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Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4.

Wisdom—not information but a spiritual gift—is stressed throughout the Bible. It's about understanding truth, making wise decisions, and obeying God's will, not just gathering information.

Biblical Basis of the Spirit of Wisdom:

* Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." True wisdom comes from reverence and comprehension of God. According to this Scripture, true wisdom comes from a reverence for God. not from worldly knowledge or intellect. The fear of the Lord means great respect, awe, and reverence for God's holiness, strength, and authority. This involves acknowledging God as the ultimate source of wisdom and humbly adhering to His will. Understanding God's character, qualities, and ways; exploring Scripture; studying His creation; and praying and connecting with Him are key. For example, a judge with integrity who grounds their decisions on legal precedent and God's Word's principles of justice and righteousness shows knowledge steeped in the fear of the Lord. True justice reflects God's character, they know. A wise scientist recognises the limits of human knowledge and says that God created the universe. They realise that science helps them grasp God's plan. A wise parent disciplines their children out of love and a desire to lead them to honour God. They know that effective discipline is based on their child's well-being in this life and the next. Proverbs 9:10 shows that true knowledge involves matching our intellect with God's truth, not just accumulating information. We need to acknowledge our dependency on Him and seek His guidance in all aspects of life.

* James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This powerful verse urges us to seek wisdom from God. It emphasises that wisdom comes from God, not effort or intellect. This wonderful gift is free to anyone who seeks it from God. Lack of wisdom refers to the times when we are unsure, confused, or unable to make beneficial decisions. This verse acknowledges that everyone needs guidance. It encourages us to pray to God, the ultimate source of wisdom. We must humble ourselves and seek His divine guidance, liberally and without reproach, showing God's benevolence. He shares wisdom with sincere seekers. He readily donates without reproach. For example, if you want to make a life-changing professional or financial decision, instead of following personal or worldly advice, pray to God. For the best decision, seek knowledge and insight. During conflict, pray for discernment; comprehend the other person; respond with grace and forgiveness; and honour God. To overcome personal struggles, find God's knowledge for strength, resilience, and grace and endurance to overcome adversities. James 1:5 emphasises that God gives true wisdom. Through humble prayer, we can gain the wisdom we need to overcome life's obstacles, make wise choices, and follow His plan. This verse encourages us to have a relationship with God, seeing Him as our strength and guide in life.

* Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." This scripture proves that God grants true wisdom. True wisdom is not something we naturally possess or can earn through our own efforts. The wellspring of wisdom is God, according to this scripture. It stresses that wisdom is a gift from God, not a product of human intelligence or experience. Wisdom goes beyond facts. It contains true knowledge, a correct and thorough comprehension of reality, and genuine understanding—the ability to use that information with judgement and insight. For example, despite their technical skills, a skilled artisan may credit heavenly inspiration for their outstanding craftsmanship and unique designs. They realise that their talents are a gift from God. A wise leader makes just and compassionate decisions and navigates complex challenges with honesty. They may realise that their wisdom is not their own. They know they can lead well by seeking God's direction and wisdom. A doctor who shows empathy, compassion, and true concern for their patients may realise that they can heal beyond medical understanding. A divine calling and a desire to help others as a demonstration of God's love may explain their compassion. Proverbs 2:6 emphasises that wisdom comes from God. We cannot accomplish it alone. We can gain wisdom and live lives that glorify God by acknowledging Him as the source of all wisdom and seeking His guidance.

This verse reminds us to depend on God and seek His wisdom in all we do. Solomon, facing the enormous challenge of leading Israel in 1 Kings 3, sought wisdom from God over money or power. God granted Solomon's request, recognising his astute judgements and prosperous rule. Solomon's story in 1 Kings 3 stresses wisdom's supremacy. Solomon could have asked God for wealth, power, or even a long life given his tremendous duty of ruling Israel. He realised that true rulership rests not on financial wealth or military force but on justice and wisdom. Solomon's prayer for wisdom shows outstanding maturity and comprehension. He understood that wealth and power are nothing without the ability to benefit his people. His purpose was not for personal gain, but to distinguish right from wrong, administer justice properly, and lead his people with compassion and understanding. Solomon received wisdom, wealth, and power because God was pleased with his request. This shows that gaining wisdom does not involve surrendering other objectives. Solomon's narrative shows that seeking wisdom can bring unexpected riches. Solomon's wise decisions made him famous. People worldwide sought his knowledge and advice. Israel prospered under his rule, proving the superiority of wisdom over all else. Solomon's tale inspires us today. In a world that prizes wealth, power, and fame above all else, true success is seeking wisdom and serving others. Solomon showed that seeking wisdom is virtuous and leads to happiness and success.

With scientists and innovators, outstanding discoveries and creations have come from rigorous investigation and divine inspiration. This "aha!" moment, typically attributed to intuition or creativity, shows the Spirit of Wisdom at work. Many important discoveries and technologies have resulted from a unique blend of meticulous research and seemingly unexpected insights. How do these moments relate to divine influence? Many scientific achievements are incomprehensible. They often entail a leap of logic, a new connection between seemingly unrelated ideas, or a sudden understanding of a complex situation. These cases imply inspiration beyond the human brain. Many scientific discoveries have relied on intuition, that spontaneous experience of knowing something without conscious thinking. Intuition, sometimes dismissed as gut feeling, may be divine guidance, a spark of insight beyond conscious thought. Ingenuity is characterised by creativity—the ability to produce fresh ideas and solutions. While education and experience can foster creativity, it often requires inspiration, a spark of originality that seems to originate from beyond the individual.

For example, in Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Einstein called his theory a "thought experiment," a mental journey that led to groundbreaking findings about space and time. This required serious scientific study and enormous intuitive leaps. Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin after observing mould growth on a petri dish. This fortuitous event and years of investigation led to a medical breakthrough that saved many lives. While human intellect and careful inquiry are vital in scientific growth, these cases reveal a deeper, possibly supernatural, source of inspiration.

* Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Spiritual maturity is necessary to distinguish truth from falsehood. * Understanding: Deep principle and application knowledge.

*Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." True insight comes from reverence for the Lord, the wellspring of all learning. Wisdom is about applying knowledge and insights to daily life, not simply theory.

* James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." True wisdom is following God's word. * Humility: Wise people admit their limitations and dependence on God.

* Proverbs 3:7: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil." This verse emphasises the importance of humility in acquiring wisdom. Fear of the Lord: All smart decisions are based on regard for God. True wisdom begins with a sincere dread of God, accepting His sovereignty and attempting to follow His will. The Bible provides advice and understanding. "Your word serves as a beacon to guide me and illuminate my path." - Psalm 119:105. The Bible is God's authorised word, and it is the greatest source of wisdom and instruction.

In summary, ask God for wisdom if you desire it. Ask mentors, teachers, and wise people for advice. "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." Proverbs 12:15 emphasises the importance of consulting intelligent, experienced people. Proverbs 18:15 says, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ears of the wise seek it out." This proverb promotes lifelong learning. Be humble and open to correction. Proverbs 11:2: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Humility is key to wisdom. Identifying our weaknesses helps us learn and improve. By practicing these principles, we can develop the Spirit of Wisdom inside ourselves and handle life's obstacles with discernment, insight, and God's guidance.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ!If you are not born again and would like to give your life to Christ, please say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now. Come into my life and take total control. I say bye-bye to the devil and enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read:https://holywritquotes.com Mercy Masika Shule Yako Lyrics * Impulsive shopping: https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2010/07/27 20 business lessons entrepreneurs may acquire from the Bible • Connect Nigeria. * 2011/08/blog.exposing-pseudo-christianity.org

Scripture Text: Genesis 18:19.

How well does God know you to entrust your household to serve Him?

In the book of Genesis 18, God vouches for Abraham, trusting him to lead his household to serve Him. He shares His secrets with Abraham, fulfils His covenant with him, makes him well advanced in the ages, and satisfies him in all things (Genesis 24:1). We claim Abraham's blessings through Christ Jesus because we are his seed (Gal 3:13–14).

Abraham's family life is structured as a servant leader, with him giving orders to his wife and servants and taking responsibility for guests. He works just as hard as they are, but he is the head of the house. Sarah respectfully yields to her husband, ensuring they are in agreement. She is willing to do what is right and not give way to fear.

Abraham's servants also submit to his leadership and authority, obeying immediately. In Genesis 18:7, Abraham runs to the herd and selects a tender calf and gives it to a servant who hurried to prepare it. This demonstrates Abraham's orderly home and his active role in leading and serving his family.

God's assessment of Abraham's family and future is evident in Verses 18 and 19, which promise that he will become a mighty and powerful nation and that all nations on earth will be blessed through him. God has chosen Abraham so that he will direct his children and household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. This is important to carrying out the plan of God, as a well-ordered home is essential to the redemptive plan of God. The connection between the words "so that's" and "fors" in Verses 18 and 19 is that God's choosing of Abraham is the ground of him being a mighty and powerful nation and a blessing to the ends of the earth. In order for Abraham to fulfil his role, he must direct his children to follow the way of the Lord so that the Lord will bring him what He has promised.

A well-ordered home is crucial to the redemptive plan of God, and Abraham, our father in faith, is an example of a godly home.In summary, God's trust in Abraham and his family structure serves as a model for us to follow in our own lives. Abraham's leadership, servant leadership, and willingness to serve his family demonstrate the importance of a well-ordered home in the redemptive plan of God.

God bless you in Jesus Mighty Name.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life and take control. I say bye-bye to the devil and enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus Name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Also read: https://twojourneys.org/sermons/series/genesis/god-pursues-intimacy-with-abraham/#:~:text=It's%20not%20a%20matter%20of,disposition%20of%20eagerness%20and%20preparedness

Scripture Text: Luke 6:3-4

In today's Scripture text, Jesus addresses the Pharisees who confront His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. This event highlights a significant clash between the rigid interpretations of the law held by religious leaders and the more compassionate understanding championed by Jesus. The disciples were merely following an ancient practice permissible under the Mosaic Law, which allowed gleaning for those in need. However, the Pharisees, viewing their actions as unlawful work, illustrate a common failure to recognise the spirit of the law by focusing instead on ritual observance.

Jesus responds to the criticism in Luke 6:3 by citing the story of David, who, in a time of hunger, took consecrated bread from the house of the Lord—an act technically unlawful but justified by his men's need. This defence not only highlights Jesus' authority to interpret the law but also emphasises that mercy and human need take precedence over ceremonial laws. The implication here is profound: God desires mercy more than sacrifice, challenging us to reflect on how we might prioritise legalism over compassion in our own practices and beliefs.

This pivotal moment communicates that Jesus is indeed the "Lord of the Sabbath,” demonstrating His divine authority and redefining the true purpose of this sacred day.

In Luke 6:3-4, Jesus engages in a debate with the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath laws. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious rules, accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath by plucking heads of grain and eating them. In response to their accusation, Jesus cites the example of King David, who, in his desperate need, entered the house of God and consumed the consecrated bread, reserved for priests. The circumstances justified this act, despite it being technically against the law.

The Rule of Divine Exemption suggests that in exceptional circumstances, divine authority may supersede human laws. It implies that God, as the ultimate Law Giver, can grant permission to individuals to act in ways that would otherwise be considered unlawful. This concept has significant implications for our understanding of the relationship between divine law and human law, suggesting that while we should strive to obey God's laws, there may be times when circumstances necessitate actions that deviate from traditional norms.

The Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath, but Jesus responds with a counterargument, citing the actions of David and his men as a precedent. Today's passage also reveals the principle of divine exemption, which suggests that in certain extraordinary circumstances, divine authority can supersede human laws. The understanding that God, as the ultimate lawgiver, has the prerogative to grant exceptions to His own laws is the foundation of this concept.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who, under divine guidance, acted in ways that would otherwise be considered violations of the law. Examples include Noah building an ark, Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac, and Rahab the Harlot aiding spies sent by Joshua. These instances demonstrate that God's sovereignty transcends human laws and that He may call individuals to extraordinary actions that align with His divine purposes.

The principle of divine exemption continues to be relevant in contemporary society, such as in emergency situations, medical ethics, civil disobedience, and religious exemptions. The Christian perspective roots the Rule of Divine Exemption in the belief that Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority and His teachings surpass human laws. The New Testament provides numerous examples of Jesus' disciples acting in ways that challenged the religious and social norms of their time.

However, we should not use the Rule of Divine Exemption as a license to disregard human laws or to justify selfish or immoral behaviour. We should understand it as a principle that applies in exceptional circumstances and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When considering whether to invoke the Rule of Divine Exemption, it is essential to ask the following questions:

Is the action truly necessary and motivated by love for God and neighbor? Does the action align with the teachings of Scripture? Is there a clear sense of divine leading and approval? We can determine whether the Rule of Divine Exemption justifies a particular action or if it violates God's law by carefully considering these questions.

In conclusion, the Rule of Divine Exemption challenges our understanding of law, authority, and human nature. It reminds us that God's sovereignty transcends human laws and that He may call us to extraordinary actions that align with His divine purposes. By seeking His guidance and trusting in His providence, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and peace.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus, amen.

To be exempt from rules, you must be a friend of God. To befriend God is friendship with His only Son, Jesus Christ. If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:

Lord Jesus; I come to You now; come into my life; control my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! I pray in Jesus' Mighty Name, amen.

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:8-9

The Scripture text for today tells us to grow in grace and also tells us how to do it: by knowing Jesus Christ all the time. Knowing God and Jesus Christ is the only way to make God's kindness grow in our lives. The school of grace allows for grace advancement. In John 1:16, it says, "And from his fullness we all have received, grace for grace." This verse talks about different kinds of grace. We have all experienced the possibility of salvation through grace at some point. However, the journey of grace continues beyond the point of salvation. There are higher levels of grace that we must all always be thirsty for. Yes, that's why Paul desired in Philippians 3:10, "That I may know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made equal to His death." 

When we learn more about God, we get stronger and will forsake wicked things. "But the people who know their God will be strong and do great things." - Daniel 11:32b. We know these things because of God's Word. Looking at Him in the Bible makes us more like Him. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that the Spirit of the Lord transforms us into the same image, from glory to glory. He said this while viewing the Lord's glory with an open face. In 2 Peter 2:2, it says, "Like newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word of God so that you may grow."

According to the Bible, the Word of God is what makes real understanding of God possible. My friends, the Bible promises that we will grow and progress to become all God wants us to be. Grace fills our lives more and more as we spend time with His word. We can only grow in grace by spending more time in God's word and praying.

Matthew 3:18 says, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." As a Christian, you grow up when you grow in kindness. God's grace saves us through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). God's grace is also what makes us grown and holy. We know that kindness is a gift we don't deserve. God's grace is what makes us right with him; it makes us holy, and it will finally make us glorious in heaven.  Growing in grace is the same thing as becoming more like Christ, which is what holiness means. Our faith grows when we pray and read God's Word, letting it "dwell in us richly" (Colossians 3:16). God uses these spiritual practices to help us grow, but they don't make us mature on their own. Our Christian growth depends on God's grace, not our efforts. It's important to know about and use God's kindness in our lives. Being proud should not harm us, as God states in James 4:6 that He fights the proud but shows kindness to the humble. God's grace is what frees us from our evil nature and makes us want to follow Him. It keeps us safe and makes us strong. There is no way we could find our way to this world without God's kindness and favour.  Being kind and asking God for it will help Christians grow faster.

Getting more grace from God is what it means to "grow in grace." The limitless nature of God's grace keeps it expanding or contracting. He is the source of salvation for those who believe in Him (John 3:16). Really, what could be more gracious than that? Consequently, enhancing our grace involves deepening our understanding of Jesus' actions and appreciating the kindness we have received. We will value everything Jesus did more the more we know about Him. As we value His love and sacrifice for us, we will see how gracious God is.

Apostle Paul advises us to get to know Jesus better and form a close relationship with Him because He will appear in our lives more. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1–4, "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ sits at God's right hand." Don't think about things on earth; think about things that are above. After your death, God has hidden your life with Christ. When Christ—your life—comes back, you will come back with him in glory. At least for this life, the Bible tells us everything we need to know about God, His Son, and His Spirit. For those He has saved, God wants to make them holy and change them. He wants us to be more holy, like He is. To become like His Son, He wants to change us. In order to do this, we must think about the Bible and apply its teachings to our lives while giving in to the passion and power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. After that, we'll show 2 Corinthians 3:18: "All of us, whose faces are not covered, reflect the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into his image."

Do you desire to grow in God's grace? You need to be a friend of God and make His Word your food. To become a friend of God, you need to submit your life to His only begotten Son, through whom the whole world's sins were forgiven and all have access to His Grace in the first place. So, shall we then continue in sin that grace may abound? Paul replies with a resounding “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). To desire to continue in sin shows a misunderstanding of this abundant grace and a contempt for Jesus' sacrifice.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen!

If you would like to give your life to Christ, please say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life and take total control. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus' name I pray, amen!"

Congratulations!!!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-18-november-2024-grow-in-grace/
https://www.gotquestions.org/grow-in-grace.html

Scripture Text: Revelations 12:11

The winning side of life is ordained for every blood-bought believer. This is the overcoming life. We were redeemed by the Lord and transformed from a weak and pitiful kingdom to one of dominion and grandeur. We dwell in God's kingdom through His precious Son's. A key goal of every kingdom is to spread the king's culture and ideals through territory. All kingdom residents live for the king. Before expanding, a territory must be conquered. As Christians to expand and conquer territories for our Christ, we need to be selfless and not love our lives unto death.

How can we conquer these territories for Christ?

First, we can only defeat the evil realm ruler and conquer his territories with the Lamb's blood and our witness. The Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, links us to the kingdom of light. The blood that runs in our soon-coming King's veins represents might. We must always use the blood to conquer and expand territories for Him. When we declare the Lamb's blood, we activate our Christ's power to overcome the devil. Second, our testimony is another weapon to defeat the kingdom of darkness and conquer satan's territories. The enemy dreads our testimony because it is God's word, sharper than a two-edged sword.

The Christian life is self-death. Christ and our self-life died on the cross. Our lives were likewise crucified. Apostle Paul realised this when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth on the inside of me, for the life I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

When Jesus told His disciples that His life would be rejected by men to fulfil God's agenda, Peter rebuked Him, but Christ said, “Get thee behind me, satan for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”Matthew 16:23. Notice that Peter spoke, but Jesus addressed satan, the enemy behind the situation. Jesus meant Peter had not died to self to enjoy God's purposes over men's. Jesus said that those who want to be a general in God's kingdom must die to themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He stated that those who preserve their lives will lose them, but those who lose them for Him and the gospel will save them. Paul understood this as a command to love God, not self. True Christians who love not their lives unto death are selfless and are not afraid to lose them for Christ and His Gospel, and by doing this, their lives will be saved.



Abraham experienced Jesus' saying. Abraham did not spare Isaac when God told him to sacrifice him in his old age. Thus, he obtained it again. The Lord recognised a true general to build the church on. Are you a true God's Kingdom General, friend? Revelation 12:11 should be lived fully. Love not your life and live for God. You must pass that final test to join the genuine Generals of Heaven.

Finally, we must obey God's word to win every war. One of our most important weapons for conquering territory for our king is the attitude “they loved not their lives unto death.” This weapon makes the two above weapons effective. This is the most important trait of a true general who will serve God and conquer territory. They live for God, the King of kings.

Have you given your life to Christ? If yes, congratulations; you need to remain die to self for the sake of Christ. If you haven't given your life to Christ, then please do so now, for tomorrow may be too late.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life; take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus; in Jesus' Mighty Name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-13-november-2024-they-loved-not-their-lives-2/

Scripture Text: Matthew 3:11

The concept of baptism with fire is a significant process of Christian life, involving repentance, acceptance of Christ, baptism with water, Holy Spirit baptism, and then fire baptism. This baptism of fire purifies the body and enables individuals to perform tasks they would not be capable of doing alone.

Jesus commanded his disciples to await the arrival of the Holy Spirit, a promise He had made to them (Acts 1:4-5). On the day of Pentecost in the upper room, Christ fulfilled His promise to His disciples, and they performed great deeds for Him (Acts 2). Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1, .

When receiving a fire baptism, one experiences no spiritual lethargy but a renewed passion and commitment to their spiritual life. This leads to increased prayer, fasting, and consistent Bible reading. This newfound fervor comes from the Holy Spirit, which brings individuals closer to God.

Preachers with fire in their bones have a burning desire to share the gospel with others, speaking with passion and conviction, anointed by the Holy Spirit and with fire. This leads to powerful and persuasive words that lead people to Christ.

Spiritual overflow occurs when one is filled with the Holy Fire to the point of overflowing, allowing them to minister powerfully and be a testimony to the power of God. This baptism allows individuals to fulfill their calling and follow the ministry God has for their lives.

God will reschedule your life according to His plan, making it simple to adapt to divine change. This means you will be willing to give up anything that is hindering your spiritual growth and be open to new opportunities. For instance, after receiving a fire baptism, a once set-in-their-ways person may now feel a calling to enter full-time ministry.

The power of God will expose any sin or uncleanness in your life, allowing you to break free from negative influences. For instance, an individual grappling with addiction can now achieve permanent freedom from it.

God will accelerate your progress in life, seeing breakthroughs in finances, career, relationships, and spiritual life. An example includes a person who was unemployed for months but found a new job within weeks after receiving a fire baptism.

You will experience open heaven and open doors, which means God will open up new opportunities and possibilities for you. The Holy Spirit will purify and produce signs and wonders in your life, cleansing you from sin and empowering you to do miraculous things.

You will enforce God's dominion over the forces of darkness and evil, allowing you to reproach and resist the devil and his demons. Evil spirits will be afraid of you, and you will enjoy the presence and protection of God's angels.

Nothing will be able to oppress, hinder, or stop your divine assignment, with the fire of God giving you the strength and determination to fulfil your divine purpose. A person who was once shy and timid may become a powerful preacher or evangelist after receiving the baptism of the Holy Fire.

Lastly, you will experience positive divine transformation and become Christlike; you will become more like Jesus in your character and behaviour.

Do you want to receive the baptism of fire? Are you tired of slow progress, spiritual laziness and lukewarmness? The first step is to come to repentance; second, confess your sins and give your life totally to Jesus Christ; third is to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost; and lastly, the baptism of fire.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer: "Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life; take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://shalomfortheworld.com/baptism-with-fire/

My brother, the secret of wealth is in Matthew 6: 33. If only you can take a moment to read and digest it, then ask God to guide you to be the doer of His word. Also, the Bible tells us that there is no food for a lazy man. If Apostle Paul could earn his living as a tent maker, why are you now looking for free money? Are you not as guilty as the churches you're accusing? May the Lord open your spiritual understanding in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Righthussle:
So It's low for your god be a money giver but it's ok for him to be a money taker. Oga if he can't give me a particular amount every month i no dey do. It's that simple. I feed my family, I can't begin to feed or spend money on a god. If he's powerful he should be giving me money every day I go to his house (church) not to collect from me in the form of offering.

The god I think you're talking about is not a loving god at all. Read Numbers 31 to see the love he instructed Moses to show to women and children of Midianites.

If he such a powerful god giving me money every time I come to his house shouldn't be a big deal.

I don't want to go to any kingdom to unit with any god when I die, I want to unit with any god I will serve here while I am alive. And enjoy his kingdom here on earth. If he can can't give me now whatever he wants to give me after I die, I will give him my life when I die.

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-6


In the last days, today's Scripture text talks about a time when morals are falling and things are getting harder. In contemporary times, some of these signs hold true:

*Dangerous times: The world is facing many problems, such as climate change, political uncertainty, economic inequality, and social unrest. These problems make people feel unsure and anxious.

*People who are proud, cocky, blasphemous, disobey their parents, selfish, unholy, unloving, unreconcilable, slanderous, violent, haters of good, treacherous, and careless are more interested in pleasure than in God. Modern culture manifests these traits in various forms, from political debates to social media trends.

*Putting on the look of godliness but not believing in its power: This can be seen in religious leaders who put money and power above spiritual values or in people who say they follow Christ but don't live by what He taught.

Be aware that these signs do not indicate the end is near. These are just signs of a society that is falling apart. No one knows for sure when the end times will happen, and things could get worse before Christ comes back. It's important to keep a balanced view and believe in God's sovereignty, even though there are some similarities between the signs in 2 Timothy 3:1–6 and the way things are now.

Soon, Jesus Christ will return to Earth. Jesus made it very clear that we can't know when He will come back. In Matthew 24:36, he said, "That day and hour, no one knows—not even the angels in heaven, not even the Son." Only the Father knows." But the Bible also makes it clear that people who have the Holy Spirit living in them—that is, individuals who think that Jesus is their Saviour—can understand what the times will be like when He comes back (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6).

The time for the Lord's return is near! We are almost at the end of one age and the start of the age of Jesus' glorious rule here on earth. What does God say in the Bible that lets us know that the time for the Lord's return is near? The Old Testament contains nearly 500 prophecies about Jesus' Second Coming, while the New Testament contains various verses. In these predictions, God provides us with numerous methods to determine the exact time of Jesus' return:

*The Signs of Society: One type of sign to be aware of pertains to the functioning of society. Christ says in Matthew 24:37 that His return "will be just like in the days of Noah." This verse from the Lord says, "I will come back when the world is just as bad as it was during the time of Noah." Or, to put it another way, the world will go back to being just as awful as it was before. In the days of Noah, as Genesis 6 says, "minds were focused upon evil." People were consistently evil and violent during Noah's time. In 2 Timothy 3:1–4, the Apostle Paul says it very clearly: "Remember this: in the last days hard times will come." Men will love themselves, money, slandering others, disobeying parents, being selfish, bad at getting along with others, violent, mean, hateful of good, dishonest, careless, cocky, and more interested in pleasure than in loving God. Really, that's how things are in society right now.

*Technology Signs: Technology advancements are associated with another set of end-time signs. This age will end with a huge increase in information and travel speed, according to Daniel 12:4. The Bible contains stories about events that are only now possible due to advancements in satellite TV, the Internet, computers, and medical progress. In Luke 21, Jesus talked about people "fainting from fear" because the "powers of the heavens are shaking," which is a sign of nuclear weapons. He also said that people would want to hide underground to avoid the destruction (Revelation 6:15). It's amazing that people started the 20th century on horses and finished it in a rocket.

*Alerts in the world of politics: This set of signs focuses on world politics. The Bible talks about a very specific group of countries that will exist in the end times. Once again, angry Arab neighbours surround Israel, seeking its destruction. Of course, things have been like this in the Middle East ever since Israel declared its independence in May 1948 (Ezekiel 35:1-36:7; 37:21–22). Daniel said that the Roman Empire would come back to life (Daniel 2:36–41) and the creation of the European Union marked the beginning of this. The Bible talks about a mighty power that will be in the "remote parts of the north." In the end, this country poses a threat to Israel and will lead an invasion of Israel alongside certain allies, all of which are currently Muslim states (Ezekiel 38:1–39:16). This is a perfect description of Russia and its Muslim friends.

*Signs from God: There will be numerous spiritual signs at the end of this age, further confirming the imminent return of Jesus. In Matthew 24, Jesus declares three times that there will be numerous false preachers who claim to be Christ at the end of this age. This will result in a large number of cult followers, potentially leading many people away from the true teachings of the Bible. Witchcraft, the New Age, and the occult have all contributed to the spread of Satanism, as predicted. In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul says, "The Spirit clearly says that in the last days some will turn away from the faith and listen to evil spirits and demons' teachings." Additionally, many groups will depart from the faith, rejecting Jesus and His moral guidelines. In 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Paul talks about people who say they are Christians: "There will come a time when they will not endure sound doctrine... and will turn aside to myths."

However, there are some positive signs of the end times. People tell us that there will be some excellent spiritual signs at the end of the world. Jesus, for example, said that the good news of salvation would go all over the world. He declared, "We will preach this gospel of the kingdom to every nation as a witness to all the world, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). A lot of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit will also be evident, and people will be more interested in and smarter about Bible prophecy (Matthew 24:14; Joel 2; Daniel 12).

*Signs of the Earth: God will make the signs of nature stronger because so many people are turning away from him. Natural disasters of all kinds, like "birth pains," are God's way of calling people to turn away from their sins and return to a loving relationship with Him (Matthew 24:. According to Luke 21:11, Jesus declared, "There will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines in many places, along with terrors and great signs from heaven.

*Signs that point to Israel: The most important prophetic signs, though, are those that have to do with Israel, since the Jews are God's prophetic time clock. So, the Bible often links future events to future events for Jews. Jesus stated in Matthew 24 that the restoration of Israel would signal the end of the world. He used the fig tree to represent Israel and said that the generation that sees the fig tree bloom again will be the generation that observes His return. On May 14, 1948, the restoration of the nation of Israel led to the fig tree blooming again. This means that our age will see the return of the Lord. Jesus said the same thing about the city of Jerusalem. Jesus predicted in Luke 21:24 that He would lead the Jews as slaves to other countries and scatter them from Jerusalem. He then instructed them to watch for their return to Jerusalem, as it would mark His return. According to this promise, the Jews left Jerusalem in 70 AD and returned only in June 1967. This was the season of the Lord's return (Luke 21; Zechariah 8:4-5). Other predictions about Israel point to the end of the world and the return of Jesus.

Isaiah 35 prophesies the return of crops to the destroyed and empty land of Israel. In line with this prophecy, Jewish people began to take back the land in the early 1900s. Israel is now the Middle East's main source of food. In Zechariah 12, it says that Israel will become a military powerhouse in the end times. Today, military experts say that the tiny country of Israel has the fourth most powerful military force in the world. We are now living through the fulfilment of another important end-times sign that had to do with Israel: the focus of world politics on the country of Israel (Zechariah 12:2-3). The United States, along with many other countries, opposes Israel due to disagreements over the ownership of Jerusalem. Israel's return as a country almost 1900 years later is truly a miracle. It is proof that the Bible is God's Word and that the prophecies in it have come true in our time.

So why does God keep sending us signs that Jesus is coming back soon?

The important thing is to know why Jesus Christ is coming back. Before God puts His kingdom on earth, Jesus is coming back to deal with sin, which is rebellion. Because God is merciful and caring, He tells us ahead of time when He will come to punish so that we have time to change our minds. In 2 Peter 3:9, it says, "God does not want anyone to die but for everyone to turn away from their sins."

God has two ways to deal with sin: with kindness or with wrath. Either God's kindness or God's wrath is on a person. There isn't a third choice. God's kindness saves you, which is a wonderful thing. This implies that Jesus has promised to return soon, ushering you out of this world through an event known as the "Rapture" before He punishes those who disobey Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The Bible repeatedly affirms that those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour will experience salvation from God's anger. "He will save us from God's wrath," Romans 5:9. We are waiting "for His Son from heaven... who will save us from the coming wrath," 1 Thessalonians 1:10. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 reiterates the promise: "God has not destined us for wrath, but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

God's anger won't subside until you repent and accept Jesus as your Saviour. If you do not, you will stay behind and experience wrath unlike anything you can imagine. This will happen during the seven years in the Bible called "The Tribulation." Human, Satanic, and divine anger will peak during these years. There will be seven terrible and scary years when the Earth will be destroyed and billions of people will die before Jesus comes back. God loves His people. In John 3:16, Jesus says, "Because God loved the world so much, He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not die but will live forever." Still, God is also a fair God. John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God will remain on him." God, who is love, desires fair treatment of evil because He loves us. The Bible makes it clear that warnings always precede God's anger. This is because God is fair and loving, and He doesn't want anyone to die (2 Peter 3:9). Because of this, He has given us so many signs to let us know that we are at the start of the Tribulation and that Jesus Christ will soon come back.

If you haven't taken God's free gift of salvation, are you under His wrath? If you have, are you under His grace? Will God lift you if He gets angry, or will you suffer? Are you really ready for Jesus to come back? You need to make a choice—Mark 1:25. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Saviour yet, you should. "The time has come; God's kingdom is close." Change your mind and believe the positive news!" You must believe in Jesus and confess Him as the Son of God, and you will live forever. If you've accepted Jesus as your Saviour, your sins no longer matter. You can look forward with faith to the glorious day when Jesus will appear in the sky. In these last days, make sure that Jesus is also Lord of your whole life. That way, when He comes, you'll be ready. Be alert, as you never know when the house owner will return—in the morning, at midnight, during the rooster's crow, or in the evening." If he unexpectedly appears, avoid falling asleep. "Watch!" (NIV Mark 13:35–37).

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life and take total control of it. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Congratulation!!!

Peace!

Also read:
*https://africanparadiseworld.com/2022/02/19/living-wisely-in-this-crooked-world/
* https://christinprophecy.org/articles/jesus-is-coming-back-very-soon/

Scripture Text: Habakkuk 2:1-3

The phrase "Delay is not denial" is often used to cheer people who are yet to receive answers to their prayers. However, it is important to remember that every message given to us through revelation, vision, dreams, etc. must conform to the word of God. If it is from the Holy Spirit, it will not be contrary to the written word of God.

When God says, "I never delay my promise," that is absolutely true, as confirmed from the scriptures. The phrase "do not delay" or "will not delay" is used a couple of times in the scriptures.

In instance one, all good promises declared by God will not delay. God makes it clear that He will never delay when making promises to save, guide, and bless.

“I am bringing my righteousness near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendour to Israel.” (Isaiah 46:13) NIV.

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3) NIV.

“For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Hebrew 10:37) NIV.

In the second instance, men who were in a desperate situation and praying to God used the phrase "do not delay." They were asking for God's help and deliverer, but they were also asking for God's forgiveness and for their sake.

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.” (Psalm 70:5) NIV.

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God; do not delay.” (Psalm 40:17) NIV.

“Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name.” (Daniel 9:19) NIV.

In instance three, God delays or is slow to act only to allow His mercy to linger longer when we deserve punishment. God is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) NIV.

“Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.’” (Ezekiel 12:28) NIV.

“And he swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay!” (Revelation 10:6) NIV.

The challenge is that we often assume a time that the promise should be fulfilled, and when it doesn't meet our expectations, we cry out, feeling disappointed or worse, that our prayers were not answered.

However, God always answers our prayers in one way or another. There are three notable ways God answers our prayers:
1) Yes, you will have it at this specific time;
2) No, you don't need this;
3) Yes, but wait, be patient and trust Me (no time is given).

Answers (1) mean wait; (2) don't wait; and (3) wait until an unknown time. God wants us to wait until the right time, which is not idle or delay time but equips us with the necessary skills, character, and maturity to carry out our prayer requests.

It is important to remember that God never delays His salvation, guidance, and blessings, and that He is the perfect Supreme Being. When God gives us His promises, He doesn't give any specific time, which helps build our patience and trust in Him. However, when our prayers don't meet our expectations, we may feel disappointed or disappointed.

Once upon a time, a 12-year-old girl asked her parents to buy her a wedding gown she loved, but they told her to wait until the right time. The story illustrates that God knows we don't need it at the time we ask for it and that our prayer request may be similar to this story.

It is crucial to focus on other aspects of our lives while waiting before we get our request granted. For example, if that girl's parents bought the wedding gown for her at 12 years old and she got engaged at 22, it took 10 years before she could use it, and she may not desire the gown as much now or might have outgrown it. Unfortunately, she can't return the gown in exchange for another due to the time and her parents spent a fortune on it.

When God says "wait," it means He will faithfully fulfill our request because when the time is perfect, there can't be any delay. Instead of saying "Delay is not denial," the appropriate phrase should be "To wait is not denial."

In today's fast-paced world, patience is a virtue that is diminishing in the lives of Christians. However, the Bible states that only those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Anything hurriedly got outside God will always lead to regret, woe, and destruction. Waiting patiently in God is a major virtue God expects all His children to possess.

God never comes too late, and that many have failed the test of waiting at the junction of marriage, business, childbearing, career, and ministry. They felt denied their expectations by God and that God was too slow, leading them to go for fast alternatives.

The Bible says that God is faithful to His words and does His own thing in His own way at His own right time. Abraham waited for God's promises until they were fulfilled, and even though they tarried, he believed against hope. Brethren, let's encourage ourselves in the Lord by disregarding discouragement and waiting upon the Lord, as the Psalmist did in Psalm 40:1: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry.” – Psalm 40:1 (KJV).

God's plan is always the best, and sometimes the process is painful and hard, but remember that when God is silent, He is doing something for you.

If you are yet to give your life to Christ, the right time to do so is now!

Kindly say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life and take total control of it; I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank you, Jesus! In Jesus' name, I pray.

Also read:

https://myodehi.medium.com/delay-is-not-denial-uh-but-god-never-delays-his-promise-f030ce3def00
https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-22-october-2024-waiting-is-not-denial/

Scripture Text: Revelations 20:11-15

The spirit of death and hell is a powerful evil spirit that manipulates the lives of many into eternal perdition.

There are three types of death: physical, spiritual, and eternal. Physical death occurs when the spirit ceases to exist, while spiritual death occurs when individuals refuse to accept Jesus as their Lord.

People who have no regard for God and don't understand His word go through spiritual death. Eternal death is the ultimate destination for those who die in sin without reconciliation with God. Many people struggle to make eternity with Christ, leading to a place of weeping and gnashing teeth. The spirit of death is the inextricable partner of sin, affecting every aspect of a person's life, including physical, financial, material, marital, and spiritual aspects.

Hell is the afterlife of sin, serving as a prison for those who disobey God and His divine guidance. To overcome the spirit of death and hell, one must accept Jesus Christ as Lord, forsake sin, and live a life glorifying God daily.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ!

If you have not given your life to Christ, the best time to do so is now. Tomorrow might be too late.

Kindly say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now. Come into my life, take control of my life and chamge my world. I say byebye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen!

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-10-october-2024-overcoming-the-spirit-of-death-and-hell-2/

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:35

Many Israelites were unhappy that they didn't have a human leader when the country was still pretty new. Some people did that because they were jealous of other countries, but others thought that having a human king would make Israel look better to countries that might want to attack them.

The leaders asked the prophet Samuel to do this. “They told him, ‘You are old, and your sons don't follow your lead.’ Choose a king to lead us, just like every other country does. But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," Samuel was angry. He prayed to the Lord to comfort him. And the Lord told him, "Listen to everything the people are telling you; they didn't reject you, they rejected me as their king." (1 Samuel 8:5-7). Even after Samuel prayed and told them that the Lord had given him a strong warning, the Israelites still wanted a leader from among them. "We need a king to rule us." At that point, we'll have a king like every other country, who will lead us and fight our wars.

After hearing what the people said, Samuel told the Lord what they had said. "Listen to them, and give them a king," the Lord replied. (1 Samuel 8:19–22). And even though God knew this plan was bad and would cause trouble, he still put Saul in charge of Israel. The people of this kingdom won wars under this king, but he also had moral and spiritual problems. We can all learn from the story of his reign about how important it is to keep our eyes and minds on God.

What did King Saul do? Who was King Saul?
In 1 Samuel 9, Saul is introduced. He is still living with and working for his father at this time. Kish was Saul's father. Kish was a Benjamite from "the smallest of the tribes of Israel" because he was from the least important clan (1 Samuel 9:21). "As handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and a head taller than anyone else," the Bible says. His people had been asking God for a human king like the other countries around them, but he didn't know it. The answer came quickly when the prophet Samuel prayed to the Lord about it. Listen to them, but be very careful what you say. Tell them what the king who will rule over them will say are his rights (1 Samuel 8:9). Samuel forewarned the populace that a king would turn their sons into warriors and their daughters into servants in the royal household. A king would also take their best food and animals and make them work for him. The Israelites still wanted a king. God gave in and picked Saul.

As Saul looked for lost donkeys, he ran into the prophet, who had been sent to meet him. They ate together, and the next day Samuel told him he would be king and put oil on his head. After telling Saul to leave that town, Samuel told him to pray with a group of prophets in Gibeah. The Spirit of God touched Saul there, and he then spoke with them. After that, he went home to wait for him. After seven days, Samuel called the people together at Mizbah. He told them that God would give them a king because that's what they wanted. First he picked the tribe of Benjamin, then the clan of Kish, and finally Saul as the king. Saul tried to hide among some useful things that were close by. But God showed him to them, and they introduced the young man to the group. Saul quickly rose to power and led the people to safety. He saved men at Jabesh Gilead and told them to praise the Lord for their success. After that, he was made king in Gilgal, where he lived. (1 Samuel 11).

King Saul was in charge for 42 years. During that time, Israel was at war with many other nations, such as Philistia, Moab, Edom, and Amalek. Saul and his son Jonathan led a group of volunteers who engaged in numerous successful wars against each of them. The main area of Saul's power over Israel was the troops. It didn't take much of his time, and he wasn't involved in religious issues. There were actually at least two public times when Saul disobeyed God:
1. He made sacrifices of fire and bread on the battlefield instead of waiting for the prophet Samuel to do the ceremony (1 Samuel 13).
2. He didn't destroy Amalek like God told him to (1 Samuel 15).

Because Saul made these bad choices, his relationship with both his Lord and Samuel became strained. The king became depressed over time because of this split. It seemed like music would calm him down. David was brought into the court to play the harp and sing songs that would calm Saul down. David earned the trust of Saul's court and later joined his army.

As David's fame grew, the king got jealous when the boy's fame began to overshadow his own. But Saul didn't humble himself and ask God to help him get over his strong feelings. Instead, he gave in to them and acted on them. Saul failed in his plan to turn his son and daughter against David. He finally made a full-on attack on David's life and chased him all the way to the border of Israel.

What happened to Saul?
King Saul had four problems that caused his downfall: pride, the fear of man, envy, and an evil spirit from the Lord. Three of these were his problems. The Lord gave him the fourth as a result of the first three. The Lord took away Saul's rule because he did bad things. Samuel told him that Saul would lose the throne because he made bad decisions. In his last days, he was crazy and damaging, like when he was looking for David over and over again. The Philistines were attacking the country again, so Saul asked a seer to call up the ghost of Samuel. It was told to Saul that the Israelite army would lose. Samuel's words came true the next day, when Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle.

What Can We Learn from King Saul's Life?
The story King Saul is definitely a disturbing part of the Bible. But it does teach us some important things about how faithful God wants His people to be.
1. God judges us based on what's in our minds, not how we look. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at... “People look at how someone looks, but the Lord looks at their heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The people of Israel wanted a man to be their king, and Saul certainly looked the part—he was strong and good-looking. The bad things he thought and felt inside started to show on the outside over time. But God wasn't surprised; he already had someone else in mind to take his place.

2. God wants us to trust Him and not be proud of ourselves. That's why the Bible says, "God opposes the proud but favours the humble." (1 John 4:6). It was easy for Saul to feel too good about himself because he was king. He finally believed that he was competent enough to perform tasks that were normally reserved for monks. The Lord told him off through Samuel every time he did something wrong.

3. God tells us to do what He wants, not what we want. “Be strong, behave like a man, and do what the Lord your God wants: walk in obedience to him and follow his decrees and commands, his laws and rules, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that everything you do goes well... (2–3). The Lord was still in charge of the Israelites, even though Saul was picked to be their king on earth. He thought Saul should be the perfect example of how to submit and obey God, and he was sad when Saul didn't step up to the challenge.

4. God wants us to follow His rules entirely, not just sometimes. King Saul "The Lord your God will put you high above all other nations on earth if you fully obey him and carefully follow all the rules I give you today." If you follow the Lord your God, all of these good things will happen to you and be with you. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

Saul was lucky to have been given gifts like faith and love. But sometimes his pride, fear, and impatience made him ignore what he knew was right and then try to protect himself. He lost his place and God's favour because he didn't give his whole heart to God. Everyone who believes can learn from the story of King Saul because we all have an effect on the people around us. His reign shows us that even the best leaders on earth aren't meant to replace God. Instead, they're supposed to lead people to the real leader of their lives.

Are you making same mistake as Saul. This is the right time to reflect and repent from your wrongdoings before it's too late. Are you backsliding from the way of Christ gradually? Check yourself very well and be sure you're still in the faith, not disobeying God and the presence of God is still with you. If not, go back to make reconciliation with God now!

God bless you in Jesus Mighty Name, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are pass away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Peace!

Also read: http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/lessons-from-the-rise-and-fall-of-king-saul.html#

Bible Reading: John 10

Scripture Text: John 10:16
" I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepered. - NIV.

Prior to Jesus' life and mission, no one could "believe in Jesus" because he was yet to be born. They trusted God's promises, goodness, and grace, believing that God would forgive their sins and give them eternal life out of love, kindness, mercy, and grace. Like us, they knew that the blood of bulls and goats couldn't wash away sin and there was no sacrifice for wilful sin. Before Jesus came, everyone who believed in God in this way was added to His flock.

Jesus started a new flock of sheep, which became known as the "church." God the Father gave all of His sheep to Jesus when he started to build this sheepfold (John 10:31). They used to follow God and listen to God's words, but when they heard Jesus, they knew it was God's voice in Jesus, so they followed Him (John 10:14, 27).

In John 10, Jesus talks to Jewish people and says that those who were already God's sheep knew that Jesus was their leader and believed in Him because of that. Jesus then revealed their Shepherd, "other sheep" that are not from this sheepfold, which is likely Gentile followers known as "God-fearing Gentiles." Both Jews and Gentiles will know Jesus as their shepherd when they hear Him speak (John 10:16).

Jesus will bring both groups of sheep together into the church, which is the fold of Jesus Christ. It is possible that there are people in the world today who believe in God's grace and forgiveness but not in Jesus. However, some people may be on the Jesus train without even realising it. This is how most of the saints in the Old Testament were, and it may also be true today about people who live in places where the Gospel of Jesus has not been preached.

Cornelius and Lydia were probably like this before they heard the word about Jesus. When they learned about Jesus, it was like a light went off in their minds, showing that their thought about God was true because Jesus Christ was their source of grace, kindness, and eternal life. This is also true today, as some people may have responded to the light they got from God, and now God is sending them more revelation so they can respond again.

Are you one of those sheep that needs to join the sheep pen of Christ? Examine yourself today and do not waste time to partake in this wonderful reunion with other sheeps shepered by Christ—the only Way, The Truth and the Life, and passport to God!

God bless you in Jesus name, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now. Come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of light. Thank You Jesus. In Jesus' Mighty Name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations and welcome into the sheepfold of Christ!

Peace!.

Also read: https://www.bibleref.com/John/10/John-10-16.html
https://redeeminggod.com/sheep-not-of-this- sheepfold/#:~:text=Jesus%20says%2C%20of%20course%2C%20that,will%20be%20joined%20together%20into

Scripture Text: Matthew 6:33


The Book Ezekiel chapter 14 helps us understand how The Almighty hates idols of the heart and the punishment that comes with it:

1 Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me.
2 Then the word of the Lord came to me:
3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and have put their sinful stumbling blocks in front of themselves. Should I actually let them inquire of me?
4 “Therefore, speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: When anyone from the house of Israel sets up idols in his heart and puts his sinful stumbling block in front of himself, and then comes to the prophet, I, the Lord, will answer him appropriately. I will answer him according to his many idols,
5 so that I may take hold of the house of Israel by their hearts. They are all estranged from me because of their idols.’
6 “Therefore, say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your detestable things.
7 For when anyone from the house of Israel or from the aliens who reside in Israel separates himself from me, setting up idols in his heart and putting his sinful stumbling block in front of himself, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of me, I, the Lord, will answer him myself.
8 I will turn against that one and make him a sign and a proverb; I will cut him off from among my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
9 “‘But if the prophet is deceived and speaks a message, it was I, the Lord, who deceived that prophet. I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel.
10 They will bear their punishment — the punishment of the one who inquires will be the same as that of the prophet —
11 in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from following me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Then they will be my people and I will be their God. This is the declaration of the Lord God.’”
12 The word of the Lord came to me: 13 “Son of man, suppose a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its supply of bread, to send famine through it, and to wipe out both people and animals from it.
14 Even if these three men — Noah, Daniel, and Job — were in it, they would rescue only themselves by their righteousness.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.
15 “Suppose I allow dangerous animals to pass through the land and depopulate it so that it becomes desolate, with no one passing through it for fear of the animals.
16 Even if these three men were in it, as I live” — the declaration of the Lord God — “they could not rescue their sons or daughters. They alone would be rescued, but the land would be desolate.
17 “Or suppose I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I wipe out both people and animals from it. 18 Even if these three men were in it, as I live” — the declaration of the Lord God — “they could not rescue their sons or daughters, but they alone would be rescued.
19 “Or suppose I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath on it with bloodshed to wipe out both people and animals from it.
20 Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live” — the declaration of the Lord God — “they could not rescue their son or daughter. They would rescue only themselves by their righteousness.
21 “For this is what the Lord God says: How much worse will it be when I send my four devastating judgments against Jerusalem — sword, famine, dangerous animals, and plague — in order to wipe out both people and animals from it!
22 Even so, there will be survivors left in it, sons and daughters who will be brought out. Indeed, they will come out to you, and you will observe their conduct and actions. Then you will be consoled about the devastation I have brought on Jerusalem, about all I have brought on it.
23 They will bring you consolation when you see their conduct and actions, and you will know that it was not without cause that I have done what I did to it.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.- Ezekiel 14-1-23 CSB

A lot of Christians would say they don't have other gods in their lives or would try to hide the fact that they do. Some people look down at it or act like it's not there. They put many things, living and nonliving, ahead of God in their lives, whether they were aware of it or not. Whether you believe these things or people exist or not, the truth is that they do.

Anything that has taken the place of God in a man's life is the other 'god'. Many people who say they are Christians worship these gods in their minds. Some people even brag about how much they worship them.

These gods include your personal and academic successes, your wealth, your position and power, your beauty, your skills and talents, and even your spiritual abilities. You forget that everything you have comes from God. Everything else in your life that comes before God is an other god. God should be the most important thing in our lives and events.

Anything that competes with God or tries to take his place is another god, an idol that you worship, whether you say it out loud or not. You can, in fact, put your spouse, children, any of your things, money, or time ahead of God.

Acts 5 tells us that Ananias and Sapphira were a Christian couple who loved money more than God. They said they were part of the early church, but like the other followers, they sold their land but kept some of the money and gave it to God. They forgot that God knows and sees everything. They lied to the Holy Spirit when Peter asked them to tell him the truth. Every one of them had a chance to be honest but chose not to. As soon as they fell, they died right in front of Peter and everyone else.

In the Scripture we read today, God told the Israelites through the prophet Ezekiel that if they came to Him with an idol in their minds, He would answer them based on the idol. Jesus said that you can't have two masters. Pick one. You should work to deal with the works of the flesh, which is where any secret god in your heart can grow. The Holy Spirit can help you do this.

But if you are not even born again and have not given your life to Christ, there is a great idol in your heart. You need to Repent now and give God the first place in your life.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life; take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus Christ, for in Jesus mighty name I pray, amen."

Congratulations! Go and sin no more!

God bless you in the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace!



https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-19-september-2024-the-other-gods-in-your-life/
https://bibliajfa.com.br/app/csb/26O/14/1

I totally agree with you. And that's why we must teach them the way of Christ so that they won't end up being ignorant.

Righthussle:
Forceful indoctrination of children into stupid organized religions should be criminalized.

Scripture Text: Matthew 10:13-16

Children are beautiful things that God made. So pure do they seem that the Bible says we need to have the heart of a child to enter God's kingdom.
But we need to catch these kids while they're still young, just like the our Scripture text says, and bring them closer to God. We must never get in the way of them meeting God.


Parents can stop their kids from liking Christ in a number of ways. Being a bad model is the first thing we should remember and stay away from. Kids often do what they see adults do. They do what the people they look up to do, like their parents, guardians, or brothers. They follow more what you do around then than what you teach them. As a result, if you are a parent or guardian and don't live a good life, you are making it harder for your kids to love and live a good life.

Some parents, whether they are aware of it or not, lie to their kids and show other bad behaviour. Some of these kids go on to do even worse things as adults, like stealing and other bad things. Some parents who are not religious send their teenagers to be with bad people. How will parents who cheat on their partners keep their kids from going astray?

The second reason is that some parents have made their kids their idols. Their children tell them what to do, and in the process, they disobey or anger God. God gives us children. They should be taught and raised in the Lord's way. We should also punish them when they do something wrong or stray from the Lord's path. Dear parent, don't spoil your kid too much and let them do what they want if they don't serve the Lord.

In his newest book, Parenting by God's Promises, Joel Beeke lists six things parents can do to keep their kids from coming to Christ and urges parents to be very careful about each one.

As Christians, we can stop our kids from coming to Christ, just like the disciples did when they tried to keep kids from Him (Mark 10:13–16).
We need to be very careful to avoid this happening.

We get in the way of our kids when:
We ourselves don't come closer to Jesus. How can we expect our kids to follow Jesus if we don't do it ourselves?
We don't have conversations in the home that are centred on Christ. It's not enough to just go on and on about church business or criticise . It is important to talk about Christ, His majesty, His love for sinners, His power to save, and His openness to all who come to Him.
We don't live in an honest way. This takes place when our kids hear what we say but don't see how much we love God and our neighbours by the way we live our lives.
We don't love Christ and His church enough.
We don't trust God and keep them when He says to.
We don't care much about spiritual things. Our faith is made up of empty rituals and forms, without any real godliness.

If we find that we are getting in the way of our kids in these or other ways, we should pray that God will help us be their helpers instead of their hindrances, leading them to the Lord. The Lord loves children very much. God gives us children, and we should be very thoughtful about how we raise them. The devil wants our seeds because they can make great things happen. Little kids are loved by Jesus. Let's show them we love them. Show them how to behave properly so that they can imitate you, and make sure that what you do doesn't hurt them.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Jesus mighty name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read:
https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-16-september-2024-happy-childrens-day/

https://www.ligonier.org/posts/parents-are-you-hindering-your-children#:~:text=It%20is%20possible%20for%20us,the%20power%20of%20true%20godliness.

Scripture Text: Hebrews 2:3

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him"- Heb. 2:3

The big plan that God has made for the world can be summed up in one word: salvation!

It's what God has set up so that you can start walking with Him again and feel safe in the fold again. There is "such a great salvation" in all of this. This salvation is great because it was made possible by and came from great love. God gave up the best things in order to save us. It cost Him His only Son as a gift. It cost Him the gift of the Savior who died for us on the cross.

It is very risky to reject the salvation that God has given us so freely and kindly. Are you ignoring the need to save your soul? Not taking care of some things will have short-term effects, but not taking care of your soul will have long-term effects. If you don't follow God's plan for your salvation, how will you avoid the results of that? How can someone be saved if they refuse the only way to be saved that has been offered? How can you escape from eternal doom if you don't accept God's salvation? How are you going to get away from His anger, judgment, and word that you will be banished from eternal life in heaven without Christ?

God knows everything and is always there. No one can trick Him or hide from Him. No one can get away by fighting Him because He is All-Powerful and no one can stand against Him. If you accept the way out that He has given you and asks you to use it, you can get away. He has given you a great way to be saved. That is, the Gospel of Christ , which shows people how to be saved for all time. He tells you not to ignore it and to use it as a way to escape.

If you don't want to face God's anger and curse for your sin then turn around and believe. Turn away from your mistakes and come to Christ. There is no other way to be safe, but this is the only way. If you believe and turn away from your sins, nothing will destroy you. If you don't, nothing will save you.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! Amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, kindly say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-10-september-2024-how-shall-we-escape/

Scripture Text: Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 is a verse of the Bible that every Christian should remember: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

It's important for Christians to understand what this phrase means, but it's not always clear to people who aren't Christians. If someone asked you what the kingdom of God means, would you know how to explain?
"The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."-Romans 14:17.

The gospel is clear when we look at the whole story of salvation history and the church, from Jesus Christ's coming to set up His kingdom to the church. The Old and New Testaments discuss the "kingdom of God" in various ways, according to Easton's Bible Dictionary. For example, Matthew 6:33, Mark 1:14–15, and Luke 4:43 all talk about the "kingdom of Christ."

The Kingdom of God also showcases the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the rest of the world. Prophets in the Old Testament, like Isaiah and Daniel, told of a messianic king who would rule the world with God's rule of peace, justice, and fairness. Jesus Christ fulfilled this hope by entering the world, dying, and rising from the dead. He began the kingdom and will end it with His second coming.

The Kingdom of God means these three things:
1. Jesus Christ's rule on earth and in heaven
2. The benefits of living under the rule of Christ
3. The people of this kingdom, or the church.

How important is it to understand the Kingdom of God?

John the Baptist often declared, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is near" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Christ himself not only said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe" (Matthew 4:17), but he also used it when teaching his disciples how to pray "your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10); in the Beatitudes, "theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3 and 10). At the Last Supper, "I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God" (Mark 14:25).  Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come." "Do Your will on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This is a prayer for the day when God will rule over the world like God did in heaven. Earth is still part of God's plan. He will rule this place, and Christians will follow him.

When we pray and seek the Kingdom of God, we also hope that it will rule and reign over our lives. Christ is in charge at this point. There was a time when Jesus talked about himself, saying, "For truly, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). When He rules over your life and you are under His rule, that is the kingdom of God. Not rules and laws, but "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

In order to seek the Kingdom of God, we must also put God's truths and values first in every part of our lives. It means making choices that are in line with God's will, practicing spiritual habits like prayer and studying the Bible, and being involved in the Christian community. When we really put God's kingdom first, we believe that He will take care of our physical needs, just like He does for the birds and the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:26–30). Trusting that God will take care of us takes away our worries and lets us live a life full of peace, joy, and justice. Start your day with morning prayers to ask God to guide and protect you. This will help you seek first the kingdom of God. Become a member of the Christian church and undergo baptism with the Holy Ghost, signifying your acceptance of Christ as your Saviour and the commencement of a new life based on his death and resurrection.

Also, as Christians, our main goal should be to pray for God's kingdom—for a productive life and for everyone to know about Jesus. He said, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." ~ John 3:3. Jesus Christ lives and rules in the minds of all Christians today, but the Kingdom of Heaven won't be fully recognised until all evil on Earth is judged and wiped out. Christ first came to earth to live and serve as a suffering servant. He will one day return as king or queen to rule the entire world. Accepting Christ as their Lord and Saviour transforms individuals and integrates them into the Son's realm. Later, they'll be with Jesus in God's kingdom.

God bless you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen!

If you haven't given your life to Christ, please pray this short prayer: "Lord Jesus, I come to you now; come into my life, take control of it, and change my world. I say good-bye to the devil, and I enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank you, Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-is-the-kingdom-of-god-understanding-it-s-meaning.html

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:41; Luke 18:1

Jesus Christ told us His disciples about the parable of the persistent window and the wicked judge in Luke 18:1. He told this parable to explain to us how important it is for a man to pray and not to faint.

Sometimes, God takes sleep away from our eyes in the hours of the night so that we can pray to ward-off the enemy plans and dangers at the particular hour.

However, many find it difficult or unpleasant to pray. That very midnight hour will they make a cup of tea or coffee, switch on the TV, cross leg and start watching some movies when they're supposed to be doing serious and dangerous prayers. These set of people can be regarded as those with symptoms of prayer malaria.

Symptoms of Prayer Malaria

1) Sleeping while praying. This is dangerous as many snore and salivate in the place of prayer The enemy might have harmed and carried out their agenda before they wake up.

2) Ability to pray only when you are in the prayer meeting.

3) Inability to wait before the word for a long time in prayer.

4) Intensive fear for fasting and prayer, breaking fast out of forgetfulness.

5) Forgetting to pray and finding praye boring.

6) Blaming somebody else for your inadequate prayer life

7) Being suppressed at home to pray.

Believing that it is only when you thave a serious problem that you should pray.

9) Getting tired quickly when you pray.

10) Praying in English or only in your language and cannot pray in tongues.

11) When concentration is very difficult while praying. Your mind is just going all over the places, wandering like a vagabond mind.

12) When television and newspapers have taken over you prayer life.

13) When you hang around with friends who have prayer malaria.

14) Sleeping during prayer vigil while others are crying out their heart to God and getting their deliverance.

15) Eating heavy meal at night before prayer makes your spirit heavy and too tired to pray.

16) When bad thoughts fill your heart and your brain is telling you that your problems are bigger than your prayers.

17) Seeing unclear and cloudy visions, your ears ring like Samuel but you are too impatient to hear God's Voice.

18) You only pray at convenient times.

19) When you wake up in the morning and the first thing you do is press your phone or read newspaper before praying.

20) When you have breakfast first thing in the morning before you pray.

21) When your prayer and phone are in contest.

22) When your prayer life is too weak.

What can you do to cure this prayer malaria?

- Repent from unknown sins.
- Ask God to ignite your prayer life.
- Learn to enjoy personal prayer and prayer meetings.
- Sing melody in your heart to the Lord for Supernatural insight into the things of God and have access to the secret of God.
- Spend time praising God, pray in the Spirit as they fill your environment with faith and you are never afraid of anything (Isaiah 65:24).

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you are reading this and you've not yet surrender your life to Christ, this is an opportunity to do so for tomorrow may be too late. Just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life; take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Jesus Mighty Name I pray, amen!
Congratulations!!!
Peace!

Also listen to Dr D.K Olukoya Message: Revival Hour 26/08/24: Deliverance From Prayer Malaria.
https://www.youtube.com/live/MC3_GJHE73c?si=f_7SB53ahfnPvvvm

Scripture Texts: James 1:26; Proverbs 15:4


"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain".-
James 1:26

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 (KJV)

The tongue that is loose is the tongue that is out of control. Anything that lacks control can lead to significant harm. When the tongue has no control, it will curse, use inappropriate language, and confess inappropriate things. A tongue that is loose will be flippant, talkative, and insulting. A tongue that lacks restraint can be extremely harmful.

So, as a child of God, it is essential to know how to use your words correctly, because what you say has power. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," says Proverbs 18:21. "Those who love it will eat its fruit." What does "life and death" mean? It just means that a man's words can make or break him. Everything, good or bad, that happens in a person's life depends on how they use their tongue. Correctly using your tongue will bring you good things, but incorrectly using it will bring you bad things. Things that happen to a person in life may be because of what he said in the past.For many, the words we use are normal, but they're not. According to John 6:63, Jesus told His disciples, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh does no good. The words I speak to you are spirit and life." Everything we say has power, good or bad. People possess immense power because God bestowed it upon them. One of these powers is the power of the tongue. But when it gets out of hand, it can be a very dangerous killer.

Many people today are bound by their tongues. This is a mighty part of the body that believers should pay close attention to if they want to get the most out of the power of the spoken word. Let's look at what James 3:6 says about the tongue: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of sin." This implies that the tongue is a component that contaminates the entire body and ignites nature. It likewise sets it ablaze. The Bible says that the tongue is a place where sin lives and spreads to the whole body. This means it can bind any body, no matter how small. The tongue is a powerful tool. People use it to curse individuals and praise God. It contains deadly poisons. You can use it for both friendly talk and bloody fights. The Bible says it can start a big fire, even though it's a small part of the body. The tongue can destroy many things, including lives, families, countries, and more.
 
As aforementioned, the tongue has unusual power. To keep the tongue in check, it is important to tone it. The Bible also says that you won't be able to control other parts of your body if you can't control your words. So, it is very important to hold our tongues if they are already loose and causing us trouble.

To train your tongue, follow these steps: 1. You must be truly born again. 2. You must be resolute in releasing yourself from an uncontrollable tongue. 3. You need to let the Holy Spirit speak through your mouth. 4. You need to read and learn from God's word. 5. You need to become hooked on prayer. 6. You need to hang out with reputable Christians. 7. You must act as a witness.Holding back your mouth is a sign of spiritual growth. In Proverbs 13:3, it says, "He who keeps his mouth shut will live, but he who opens his lips wide will die."

God bless you richly in the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray, amen."

If you are reading this and you have not given your life to Christ, the time is now! Please confess this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life; take control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus Mighty Name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

https://jesustrends.com/mfm/mfm-devotional-1-august-2024/
https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-2-august-2024-deliverance-from-an-unbridled-tongue/

Scripture Text: Luke 5: 1-11

We all make mistakes, and sometimes they are pretty bad. But we can rebound from failure and turn it to success.

The incident from Peter's life illustrates this wonderful truth. One time, Peter and his friends had been out fishing all night, but they had caught nothing. This was probably unusual, since Peter was a professional fisherman. He wasn't a novice. He probably had the best nets, owned a good boat, and knew exactly where to catch the most fish. Yet, Peter came to face shortfall. Even superstars strike out sometimes.

The next day, the fishermen were washing their nets on the seashore, feeling very tired and discouraged. At the moment Jesus came along and said, "Peter, I'd like to use your boat as a platform for a speech." So Peter let Jesus into his boat, and they launched out a little way from the shore. There Jesus could speak from the boat to the crowd standing on the shore.

After finishing his message, Jesus said to the fisherman, "Now let's go fishing. Launch out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

Peter replied, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I'll let down the nets." When the disciples obeyed, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets broke.

The Moral of the Story
Jesus never performed a miracle without purpose. He always used his miracles to illustrate principles. This incident teaches us what to do when our best is not good enough.

Sometimes, we give something our best shot but still come up ten feet short. For example, you may study diligently for an exam and still get a 'C' grade. You may also work hard to make your marriage better but still don't see any progress. Life can be tough at times, and it's tempting to give up.

The interesting part of the Bible story is the comparison between the two catches. The disciples had worked all night and caught nothing, but later they went out again for ten minutes and caught more than they had before. It was the same lake, the same boat, the same nets, and the same people. So what made the difference?

There are actually three differences between the two fishing expeditions, and these differences give us principles to follow when our best attempts end in failure. Anyone applies these principles will be a genuine success in life. God intended them to be easy to understand, so that everybody could get in on the benefit.

But first we must realise that God is interested in our success; He is not interested in seeing us fail. Suppose your child told you: "Mom, I'm a total failure. Would you be happy inside of you? No! Of course, as a mother we want our children to be successful, to the best they can be. Likewise, our heavenly Father wants us to be successful in life- in our personal life, family, spiritual growth, finances, career, ministry and in all our relationships. So, there are three principles that can help us achieve this.

How to turn failure to a stepping stone
1. Appropriate God's Presence in your life.

A clue to this is found in Luke 5:3. Jesus was in the boat with the disciples. Christ's presence made a big difference! This time the disciples weren't fishing by themselves; God was with them. So, the first principle to turn failure into a stepping stone is for us to appropriate God's Presence into our lives. In other words, we have to get Jesus in our boat. That's the starting point. Nothing has greater influence on our personal success than whether or not we're living with Christ in our lives. For Peter, his boat represented his livelihood. When you're a fisherman, that boat is your business! It's significant that Peter made his boat available for Jesus Christ to use. Christ used Peter's business as a platform for ministry.

Does God have access to your job? Is your business available for Him to use at any time? Is He able to minister to people through your job? Too often we try to separate the secular and the spiritual; we have our Christian life nicely partitioned off from our career. But this prevents God from blessing your business or job. And the truth is, God will bless anything you give Him. If Him all your life, He will bless all of it. But if you give Him a part of it, He will bless just that one part. Don't miss the point in Matthew 6:33, as similar to our Scripture text: First Peter used his boat for Christ's purposes. Jesus took the boat and preached from it to reach people. Then, after Christ had to use the same boat to take care of Peter's needs.

2. Cooperate with God's plan.

We mustn't only appropriate God's Presence in our lives, but also cooperate with God's plan in our lives. Jesus told the disciples where to fish, when to fish, and how to fish. When God is guiding your life, you cannot fail.

Peter's reaction to Christ's guidance was beautiful. First, he didn't argue. He didn't say, "Wait a minute, Jesus! I'm the premier professional fisherman on this lake. I own the record. Who are you to tell me how to fish? He didn't ask, "Lord are you sure?" He didn't ask any questions, and he didn't hesitate. Peter might have been thinking that if he didn't catch anything at night, then he certainly wasn't going to catch anything in the middle of the day when the sun was glaring down on the water. But Peter didn't ask any questions; he just obeyed. Despite tired from working all night, Peter's attitude was perfect. He was eager to cooperate with God's plan.

Why do you think Jesus said to Peter, "Launch into the deep"? I think it was because it's in the deep water that the big fish are located. You only in catch minnows in shallow water. Most people live in the shallow waters of life. They simply exist on a superficial level. There's little depth to their lives because they're content to just play around the edge, never getting out into deeper water. Why? Because it's safer in shallow water. They think, "If I get out into the deep water, there might be some waves. They might rock my boat, and it might overturn. So, I'll just stay back here where it's safe and comfortable and fiddle around."

When God works in your life, it always involves risks, because God wants you to live by faith. Many Christians barely get their feet wet because they're afraid of getting in over their heads. They think that if they really get serious about their committment to the Lord, they may call them fanatics, or their family might really get upset or their friends might not like it. So, they're content to live in the shallows of life- and they miss out on so much.

God's plan for our lives is a good plan, one that'll work for our benefits. God is saying to us: "Let me get into your boat. Let me presence be with you wherever you go- in your business, in your family, in your marriage, in every area. Let me direct you. Cooperate with my plan."

3. Anticipate God's Promises
Luke 5:5 illustrates the third principle to rebound from failure and step up to success. In the second fishing attempt, the disciple were acting on the basis of God's promise to them. They went fishing again because they believed God would provide the fish. Now, Jesus didn't specifically say, "Peter if you go fishing with me, I promise you'll make a big catch." He didn't need to say that, because Peter realised that when Christ told him to go and fishing and also get into the boat and also told him exactly where to put down the nets, it wasn't going to come up empty! Peter expected God to act. He expected God to keep His promise. Peter wasn't depending on his own fishing ability or understanding, so he wasn't afraid of failure. He believed in the promises of God.

When you get God's Presence in your boat, and when you get God's plan in your head, and when you get God's promises in your heart, you cannot fail. Start expecting some wonderful results.

No matter the circumstances, it can work again in your life. If you're feeling defeated about any problems now, I suggest you read your Bible to find a specific promise from God, and then start claiming that promise. God's promise will inject a new hope into a hopeless situation. Real success often begins at a point of failure.

The point is this: God not only wants to bless our lives, but he wants to bless us so much that we have to share our blessings with others in order to keep us from sinking. He not only wants to bless us but wants to bless others through us. God blessed the disciples with more than they could use for themselves.

Try it again with Christ if you've failed at a thing. This will be a stepping stone to success and greatness for you. Maybe you feel like the disciples before Christ came along: "I've worked all night and come up with an empty net." Does that describe your attitude towards your marriage, your job, or another personal problem? You feel that you haven't made any progress so you've said to yourself, "What's the use? Why keep on trying? Why put forth the effort? Perhaps you have become a little cynical about life.

Peter didn't get cynical. He didn't say, "Lord, I've worked ten hours and didn't catch anything. That must mean there are no more fish in this lake." He knew that the fish were there- he just hadn't caught them yet.

Just because you haven't solved your problem doesn't mean a solution doesn't exist. It is often through failure that we learn the lessons that help us succeed. God's message to you is this: Don't give up! Try again, but this time do it with Jesus in your boat. He will make the difference!

God bless you in Jesus mighty name

In case you've read this and you've not yet given your life to Christ, the right time to let Him in is now!
Please say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life; take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank you, Jesus. In Jesus Christ name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Culled from: Warren R. "God's Answers To Difficult Questions: How Can I Rebound From Failure." New York.

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." -1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV

Being holy means that your heart is pure towards God. It means changing into the likeness of Christ and keeping your spirit, soul, and body pure before God. Being holy means that you have been cleansed and made fit for holy use and service. It also means that you have been given to God. It also means living a pure life in every way. You are holy when you walk in the Light. You are holy when you live in the Truth. You are holy when you walk the path of life. You are holy when you think like Christ. Being holy means sticking to what God's Word says. (Phil 2:5,; 1 Timothy 1: 5, Romans 8: 29, 1 Thessalonians 3: 13, Lev. 8:10–15, 1 John 1)

Getting to holiness is a process, not a goal. People who believe in God must depend on the Holy Spirit every day until they see God's glory. The way to be holy is through Jesus Christ. You are already on the way to righteousness if you have Christ in you, but you need the Holy Spirit to keep you going until you reach your goal in heaven. Giving in to the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, on the other hand, get in the way of hoilness.

Stephen, Abraham, Daniel, Isaiah, Elijah, and the Apostle Paul are all holy people from the Bible that we can learn from.

Stephen: The Holy Spirit was inside him. As the sky opened up to him, he saw the glory of God. He was brave when he preached God's Word (Acts 7:54–60).
2. Abraham was ready to give God his best thing: his only son Isaac. He had hope and walked with God. (Genesis 22; Isaiah 41:
3. Daniel: He kept himself separate from the dirty and filthy people by vowing in his heart not to contaminate himself with the king's meat or the wine they drank. He wouldn't bow down at the altar of the strange god (Daniel 1:7–15).
4. Isaiah: God cleaned his dirty lips with a coal of fire taken from the altar in heaven (Isaiah 6:1–.
5. Elijah: He disobeyed the king of Samaria and called down fire that killed all of God's enemies (2 Kings 1:18–19).
6. The Apostle Paul: The Apostle Paul loved the Lord more than anything else (Romans 8:35–39).

The most amazing thing is when God takes a bad person from a bad world and makes them holy. Then He puts them back into the bad world and keeps them holy there. Being holy means fighting the flesh, the world, and Satan all the time, because even the holiest people have flaws and problems when the Almighty weighs them (Romans 6:7; Galatians 5:17; James 3:2).
All real Christians pray and want to be holy. They work hard to get God's grace (Hebrew 12:14, 9:27). Each person will rise again with the same personality that they had when they died. Where will you go if you already don't know how to handle holiness? As Hebrews 12:1 says, brothers, let us let go of all the weight and sin that is easy for us to carry. Let us clean our bodies and minds of all that is wrong, and let us grow in holiness through fear of God.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

If you're reading this and you've not yet given your life to Christ, the time to do so is now! Tomorrow may be too late. Please say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light, in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus Name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Ref: Olukoya, K.: Search the Scripture: "The Way of Holiness," Vol. 2, No. 2, 2022.

Scripture Text: Mark 6:31

Have you been experiencing stress after stress, and you've asked yourself this same question several times: how can I cope with stress?
Good news. There's a solution for you!

Many books today focus on self-improvement, which is not bad. Unfortunately, much of the advice being dispensed through television, radio, and print these days is highly unreliable. It's based on popular opinion or current thinking. These ideas are mere today's "pop psychology" that will be easily discarded next year for a new approach or therapy. Only the Bible can be relied on completely to provide truthful insights into the causes and cures for our personal problems.

God's Word has stood the test of time. Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free!". We can get lasting freedom from any form of stress by building our lives on the Truth.

However, it's not enough to simply tell you that the Bible is the answer. It's important that we show ourselves how the Bible provides solution to stress of life.
Apostle Paul said, "Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope" (Romans 15: 4). God gave us these to teach and encourage us.

How Can I Cope with Stress?
Jesus Christ was constantly under pressure. There were gruelling demands on his time; he rarely had any personal privacy; he was constantly interrupted. People misunderstood Him, criticised Him, and ridiculed Him. He had enormous stress, which could have made Him cave in. But as we look at the life of Christ, we quickly discover that He remained at peace under pressure. He was never in a hurry. He was always at ease. He had calmness about His life that enabled Him to handle enormous amounts of stress. How did he do this successfully? The answer can be simply stated: He based His life on sound principles of stress management.

If we understand and apply these eight principles in our lives, we will experience less pressure and more peace of mind.

Principle 1: Identification
Know who you are.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). " I am at the door" (John 10:9 KJV)); I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6); "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:36). Christ knew who He was.

The first principle for handling stress in your life is to know who you are. This is critical to stress management because if you don't know who you are, someone else may try to tell you who they think you are. If you don't know who you are, you will subconsciously let others manipulate you and pressure you into believing you are somebody you aren't. A lot of stress in life results from our hiding behind masks, living double lives, being unreal with others, or trying to be somebody we're not. We feel insecure and are coerced to perform and confirm.

To balance stress of life, you need to find an internal balance of who you are. You must be able to say: And I know who I am by knowing whose I am. I am a child of God. I was put on earth not by accident, but for a purpose. God has a great love for me. He is willing to accept me. He Has a plan for my life, and because he put me here, I am significant. And because He put me here, I am significant. You must continue to know who you are so that insecurity won't hinder you until you address the stress issue.

Principle 2: Dedication
Know whom you are trying to please

The second principle of stress management in the life of Christ is found in John 5:30: "By myself, I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."

This second principle means that you cannot please everybody because, by the time one group becomes pleased with you, another group gets upset with you. Even God doesn't please everybody, so it's foolish to try to do something that even God doesn't do!
Jesus Christ knew whom He wanted to please; it was a settled issue with him: "I'm going to please God the Father." And the Father replied, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17 KJV).

When you don't know whom you're trying to please, you cave into three things: criticism, competition and conflict. But if you "seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness," then all the other necessary things of life will be added unto you (Matt. 6:33 KJV). This means that if you focus on pleasing God, it will simplify your life. You will always be doing the right thing- the thing that pleases God- regardless of what anybody else thinks. Don't blame others for what you chose to do by yourself.

Principle 3: Organisation
Know what you are trying to accomplish.

Christ's clue to the third principle of stress management is: "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going " (John 8:14).

Knowing what you want to accomplish is the principle behind planning your life and setting priorities. If you don't follow this principle, you will be pressured by others to do what they think is important, not what you think. Either you choose to live by priorities or by pressure. There are no other options. Either you decide what is important in your life or you let others decide what's important in your life. Only by doing this can you accomplish your goals without stress.

Principle 4: Concentration
Focus on one thing at a time

If you find yourself pulled in different directions, then you will be under stress. Several people tried to detour Jesus Christ from His planned schedule. They tried to distract Him from His goal in life. " At daybreak, Jesus went out into a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them" (Luke 4:42). Jesus was going to leave, but they tried to make Him stay. Jesus responded, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent" (Vs 43). He refused to let less significant issues divert him.

Principle four of stress management tells us to concentrate. Jesus was a Master at this. Even though everybody had a plan B for Him, Jesus told them: "Sorry, I must keep moving towards my goal." He was persistent and focused. If you have 30 things on your to-do list, pick one at a time. After you finish one, go to another one. When you concentrate your efforts, you will be more effective than when you diffuse them. Don't let others make you tense, stressed or irritated. Focus!

Principle 5: Delegation
Don't do it all by yourself

One day, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him” (Mark 3:13). He appointed twelve men, whom He designed as disciples, so that they might be with Him and He could send them out to preach. In other words, Jesus delegated His authority.
The reason why you get uptight and tensed is because you think everything depends on you. You think if you let go, the world will fall apart, but it won’t. Jesus appointed and trained His disciples so that they could share His load. He delegated His work by getting others involved. The reasons people don’t like to delegate is because of perfectionism or insecurity. Either they believe that other people cannot do it better or they are afraid that another person might take up their responsibility. To be effective, you must get other people involved like Christ did and get some stress out of your life by doing it all.

Principle 6: Meditation
Make a heart of personal prayer

Jesus often got up “very early in the morning, while it was still dark... and went off to a solitary place” to pray (Mark 1:35).
The sixth principle of stress management is to make a habit of personal prayer. Prayer is a gigantic stress-reliever. It is a God's-given tool for letting off our anxieties. No matter how busy Jesus got, He made time for prayer. A little quiet time alone with God can be a decompression chamber for life’s stresses. We talk to God in prayers, we tell Him what’s on our minds and let Him talk to us as we read the Bible. We should look at our schedules, evaluate our priorities, and wait for instructions. Form the habit of a daily devotional time. Be silent before God. Many people don’t hear from God because they can’t be silent for a moment. It’s either they are busy watching TV, listening to music, or lost in their own thoughts. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Periodically stop through the day and recharge your batteries.

Principle 7: Recreation
Take time off to enjoy life.

Once Jesus’ twelve men gathered around him and reported all that they had done and taught,. “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31).
Principle number seven for stress management is to find time for relaxation and recreation. Jesus looked at these men who had been working and told them that they deserved a break, and should take time off. So, they got into a boat, rowed to the other side of the lake, and went out to the desert to rest. One reason why Jesus could handle stress is that He knew when to relax.
Rest and recreation in life are not optional. In fact, rest is so important that God included it in the Ten Commandments for man to rest on the Sabbath. God Himself rested on the seventh day after creation for six days. God knows and understands that our physical, emotional and spiritual constitutions demand periodic breaks. Phillips said in Matthew 11:19, paraphrased, that Jesus came “enjoying life”. Paul also wrote that God Has richly provided “everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Principle 8: Transformation
Give your stress to Christ

The eighth principle of stress management is one that Jesus didn’t need because He is the Son of God, but we need because we’re merely human. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30). So, the final principle of stress management is to give your stress to Christ. When you give your stress to Christ, He will transform your lifestyle from stressful to satisfying.

If you have never committed your life to Christ, you need a transformation. Give your life, with all its stresses, to Him and say, “Lord, please give me a new life. Replace the pressure I feel with the peace you offer. Help me follow your principles of stress management; in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.”.

God bless you in Jesus Mighty Name.

Peace!

Culled from: God’s Answer to Life’s Difficult Questions: Rick Warren

Scripture Text: Revelations 22:12

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12 (KJV).

There is no doubt that Jesus Christ will come back.
Many parts of the Bible and the Master Himself stress how certain it is that Jesus Christ will come back a second time. The things that are happening in the world right now are strong signs that Jesus is heading our way soon.

Let's see what Mark 13:32–37 (KJV) says:

32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

As Jesus worked to save people on earth, He kept talking about how He would come back, which is both interesting and very instructive. He did everything He could to get people to understand this truth. Many people at the time didn't realise how important it was, which is a shame. While He was going up into heaven and the disciples were looking closely, two men appeared to them and told them for sure that He would come back: “And when he had said these things, while they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him," As he went up, they kept their eyes on heaven. Suddenly, two men dressed in white appeared next to them and asked, "You men of Galilee, why are you looking up into heaven?" The same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come back the same way you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9–11).

It is certain that Christ will return, and very soon. God will take home His beloved people who have given their lives as a living sacrifice on the altar and who only live for Him in holiness and fear of Him. These people are not dirty from living in the world but are dressed in clothes of righteousness and purity. It's clear that a lot of Christians live their lives as if Christ will never come back. What have you been doing with your life? Are you ready for the King Who Is Coming Soon? Will you be found worthy to reign with Him when the Lord comes? Repent if you're not. Be ready; Jesus is coming soon!

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you are not born again and would like to give your life to Christ Jesus, kindly say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, I know I'm a sinner, forgive my sins, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus. In Jesus' Mighty Name, I pray, amen".

Congratulations!!!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new".- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Peace!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-23-july-2024-be-ready-jesus-is-coming-soon/

Scripture Text: 1 John 2:15–17

The world we live in is full of sin; the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one, satan  (1 John 5:19). The wicked one uses his fiery darts" (Ephesians 6:16) in every way possible to burn the mind of a Christian. John the Apostle told people about the dangers of the world, which is the spiritual battlefield. In his first letter (1 John 2:16), he put worldly things into three groups:

1. The lust of the flesh: This is everything that makes you want to eat and drink. Human needs, like the need for food, drink, and physical satisfaction, are not inherently bad. However, the devil can use these good wants (within their own limits) to control people (1 Corinthians 6:12). In this type of temptation, satan uses good wants inside of people to make them feel bad sexual urges, like gluttony and fornication. The Israelites gave in to this kind of sin when "the people sat down to eat and drink and rose to play" ( Exodus 32:6; 1 Corinthians 10:7) Jesus was also tempted by the devil when he told Jesus to turn stones into bread, he was trying to get Jesus to give in to his fleshly desires (Matthew 4:3).
2. The lust of the eyes: According to Ecclesiastes 1:8, everything that pleases the eyes with endless needs is lust. From this type of temptation, satan uses outside attraction to make people want things that aren't naturally good, like wanting  to own a house or a car excessively, or something naturally bad, like wanting your neighbour's wife. Eve (3:6) and Achan (Joshua 7:21) both sinned in this way when they wanted something that they weren't allowed to have. Satan tried to get Jesus to do bad things by "showing Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory." He then told Him, "I will give you all of these things if you fall down and worship me" (Matthew 4:8–9).

3. The pride of life: This is everything that makes you feel proud, haughty, or arrogant. Satan uses thoughts of personal success (like being popular or doing well in school) to make people feel chaotic and unable to depend on others. There is no longer a fight against the flesh when someone gives in to the pride of life. The evil one has won the intellectual and sensual battle. They sinned in this way when they "acted proudly, stiffened their necks, and did not heed [God's] commandments" (Nehemiah 9:16). When the devil "took him up into the holy city, set him on the pinnacle of the temple" and instructed him to disobey God (Matthew 4:5-7), Jesus was subject to the temptation of life's pride.
Daily, we deal with the world's pleasures, but let us remember that "the world and its desires are passing away, but he who does God's will will live forever" (1 John 2:17).

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ!

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now. Come into my life. Take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus Mighty Name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://www.ebglobal.org/biblical-articles/the-lust-of-the-flesh-the-lust-of-the-eyes-and-the-pride-of-life

Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:16–19

To understand what it means to be holy, all we have to do is look at Jesus. He is the source of all holiness in at least three ways:

Jesus lived a holy life and showed others how to live a holy life. The main things in His life that showed how holy He was were:
First, Jesus loved God. He wanted to do everything His Father told Him to do (John 14:31). God gave him all the power He needed every day, and He tried to show others God (vs. 9).
Jesus felt bad for hurting people; sin had no power over His life (vs. 30). He was devoted to the ideas of being good. He worked hard all through His life to stay close to God. Christ also cared about other people; He came to die for sins (John 10:15–17; 15:13–15). His life and death showed how much He wanted to help and save sinners. The way Christ engaged with people showed how holy He was.

The second thing is that we can't be holy today without Christ. It is impossible for us to live a holy life on our own, both before and after we are saved. We can only become holy by walking with Christ every day and being close to him. (Romans 12:1; 2 Timothy 1:9; Philppians 2:5, 14, 16a). "Seek to live like Jesus" is the best thing to do. So, ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Then do it!
One thing is wrong: being holy doesn't mean trying to be like Jesus and do what He did. As the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides your thoughts, words, and actions, you become holy by sharing in the life and character of Jesus. When you give your life to Christ, you get His mind. The growth of your mind rests on how willingly you follow Christ's instructions and lead through the Bible and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:16).

Third, He makes our hearts holy and full of His presence. God told us in Ezekiel 36:25–27 that He would clean us, give us a new heart made of flesh, and put His Spirit inside us. This leads to a life of submission (vs. 27). In John 14:16–20, Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would be another Comforter. He also said, "On that day you will know that I know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." (vs 20). Take note of the promise that Christ will be in us when the Holy Spirit comes.

Paul made this clearer in Ephesians 3:16–19: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

It's not the world around us that makes it hard to live a holy life; it's our own sinful nature and satan's constant temptations. Instead, the biggest problem we face today with being holy is that we don't accept who we are in Christ. We become new people when we accept Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are holy because Christ lives inside us. This makes us new people and gives us the power to start living a new life in Him. Being aware of who and what we are in Christ is very important. We belong to Him! We are holy! We have to learn how to live our new lives, which changes everything else.

God bless you in Jesus Mighty Name, amen.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer: "Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, atke control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil; I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen."

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Reference
Dr. D.K. Olukoya: The Way of Holiness, 2023.

Scripture Text: Romans 10:8–15

Our Scripture text today discusses the mission of the Word of God to reach out to both Jews and Gentiles, urging them to hear and believe in Jesus Christ. This mission is also a way to learn how to beautify our feet.

The only way to achieve this is for someone to preach the Word, as seen in Romans 14 and 15. The question arises: "How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard?" and "How shall they hear without a preacher?" How can they preach unless someone sends them? The scripture states, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things?"

For someone's feet to be beautiful, they must be carriers of God's word, the Gospel of peace, and the message of Salvation to the groaning world. The world is getting ripe for divine harvest, and God is looking for those who will carry the seed of His Word to the nooks and crannies of the world, so that unbelievers will hear and yield their hearts to God. The feet of those who carry this good news are the beautiful feet—the feet that bring the word of life and the message of hope.

In Mark 16:15, the Word of Jesus says, "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creatures." This divine command asks all believers to preach good tidings all over the world and make disciples of them. God is still asking Christians to do the same today.

Simply put, God saves you to share the good news and attract souls to His kingdom. Doing this for God makes your feet look beautiful. Belief in Jesus Christ in one's heart results in acceptance by God (i.e., justification, imputed righteousness, and positional sanctification). Salvation is a broad term that includes many kinds of deliverance, and taking a public stand for Christ secures it for one thing: it saves the person making the confession from the potential discipline of God, as well as the loss of reward that those who are unwilling to identify themselves with Him will enjoy. Additionally, it often results in the eternal salvation of other people who hear the confession of faith and then believe themselves.

Are you still carrying about the feet of sin: rumor mongering, mischief, evil, strife, idolatry, lies, murder, fornication, malice, unforgiveness, unlovingness, pride, arrogance, heresis, witchcraft, sorcery, and adultery? You need to repent now! Such feet cannot be carriers of the Gospel of Christ but of destruction.

In conclusion, do you want to beautify your feet today? You need to first surrender your life to Christ, confess your sin, confess that Jesus is the Lord and Saviour, ask for the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of the Lord) to fill and direct you always, identify yourself with Christ Jesus by preaching His Word everywhere you go, in and out of season, and become God's megaphone to the nations of the world.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus Mighty Name, I pray, amem."

Congratulations!!!
Forge ahead as a soldier of Christ and don't go back in the ways of the world. You're now a new creation.


Peace!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-1-july-2024-are-your-feet-beautiful/.

Scripture Text: Mark 12:, New International Version

27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

Mark 12:27 (KJV) is a verse in the Gospel of Mark that addresses the doctrine of the resurrection, the eternal nature of God, and the hope of new life in Christ. The verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus responds to a question from the Sadducees about the resurrection. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario about a woman who married seven brothers, each of whom died, and then asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus reminds them that in the resurrection, people will be like angels and will not marry. He quotes from the Book of Exodus, where God proclaims himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Our Scripture text delves into the unbiblical resurrection of the dead, focusing on the Sadducees' rejection of it. The Sadducees, the founders of their society, used a marriage code to deny the afterlife (Mark 12:18–23). Jesus uses exegesis to analyse the material in context and draw spiritual conclusions. They hold the belief that we all die, and they look for an Old Testament text to bolster this belief.

They learned about levirate marriages, in which a woman marries her husband's brother if he dies before she has children. Since a woman married to seven men in the afterlife appears absurd, they conclude there is no afterlife. Through exegesis, Jesus interprets the scripture in context and draws spiritual conclusions from it.

He cites Exodus 3:6 to illustrate that God declared Himself the God of the dead; hence, there must be an afterlife. An exegetical interpretation of the law concludes that the afterlife has no marriage, not that levirate marriages don't occur.

Modern Bible critics often make the same mistake as the Sadducees, drawing an irrational conclusion and failing to realize that it disproves their preconceptions, not Scripture. Jesus speaks about the resurrection from Mark 12:24 to 12:27, mentioning the circumstances, core content, and message "He is not God of the dead, but of the living." Bible students are confused about whether Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are dead and buried, are alive or resurrected.

J. W. Cooper argues that an immediate resurrection is possible and strongly advocates teaching an intermediate soul state after death. J. B. Green disagrees with Cooper, arguing that Hellenism, particularly Jewish Hellenism, has multiple viewpoints, and intertestamental Jewish literature does not provide genuine Old Testament comments.The Sadducees, a group of religious leaders, were concerned about the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus prophesied the resurrection, likened death to a waking sleep, awoke the dead, foretold His own death and resurrection, and experienced His own resurrection. Over 500 witnesses confirmed Jesus' resurrection, and so will everyone. The resurrection to life and the resurrection to judgement or condemnation are different.Jesus is the resurrection expert and deserves attention.

In Mark 12:26–27, Jesus addresses the same problem as the Sadducees: the resurrection of the dead. He reminds them of Scripture they may have overlooked, highlighting the fact of the resurrection life by an appeal to Scripture and God's covenant faithfulness.In Mark 12:27, Jesus emphasises the resurrection: “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.” Both portions of this statement are parallel and contrastive.

For the Sadducees, God may have been a God of the dead to earlier generations. There is no resurrection or afterlife! This is false, says Jesus. God is real, including past generations. We can assure their resurrection, just as we can assure ours. Paul says, "For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Jesus' resurrection makes him Lord over both groups.

Revelation 14:13 follows suit: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!'

To fit the Sadducee conversation, Mark 12:7 metaphorically describes the dead. In John 11:11, Jesus mentions Lazarus being asleep before he is resurrected. The disciples misinterpret Jesus and say that if he is asleep, Lazarus will recover. Jesus then declares, “Lazarus has died” (John 11:13–14).To fit the story into the Lukan parallel, Jesus uses paradoxes and obscure phrases. Differentiate between being alive "as far as God is concerned" and being alive as far as the people are concerned.

This verse holds deep theological and spiritual significance. It affirms the doctrine of the resurrection, which was a topic of much debate among various Jewish sects at the time. By affirming that God is the God of the living, Jesus is affirming that there is life after death and that those who have died will be raised to new life. This aligns with the broader Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead, as outlined in the New Testament.

The verse also speaks to the nature of God Himself, emphasizing the eternal nature of God and His relationship with His people. It serves as a source of comfort and hope for believers, knowing that God's love and care transcend the boundaries of mortal life. In conclusion, Mark 12:27 holds deep theological and spiritual significance, affirming the eternal nature of God's love and the promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him.

God bless you.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, please say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; come into my life, take control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.".

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read:
https://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reflections-72-October-December-2020-TF-1.pdf
https://bible.art/meaning/mark-12%3A27
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mark/12-27.htm
https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/12/Mark-12-27.html

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (KJV)

“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” – 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (KJV).

Most individuals find it easy to talk about things that aren't important, like personal matters, other people, the weather, sports, the economy, politics, and other everyday things. But they often don't talk at all about Jesus and how He saved people, especially in their own lives.

The Syrian soldiers captured a young Israelite girl and sent her to work for Captain Naaman's wife. Not long after that, the young girl saw that her mistress's husband had a leprosy. She knew that the God she served in Israel could heal him. Instead of feeling sorry for herself and wishing her captors harm, she showed simple faith by telling her boss about her God and how He could heal her husband. All we have to do sometimes is point people to God. He will take care of the rest. That's already a big deal. People who have leprosy are looked down upon and embarrassed, and they are social outcasts. We can see how one little girl's faith set off a chain of events that led to a major work of salvation, deliverance, and healing in a situation that looked hopeless. God got all the credit.

In public, we need to be able to connect with Jesus and talk about our spiritual stand in Him with our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and even our bosses.

Jesus is at the center of our conversations, and that can help others feel encouraged and free. Be like that little girl, beloved; be aware of similar chances, and make up your mind to talk about Jesus with someone today and every day. Talk about the Good News instead of just the news!

Have you spoken to someone about Jesus today? If not, do it now!

And if you're not born again, you can't successfully market Jesus because you don't know Him in the first place and will be a case of a blind man leading the blind. You need to give your life to Christ, know and understand Him, do His will, have testimonies of Him that you can market to others. Only by this can you be approved and successful.


If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Jesus mighty name I pray, amen"

If you've said that short prayer, congratulations!!! Now, hold on to Christ and forge ahead as His soldier. Don't go back to the bridges (sin) you've burnt.

God bless you.

Peace!

Ref: Dr. D.K Olukoya
Also read https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-17-june-2024-marketing-jesus-in-your-neighbourhood/

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:17

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

This Bible verse is likely something you have heard before. You might have even used it in your own life or situation in some way. If you want to fully understand this verse, you need to know what a "broken and contrite " means.

Since our Bible verse says that God will not hate this, it's clear that this is something we should want or have. It is very important to find out if there is something we can give to God that he wants. I think we need to look at this verse from two different points of view in order to fully understand what it means.

What Is a Broken and Contrite Heart?

Viewpoint 1: Giving in to God's Will This text has some important words. Let us look at what they mean.

The word "broken" comes from a Hebrew word that means "to break."

The word "contrite" comes from a Hebrew word that means "to crush."

Heart: This word comes from a Hebrew word that means "mind," "will," or "inner man."

Spirit: This word comes from a Hebrew word that means wind or life.

All of these meanings should help us understand what a heart and spirit that are sorry for their sins really are.

Someone has a humble heart or spirit when their inner man or will has been broken, so they give up the things they want and go after what God wants. "I will no longer do this my way or on my terms," a broken heart or will says. "I will give in to your ways."

When a person gives their whole heart to God, He will never turn them away. I know that may make sense to you in a general sense. But what does this look like when used in real life? This could mean giving up your choices about your job, your ministry, and your marriage. In short, it means putting every part of your life through the lens of God's purpose and plan for you.

The words "my sacrifice" are also very important in this verse. What you give up must be something that is really important to you. It is not a sacrifice if what you are giving has no value. Take a moment to think about this question. You, your hopes, dreams, plans, and future. Are you ready to give up everything you are and everything you want?

At that point when you give up everything you want to follow what God wants for your life, you are really giving God something valuable.
Is it a surprise that he wouldn't say no to this kind of sacrifice?

What is the story this verse is about? Possible 2: Brokenness over Sin

If you know what this verse is talking about, you can look at it in a different way and get a better sense of what a humble heart and spirit are.
Nathan told David about his sin, and then Psalm 51 was written. 2 Samuel 11–12 tells us about the story of David and Bathsheba. To make a long story short, David cheated on Bathsheba, and she got pregnant. To hide his sin, he then had her husband killed. God can see all sin, so Nathan talks to David about it. When David felt sorry for his sins, he wrote Psalm 51. You can find another answer to the question of what a sorry heart and spirit are in this Psalm. David's broken heart over his sin against God is shown in Psalm 51. This is another sign of a sorry heart.

What should you do when you sin? When David was told about his sin, it broke his heart. This is what God wants you and me to do in reaction to sin.

I also want us to think about Psalm 51:16: "You don't like sacrifices or burnt offerings, or I would bring them to you." God doesn't want you to just do a routine that you think will make him happy, especially if it has to do with turning away from your sins. To put it simply, God doesn't just want deals on the outside; God wants changes on the inside. Being careful is important because if we are not, following God can become just a transaction. You follow the rules by reading your Bible, going to church, giving money, and other things. The trouble is that the transactions can turn into habits, like going through a list. Even if you check all the boxes, nothing really changes. This is not what God wants. His real goal is for people to change, and that can only happen if they change on the inside, in their heart or spirit. This is the thing God wants. If you sin so badly that your heart is broken, and you really want to turn away from it, God will never turn you away. To be even more clear, God doesn't want your things or anything you can do for Him more than He wants you and your heart. Bring your heart first, then your service, gifts, time, skills, or treasure. It's the kind of sacrifice that God will not turn away when you lead with your broken heart.

What Does It Mean to Have a "Contrite Heart and Spirit"?
There are two things I want us to think about as we read Psalm 51:17. They might help figure out what's going on in your heart today based on how you answer them.

1. What do you think about sin in your life?

2. How do you feel about following God's plan for your life?

God wants a heart that feels sorry for its mistakes. A heart that is broken over any mistake in your life and gives up its will for his will for your life. These two things should be the most important things in your life. Let them guide how you live and make decisions. This will make your heart in a place that God will never hate.

The Bible is not just about getting facts right or gathering information. That being said, don't get me wrong—getting the facts and knowledge right is very important. It's becoming clear, though, that facts are not enough. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law had all the facts, after all. God doesn't just want Christians who know all the facts, all the texts, and maybe even all the Greek and Hebrew. All of that is wonderful and great. But God wants your heart, no matter how great that is.

In reality, it doesn't matter how much you know about something if your heart isn't broken and sorry. People who know the facts are important, but people who give in to their heart are even more so. This is the kind of heart that God will never turn away: a heart that gives in. This is your sacrifice (Romans 12: 2)

If your heart is not broken, it's not right with God. God desires your broken and contrite heart, now! You need to repent from your sin and submit your heart and will to exchange with God's will.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Jesus Mighty Name I pray, amen!

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-to-seek-god-with-a-broken-and-contrite-heart.html

Scripture Text: Mathew 6:
21-23

" But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness; every other thing shall be added unto thee" - Mathew 6:33

As a child of God who wants to spend all time with God, your first and most important goal should be to seek God and His kingdom. Anyone at the School of Success who wants to live a good life on earth and finally get to heaven must do everything they can to make that happen.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 12:1 and Proverbs 1:8–9 that the best time to seek God is when you are young, before bad times, and to follow God's good directions. To make this point even stronger, the book of Proverbs began with some helpful advice. Would you like to do well in life? Do you want to win in life's battlegrounds? You need to first look for God and find Him.

Nobody can see past themselves if they don't have Jesus in their life. Living without Him is like being dumb and a fool who doesn't understand anything. Beloved, this is a tragedy!

Only Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, can show you the Way and give you the power to become what His Father made you to be. Anyone can know the way of life and do well in life, but not without the Way.

Our human knowledge and skills are limited, but God, who is Wisdom itself, has the key to the storehouse of spiritual understanding and knowledge. So, if you look for Him, you will find Him, and He will lead you (Psalm 32:.

Taking all of this into account, you should look for God and Jesus. Learn more about God's world, and the other things in life will be added to you.

To learn more about God, read the Bible. Try to follow the rules set by God, and ask that the Holy Spirit will show you more about the Father and the Son.


In the name of Jesus, this discovery and a close connection with the Trinity will help you do well on earth and get to heaven at the end of your life.

God's ever-present spirit will never be with you until you are born again. In order to always win, you have to be born again.

God bless you, in the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Please pray the prayer below with faith, if you want to surrender your life to Christ today:

"Please come into my life, Lord Jesus. I believe that You are my Lord and Savior. In my heart, I believe that You died and rose again to save me. Please forgive me for my sins. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter the Kingdom of Light. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Congratulations!!!

Peace!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-4-june-2024-seek-god-first/

Scripture Text: Revelation 20:11–15 (KJV)

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.


Is your name in the book of life? This is an extremely important question that should always be on the minds of all serious believers who are thinking about heaven. There are awfully many Christians living as if there is no end to the world right now. As you can see, this is part of the devil's plan to make Christians live carelessly, not thinking about the end of the world or when everyone will stand before God to be judged.

Without a doubt, every living soul has an end, no matter where they come from, their standing, their race, their colour, their sex, their level of achievement, or their beliefs. To be honest, no one really gets to live forever. You need to be very careful with how you live your life if you know and believe this.

When everyone is judged in front of the White Throne of the Almighty God, it will be a very scary day. The Bible says that heaven and earth cannot stand in front of His face. Everybody who has died will stand in front of Him and look through the books to see what they did while they were alive. The entries in the books will be used to judge every action, attitude, word, thought, relationship, behaviour, goal, passion, engagement, job, business, Christian service, marriage, and every other part of a person's life. After reading about your life in the books, it will be decided if your name should be added to the Book of Life or not. If your name is not in the Book of Life, you will be sent to the lake of fire, which is a very scary sentence.

Dear ones, hellfire is a terrible place to go. Are you sure that the book of life has your name in it? People who live in sin, don't fear God, and serve the flesh, the world, and Satan will never have their names written in the book of life. The same goes for people who reject Jesus Christ here on earth. Again, I ask: Is your name in the book of life?

If deep down in your mind you're doubting your standing with God, this is the right time to confess your sins and repent so as to be a partaker in God's Kingdom.

Say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You now; I have sinned against You; forgive me of all my sins; come into my life; take control of my life; and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, and I enter the Kingdom of Life. Thank You, Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen."

Congratulations!

Peace!

Also read: https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-22-may-2024-is-your-name-in-the-book-of-life/

Scripture Text: Psalm 34:11–13

The Bible tells us how to live a long and happy life, which is what every man wants.

Our Scripture text tells us  exactly what to do and what not to do if we want to live a long and good life.
 
"11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is he who desires life and loves many days, so that he may see the good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."Psalm 34:11–13

James 3:6 talks about what a tongue is."And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of anture; and it is set on fire of hell" .

Living a good life is what every man wants most in life. People enjoy long days and want to live a full life.

In a secular society, this generally means that someone is very lucky and has a lot of money, good health, close family and friend ties, lots of chances to do fun things, and so on. Common conceptions of the "good life" primarily focus on health and wealth, often neglecting morality or character. Because our culture strongly encourages us to see the good life in these ways, believers are tempted to accept the world's definitions, which makes many people unhappy and boosts the pride of the few who "luck out."

In verse 12, David is now going in a different direction to define what a good life is by asking a question. Being godly, not having luck, is what the good life is all about—being godly rather than having fortuity. He uses Psalm 34: 13–14 as examples to discuss the good traits of life, demonstrating that living a good life aligns with God's perfect morals. David gives us three couplets to think about.

First, having clean speech is a sign of a good life (v. 13). It's filled with true and good words. Bad words and falsehoods suffocate life.

Second, do what is right (v. 14a). Saying no to sinful actions and eagerly seeking out good ones is what the good life is all about. The goal of real life is not to get rich and comfortable, but to do good things.

Third, there is a promise to keep the peace between groups that are at war or could be at war (v. 14b). Those who initiate conflicts lead dark lives. Peacemakers try to be like God (see Matthew 5:9).

Of course, hard work alone cannot lead to this good life. In the end, it rests on the fruit of the Spirit and God's changing grace working in the lives of his people. Still, that grace comes to us when we consciously try to live a good life, like Christ did, for his glory and our ultimate good. May the Lord push us in that direction in Jesus' Mighty Name, amen.

To train the tongue, you need to do the following:

You have to really be born again.
To save yourself from an uncontrollable mouth, you must have determination.
Don't let your words rule you; let the Holy Spirit do that.
You need to read and learn from God's Word.
You need to become hooked on prayer.It is important that you hang out with good Christians.
Witnessing is something you must do.

We need to hold our tongues if we want to live a long and happy life. Holding back our tongues is a sign of spiritual growth. The Bible says in Proverbs 13:3 that someone who keeps their mouth shut will live, but someone who opens their mouth wide will die.

God bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen!

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus Migty Name I pray, amen!

Congratulations!!!

Continue in Christ's grace and righteousness.

Peace!

Also read: https://www.fighterverses.com/post/the-good-life-psalm-34-12-14
https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-21-may-2024-deliverance-from-an-unbridled-tongue/