Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026. "INSTRUMENT RATED (1)" You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures…’   Matthew 22:29 NIV DID YOU know that most small-plane crashes are not caused by mechanical failure, but pilot error? In most cases the pilot was not instrument rated, so he or she depended on two things which can fail you. Let’s look at each: 1) Sight. As long as the pilots can see roads, bridges and landmarks, they can fly safely. But when the storm comes or the fog locks them in, they’re in trouble. 2) Senses. In aviation terms the problem is called ‘vertigo’. If you blindfold a person, sit them in a revolving chair, spin it around for several moments, then stop the chair and ask them in which direction they’re spinning, they couldn’t tell you with certainty. There’s a sensitive device in our head that’s like a carpenter’s level. The force of the spinning sends the ‘bubble’ as far as it can go to one side. When it can go no further it begins to return - even though the person’s still spinning in the same direction. So they have the sensation of stopping and beginning to spin in the opposite direction, but it’s only a sensation. If they were not blindfolded and could see, they could ignore those sensations and would have no difficulty knowing in which direction they are going. It takes many hours of training in simulated storm conditions to develop the ability to confidently fly by the direction of your instruments and ignore your sensations of vertigo. Understand this: as a child of God you must not be led by your sight or by your senses; you must be led only by the Scriptures. Bible In A Year: 2 Kings 5:1-27, Acts 5:1-11. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. ii. I PRESS ON TOWARD MY GOAL "One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14 Paul writes about something which is quite current today. He says: 'I press on toward the goal.' To press toward something means that you exert maximum effort. You have to do something; you stretch out to something. What is this goal Paul is referring to? He says very clearly that he wants to win a prize. What is the price that lies ahead of him? This is heaven which we can enter through Jesus. Life is sometimes hard and difficult. Although Paul was a servant of God and the power of the Holy Spirit was in him, he knew what it was like to have days without food and nights without sleep. He knew what it meant to be in prison. He suffered shipwreck, was stoned and mocked. If anyone has had a hard time, then it was Paul. We can also experience difficult times, but then it is best to say: 'I press on toward my goal.' Many Christians are shipwrecked because they do not have this in mind. However, if you want to go to heaven and meet Jesus, you must have this goal in your life. Say: 'I will go for it. I press on to enter heaven. I am totally committed to this! I am looking forward to it. I long for it. I fight the good fight for the true faith!' Determination To achieve the prize, we should have perseverance. We need determination. Readers, the price is great. There is no better price anywhere else, so we must be prepared to do something for it. You cannot win the prize if you are lazy and do not get up. Praying, fasting, knocking on the door, seeking, separating yourself, reading the Bible, telling about the gospel and taking time for God. Roll up your sleeves and work for God. Are you determined? Press on toward your goal! https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Morning Prayer fir today. i. Morning Prayer Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ⏤ Psalm 23:4 A day without prayer is a day without blessing, and a life without prayer is a life without power. ⏤ Leonard Ravenhill O God of Bethel, God of our ancestors, be our God today. Bless us, let Your face shine on us, and be gracious to us. Lift up the light of Your presence on us and give us Your peace. We wouldn’t dare go out into the world today without knowing You’re with us. But You are everywhere. Where could we go that You wouldn’t be there? No matter where we end up today, we will see You watching over us. Nothing can separate us from Your love! No power can pull us out of Your hands! So, even as we leave the safety of our home and go into a world full of dangers, we aren’t afraid because You’re with us wherever we go. We dedicate ourselves to You. You’ve redeemed us, and we belong to You. We recognize Your rightful ownership of us, and we offer ourselves to You freely. Yet, we know how hard it is to truly give ourselves to You because our hearts are constantly pulled away. So, take us, God—because we can’t do it on our own. When temptation comes, shelter us and don’t let us fall. If we face evil, lead us safely through it. Protect us from anything that would dishonor You or harm our lives. We ask for the grace to make this a holy day. Help us do our everyday tasks in a way that pleases You. Save us from laziness, from greed, from neglecting our responsibilities, from bad tempers, and from holding grudges. Help us be patient with everyone, to be forgiving, kind, thoughtful, courteous, loving, and prayerful. Protect us and bring us home safely tonight. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/04/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.