words from heaven. He came into our condition. He bore our sin. He endured judgment. He laid down His life. We cannot repeat His saving work. His sacrifice was once for all. Yet those who have received that love are commanded to reflect its shape. That is why John immediately turns from Christ laying down His life to the ordinary matter of a brother in need. The move is deliberate. We may speak grandly about being willing to die for another believer while refusing to be inconvenienced by him. We may imagine great acts of courage while ignoring small acts of mercy. We may say, “I would lay down my life for the brethren,” while protecting every hour, every possession, every comfort, and every personal preference. John brings us back to the cupboard, the wallet, the spare room, the telephone call, the hospital visit, the meal, the journey, the forgiveness, the patient conversation. That is where love is usually tested. Not in imagined moments of heroism, but in ordinary opportunities to give ourselves away. This does not mean that every need must be met by one person. No believer has unlimited resources. Wisdom is necessary. Some requests are unwise. Some forms of assistance may encourage irresponsibility rather than relieve genuine need. Love must be “in deed and in truth”. Truth matters. Biblical love does not help someone continue in sin. It does not confuse compassion with approval. It does not call what is harmful good. Sometimes love gives. Sometimes love warns. Sometimes love provides money. Sometimes love provides counsel instead. Sometimes love comforts the suffering. Sometimes love confronts the wandering. But love never settles for indifference. John’s question is not whether we possess enough to solve every problem. His question is what happens in our hearts when we see a real need and have some ability to respond. Do we open our hearts, or close them? That question can trouble a sincere Christian. We remember occasions when we did nothing. We see the limits of our love. We recognize selfishness, impatience, resentment, and failure. Then the heart begins to condemn us. John understands this. He does not tell us to pretend we have loved perfectly. He directs us to God, who is greater than our heart and knows all things. God knows our sins more fully than we do. Yet He also knows the difference between a hypocrite who is content without love and a believer who grieves over lovelessness and desires to change. Our assurance does not rest on having performed enough acts of kindness to earn God’s acceptance. It rests first upon Christ. The same Christ who commands love is the Christ who laid down His life for sinners. Still, the presence of practical love gives evidence that His grace is at work within us. Not perfect love, but real love. Not constant victory, but a new direction. John then joins faith, obedience, love, and prayer together. We believe in the name of Jesus Christ. We love one another. We keep His commandments. We abide in Him, and He in us by the Holy Spirit. These are not separate compartments of the Christian life. They belong together. A heart being shaped by Christ begins to desire what pleases Christ. A believer walking in obedience approaches God with greater confidence, not because obedience has purchased an answer, but because the believer’s desires are being brought into agreement with God’s will. And so the question remains close to home. Who has God placed before us? Whose need have we noticed? What do we possess that could be shared? Perhaps the first act of love will not look impressive. It may be a bag of rice. A paid bill. A ride to a clinic. A meal carried across the road. An hour spent listening. A quiet gift no one else ever hears about. But heaven does not measure love by how impressive it appears. Love is measured by the pattern of Christ. He did not merely tell us that He loved us. He showed us. And now He calls His people to do the same. #HolyWitReflections #GordonMcGinnis #WalkingInTheLight #1John3

Daily Devotional Take a day in the country. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:2, 3 Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country to the side of a fine lake or to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy. On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been withindoors and sedentary will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.... But few realize the constant, wearing labor of those who are bearing the responsibilities of the work in the office. They are confined withindoors day after day and week after week, while a constant strain upon the mental powers is surely undermining their constitutions and lessening their hold on life.... They should have a change frequently, should often devote a day wholly to recreation with their families, who are almost entirely deprived of their society. [207]

My Daily Walk With Jesus A Blessing of Peace Over Your Home May the peace of Jesus fill your home today — every room, every corner, every conversation. May His presence settle over your household like a calm covering, softening tension, easing stress, and bringing unity where there has been strain. May He bless the atmosphere of your home with gentleness, kindness, and rest. And may you feel His peace the moment you walk through the door, reminding you that your home is a place where His presence dwells. Psalm 29:11 — “The Lord blesses His people with peace.”