THE FIRST 15.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20 reveals amazing insight into the relationship God desires with us, his crown of creation. In it Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Do you know that God wants to be friends with you? Just as a friend would ask you out to a meal, God longs to spend time with you. Every day God is knocking on the door of your heart. If you are willing to open your heart to him and listen, you can spend time with God in ways more boundless and satisfying than you could with any other friend.

Where in your life do you need God’s friendship today? John 15:15 says, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” The story of the gospel is God losing relationship with the crown of his creation, you and me, and through the death of Jesus gaining restored relationship with us. He has been working tirelessly from the very first sin just to be able to call you and me friends again. What you desire from friends around you is completely available to you in God and to even greater depths!

If you need a friend to talk to, God is standing at the door of your heart asking to come in and listen—“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” If you need advice, the Holy Spirit who authored Scripture is waiting to reveal to you the wisdom of God—“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). If you need to laugh, God longs to bring you unfathomable joy—“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Psalm 126:1-3).

You have a best friend in God. He is not distant. What was true for the psalmist in Psalm 73:23-26 is true for us, “I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Spend time in God’s presence today. Listen to him knocking on the door of your heart and invite him to come in and meet with you. Let his friendship heal the broken places of your heart that need his love. He offers himself freely to you today. He’s gone to unimaginable lengths to be able to simply spend time with you. Lay the table of your heart bare before him, and let his smile restore to you the joy of your salvation.

1. Spend some time meditating on God’s desire for friendship with you.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

2. Open your heart to God and receive his presence. Receive the peace and joy that comes from being in the presence of your heavenly Father.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

3. Spend time simply enjoying your friendship with God. Talk to him about anything you desire. Receive his joy over you.

“…I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26

Friendships aren’t built in a day, but over lifetimes. You have all of eternity to spend getting to know God. After spending consistent time with him, he truly will become your best friend. He will be the person you run to when you have a problem. He will be the source of your joy, peace, and life. Every day, you have the choice to do life with God or on your own. And you have an enemy working to lead you to choose the latter. The more consistently you spend time with God, the easier that decision will become. Once you know the goodness and reality of God there is no going back. Enjoy God today. Walk in the abundant life of restored relationship with him. Answer his call whenever he knocks on the door of your heart. There is no better way you could choose to spend your days and no better friend than God.

Extended Reading: John 15

GOD'S CREATION = 100 / evolution = 0
Evolutionists claim that a single asteroid wiped out every dinosaur—large and small, on land and in the sea—yet somehow left sharks, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, birds, bees, and countless other creatures alive. That claim doesn’t hold up. A global catastrophe of that magnitude wouldn’t selectively target one group while leaving so many others largely unaffected. The idea that dinosaurs alone were wiped out, while a wide range of equally vulnerable species survived, defies common sense.

This kind of selective survival exposes a serious weakness in the narrative. If an asteroid truly caused a mass extinction, its effects should have been broad and consistent across many forms of life. Instead, we’re asked to accept a highly unlikely scenario that appears shaped more by the story being told than by solid, consistent evidence.

A NUGGET OF TRUTH.
IS SATAN IN CHARGE OF HELL?

“2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Have you heard people say there’s a keeper that torment those who are dead and put them in the hell fire? This agenda is pushed by Hollywood. Their movies depict these scenes, a underworld where people are burning and being tortured. It is also portrayed that when a person dies and was a sinner, the devil and his angels throw him into the burning flames. These are even a few description of the distorted view and misconceptions propagated by the Jesuits and Hollywood. Are these true? Is hell controlled by Satan? Is Satan subjected to hell or in charge?

The Bible Is the only armor against all the devil’s falsehoods and all the Hollywood movies portraying burning hell and the devil being its keeper are all lies. It is doctrine of devils. These are all from the father of lies. He(Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

The truth: Satan is a creature and he’s under the power of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, God Almighty. No one is in charge of hell as portrayed by Hollywood and popular belief. The devil himself is subjected to the lake of fire and he’s not the keeper. The lake of fire is purposely meant for the devil and his angels and not for humans but because of disobedience many shall go down with him(Matthew 25:41). And it’s his earnest effort to send many humans into the lake of fire together with him so he has perverted God’s word and all who are not firmly anchored in God’s truth will be blown away by the devil’s deceptions.

The Bible clearly shows that God will destroy Sin(Nahum 1:9). Satan is the root of sin and sinners are the branches(Malachi 4:1). There’s no burning hell now. It is when Satan and sinners surround the Holy City, New Jerusalem to invade it, That God will rain fire and brimstone to destroy them all(all will burn and turn into ashes). Satan and sinners will be destroyed and sin will never rise up again(Nahum 1:9). Don’t be deceived that Satan is the keeper of hell. He’s rather a subject of the lake of fire that’ll come. Revelation 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth’s surface seems one molten mass—a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men—“the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.” Isaiah 34:8. DD 59.3

The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They “shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1.Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished “according to their deeds.” The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan the root, his followers the branches.The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah. DD 59.4

Creation Delivered from Sin

Satan’s work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God’s creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. “The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing.” Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. “The voice of a great multitude,” “as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,” is heard, saying: “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6. DD 60.1

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. DD 60.2

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. DD 60.3 (DD: Dark Before Dawn)

STORACALS OF PROPHECY.
Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

A Tale of Two Women.

A hush fell over the royal judgment hall, and all eyes were fixed on King Solomon. His servants wondered how the young monarch would resolve this perplexing case. Two single mothers were sharing a room, and each gave birth to a baby boy at about the same time. During the night, one of the mothers had accidentally turned over and smothered her son. When she awoke early and saw her child was cold and still, the distraught woman took her roommate's sleeping baby to herself and laid her dead baby in its place. Later the other mother awoke, saw the dead baby, and began to wail with grief. But after examining the infant, she quickly realized that it was not her child. Across the room, she could see her roommate tightly clutching her baby. Now both women stood before the king, tugging for possession of the living infant. "This child is mine!" one shouted. "No, the dead baby was yours!" the other countered. How would the king determine which was the true mother? Solomon interrupted their debate and told a guard to take a sword and divide the living infant in two. At first the soldier thought the king was jesting, but Solomon began to glare at the guard's hesitation. Slowly he drew his sharp, gleaming sword and made his way toward the woman holding the baby. Suddenly the true mother threw herself at the king's feet and pleaded,?"Let her have the child, but please do not slay it!" But the other woman said, "Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it." Now Solomon knew without a doubt who was the true mother. In prophecy, a woman is a symbol of a church (Jeremiah 6:2). With so many churches in the last days, how can we distinguish the true, last-day church that has the living Son from the counterfeits? Like Solomon, we must use the sword of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12)!

1. How does Revelation picture God's true church?

Revelation 12:1, 2, 5. A _______ clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. ... And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: In Bible prophecy, God's church is symbolized by a pure woman (Jeremiah 6:2). In Revelation 12, this woman is clothed with the sun, moon, and stars--the natural light of God's creation. Jesus told the church, "Ye are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14. The sun represents the light of Jesus (Psalms 84:11; Malachi 4:2). The moon under her feet represents the types and shadows of the Old Testament sacrificial system. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, so the sacrificial system was helpful because it reflected the light of the Messiah to come (Colossians 2:16, 17; Hebrews 10:1). The 12 stars above her head symbolize the leadership of the

church--12 tribes in the Old Testament and 12 apostles in the New Testament. The one who is to rule all nations with a rod of iron is Jesus (Psalms 2:7-9; Revelation 19:13-16).

2. Who is the "great red dragon," and what does he try to do?

Revelation 12:9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and _______.

Revelation 12:4 The dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The dragon is Satan, who at the time of Jesus' birth was working through the pagan Roman Empire. Satan influenced Herod, a ruler under Rome, to try to murder baby Jesus by killing all the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

3. What happens after Satan fails to destroy Jesus?

Revelation 12:5. And her child was caught __ unto God, and to his throne.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended up to heaven and to God's throne (Acts 1:9-11), where He was beyond the reach of Satan.

4. After Jesus was caught up to heaven, what did Satan do to the church?

Revelation 12:13. When the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he ________ the woman which brought forth the man child.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: When Satan could no longer vent his hatred on Jesus, he decided to hurt Jesus by turning his fury against the church.

5. Where did the woman go during this terrifying period of persecution? How long did it last?

Revelation 12:6. And the woman fled into the _________, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: The woman (God's church) fled into the wilderness (the remote places of earth) to hide from her enemies. It is a well-known historical fact that during the Dark Ages, God's people fled to the caves and solitary places of earth, including the shores of America, to seek religious freedom and protection from papal persecution. The 1,260 days (also described in the Bible as 42 months or as three and a half years) refers to the terrible 1,260-year period of persecution during which millions died for their faith. During this time period, God's church was alive but was not identifiable as an official, visible organization. (See the supplement entitled "Years of Persecution.")

6. What are two other identifying marks of God's true church?

Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the ____________ of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: God's remnant church, into which He is calling all His people, will keep God's Ten Commandments (including the Sabbath). It will also have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit, or gift, of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). God calls His end-time church "the remnant," because it is identical in doctrine and characteristics to the apostolic church. A "remnant" is the last remaining portion of a bolt of cloth. It is exactly like the first piece from the same bolt.

7. How did Jesus say that we demonstrate our love for Him?

John 14:15. If ye love me, _____ my commandments.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we __________ his commandments.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: In our opening story, Solomon was able to identify the true mother by her genuine display of love. In the same way, God's true church will be recognized by its sacrificial love and its willingness to obey His commandments.

8. What three angelic messages will God's end-time church be preaching?

Revelation 14:7. Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his ___________ is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Revelation 14:9, 10 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: These three angelic statements represent the three urgent messages that God's church will preach before Jesus returns.

9. To whom will God's church preach these messages?

Revelation 14:6. Having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to _____ nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: God's end-time church will preach this great three-point message to every nation on earth.

10. What specifications has God given in His Word to help us positively identify His end-time church?

Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the ______ of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1. It will appear and do its visible work after it emerges from the wilderness in 1798 (Revelation 12:6, 13-17).

2. It will teach the same truths the apostles taught, and all of its teachings will agree with the Bible (Revelation 12:17).

3. It will keep the Ten Commandments, including the Bible Sabbath (Revelation 12:17).

4. It will have the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 12:17; 19:10).

5. It will proclaim God's three end-time messages with a loud voice (Revelation 14:6-14).

6. It will be a worldwide movement (Revelation 14:6).

7. It will teach the everlasting gospel, which is salvation through Jesus Christ alone (Revelation 14:6).

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Many lovely Christians are members of churches that do not meet the above seven specifications. However, no such church can be God's remnant into which He is calling all His sincere children, because His end-time church must meet all seven specifications.

11. Jesus gives you these seven prophetic identification points and then says, "Go and find My church." What does He promise regarding your search?

Luke 11:9. Seek, and ye shall ______.

Answer : ____________________

12. How many church organizations in the world will fit these seven points?

Ephesians 4:5. One Lord, one _____, one baptism.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Only one church in the entire world fits all of these specifications--the Seventh-day Adventist church, which is bringing you these seminar messages. It is right now preaching the great three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12 all over the world. Millions are responding.

13. Many denominations call themselves Christian. Does that make them God's true church?

Isaiah 4:1. And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own _______ and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Bread is a symbol of the Word of God (John 6:35, 51, 52, 63), and apparel is a symbol of righteousness (Revelation 19:8). The seven women in this prophecy have their own bread (concept of truth) and want to keep their own clothing (righteousness). They do not want the spotless robes of Christ's righteousness. All they want is to take the name of Jesus, probably because the Bible says, "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

14. Once a person discovers God's true end-time church, is it necessary to become a member?

Acts 2:47. And the Lord _____ to the church daily such as should be saved.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Yes, membership in God's end-time church is imperative. Notice how clearly God answers this question about membership:

--We are all called into one body (Colossians 3:15).

--That body is the church (Colossians 1:18).

--We enter that body by baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13).

It is just as imperative to enter God's church today as it was to enter the ark in Noah's day. The Lord says, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Genesis 7:1.

15. How many ways of escape were there in Noah's day?

Hebrews 11:7. By faith Noah ... prepared an ___ to the saving of his house.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Jesus says that the time just before His second coming will be like Noah's day (Luke 17:26). There will be only one way of escape, just as there was only one ark in Noah's day.

16. Since there are many faithful Christians in other churches and since God has only one true remnant, what will happen to these sincere Christians?

John 10:16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall _____ my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Revelation 18:2, 4 Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. ... come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Answer : ____________________

NOTE: Jesus will call all of His faithful, honest followers to come out of Babylon. They will hear His voice, respond, and enter His one true, end-time church.

17. Jesus is calling you today to enter the safety of His great end-time church. You are very precious to Him. Will you respond now to His call?

Answer : ____________________

Supplemental Study

Years of Persecution
The 1,260 years of tribulation is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, because historically it was the worst ever to face God's people (Matthew 24:21). It is referred to as 1,260 days, 42 months, and three and one-half times, or years (Revelation 12:6, 14 13:5 Daniel 7:25). Using the Jewish calendar, which had 360 days in a year, all three add up to the same amount of time - 1,260 years. One prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6 Numbers 14:34).

History clearly shows that the papacy was the power which persecuted for 1,260 years. The period began in A.D. 538, when papal power became supreme in Christendom according to the decree of Roman Emperor Justinian. In it, he acknowledged the bishop of Rome as the head of all churches. This letter became a part of Justinian's Code, the fundamental law of the empire. The period ended in 1798 when Napoleon's general, Alexander Berthier, took the pope captive. At least 50 million Christians died for their faith during this period of persecution.

Three Crucial Points
Three facts of utmost importance to God's people are established in Revelation 12:10-12. These facts are:

1. Jesus defeated Satan, the accuser of the brethren, at the cross.

2. All of us can overcome him through the blood of Jesus and by sharing our testimonies.

3. The devil is infuriated because he knows that his time is short. We cannot expect him to behave like a gentleman. He is our bitterest enemy.

The message is that Jesus, who has defeated Satan, offers His matchless power to us as a free gift. With Jesus' power in our lives, we cannot fail. Satan's fury need not affect us. He is a defeated foe. He was defeated in the war in heaven and cast out. He was defeated by Jesus at the cross and lost his dominion. He will be defeated legally in his case in the judgment, and he will again be defeated when he attacks God's holy city. Finally, he will suffer the defeat of being blotted from the face of the earth in the lake of fire. And, most wonderful of all, Jesus promises that he will be defeated in his bitter fight to destroy you and me. What a tremendous message of hope from Jesus!

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

DAILY BIBLE LESSON.
PREREQUISITES TO THE END, Everything happens in God's time.

Please, share this study with your family, friends co-workers, and all who you can, for the expansion of the Kingdom of GOD.

JOHN 14: 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

Jesus explained a number of trends and conditions that would come first.Some of these began at that time and will intensify through the end times. These include RELIGIOUS DECEPTION, WARS, FAMINES and DISEASE EPIDEMICS (Matthew 24:4-7).

Jesus stressed the importance of watching and always being ready, because some end-time events can happen suddenly.But, Jesus said, “All these are the beginning of sorrows [literally, birth pangs]”.

Persecution and lawlessness will also crescendo in the end times, culminating in an unprecedented time of “great tribulation”.This time will threaten human extinction (verse 22). That’s something that was not possible before the creation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Jesus also warned of the “abomination of desolation” that Daniel explained would cause the ending of daily sacrifices (Daniel 12:11).New Call-to-action
In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus addressed much more about what we should be doing to prepare for His return than about when He will return.
Study about the faithful servant (Matthew 24:45-51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the good and profitable servants and the generous and serving “sheep” (verses 31-46). Strive to be like them and not like their evil, foolish, unprofitable and uncompassionate counterparts.

To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

AMAZING FACTS
Daily Devotionals

A Touch of Eden

April 17th, 2026

It’s been called the world’s largest natural flower garden. The Dubai Miracle Garden not only provides a stunning display of over 60 million flowers, it’s a miracle in itself because it sits in the hot, arid desert. The garden opened in 2013 and attracts up to 1.5 million visitors each year.

Over 86,000 square yards of displays greet visitors who are tired of malls, concrete, and steel. Floral structures—including a life-size replica of the Emirates Airbus A380—are covered in beautiful flowers seven months of the year. The 104-degree temperatures make it too challenging to grow flowers in the summer.

When the Lord presented the Garden of Eden to our first parents within the perfect environment of our world, untarnished by sin, it must have been a jaw-dropping sight. God created our planet to communicate His love for humanity. “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed” (Genesis 2:8).

The Lord’s creatorship shows that He is Father of all people. “Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10). It makes all humans brothers and sisters and eliminates any room for racism, bigotry, and other forms of discrimination.

Creation also establishes our responsibility to care for the earth. “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’ ” (Genesis 1:28). Even the dignity of manual labor is seen from the beginning, for the Lord asked Adam to “tend and keep” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).

Though our world is filled with evil and sin has marred the creation, it was not that way in the beginning. The Bible says, “His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Everything God made was pronounced “good” (Genesis 1:10, 12, 17, 21, 25). When you visit a flower garden, look closely and you will see glimpses of our first home.

Apply It:

Visit a flower garden or purchase a bouquet of flowers for someone you love. As you enjoy them, think of the very first garden-home given to us by God.

Dig Deeper:

Job 12:7–10; Psalm 24:1; Colossians 1:16, 17

Key Bible Texts
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31 KJV)

Amplified Bible 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any person is ingrafted in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

You Were Created to Move Forward
The Australian coat of arms depicts a very insightful image, one that I hold dear since I was born and raised in Australia and because it speaks volumes to me personally. There are two animals portrayed holding up a shield—the red kangaroo and the emu. They were chosen not only because they are indigenous to Australia but also because they were created to move forward.

The emu, a large, nonflying bird slightly smaller than its cousin the ostrich, is known for its speed, covering as much as nine feet in a single step when running full throttle. It is the only bird with calf muscles—much like a human. Nonetheless, it can’t walk backward. It can only move forward.

The red kangaroo—like all kangaroos—moves by a hopping motion called saltation, which literally means “to leap.” They push off with both of their large feet simultaneously and use their tails for balance. The combination of their muscular legs, big feet, and tails helps the kangaroos move forward effectively. But again, they can only move forward—not backward.

When I think of them, and the fact they are creatures God made that cannot walk backward, I can’t help but think of us—people made in the image of God, another marvel of creation designed to move the same way.

I understand that we need to step back from time to time and remember the past so we can move forward, and life sometimes hits us and we feel like we have gone backward, but God is faithful to pick us up and keep us moving forward. We are all on journeys no matter where we are. In some seasons we move forward quickly, and in others we move more slowly, but overall, we keep pressing on. Though we might pause and look to the past, we don’t want to get stuck in the past, right? How often have we allowed a season of disappointment, hurt, rejection, offense, or fear to stop us from moving forward? Today is a good day to take the hand of Jesus and, like the emu and the red kangaroo, take the next step forward.

Let’s take Paul’s advice to the Philippians, forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. We can’t change the past. Not one bit. But we can affect our future. We can keep enduring in faith, reaching for all that God has planned for us. We can keep moving in the only direction we were created to move.

The emu. The red kangaroo. And you. All created to move forward. Never backward. Let’s be who God created us to be so we can do all that He’s called us to do!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that even in nature You give us examples. You give us insight. Help us move the way You created us to move—forward, and never backward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY APRIL 17TH 2026

TOPIC: REVERSING BARRENNESS

MEMORISE:
"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD". Psalm 113:9

BIBLE READING: 2 KINGS 4:8-17

8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

MESSAGE:
Years ago, a woman, who was waiting on God for children, kept going to her pastor for prayers. After a while, the pastor said, "I’ve prayed for many people who were looking for children, and now, they have their children. Why is your case different?" The woman then revealed that she had once tried to terminate a pregnancy, but the procedure went wrong, and in order to save her life, the doctors removed her womb. On hearing this, the pastor asked in shock, "You've had no womb all these while, yet you kept asking me to pray for you to have a child?" From that day on, the pastor started avoiding her.

When she noticed this, she turned to God and said, "I won't go to my pastor anymore. I will come to You, my Maker." Shortly after that, she had a dream one night. In the dream, she was naked, and as she stood in a spot, a huge man approached her with an animal's skin in his hands. On getting to where she was standing, he wrapped the animal's skin around her belly and disappeared. That experience signaled the end of her barrenness. The last time I heard about her, she had given birth to five children!

God can reverse the irreversible. In Genesis 21:1-2, He reversed the deadness of Abraham and Sarah's bodies and gave them a child after many years of barrenness.
Likewise, in 1 Samuel 1:4-20, He remembered Hannah and opened her womb. In today's Bible reading, the Shunammite woman saw Elisha passing by and compelled him to come to her house to eat. She fed him on many other occasions and built him a small chamber in her house to host him whenever he passed by. When God decided to visit her, Elisha told her that she would have a son, and she told him not to deceive her. That was a clear sign of unbelief, but the Almighty God bypassed her doubts and gave her a son because of her heart of service.

Beloved, are you expecting the miracle of a child or fruitfulness in any area of your life? Keep serving the Lord and honoring Him. Hold on to His word, and you will never be disappointed. I pray that He will reverse any form of barrenness in your life and cause you to be fruitful in all areas of your life, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please make me fruitful in every area of my life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 21-22

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 16: TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord"

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

3 Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease,
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4 I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.



PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
FRIDAY, 17TH APRIL, 2026
*REVERSING BARRENNESS*

‎✓Father, thank You for the promise for multiplication and fruitfulness from creation. Thank You because Deut.7.14 says You shall bless me above all people: and there shall not be male or female barren among us.
‎
‎✓Father, Your power remains the same yesterday, today and forever; whatever You have done before, You can do it again. Thank You because You shall reverse barrenness to fruitfulness.
‎
‎✓Father, for as many of Your children trusting You for children of their own; because You have them in abundance, please give to everyone of them according to the numbers they desire, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please terminate every form of barrenness in our homes, and reverse every waiting into great manifestation of testimonies, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please this very night, visit each of Your daughters and reverse everything and anything that is responsible for their delay in child bearing, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please overrule every mockery in the lives of all Your sons, and make them fathers' of many children, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please in Your sovereignty, overrule every doubt in the hearts of all Your children and cause them to be fruitful in all areas, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please reverse the irreversible. Reverse every deadness in every marriage and give them godly children to rejoice with, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please in any kind of barrenness that we are in, help us to be committed to serving and honoring You. Reverse any form of barrenness in any area of our lives, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please make me fruitful in every area of my life, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
‎Please, make him more fruitful in life and ministry, and let every form of barrenness bow to him, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points beyond measure, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Your Personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎✓..In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

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

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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.

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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

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