Family, I want to encourage each one of you to share your testimony in this group. Your testimony matters. It is the story of what God has done in your life, through your life, and for your life. There is nothing to be ashamed of, because it is not about glorifying man it is about glorifying God. 📖 “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Psalm 107:2 📖 “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11 Many of your family and friends don’t actually know your full story. They don’t know where God brought you from, how He saved you, or how He changed your life into who you are today. That story needs to be shared. If you would like to share your testimony on my YouTube channel, I can come to you and record it, or you can record it yourself and send it to me. Let’s not hide what God has done. Let’s speak boldly and give Him the glory. Your testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to believe that God can change their life too. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

GOD CARES Written By Melissa Talbot Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 “I don’t care!” How often I’ve heard myself say those three seemingly innocent words and not always in an easy-going way. Usually, these words rise up in an attempt to shield myself from something hurtful, making it appear as though I wasn’t wounded by the actions or statements of another person. But I was wounded and I do care – deeply. Yet, the depths of my heart is where I hold and hide the pain, bringing it before the Lord in isolation. It’s there that the true motivation of my heart is laid bare and I’m convicted by the negative attitude that caused me to utter those words in the first place. It’s there I confess my mistake and seek God’s help, forgiveness and understanding of the stinging situation. Usually, my uncaring spirit came as a result of my own self-righteousness. I didn’t get what I wanted when I wanted it, so I falsely shrugged it off like it was no big deal. I believed something was owed to me when it wasn’t. It’s not about me, not when I profess to live for and be a follower of Jesus Christ. Once that divine realization hits me, it’s typically followed by a heavy sigh and the prayer, “Have mercy on me Lord, I’m such a wretched sinner!” However, this outward response always comes with an inward change of knowing God’s truth and goodness. Jesus promised that I’ll have trouble in this life (John 16:33). I will stumble along the narrow way as I attempt to walk toward Christlikeness in my life of faith. In it all, though, God still cares about the things that perplex, frustrate and irritate me about this fallen world. In today’s verse lies the absolute truth about our God. He cares. No, he really does care – deeply, powerfully and unceasingly – about everything that tests our limits as his children. He already knows about the broken relationship, the workplace that’s hostile and the heart that’s anxious. The Lord calls us from the pages of Scripture to entrust him with what brings us despair, anxiety and fear, so that we can live fully in the freedom that Jesus Christ died on the Cross to give us. So, let us live in that freedom and in the truth of today’s devotional verse: casting every care, concern and heavy-hearted dilemma onto our God who endlessly cares for each and every one of us. Father God, oh how you love and care for us! I’m so thankful that my heart’s negative posture can be quieted through repentance, turning away from my selfishness and returning to the warmth of your loving embrace where I’m quickly restored to a right relationship with you. Give me the humility and grace to turn away from uncaring attitudes in exchange for deep compassion and care for those in this broken and fallen world. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen. Throughout The Day: You are precious to the Lord and he cares so very deeply for you and what weighs heavy on your heart. Offload that weight onto the God of the universe who loves you and can handle everything you give to him. Then rest in the peace of that surrender. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

Isaiah 40 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isa. 40:11) Who is He of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good Shepherd. Why does He carry the lambs in His bosom? Because He has a tender heart, and any weakness at once melts His heart. The sighs, the ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of His flock draw forth His compassion. It is His office, as a faithful High Priest, to consider the weak. Besides, He purchased them with blood; they are His property: He must and will care for those who cost Him so dearly. Then He is responsible for each lamb, bound by covenant love not to lose one. Moreover, they are all a part of His glory and reward. But how may we understand the expression, “he will carry them”? Sometimes He carries them by not permitting them to endure much trial. Providence deals tenderly with them. Often they are carried by being filled with an unusual degree of love, so that they bear up and stand fast. Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness in what they do know. Frequently He carries them by giving them a very simple faith, which takes the promise just as it stands and in childlike trust runs with every trouble straight to Jesus. The simplicity of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence, which carries them above the world. He carries the lambs “in his bosom.” Here is boundless affection. Would He put them in His bosom if He did not love them much? Here is tender nearness: They are so near that they could not possibly be nearer. Here is a holy relationship: There are precious love-passages between Christ and His weak ones. Here is perfect safety: In His bosom who can hurt them? They must hurt the Shepherd first. Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently aware of the infinite tenderness of Jesus! #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

Isaiah 40 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isa. 40:11) Who is He of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good Shepherd. Why does He carry the lambs in His bosom? Because He has a tender heart, and any weakness at once melts His heart. The sighs, the ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of His flock draw forth His compassion. It is His office, as a faithful High Priest, to consider the weak. Besides, He purchased them with blood; they are His property: He must and will care for those who cost Him so dearly. Then He is responsible for each lamb, bound by covenant love not to lose one. Moreover, they are all a part of His glory and reward. But how may we understand the expression, “he will carry them”? Sometimes He carries them by not permitting them to endure much trial. Providence deals tenderly with them. Often they are carried by being filled with an unusual degree of love, so that they bear up and stand fast. Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness in what they do know. Frequently He carries them by giving them a very simple faith, which takes the promise just as it stands and in childlike trust runs with every trouble straight to Jesus. The simplicity of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence, which carries them above the world. He carries the lambs “in his bosom.” Here is boundless affection. Would He put them in His bosom if He did not love them much? Here is tender nearness: They are so near that they could not possibly be nearer. Here is a holy relationship: There are precious love-passages between Christ and His weak ones. Here is perfect safety: In His bosom who can hurt them? They must hurt the Shepherd first. Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently aware of the infinite tenderness of Jesus! #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

THE AUDACITY OF A CRY Written By Wambui Wagura When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Mark 10:47 Have you ever felt defined by your limitations? In scripture, we meet a man named Bartimaeus, introduced to us as a blind beggar sitting beside the road. His lack of sight had left him severely disadvantaged, stripping him of his livelihood and forcing him to resort to begging. He sat in his condition of dependency until he heard a name that offered a way out: Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps he heard from the multitude that Jesus performs miracles and Bartimaeus realized his circumstance required divine intervention. He wasn’t looking for a temporary handout; he was calling out to the only person who could change his situation forever. When he realized Jesus was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” As the people around him tried to silence his voice, his faith became even more stubborn; he shouted even louder. Sometimes, faith requires that we silence the voices of discouragement that appear to be louder than our hope. Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was his only hope for restoration. Finally, he got the attention of Jesus, who asked what he wanted. Bartimaeus didn’t ask for coins; he asked for sight. He knew that with vision, he could finally support himself and no longer rely on the pity of others. You might be in a distinct place of need, perhaps lying down and knowing your situation requires a miracle. Jesus is only a prayer away; why not reach out to the One who is able to show you mercy? Heavenly Father, there is a situation currently depriving me of peace, and I desperately need your intervention. I call upon you in this hour, asking that you show me and my family your great mercy. Come to our aid, Lord, for you are the God who still performs miracles today. I trust in your power to restore us and empower us for the journey ahead. Amen. Throughout the Day Do you have a situation that is depriving you of peace? Choose today to cry out to Jesus; He is able to intervene as he did in the life of Bartimaeus. Stop focusing on your lack and instead focus on the Savior who is near. Let his presence fill you until his mercy overflows. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

JESUS DID NOT COME TO CREATE FAKE PEACE He Came With Truth - And Truth Will Divide Matthew 10:34–36 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’” This is one of the hardest sayings of Jesus, because it sounds shocking at first. It sounds like conflict. It sounds like division. It sounds like the opposite of peace. But Jesus was not saying He came to make people violent. He was not saying He came to destroy families for the sake of destruction. He was saying something far deeper: When truth enters a house, choice enters the house. And when choice enters the house, division is often the result. JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE - SO WHAT DID HE MEAN? The Bible clearly says in Isaiah 9:6 that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” So how can Jesus say, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword”? The answer is simple: Jesus came to bring peace with God, not fake peace with darkness. He came to bring shalom the Hebrew idea of wholeness, restoration, reconciliation, and divine order. But that peace only comes through surrender to Him. That means the peace Jesus gives is not the kind of peace where everyone is comfortable. It is not the kind of peace where truth is silenced to keep relationships smooth. It is not the kind of peace where sin is tolerated so nobody gets offended. Jesus brings peace to those who submit to the Father. But to those who reject Him, His very presence becomes a line of separation. WHAT IS THE “SWORD”? The word Jesus uses in Greek is μάχαιρα (machaira), a sword or blade. In this context, it does not mean a weapon for physical violence. It means division, separation, and cutting. The sword is the Word of God in action. The sword is truth exposing hearts. The sword is light separating from darkness. This is why Hebrews 4:12 says: “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” The Word of God does not just comfort. It also cuts. It does not just heal. It also exposes. It does not just encourage. It also divides truth from error. So when Jesus comes into a life, He does not come to decorate the old life. He comes to divide the old from the new, the false from the true, the flesh from the Spirit, the world from the Kingdom. TRUTH ALWAYS CREATES A DECISION Jesus said in John 3:19: “Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” That is the real issue. When truth shows up, people must decide: light or darkness Christ or self holiness or compromise obedience or rebellion And that is why Jesus said His coming would divide. Not because division is His goal. But because truth reveals what people really love. Some will receive the light. Some will reject the light. Some will follow Christ. Some will resist Christ. And that division can happen even inside the same household. WHY DOES JESUS TALK ABOUT FAMILIES BEING DIVIDED? Jesus said: “A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” That is painful, but real. Sometimes one person in a family gets saved and begins to walk with Christ, and the rest of the household resists it. Sometimes one person wants holiness and everyone else wants compromise. Sometimes one person wants to obey God and the family says, “Why are you changing?” Jesus is telling us that loyalty to Him will sometimes cost you relational comfort. That does not mean you become rude. It does not mean you become harsh. It does not mean you create unnecessary conflict. It means the truth of Christ will sometimes separate you from people who refuse to walk in that truth. This is why Matthew 10:37 says: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” That is strong. And Jesus meant it. He must come first. Not family pressure. Not tradition. Not approval. Not comfort. If Christ is not first, then everything else is out of order. JESUS IS NOT TEACHING HATRED - HE IS TEACHING PRIORITY This is important. Jesus is not saying, “Hate your family.” He is saying, “Love Me above all.” That is the difference between idolatry and discipleship. A true disciple does not make family his god. A true disciple does not make culture his god. A true disciple does not make comfort his god. Jesus is Lord. And when Jesus is Lord, He will shake things that are built on false foundations. He will expose what is real. He will show who is truly with Him and who is only close to Him by association. That is why Matthew 10:38 says: “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” The cross means death to self. The cross means surrender. The cross means your old life must die. That is not peaceful to the flesh. But it is life to the spirit. THE WORD DIVIDES TOO The “sword” is not only a symbol of conflict. It is also the Word of God itself. The Word cuts pride. The Word exposes sin. The Word separates truth from error. The Word confronts compromise. That is why some people do not like biblical preaching anymore. They want encouragement without correction. They want comfort without conviction. They want blessing without surrender. But the real gospel is not soft religion. The real gospel is a call to die and live again. The Word of God will always produce one of two reactions: repentance resistance And that is why the sword is necessary. JESUS ALSO WARNED ABOUT THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP This teaching is connected to the cost of following Christ. In Luke 14:26–27, Jesus says that if anyone does not hate father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters in comparison to Him, he cannot be His disciple. That means Christ must be so central that every other love looks secondary by comparison. Then in Luke 14:28, He speaks about counting the cost. So Jesus never sold cheap Christianity. He never told people that following Him would be easy. He never promised that everyone would applaud your obedience. He promised truth. He promised Himself. He promised peace with God. But He also promised the cross. THIS IS WHY THE GOSPEL CAUSES DIVISION The gospel is not divisive because it is evil. It is divisive because it is true. Truth confronts lies. Light exposes darkness. Holiness challenges compromise. That is why 1 Corinthians 1:18 says: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” To one person, the cross is power. To another, it is offense. That is the sword. The same Jesus who saves one person will offend another person. The same gospel that humbles one heart will harden another heart. The same truth that sets one free will anger one who loves darkness. WHAT JESUS IS REALLY SAYING Jesus is saying: “I did not come to make sin comfortable.” “I did not come to make darkness respectable.” “I did not come to make false peace.” “I came to bring truth.” “And truth will separate.” That is why Jesus is not only Savior. He is also Judge. He is not only Comforter. He is also the One who examines hearts. He is not only Lamb. He is also Lord. He brings peace to the surrendered. But He brings a sword against the false, the proud, the rebellious, and the compromised. THE APPLICATION FOR US TODAY So what do we do with this? We stop trying to please everybody. We stop editing truth to make people comfortable. We stop calling compromise “love.” We stop calling silence “peace.” If you follow Jesus truly: some people will misunderstand you some family members may resist you some relationships may be tested some people may walk away But if they walk away because of truth, that does not mean truth failed. It means truth succeeded. Because the gospel does not exist to preserve false unity. The gospel exists to save souls, transform hearts, and establish the Kingdom of God. JESUS BRINGS TRUE PEACE, BUT NOT FALSE PEACE The world’s peace says, “Avoid conflict at all costs.” Jesus’ peace says, “Submit to God, and let truth do its work.” The world’s peace says, “Keep everyone happy.” Jesus’ peace says, “Take up your cross.” The world’s peace says, “Don’t disturb the system.” Jesus’ peace says, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” That is why His peace is deeper than comfort. It is peace with God, peace in the soul, peace through surrender, and peace that can survive even when relationships are tested. FINAL UNDERSTANDING Jesus did not come to create fake peace. He came to bring truth. And truth will do one of two things: it will unite those who receive it it will divide those who reject it That is the sword. So when Jesus said, “I came not to bring peace but a sword,” He meant: “I came to force a decision.” “I came to expose what is true.” “I came to separate light from darkness.” “I came to call people into real discipleship.” “I came to make My Father first.” CLOSING DECLARATION I will not choose false peace over truth. I will not choose comfort over Christ. I will not choose family pressure over obedience to God. I will not choose compromise over holiness. I will stand in the truth of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. But His peace is holy. His truth is sharp. And His sword divides what is real from what is false. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

BIBLE TEACHING: BAPTISM & HOLY COMMUNION - WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE SAY ABOUT BABIES AND CHILDREN? There are two important practices in the Christian faith that many believers ask about: baptism and Holy Communion. The goal is not to create arguments, but to let the Word of God guide us in truth and love. WHAT IS BAPTISM? Baptism is an outward act that points to an inward reality. It shows that a person has believed in Jesus Christ, repented of sin, and identified with His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3–4 “We were buried with Him through baptism into death… that we also should walk in newness of life.” Baptism is connected to: - faith - repentance - obedience - new life in Christ In the New Testament, the consistent pattern is: hearing the gospel → believing → baptism Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized…” Acts 8:12 “When they believed… they were baptized…” Acts 8:36–37 “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” JESUS HIMSELF AS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE Jesus is our ultimate model in everything. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus was baptized: Matthew 3:13–16 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him…” Jesus was not baptized as a baby, but as an adult at the beginning of His ministry—showing identification, obedience, and public alignment with the will of the Father. If Jesus, who is sinless, chose baptism as an adult act of obedience, it shows us the pattern of intentional faith and public declaration. WHAT ABOUT BABIES AND BAPTISM? The Bible does not give a clear example of a baby being baptized. Babies cannot: - understand the gospel - repent - believe personally - confess faith in Christ So from the New Testament pattern, baptism follows personal faith and repentance. This is why many believers understand baptism as something that happens when a person is old enough to make their own decision for Christ. WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT CHILDREN? Jesus loves children and welcomes them: Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to Me…” This shows children are precious to God. But blessing children is not the same as baptizing them. Children should be: - loved - prayed for - taught the Word - brought up in Christ Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “Teach them diligently to your children…” WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION? Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, was given by Jesus as a remembrance of His sacrifice. Luke 22:19–20 “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Communion is about: - remembering Jesus - proclaiming His death - honoring His body and blood 1 Corinthians 11:26 “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” WHO SHOULD TAKE COMMUNION? The Bible teaches self-examination: 1 Corinthians 11:28–29 “Let a man examine himself…” This means Communion is for those who can: - understand what it represents - discern the Lord’s body - examine their heart - participate in faith and reverence WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN AND COMMUNION? Children can be taught about Jesus from a young age, but Communion requires understanding and discernment. Babies cannot: - examine themselves - understand the cross - discern the meaning of the bread and cup So Communion is not an infant ritual it is a faith-based remembrance. SIMPLE SUMMARY Baptism - follows repentance and faith - is a public declaration of belief - is shown in Scripture after personal decision - Jesus Himself was baptized as an adult, setting the example Holy Communion - is remembrance and proclamation - requires self-examination - requires understanding and discernment Children - should be taught the Word - should be brought to Jesus - should be discipled early - can choose baptism and Communion later when they understand and believe FINAL WORD Let us not fight over tradition. Let us stay grounded in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and focused on raising our children to truly know Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:2–3 “Be completely humble and gentle… eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Romans 14:19 “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” May our homes be built on truth, love, and the Word of God. Jesus Christ remains our perfect example and our foundation. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

BIBLE TEACHING Generational Curses, Unclean Things, Familiar Spirits, Tattoos, Media, Doors, and Freedom in Jesus Christ We need to speak plainly about something many believers do not handle carefully enough: spiritual contamination. Some people live in repeated cycles and never ask why. The same patterns keep showing up in the family. The same bondage keeps returning. The same anger, addiction, poverty, lust, brokenness, fear, and confusion keep appearing from one generation to another. The Bible does not teach fear. It teaches discernment. The Bible does not teach superstition. It teaches holiness. The Bible does not teach legalism. It teaches freedom in Christ. This is not about becoming paranoid. This is about becoming spiritually awake. The center of all of it is this: Jesus Christ sets people free. The New Testament word for freedom is ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroō) - to set free, to liberate, to make free indeed. Jesus did not come to decorate bondage. He came to destroy it. WHAT IS A GENERATIONAL CURSE? A generational curse is not a magical spell sitting on a family tree. It is a repeated spiritual, moral, and often practical pattern of sin and consequences that passes through generations because the same rebellion, idolatry, disobedience, and unbelief keep being repeated. In Exodus 20:5–6, God says He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but He also shows mercy to thousands who love Him and keep His commandments. The Hebrew word for iniquity is עָוֹן (ʿavon) - crookedness, guilt, perversity, the twisted consequences of sin. That means sin is not just a private act. Sin carries weight. Sin leaves a trail. Sin can shape a family atmosphere. What a parent opens, a child can inherit. What a generation normalizes, the next generation may continue. But the Bible also gives balance in Ezekiel 18:20, where God says the son will not bear the guilt of the father, and the father will not bear the guilt of the son. That means each person is accountable before God for their own sin. So we must hold both truths together: Sin can produce family patterns. But nobody is doomed forever if they come to Christ. That is why Galatians 3:13 matters so much: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” The word for curse there is κατάρα (katara) - a curse, a pronouncement of doom. The word redeemed is ἐξαγοράζω (exagorazō) - to buy out of slavery, to purchase out from under ownership. Jesus did not only forgive sins. He broke the legal right of the curse over those who belong to Him. BLOODLINE CURSES ARE REAL PATTERNS, BUT JESUS IS GREATER When people talk about bloodline curses, they are often talking about repeated patterns in a family line. It may look like: repeated divorce repeated poverty repeated addiction repeated fatherlessness repeated anger repeated occult involvement repeated sickness repeated unforgiveness repeated rebellion repeated sexual immorality These patterns can come through: generational sin family agreements with darkness unresolved trauma idols in the home spoken words repeated rebellion hidden practices that invited oppression But the good news is this: Jesus Christ breaks every chain. In Colossians 2:14–15, we are told that Jesus canceled the record of debt that stood against us and triumphed over principalities and powers through the cross. The Greek words matter here: ἀρχαί (archai) - principalities, ruling powers ἐξουσίαι (exousiai) - authorities χειρόγραφον (cheirographon) - handwritten record of debt That means Jesus did not just forgive. He canceled the accusation and disarmed the powers. So the blood of Jesus is not a symbol only. It is victory. It is authority. It is deliverance. It is legal cancellation. It is the end of the enemy’s claim. FAMILIAR SPIRITS AND SPIRITUAL AGREEMENTS Familiar spirits are spirits that attach themselves to families, homes, or individuals, often because of repeated sin, rebellion, occult involvement, or agreements with darkness. The Old Testament warns against them in Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10–12. The Hebrew terms often associated with this are: medium, familiar spirit, spirit of the dead - אוֹב (ʾov) familiar spirit, spirit of knowing - יִדְּעֹנִי (yiddeʿoni) These are forbidden because they are counterfeit spiritual access. They are a false doorway into the invisible realm. Familiar spirits can manifest as: recurring strongholds unexplained fear or anxiety repeated deception oppression in the home compulsions or habits that feel unbreakable cycles that seem to “know your family” They can attach to bloodlines, objects, or even generational curses. Often, the enemy uses them to continue cycles of sin or to intimidate believers. But the Word is clear: no familiar spirit has authority over a child of God. In Acts 16:18, Paul commands a spirit to come out in the name of Jesus, and it obeys instantly. The authority of Jesus is not theoretical. It is active. Jesus said in Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.” The word authority there is ἐξουσία (exousia) - delegated right, legal authority, permission to act under a higher King. So familiar spirits are real, but Jesus is greater. We are not powerless. We are not victims. We are conquerors in Christ. HOW DO DOORS OPEN SPIRITUALLY? Doors open in several ways: Through personal sin - giving room for darkness. Through family patterns - repeated rebellion or occult involvement. Through unclean objects and practices - items connected to idolatry, death, witchcraft, or rebellion. Through media and entertainment - movies, music, and visual content can shape your mind spiritually. Through spoken words - agreements with darkness, curses, or self-condemnation. Through unforgiveness - leaving a place in the heart empty allows the enemy to return. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:43–45 that when an unclean spirit leaves and finds the house empty, swept, and put in order, it can return with more trouble. The Greek idea of the house there is οἶκος (oikos) - house, household, family environment. That means deliverance is not enough if the house is left empty. The house must be filled with the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, prayer, worship, and obedience. Jesus closes every door when we repent, renounce evil, and fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit. UNCLEAN THINGS IN THE HOUSE A house is not only a structure. A house is a spiritual environment. What you allow in your home matters: music movies symbols idols occult items sexual impurity curses spoken in the house constant anger disrespect ungodly altars witchcraft objects rebellion normalized as entertainment In the Old Testament, Joshua 7 shows how hidden sin can bring judgment on the whole camp. One man’s secret disobedience became a public problem. In 1 Corinthians 10:20–21, Paul warns against participating in what belongs to demons. That means believers should not be casual about what they bring into their homes. Do not ignore objects connected to darkness. Remove agreements with sin. But remember this carefully: objects themselves do not have power over God’s children. The issue is what they represent, what they were used for, and what spiritual agreement they carry. A home must not only be clean physically. It must be clean spiritually. CLOTHES, SCARVES, BONES, AND SYMBOLS Clothing or objects themselves are not magical. But clothing can represent identity, allegiance, honor, shame, rebellion, paganism, modesty, or holiness. The Bible speaks about this in several places: Deuteronomy 22:5 - clothing and identity distinctions 1 Timothy 2:9 - modest apparel Acts 19:11–12 - objects as points of contact for God In Acts 19, cloths and aprons associated with Paul were used by God in healing. That does not mean cloth has power by itself. It means God can use physical things as points of contact when He chooses. So if a scarf, cloth, bone, charm, or symbol is tied to witchcraft, occult practices, ancestral rituals, or death worship, remove it. Do not keep agreements with darkness. We do not worship objects. We do not fear objects. We do not give objects more power than Christ. But we also do not stay careless about spiritual symbols. TATTOOS: WHAT DOES THE WORD REALLY SAY? People often quote Leviticus 19:28, where God says not to make cuts in the body for the dead and not to tattoo themselves. The Hebrew idea here is tied to pagan mourning rituals and idolatrous identity. In context, God was setting Israel apart from the nations around them. So what is the real issue? Not just ink. The issue is pagan identity, covenant loyalty, and holiness. The New Testament adds an important truth in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20: Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for temple there is ναός (naos) - the holy sanctuary, not just a building, but the place where God dwells. That means your body is not yours to glorify rebellion, vanity, lust, death, gang identity, occult symbolism, or self-worship. Tattoos are not condemned automatically. But motives matter: Is it honoring God? Is it tied to rebellion, lust, death, occult, or vanity? Does it glorify Christ or self? If someone already has tattoos, the blood of Jesus is greater than the ink on the skin. They are not condemned if they are in Christ. But if someone is considering tattoos, they must not treat the body lightly. The heart behind the tattoo matters more than the ink. MOVIES, MUSIC, AND WHAT WE ALLOW INTO THE MIND Matthew 6:22–23 says the eye is the lamp of the body. The Greek word for eye is ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos), and the idea is that what enters through the eye affects the whole inner life. What you watch shapes your imagination, conscience, appetite, fears, and worldview. Repeated exposure to occult themes, sexual immorality, revenge, witchcraft, rebellion, or darkness opens doors spiritually. That does not mean every movie is evil. But it does mean believers must not be careless. You cannot feed on darkness and then wonder why your spirit feels weak. You cannot normalize sin in your entertainment and then expect spiritual sensitivity. What enters the mind shapes what grows in the heart. GENERATIONAL, NORMAL, AND BLOODLINE CURSES There are different kinds of curse language in Scripture and in life: Generational curses - repeated sin across family lines Normal curses - spoken words of evil Bloodline curses - family patterns of oppression Self-curses - agreements with negative words about yourself But always remember: the authority of Christ is greater than any curse. In Numbers 23:23, Balaam says there is no enchantment against Jacob. In Isaiah 54:17, the Word declares that no weapon formed against God’s people shall prosper. That does not mean weapons won’t form. It means they will not win. The curse may come. The curse may speak. The curse may threaten. But in Christ, it does not rule. JESUS SETS US FREE This is the center of the message. John 8:36 - “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 1 John 3:8 - Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - in Christ, you are a new creation. Galatians 3:13 h redeemed from the curse. The Greek word for new creation is καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) — not repaired, but made new. That means curses, bloodline oppression, occult powers, and familiar spirits are all subject to Jesus. He is not one power among many. He is Lord over all. WALKING IN DELIVERANCE Deliverance is not only a prayer event. It is a life of surrender. You must: repent renounce darkness forgive others remove unclean objects close spiritual doors stop feeding on darkness renew your mind pray over your family speak the Word walk in obedience stay filled with the Holy Spirit The Greek word for repent is μετανοέω (metanoeō) - to change one’s mind, to turn, to reorient one’s whole life. A cleaned house and life must be filled with Christ. A cleaned house without Christ becomes vulnerable again. A cleaned heart without the Word becomes unstable again. A cleansed life without discipleship becomes empty again. TEACH CHILDREN SPIRITUAL WARFARE EARLY This is very important. Teach children: prayer discernment rejection of evil honoring God with the body and mind The Bible says: Proverbs 22:6 - train up a child in the way they should go Deuteronomy 6:6–7 - teach God’s words diligently to children Ephesians 6:4 - bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord The Greek word in Ephesians 6:4 for nurture is παιδεία (paideia) - training, discipline, instruction. Children are not just to be corrected; they are to be trained in truth. Teach them early to know Jesus, resist darkness, and walk in truth. Do not wait until the world has discipled them first. Train them while they are young. Generational curses broken in Jesus’ name. Bloodline oppression destroyed. Unclean things removed. Spiritual doors closed. Bodies sanctified. Minds renewed. Children protected. Christ redeems, cleanses, restores, and sets free. CLOSING DECLARATION I declare: Every curse broken in Jesus’ name. Every familiar spirit removed. Every unclean object removed. Every door of darkness shut. My body a temple of the Holy Spirit. My mind belongs to Christ. My children will walk in truth. My home belongs to Jesus. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

Standing In Grace Written By Marilyn Adams Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior, requires believing through faith after hearing the gospel. We recognize that Jesus took our place, and died on a cross to give us forgiveness of sins. We then place our trust in him for eternal life. We are redeemed from a life of bondage to sin through his shed blood. We are set apart for his work. His grace is a gift. That is our standing, or position, in Christ, that never changes. We do not deserve it, nor can we earn it. Our journey of sanctification began the moment we accepted Jesus. We obtained our standing as children of God. He set us apart for his desired purposes to be fulfilled through our lives. It is a journey of growth in holy attitudes, words, actions and knowledge of God. This progressive work is called our state, which changes throughout our lives. Our old thought patterns are not erased at salvation. The devil does not give up on us. He constantly sets enticing temptations in front of us. His goal is to undermine and destroy our faith. He hates God so he attacks those made in God’s image. Grace again is given by God as an empowerment to overcome all temptations to sin. The trials that we encounter are divinely orchestrated. They are never in vain. They conform us to Jesus’ likeness so that we reflect his character to others. He uses each trial’s pressure and hardship to center us on Christ Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Father, I am so grateful for your gift of grace. I embrace its empowerment to do all that you have called me to do. I constantly remind myself to walk in humility, so that your grace is there to sustain and undergird me moment by moment. Throughout this day: Make some time to meditate on and give thanks for the grace that has saved you, and is available every moment to empower you as you grow into Jesus’ likeness. #BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God

#BibleStudy #VerseByVerse #Gospel #dagoodnews #follow #share #LikeFollowShare #JesusCentered #GodFirst #WordOfGod #PreachTheWord #ChristianLiving #Scripture #Faith #JesusIsLord #DaGoodNews #YouTube #Grow #LordsBook #ChristianLordsbook #ChristianFacebook #DailyDevotional #Jesus #God