✝ Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him." Bible https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=amplified.bible.app.free.offline

Unshaken: Finding Strength in Faith When Life Feels Heavy There are moments when life presses in so tightly that even breathing feels like effort. Plans collapse, people disappoint, and the future looks uncertain. In those moments, motivation doesn’t come from hype or noise—it comes from something deeper, something eternal: faith. Christianity does not promise a life free of struggle. In fact, the story of Jesus Christ begins in humility, walks through rejection, and ends on a cross before rising in victory. The message is clear—pain is not the end of the story. Faith is not denial of hardship; it is defiance in the face of it. When you feel weak, remember this: your strength was never meant to come solely from you. Scripture reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Weakness, then, is not a flaw—it is an opening for divine strength to enter. Consider David, a shepherd boy who faced a giant with nothing but a sling and unwavering trust. Or Paul the Apostle, who wrote about joy and perseverance from prison cells. Their circumstances didn’t define them—faith did. You may not be fighting literal giants or sitting in chains, but your battles are just as real: self-doubt, failure, fear, loneliness. The question is not whether these struggles exist—the question is who you become in the middle of them. Motivation in a Christian life is not about constant emotional highs. It is about quiet endurance. It is about waking up and choosing hope when despair feels easier. It is about trusting that even when you cannot see the path, God is still guiding your steps. Sometimes, God doesn’t calm the storm. Sometimes, He calms you in the storm. If you feel lost today, pause and reflect: your story is still being written. The same God who carried others through impossible situations is still at work. Delays are not denials. Silence is not absence. And most importantly—failure is not final. You are not called to be perfect. You are called to be faithful. So keep going. Pray even when words feel empty. Trust even when outcomes are unclear. Stand even when everything in you wants to fall. Because faith is not proven when everything is easy—it is proven when everything is hard, and you still believe. In the end, motivation rooted in Christ is not about chasing success—it is about walking with purpose. And purpose, once found in Him, cannot be shaken.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 1 and 2, and John 10📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 Deuteronomy 1 Remembering Failure and Relearning Trust Deuteronomy 1 opens with Moses recounting Israel’s journey from Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. What should have been a short journey became years of wandering because of unbelief. Moses is not simply retelling history—he is interpreting it so the new generation understands what went wrong. He reminds them how God multiplied them, provided leadership through appointed judges, and carried them through the wilderness. The emphasis is clear: God was faithful at every step. Yet when they reached the threshold of promise, fear took over. The report of the spies led the people to doubt God’s ability rather than trust His word. The result was tragic. Instead of stepping forward in faith, they retreated in fear. What God had promised, they refused to receive. That generation forfeited their inheritance, not because God failed, but because they did not believe. Moses also highlights God’s justice and mercy. Discipline came, but so did preservation. God continued His work, raising up a new generation who now stands ready to enter the land. Theologically, Deuteronomy 1 teaches that remembering rightly is essential for moving forward. The past reveals both God’s faithfulness and the consequences of unbelief. Faith is not blind—it is rooted in who God has proven Himself to be. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusts and obeys the Father. Where Israel failed at the edge of promise, Christ moves forward in full obedience. He secures what was once lost and leads His people into true rest. For believers today, Deuteronomy 1 calls us to learn from the past without being defined by it. God remains faithful even when we falter. We are invited to move forward in trust, choosing faith over fear and stepping into what God has prepared. Deuteronomy 2 God’s Sovereign Guidance and Measured Progress Deuteronomy 2 continues Moses’ recounting of the wilderness journey, focusing on the years of wandering and the transitions that followed. God instructs Israel where to go, where not to go, and when to move forward. Every step is directed. The journey is not random—it is governed by God’s wisdom. Israel is told not to engage certain nations because God has already given those lands to others. This reveals that God’s authority extends beyond Israel. He is sovereign over all nations, distributing lands and establishing boundaries according to His purposes. The chapter also marks the passing of the previous generation. Those who had refused to trust God have now died in the wilderness, and a new generation emerges. With this transition, movement resumes. What was once delayed is now advancing. As Israel begins to encounter opposition, God assures them of victory. The defeat of King Sihon becomes the first tangible sign that the promise is within reach. What once seemed impossible is now unfolding according to God’s timing. Theologically, Deuteronomy 2 reveals that God’s guidance is both precise and purposeful. He leads His people step by step, sometimes restraining, sometimes advancing. His timing is intentional. Delays are not denials—they are often preparation. This chapter points to Christ, who leads His people perfectly according to the Father’s will. He knows when to move forward and when to wait. In Him, we see the fullness of God’s guidance, leading us not only through life’s journey but into eternal promise. For believers today, Deuteronomy 2 reminds us to trust God’s direction even when it does not align with our expectations. He knows where we are to go and where we are not to go. His timing is perfect, and His guidance is sure. As we follow Him, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that every step is under His control. John 10 The Good Shepherd and the Security of His Sheep John 10 reveals the Christ through the imagery of a shepherd, drawing a clear contrast between true care and false leadership. Jesus describes a shepherd who enters rightly, calls his sheep by name, and leads them out with intention and care. The sheep recognize his voice and follow him, not out of force, but because they know and trust him. In contrast, strangers and thieves seek to deceive, scatter, and destroy. The Son of God establishes that His relationship with His people is personal, intentional, and rooted in trust. Jesus then declares Himself to be the door of the sheep. This reveals that access to life, safety, and provision comes through Him alone. The Christ is not one of many paths—He is the entrance into salvation. While others come to take, He comes to give life, and not just life in its simplest form, but life in abundance. This abundance is not defined by outward gain, but by a restored relationship with God and a life rooted in His presence. As the chapter continues, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. This is not a distant or indifferent figure, but one who lays down His life for the sheep. Unlike hired hands who flee when danger comes, the Christ remains and protects. This points directly to the redemptive plan, where the Son of God willingly gives Himself for the sake of His people. His sacrifice is not forced upon Him; it is a voluntary act of love and obedience to the Father. Jesus emphasizes the depth of His relationship with His sheep. He knows them, and they know Him, reflecting the same unity He shares with the Father. This is not a surface-level connection, but a deep, personal relationship. The Christ also reveals that His mission extends beyond one group, pointing to the gathering of others into one flock under one Shepherd. The redemptive plan is inclusive, reaching beyond boundaries to bring people together under His care. The tension with the religious leaders continues as Jesus speaks openly about His identity. Some hear His words and recognize truth, while others reject Him and accuse Him. The division among the people grows, reflecting the reality that the presence of the Christ always brings a response. He does not leave room for neutrality—each person must decide how to respond to who He is. Later, Jesus speaks again of His unity with the Father, making a clear declaration of His divine identity. This statement intensifies opposition, as those who reject Him attempt to silence Him. Yet His works continue to testify to the truth of who He is. The Son of God remains steadfast, revealing that His authority, mission, and identity are all rooted in His relationship with the Father. John 10 presents the Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads, protects, provides, and ultimately lays down His life for His sheep. He is the door through which salvation is found and the one who brings unity and life to all who follow Him. For believers today, this chapter calls us to listen for the voice of the Christ and follow Him with trust. Christian living is not about wandering aimlessly, but about being led by the Good Shepherd who knows us personally. We are reminded that our security is found in Him, not in circumstances, and that He has given His life to bring us into a relationship with God. As His people, we are called to remain close to Him, to trust His leading, and to rest in the assurance that the Son of God holds us securely in His care.

Good morning.... Mark 5 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Gospel, it shows us that no situation is too far gone for Jesus. Whether it’s spiritual bondage, sickness, or even death… Jesus has authority over it all. 1. The Demon-Possessed Man – No One Is Too Broken “Night and day among the tombs… he would cry out and cut himself with stones.” (Mark 5:5) This man was completely bound, rejected by society, tormented, and living among the dead. But one encounter with Jesus changed everything. Teaching: People may label you, chains may hold you, your past may haunt you, but Jesus breaks every chain. ✨ When Jesus speaks, darkness has to leave. 2. The Woman with the Issue of Blood – Faith Activates Power “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28) For 12 years she suffered. She was overlooked, drained, and desperate, yet she carried one thing: faith. Teaching: It wasn’t the crowd that moved Jesus, it was her faith. ✨ You don’t need a perfect situation, you need real faith. 3. Jairus’ Daughter – It’s Not Over “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36) Jairus received the worst news: “Your daughter is dead.” But Jesus said, “Only believe.” Then He walked in and raised her back to life. Teaching: What looks dead to us is still alive to God. ✨ God’s delay is not God’s denial. Devotion: Mark 5 reminds us that Jesus walks into impossible situations and turns them around. * Chains break * Bodies heal * Dead things rise Today, whatever you’re facing, don’t give up. Bring it to Jesus. Even if it feels too late, too hard, or too broken… He still restores. He still heals. He still delivers. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You have power over every situation in my life. Strengthen my faith to trust You, even when things look impossible. Break every chain, heal every wound, and breathe life into every dead area. I choose to believe You today. Amen. Declaration: “I will not fear — I will only believe. Jesus is able!” 🙌

🚨 THE STORY CONTINUES… 🚨 THE CROSS INVESTIGATIONS: BROKEN AND REDEEMED SERIES IS FAR FROM OVER BOOK 4 – SINS OF THE PAST: Some Things Refuse the Grave It was supposed to end in that courtroom. The evidence had been laid bare. The darkness exposed. Truth had finally found its voice through a man who once refused to believe in anything he couldn’t prove. Caleb Cross—once a skeptic, a man bound by logic and law—had been changed by what he encountered in the shadows. The deeper he pursued justice, the more he found himself face to face with something greater than corruption… something spiritual. Something eternal. Faith found him in the fire. It reshaped him, strengthened him, and ultimately set him on a path to stand against forces far beyond human power. And just when it seemed like the light was breaking through — when truth was finally rising above the darkness — they silenced him. A single shot. A courtroom in chaos. Blood on the floor. And then… a grave. The world has already moved on. The headlines have faded. The system has corrected itself just enough to keep people comfortable. Caleb Cross is remembered as a fallen man — another casualty in a broken world. But not everyone believes that story. Because in the quiet corners where truth still matters, something feels…unfinished. While the man who stood for the Light has been buried, another figure has stepped forward into it. Marcus DuVall — once a shadow of darkness behind corruption — is now a voice the world is beginning to trust. He speaks of unity, restoration, faith. He carries influence, power, and a presence that draws people in. But beneath the surface, something is shifting. Because not every light comes from heaven. And not every savior is sent by God. Far from the spotlight, in the forgotten depths of Blackstone Hollow, the past begins to stir. A new murder emerges — one that doesn’t just echo old crimes, but reaches back into something deeper. Something buried long before Caleb ever took a badge. Something connected to his childhood…to a history that was never meant to be uncovered. Zoe Quinn refuses to let the truth die with him. Driven by grief, by conviction, and by something she cannot fully explain, she begins to follow the trail Caleb left behind. But the deeper she goes, the more she realizes this is no ordinary investigation. This is a war. A war between truth and deception. Between light and darkness. Between what was buried…and what refuses to stay that way. There are signs everywhere now — subtle, unsettling, impossible to ignore. A grave that doesn’t feel at rest. A forgotten symbol of innocence lying in the mud. A presence that lingers just beyond sight, watching…waiting. And beneath it all, a question that refuses to be buried: Was Caleb Cross laid to rest…or was he planted for something yet to come? Book 4: Sins of the Past dives deeper than ever before — into the origins of everything, into wounds that never healed, and into a truth that could unravel far more than a single case. Because the greatest battles aren’t fought in courtrooms or headlines. They are fought in the unseen. They are fought in the heart. They are fought for the soul. 🔥 THE CROSS INVESTIGATIONS: SINS OF THE PAST is now in development. 🔥 And when it arrives… Nothing stays hidden. Nothing stays buried. #SinsOfThePast #CrossInvestigations #BrokenAndRedeemed #FaithAndFire #SpiritualWarfare #ComingSoon

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 18TH APRIL, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* THE CROSS: CULMINATION OF GRACE. *TOPIC:* SECURES US. *TEXT:* ROMANS 8:31-39. 31. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32. He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36. As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39. neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. *TOPIC:* SECURES US. *THE MESSAGE:* Today's passage emphasises the incredible security and assurance we have in Christ. The love of God is immeasurable such that no accusation or condemnation can stand against His children. This is because they are secured in His hands. Believers today are plagued by trials and spiritual forces from every side, yet this does not disqualify or break the seal of our relationship with God. Regrettably, many believers do not realise and appreciate the depth of God's love and the security they have in Him. They live as weaklings, constantly complaining and without confidence. Despite all you are facing today, you are secured in Christ. Trust Him; He will never abandon or forsake you. *REFLECTION:* You are secured in God's love. *PRAYER:* Lord, I am grateful for the assurance of Your love. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* COLOSSIANS 2:15. "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* 1 CHRONICLES 16-20. ii. Skip to content Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth Posted onApril 18, 2026 by Editor Heavenly Guidance Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals Be thou there, until I bring thee word.” Matthew 21:13 God’s Leading All our movements, meeting and motives should be under the direction of God. All our risings and sleepings – all our actions and attitudes. In days gone by God guided His people Israel with pillars of fire and cloud. They rose and moved, followed, halted and struck camp as God showed the way. God’s Revelation But God no longer leads His people with fire and cloudy pillars. Today we have fuller revelation and such signs and wonders have been replaced. Today there is no need for such visible tokens of guidance – for we have the indwelling Spirit. Today we live by faith in Him. We live by faith alone, and not by sight or signs. Our faith comes by hearing and not vision or supernatural phenomena: Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God – and yet today God’s leadings are no less real and His direction no less unmistakable. Different Times Sometimes we are faced with deep doubt, distrust or disbelief. Sometimes we pass through seasons of pain and our hearts almost faint. Sometimes we simply wonder where God is as trials and difficulties mount up – but He is as close to us today as those times when He led with mighty visible signs. Indwelling Spirit It is His Word of truth and not our own clamourings that will guide us in the way we take, and it is His indwelling Spirit of Truth and not visible sight that will guide us into all truth – “he who has ears to hear – let him hear what the Spirit says:… Rev.2:29 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying: “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Listening Heart It is His Word that will confirm His promises to our listening heart. It is His indwelling Spirit Who will prompt, this is the way, walk in it. He brought His people to the brink of deep despair by the bitter waters of Marah – and then made them sweet with the Branch of a Tree. Then and Now In bygone days God lead His people with visible signs and they saw with their eyes. He took them through the parched wilderness and gave them water from the rock. Today the Lord Jesus is the living Water that is poured into our hearts by faith – and today He is the Rock of our salvation, from Whose side poured blood and water. Armour of God Moses had to keep his arms up-stretched all day to defeat malicious Amalek – today we put on the armour of God to withstand the enemy that seeks to destroy. In days gone by the foe was defeated with sling and stone, sword and trumpet – today the weapons we use in our fight are not made by human hands, but powerful weapons from God. and with them we destroy people’s defences – that is, their arguments. Earthly and Spiritual The people of Israel marched around the walls of Jericho to gain victory – today we march a seventh time around the city gate of our spiritual Jericho. The earthly walk of Israel is given to demonstrate what we face in the spiritual – both are used by God to draw to Him – to teach us to trust in His strong arms of love. Child-like Faith He will lead us safely through our own valley of darkness that looms ahead. He has promised to keep our steps from slipping and our foot from stumbling. It is a child-like trust in a heavenly Father’s goodness, that He desired then, and it is a simple child-like faith in His Word that He wants from us today, for without faith it is impossible to please God Heb.11:6 Guard and Guide There is a God in heaven and He is our heavenly Father. There is a Man in heaven and He is our heavenly Saviour – He neither slumbers nor sleeps but holds the rein of the universe in His hand. But if necessary He will push us, like Israel, to the last gasp or our extremity… to teach us to trust Him in all our movements, meetings and motives… to train us to submit in our risings and sleepings – our actions and attitudes – until in all things, He alone is our guard and guide. Post navigation Previous Post Previous Stand Fast Proudly powered by WordPress. 2. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 When we cannot see our way, we must trust that the Lord has all our paths mapped out and knows the end from the beginning. ⏤ Charles Spurgeon O Jesus, You love us, and we come now to rest in Your love at the end of this week. It hasn’t been easy for us. We’ve had our work, our tasks, our burdens, our struggles, our anxieties, our duties, and our sorrows. We’re tired tonight. Our feet are weary from the long journey. It’s comforting to remember that You, blessed Jesus, were tired more than once during Your time on earth. We’ve read how You sat down at the well, so weary from traveling in the hot dust that You couldn’t go any further. You understand how we feel when we’re tired. We’re grateful for Your sympathy tonight. Accept our day’s work and make it Yours. Forgive anything wrong You’ve seen in what we’ve said or done. Don’t let anything we’ve done bring harm to Your cause or to anyone else. Forgive any rash words or actions that may have caused pain to someone. Take our work, cleanse it, perfect it, and then use it to help build Your kingdom. The night is before us, but even in its darkness, You walk beside us as our unseen Friend. We want to stay close to You, to hide ourselves in the shelter of Your love—because then no harm will come to us and no evil will touch us. Take care of us—because we can’t take care of ourselves. Keep us—because we can’t keep ourselves. Watch over us in the darkness of the night—because we can’t protect our own lives. Give us refreshing rest in sleep and prepare us for the Sunday that will dawn in the morning. May it truly be the Lord’s Day for us, and may we be in the Spirit, and the Spirit in us. Gather us close to Your heart and cover our home with Your wings. We ask all this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/13/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS # 165 Section 15- Admonitions and Warnings. CHAPTER 165, Covetousness. 1. What warning did Christ give concerning covetousness? "And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15. 2. What commandment forbids this sin? "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17. Covetous: "Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess (especially money); avaricious."- Webster. 3. What showed this principle to have been strong in the rich man who already had abundance? "And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." Luke 12:18,19. 4. What did God say to him? "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" Verse 20. 5. What application of this parable did the Saviour make? "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Verse 21. 6. What does Paul call covetousness? "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Col. 3:5. NOTE.- "Do not wade far out into the dangerous sea of this world's comfort. Take the good that God provides you, but say of it, 'It passeth away;' for indeed it is but a temporary supply for a temporary need. Never suffer your goods to become your god."- Spurgeon. 7. What do these sins bring upon mankind? "For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience." Verse 6. 8. What double service did Christ say is impossible? "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:13. 9. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty? "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him." Verse 14. 10. What reply did Christ make? "And He said unto them, Ye, are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Verse 15. 11. How does the Lord regard the covetous? "For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth." Ps. 10:3. 12. What did this sin lead Achan to do? "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, . . . I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21. 13. What did covetousness lead Judas to do? "And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray Him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him." Mark 14:10,11. 14. Why are the last days to be perilous? "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers." 2 Tim. 3:1,2. 15. What parable did Christ give to correct the false idea of the Pharisees that wealth was a sign of special favor with God? The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16: 19-31. 16. What did He point out as one of the dangers of the possession of wealth? "And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! . . . Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!" Mark 10:23,24. NOTE.- And how hard it is for those who have riches not to trust in them! 17. As a rule, what class generally accept the gospel? "Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" James 2:5. 18. How difficult did Christ say it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God? "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:25. NOTE.- If Christ here referred to a small, low gate in the walls of Jerusalem, called "The Needle's Eye," as is thought by some, the force of the statement still remains; for, before a camel could pass through this gate, it was necessary that he should be relieved of his burden, and get down on his knees and creep through. 19. Why was the rich young man desiring salvation, unwilling to sell what he had and give alms, as Christ told him to do? "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." Matt. 19:16. 20. What is the love of money declared to be? "For the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Tim. 6:10. 21. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich? "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." Verse 9. 22. Who gives man the power to get wealth? "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth." Deut. 8:18. 23. How may all, rich and poor, honor God? "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase." Prov. 3:9. 24. What caution is given concerning riches? "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them." Ps. 62:10. 25. Can riches be retained to men's hurt? "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt." Eccl. 5:13. 26. What charge is given to the rich? "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. 6:17-19. 27. What makes rich without adding sorrow? "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it." Prov. 10:22. 28. How are true riches obtained? "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life." Prov. 22:4 29. How did Moses esteem the reproach of Christ? "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Heb. 11:26. 30. What two classes of rich men are mentioned in the Bible? "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." Prov. 13:7. NOTE.- In Luke 12:16-20 is an example of the first class; in Acts 4:34-37 are examples of the second. 31. What solemn warning is addressed to the rich who, in the last days, have heaped up treasure, and oppressed the poor? "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter." James 5:1-5. 32. Will silver or gold be able to deliver in the day of wrath? "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath." Zeph. 1:18. See also Prov. 11:4. 33. What will the rich men do with their money then? "They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity." Eze. 7:19. NOTES.- When the steamer "Central America," with nearly six hundred passengers aboard, was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, Sept. 12, 1857, in a fearful storm, many of the passengers who were returning miners from the gold-mines of California, divested themselves of their treasure belts and scattered the gold upon the cabin floors, telling those to take it who would, lest its weight about their persons should carry them to their death. "Full purses, containing in some instances thousands of dollars, lay around untouched. Carpetbags were opened, and the shining metal was poured out on the floor with the prodigality of death's despair. One of the passengers opened a bag and dashed about the cabin twenty thousand dollars in gold-dust, and told him who wanted to gratify his greed for gold to take it. But it was passed by untouched, as the veriest dross."- "Our first Century," pages 642,643. When the steamship "Arctic" was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.- Id., page 614. 34. As stewards of God's gifts, what are we told to do? "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." Luke 16:9. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10.IS NOT the way to heavenly gain Through earthly grief and loss? Rest must be won by toil and pain; The crown repays the cross. HENRY F. LYTE. I would like to thank God for using the Bible Reading for the Home Circle to bless millions of souls. To the author and original producer, (though in truth and reality it's God's).

#DAILY_BREAD | #DAILY_BREAD #LA_LOI Ep.5 Bonjour chers bien-aimés, Aujourd’hui, nous allons méditer sur le thème suivant : PERSONNE NE PEUT DEVENIR JUSTE PAR LA LOI. Beaucoup de personnes pensent qu’il est possible de devenir juste devant Dieu en observant la Loi. Elles croient que, par leurs bonnes actions, leurs efforts et leur obéissance aux commandements, elles peuvent obtenir la justice et le salut. Pourtant, la Bible nous enseigne clairement que personne ne peut devenir juste par la Loi, car aucun être humain n’est capable de l’observer parfaitement. Dans le dernier pain quotidien, nous avons parlé de la loi qui ne peut pas etre gardée. Dieu n’a pas donné la Loi pour que nous l’observions, mais pour nous faire comprendre que nous ne pouvons pas la garder. Dieu savait déjà qu’il n’existe aucun homme qui n’ait jamais commis de péché devant Lui. Si nous lisons Exode chapitre 32, les Israélites avaient déjà violé la Loi le jour même où elle fut donnée. Par conséquent, la Loi fut violée par tous. Mais alors pourquoi Dieu a-t-Il donné une loi aussi difficile, voire impossible à observer ? Dieu nous a donné la Loi, mais Il connaissait aussi notre faiblesse. Il savait dès le début que nous ne pouvions pas garder la Loi. Alors pourquoi Dieu a-t-Il établi la Loi si nous ne pouvons pas la garder ? • Dieu a-t-Il fait une erreur ? • Y a-t-il quelque chose de mauvais dans la Loi ? Dieu n’a pas établi la Loi pour que nous l’accomplissions parfaitement, mais pour nous montrer que nous sommes incapables de l’observer. La Loi est donc comme un miroir qui révèle la véritable condition du cœur humain. Les pécheurs qui essaient de vivre justement par leurs propres efforts sont comme quelqu’un qui tente de battre le vent. La Loi nous montre que nous ne pouvons être sauvés que par Jésus-Christ, venu du ciel. Alors, pourquoi Dieu a-t-Il donné la Loi ? _« Car nul ne sera justifié devant lui par les œuvres de la loi, puisque c’est par la loi que vient la connaissance du péché. »_ — Romains 3:20 La vérité est que la Loi n’a jamais été donnée pour rendre l’homme juste. Cependant, beaucoup de personnes dans le monde pensent qu’elles doivent observer la Loi pour devenir de bonnes personnes, être sauvées et recevoir la bénédiction, au lieu de comprendre qu’elles sont pécheresses à travers la Loi. La Loi n’a pas été donnée pour sauver l’homme, mais pour lui révéler son incapacité à se sauver lui-même. En essayant de garder la Loi, l’homme découvre sa faiblesse, son péché et son besoin profond de Dieu. Ainsi, la Loi nous conduit à l’humilité, brise notre confiance en nous-mêmes et nous amène à dépendre entièrement de la grâce de Dieu. Elle agit comme un guide qui nous mène vers Jésus-Christ, le seul capable d’accomplir parfaitement la justice que nous ne pouvions pas atteindre. Pour finir, Dieu a donné à l’homme une Loi difficile à garder afin que celui-ci ne place pas sa confiance en lui-même, mais qu’il s’appuie entièrement sur la grâce de Dieu pour être sauvé et justifié. Bonne journée et que Dieu vous benisse. Merci d’Exister. #Hatikvah_555 #Hope #Grace #DailyBread_PainQuotidien #TheSecretOfForgivinessOfSinAndBeingBornAgain

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2026. "INSTRUMENT RATED (9)" ‘…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’  Ephesians 6:4 NIV INSTRUMENT RATED for parenthood. Parents today face unique problems that no other generation has. But God’s Word is timeless, so: 1) Enforce discipline. ‘Whom the Lord loves He corrects…’ (Proverbs 3:12 NKJV). A famous evangelist says when he was growing up his mother had a belt that hung on the wall of their home with a text written above it: ‘I need thee every hour’. Teach your child that every decision has consequences. And don’t rescue them from their consequences, for life won’t let them off the hook when they do wrong. 2) Teach them God’s ways. ‘Train up a child in the way that he should go: and…he will not depart from it’ (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV). Give your child a taste of the things of God when they are young, and when they’re older the world won’t be able to satisfy their taste. 3) Commit them to the Lord. This isn’t easy; it’s like allowing them to take the family car out for the first time. But there comes a point where God, not you, must speak to them and guide them. They’ll either learn the easy way or the hard way. And even if they do go astray, God promises that they’ll come back again (Jeremiah 31:16-17). So pray, ‘Lord, they’re Yours now. I’ve taught them and set an example, now I give them to You. Deal with them according to Your perfect will’. Does that mean everything will be okay from that point on? Maybe, and maybe not. But like a pilot who flies according to his instruments, you must stand on the Word of God for your children. Bible In A Year: Dan 8-10, Ps 103:13-22, Pro 10:14. 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. FREE ACCESS TO GOD'S THRONE "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." - Ephesians 3:12 One of the greatest privileges a Christian has, is free access to God the Father. This means that we, who have a relationship with God through Jesus, have access to God 24 hours a day, yes, every minute. Lucifer tried to overthrow God to get the throne himself, but the Almighty God has defeated Lucifer. Hebrews 10:12 says that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father. Through Jesus we have access to God's mercy seat. A gap between God and man Previously, in the Old Testament, there were only a few people who had limited access to God. Abraham was such a man and was called God's friend. Moses was a man who was in contact with God. God has always wanted to live among people, but this was impossible because of sin. Sin separates man from God. There came a gap between God and man since Adam and Eve, who first lived in perfect harmony with God, became disobedient. Free access for everyone Since God wanted to be among His people, Moses was instructed to build a tabernacle (tent). God would then reside in the Holy of Holies. There was only one person who could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. There was an important condition attached to this. He had to take blood (from an animal) with him when he entered. Entering without that blood would mean immediate death for the high priest. When Jesus' blood flowed on the cross, the curtain, which was blocking the access to the Holy of Holies, tore open. Access became free for everyone to approach God each second of the day. Paul says in Romans 5:1-2: 'Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.' https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Morning Prayer for today. i. Morning Prayer Rejoice in the Lord always: [and] again I say, Rejoice. ⏤ Philippians 4:4 We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and bring its power down to earth. ⏤ Andrew Murray O God, our Father, we thank You for this bright morning. We want to share in the joy that’s all around us. All of Your creation praises You, and we want to join in that praise—not just with our lips, but with our hearts and lives. We want our lives to be like songs that bring joy to those around us. Help us live victoriously today, not letting our cares and trials get the best of us, but keeping Your praise in our hearts even in the darkest times and toughest challenges. Breathe Your Spirit into our souls this morning so that we can go out and live with cheerfulness all day. Don’t let the hard things discourage us or take the joy out of our hearts and the brightness out of our faces. We thank You that You’ve promised to give us what we need. We know that while You are always with us, You come even closer to us when we’re in trouble; that while You always give us strength, You give us even more when we’re feeling weak. Come to us today in exactly the way we need. Sometimes we get discouraged and frustrated. Keep us today from falling into these negative moods. Help us live among our neighbors in such a way that they see that we have God helping us. Keep us from worry and anxiety. Teach us to cast all our cares on Jesus, who cares for us. May we trust You so completely that no matter what happens, we can be happy and strong in You. We pray for everyone in our home. Prepare us for all the duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the day. Keep us safe from accidents and bring us back together again in the evening. We ask all these things, along with the forgiveness of our sins, in the Savior’s precious name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/12/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion. Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* THURSDAY 16TH APRIL, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* THE CROSS: CULMINATION OF GRACE. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES TOTAL ALLEGIANCE *TEXT:* ACTS 4:16-20 16. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! 20. As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” *TOPIC:* REQUIRES TOTAL ALLEGIANCE *THE MESSAGE:* Jesus had assured the disciples of the presence of the Holy Spirit whenever they faced opposition from the authorities (Mt. 12:11-12). The priests, temple guard, and the Sadducees brought Peter and John to the Jewish council after healing a lame man. Though unable to deny the miracle, the leaders attempted to silence them to prevent the spread of the Gospel of Christ. However, Peter and John responded, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (v. 20). Following Christ demands total allegiance to God above all earthly authorities. Today, Christians are facing similar threats from ungodly authorities and hostile communities. Our obedience to God must supercede human opposition. God called believers to prioritise His command over fear, pressure, or persecution and declare God's truth regardless of the cost. *REFLECTION:* Do not submit to threats. *PRAYER:* Lord Jesus, help me to stand my ground without fear. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* COLOSSIANS 2:15. "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* 1 CHRONICLES 6-10. ii. Skip to content Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth Posted onApril 16, 2026 by Editor Surrendered Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals Complete surrender, Surrendered absolutely. – not in your strength but in His, Absolute yielding, Yielded completely. – remember “It is God that worketh in us….” Full submission, Entirely devoted. – not for your glory, but for His. Humble obedience, Obedient humility. -both to will and to do of His good pleasure” This is the foundation of happiness, This is the superstructure of joy. This is the bedrock of blessedness, This is the core of communion with Him. Complete surrender – surrendered absolutely. Absolute yielding – yielded completely. Full submission – entirely devoted. Humble obedience – obedient humility. Only the one that lays down ALL ego, ALL self, ALL of the flesh Will receive the fullness of Who He really is But it requires:- – absolute surrender; – complete yielding; – full submission; – entirely devoted; – humble obedience. Post navigation Previous Post Previous Christ’s Comforting Words Proudly powered by WordPress. 2. Evening Prayer for today. i. Evening Prayer A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. ⏤ Psalm 127:1 As is the business of tailors to make clothes and of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray. ⏤ Martin Luther Our Father, before we lay down to sleep, we thank You for protecting and providing for us, and for all the blessings of this day. We committed ourselves to Your care this morning, and You haven’t forgotten us for even a moment. We thank You for the happiness we’ve shared at home today. Father, bless our family life and make it more tender and supportive. May our home become a holier place to live and grow. May all its influences be pure, uplifting, and enriching. Fill it with Your Holy Spirit, and then it will be like Heaven. O Son of God, who lived in an earthly home in Nazareth for many years and often visited the home in Bethany, come and dwell in our home, and bless it with Your tender grace. May we sit at Your feet like Mary did, listening to Your word and learning from You. Then, in times of sorrow, You will come to comfort us. We also want to pour out our love to You like the woman who anointed Your feet with perfume. Come, dear Master, and be our constant guest. Stay with us all the time. Help us to make our home a place where You’ll want to dwell—a home of truth, pure feelings, gentle words, and thoughtful affection. Now, as this day ends and we prepare for rest, we entrust our whole home to Your care. Forgive us all our sins. Accept the work we bring to You—only small pieces of what we intended to do, and stained by sin. Take it as it is and let Your blessing rest on it. Keep us through the night, and prepare us for tomorrow, whether we spend it on earth or in Heaven. We ask all this in Your name, O Lamb of God. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/11/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

🌿 Mystical Gardens Tale 🌿 The man did not enter the garden by accident. He'd heard whispers of it. He heard the tales of peace, of healing, of answers, but he didn't come for any of those things. He only came because he had run out of places to hide. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, something in the air shifted. The scent of life with sweet blossoms, fresh earth, and something almost like rain embraced him as if it meant to welcome him, but he recoiled. “No,” he muttered under his breath, already turning halfway as if to leave. “Not for me.” His boots sank into the soft soil slightly, but each step felt wrong. The ground did not crack beneath the weight of what he had done. The garden did not spit him out. Instead, it yielded, as if it knew him. That made it worse. “You don’t understand,” he said, though no one stood nearby. His voice was rough, like it hadn’t been used in a while. “I’m not like the others who come here.” The leaves rustled, not with wind, but with something quieter, almost as if something was listening. He clenched his fists. Faces flickered through his mind. Some angry, some broken, some that would never look at anything again. Words he couldn’t take back. Choices that had carved permanent scars into lives that were not his to destroy. “I knew better,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “That’s the worst part. I knew, and yet, I did it anyway.” The path curved gently ahead, lined with flowers that should have felt out of place beside a man like him. Their colors were too alive. Too innocent. He hated them for wanting, or daring to bloom around him. “I’ve heard the stories,” he went on, louder now, almost defensive. “Forgiveness. Mercy. Grace.” He let out a hollow laugh. “That’s for people who made mistakes.” His gaze dropped to his hands. “These…” he swallowed hard, “…these were choices that I made.” The garden did not argue. It did not correct him. It did not list reasons he might still be worthy. That silence pressed heavier than any judgment. Good, he thought bitterly. At least here, the truth isn’t dressed up. No empty promise of forgiveness if I would just do better. Instead of leaving the garden, he walked deeper into it, though every instinct told him to turn back. Not because he believed he would find peace, but because something in him needed to stand in a place that was good, pure, holy, and finally admit that he was not. “I didn’t come to be forgiven,” he said at last, his voice steadying with a strange resolve. “I came so there would be no mistake.” He lifted his head, eyes hard, despite the grief behind them. “I already know and accept that there is no redemption for me.” The garden stilled. Even the soft rustle of leaves seemed to pause, as if the very breath of the place held itself in quiet attention. And for the first time since he entered, the path did not lead him forward. It led him to a tree. The tree stood at the center of the garden, its branches stretching wide. One was heavy with a fruit that seemed to carry it's own quiet light. The man stopped several paces away. He would not come closer. Even here, or rather especially here, he knew where he stood. “I won’t touch it,” he said firmly, as if the tree itself might accuse him. “I’m not here for that.” The bark shifted, not in movement, but in presence. Like something ancient had turned its attention fully toward him. Still, it said nothing. That silence began to scrape against him. “Say it,” he snapped suddenly, anger breaking through the grief. “Say what everyone else would say if they knew!” His voice echoed farther than it should have. “Say I don’t belong here. Say this place isn’t for people like me.” The leaves stirred, soft as a breath. And then a voice. Not loud. Not harsh. But in his mind. It felt like it had always been there. “That is only what you believe, that doesn't make it the truth.” The man froze. His jaw tightened. “I believe it because it’s true.” A pause. Then, “Tell me what you’ve done.” The words hit him like a blow. “No.” He shook his head immediately, stepping back. “No, you don’t need to hear that.” “Tell Me.” There was no force in it. No demand. And somehow, that made it impossible to refuse. His chest tightened. His thoughts scattered. “It doesn’t matter,” he said quickly, trying to push past it. “You already know, right? Isn’t that how this works? You see everything?” The branches above him shifted slightly, filtering light down in fractured patterns across the ground. “I might not, but the Father does.” “Then why—” His voice broke, frustration rising again. “Why would you even allow me to come here?” The answer came without hesitation. “Because Jesus saw it, even before you did it.” That stopped him. Completely. “What?” he asked, quieter now. “Every choice you made. Every wound you caused. Every moment you knew better and did it anyway.” The man’s breathing grew shallow. The memories pressed closer now, sharper, harder to escape. “Then you understand,” he said, almost desperate for the conclusion he had already accepted. “You understand why there’s no place for me here.” A long silence followed. Not empty. Heavy. Full. And then the voice came again, softer. “Jesus understood exactly who you were and the choices you would make when He chose the cross. He chose to pay the price for you, for those choices you would make, so you would not have to.” The words began to fill him. They settled. Deep. The man’s knees weakened, but he didn’t fall. He couldn’t. Not yet. “No,” he said, shaking his head, but the certainty in his voice was cracking. “No, that was for… that was for sin, yes, but not—” He gestured helplessly at himself. “Not mine. Not for all of the things I've done.” The light through the branches shifted again, falling across his hands. Hands he had already condemned. “You think there is a part of your sin that He did not see?” The man said nothing. “A weight He did not feel?” His throat tightened. “A cost He did not count?” The man’s vision blurred. “I would have—” he started, then stopped, because the truth burned too much to say cleanly. “If I had known… if I had really believed…” “You did know.” The words were not cruel. But they hit with great impact. He flinched. There it was. The thing he could never outrun. “I chose it anyway,” he whispered. “Yes.” No softening. No excuse. Just truth. Tears finally broke free, hot and unrelenting. “Then why?” he demanded, his voice collapsing under the weight of it. “Why would He choose to do that for someone who would choose this?” For the first time, the branches above him lowered slightly. Not in judgment. But in nearness. And the answer came, steady and unshaken: “Because your sin is not greater than His love.” The man shook his head violently. “You don’t understand how far it goes—” “He does know.” That stopped him again. “There is nothing in you that was hidden from Him when He gave His life.” The words pressed in, leaving no space to hide. “Not the worst of it.” The man took a sharp, ragged breath. “Not even the part you refuse to name.” His legs gave out this time. He fell to his knees in the soil, hands trembling. “I can’t undo it,” he said, his voice breaking completely now. “I can’t fix any of it.” “He did not ask you to.” The simplicity of it cut deeper than anything else. He bowed forward, pressing his hands into the earth. “I don’t deserve this,” he said. And this time, the answer came gently. “No.” The man stilled. That was not the answer he had expected. Not the answer he wanted. But somehow, it was not the rejection he deserved either. The leaves whispered softly overhead as the voice continued: “That's why it is called grace.” #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianfantasy #MysticalGardens #stacyfrantz