Do you wait for public permission before you move? Approval-seeking often masks fear of rejection and low self-esteem. It keeps you stuck until others say, “Yes, this is your calling.”

True calling comes from God’s purpose, not from popular opinion. Seeking wise counsel is different. It shows wisdom, not weakness. You ask how to walk in your calling, not if you’re called.

Godly counsel can strengthen your confidence, provide strategy, and remind you that you’re not alone. But even with affirmation, you must choose courage over comfort. At some point, obedience requires a bold step forward.

Approval Seeking Vs Counsel Seeking

Approval-Seeking vs. Godly Counsel: Step Boldly into Your Calling

Elijah shut the heavens for three and a half years to prepare Israel for a mighty outpouring. On Mount Carmel he called fire from heaven. The people fell on their faces and declared, “The LORD, He is God!”

I believe that same power is available at the altar of prayer today. By faith we can confront idolatry and seize ungodliness in our cities. A single day of fervent intercession can birth a national revival.

As territorial revivalists, we are called to travail in prayer. Isaiah 66 asks, “Shall a nation be born at once?” Yes, when Zion travails. Let us pray and contend for our land.

Prayer: Lord, use me as a revivalist in my generation.
Further Reading: Psalm 2:8

Forcing Down A National Revival From The Altar Of Prayer

From Prayer Altar to National Revival: Elijah’s Blueprint

Hermann Detering (1953–2018) was a German Protestant pastor and theologian. He revived the radical-critical view of early Christianity and argued that the Apostle Paul was largely a literary creation shaped by second-century church politics.

Detering claimed that most Pauline letters were forged or heavily edited by church elders. He saw Paul as a theological construct used to unify competing factions and questioned the historical reliability of the Acts of the Apostles.

He traced the literary Paul to Marcion’s canon and highlighted anachronisms in the letters. He argued that early Christianity was a battleground of Gnostics, Marcionites, Jews, and proto-Catholics, and that Paul’s image shifted with each group’s needs.

Detering urged readers to separate inherited tradition from historical fact. He believed that honest, critical study can strengthen genuine faith and deepen theological understanding.

Hermann Detering On The Created Apostle Paul.

Hermann Detering and the ‘Fabricated’ Apostle Paul

Isaiah 1:17 challenges us to move beyond words and put God’s justice into practice.

Learn to do well — grow in humility and discipline.
Seek justice — stand for truth, even when it’s unpopular.
Relieve the oppressed — use your strength to lift the broken.
Defend the fatherless — speak up for orphans.
Plead for the widow — stand with those who are forgotten.

In a world driven by self-interest, God calls us to compassion and mercy. Let us not only preach love; let us live it.

Today's Scripture For Friday

Friday’s Call to Action: Live Out Isaiah 1:17

James 4:2 shows that lack often remains because we fail to ask. But when we pray according to God’s will, He answers generously. In John 6:5-13, Jesus fed thousands with just five loaves and two fish—and there were twelve baskets of leftovers.

Years ago, I traveled to London for an assignment and found myself short of funds three days before my return. I prayed, “Daddy, please send me £50.” Soon after, a surprise phone call led to a gift of £50. Before I could even ask again, an envelope slipped under my door with another £50. That night, a final £50 arrived—and I realized how small my request had been.

Beloved, stop complaining about what you lack. Seek God’s will for your needs and ask in faith. He delights in giving more than enough when we dare to ask boldly.

Because You Ask Not

Ask Boldly: Unlocking God’s Abundant Provision

Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” As head of the home, a father must lead with love, wisdom and care rather than harshness that breeds resentment.

Many parents today hand over spiritual training to schools, churches or government. Yet Scripture makes each father responsible for raising godly children. Children are God’s heritage, and we will one day give account for their upbringing.

From birth, little ones learn by loving example. They naturally trust and imitate their parents. In His wisdom, God designed the family to use this bond for lasting discipleship.

The Bible balances duty and respect. Children must honour and obey their parents for Christ’s sake. Fathers must guide without force so their children obey willingly. When commands conflict, children obey God rather than man.

Father, make me a successful parent; don’t let me fail You over my children.

Fulfilling God's Purpose Iv

Fulfilling God’s Purpose IV: The Crucial Role of Fathers in Parenting

This commentary examines Daniel 10:15’s vivid account of Daniel’s neck paralysis and muteness. It argues that the “stroke” described is a deliberate disfiguration by a heavenly Principality.

The author contrasts this final disfiguration with Daniel’s earlier distress in verse 8. He highlights how the angel’s words froze Daniel’s neck downward and silenced his speech, much like a physical choking.

Parallel passages from Mark 9:25-29, 1 Samuel 4:15-22, and 1 Samuel 25:37-38 are cited. They show how hearing dire news or a spiritual confrontation can cause severe bodily reactions.

Finally, the analysis compares Daniel’s conscious reception of prophecy with Abraham’s sleep-vision in Genesis 15:12-16. It concludes with Daniel 12:13’s promise that Daniel will “stand in his inheritance” at the end of days.

↝ Stroke That Bent And Choked Daniel By Neck ↜

Daniel’s Paralysis: Unpacking the Final ‘Stroke’ in Daniel 10:15

Change always costs something. It may cost you money, time, creativity, or energy.

American dramatist Sidney Howard said, “One-half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.” If change costs you nothing, it is probably not real change.

Paul declared in Philippians 3:8-12 that he counted all things as loss compared to knowing Christ. He considered everything rubbish to gain Christ and press toward His resurrection.

How badly do you want to change? Are you willing to pay the price of transformation?

Become Willing To Change

Counting the Cost of True Change

I meditate on Jeremiah 31:3 and marvel at the depth of God’s imputed righteousness. His infinite love is a mystery—like the sun’s heat and light, we cannot fully explain it, yet we cannot live without it.

As Paul wrote, “Eye hath not seen...the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). What God has begun in us is wonderful. Though I cannot grasp all that lies ahead, I rejoice in the thrilling future His everlasting love has prepared.

The Mystery Of HIS Love

Unveiling the Mystery of God's Everlasting Love

Adaeze, a third-year psychology student at the University of Benin, is caught between her Christian upbringing and her lecturer’s call to embrace modern views on sex.

After a heartfelt visit to her mentor, Sister Grace, she rediscovers the value of biblical truth. Together with fellow student Funmi, she forms the "Truth Seekers" to study Scripture.

Despite peer pressure and romantic advances from Emeka, Adaeze stands firm in her convictions. Her commitment sparks respect, even leading her professor to question his own teachings.

The Lecturer Encouraged Us To Explore Sex

Choosing Purity: A UNIBEN Student’s Journey Through Modern Sexuality

In Daniel 10:14, the angel explains that his visit is meant to give insight into what will happen to Israel in the last days. He did not come simply to deliver a message but to help Daniel understand the future.

Despite his vast learning and titles like “Belteshazzar,” Daniel humbled himself before God to seek deeper meaning. This teaches us that true knowledge comes with humility and dependence on divine guidance.

Prophecy without interpretation can mislead. We must pair every vision with understanding. Interpretation brings clarity and power to every message we receive.

↝ Get Understanding  Before And After  Getting Vision ↜

Understanding Daniel’s Vision: Before and After Revelation

A Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor is accused of taking $8,000 meant for church land and disappearing. He reportedly left his wife behind in South Africa and resurfaced in the United States with a new partner.

The allegation was brought to light by Pastor Folu Adeboye during a men’s program. She revealed the pastor served in Cape Town and diverted funds instead of securing a permanent church site.

Pastor Folu appealed to men in the church to uphold integrity. The scandal has sparked calls for an investigation and stricter accountability within RCCG.

RCCG Pastor Allegedly Vanishes With $8,000 Church Fund, Relocates To U.S. And Ma

RCCG Pastor Accused of Fleeing with $8,000 Church Fund to the US, Abandoning Wife

In Matthew 22:1–14, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a wedding feast for his son. He first invites guests, but they refuse, mistreat the messengers, and even kill some of them.

Angered, the king destroys the rebels and then tells his servants to invite anyone they find, both good and bad. The banquet hall fills with guests from every corner.

When the king notices a man without proper wedding clothes, he has him cast out into darkness. Jesus concludes: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Today

Understanding the Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Theme: Don’t Think for God

Memory Verse: “Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14)

Many believers ask God for things and then try to figure out how He will bring them about. Our minds cannot grasp His methods. Paul reminds us in Romans 11:33–36 that God’s wisdom and ways are beyond our understanding.

I learned this lesson firsthand when I became General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1981. Some thought I had manipulated my way in. God confirmed His choice through a series of miraculous births at our maternity center. I never imagined He would use that sign.

Key Point: When you ask God for something, don’t worry about how He will do it. Simply ask, obey His instructions, and trust Him completely.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 12–14
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 18/07/2025

Don’t Think for God – July 18, 2025 | Open Heavens Devotional

In Matthew 15:21–28, a Canaanite woman boldly seeks Jesus’ mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite His initial silence, she worships Him and makes a clear, heartfelt request.

When Jesus speaks of the children’s bread and the dogs, she humbly persists. Her reply—"even the little dogs eat the crumbs"—demonstrates unshakable faith.

Jesus commends her trust and immediately heals her child. This story shows how worship, specific prayer, and persistence unlock God’s power.

Apply this truth today. When you see loved ones or even unbelievers struggling, engage your priesthood in prayer. Stand firm in faith and expect God’s perfect will to prevail. Further reading: Luke 18:8.

The Prayers Of The Gentile Woman

Great Faith, Greater Grace: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman’s Prayer

An Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family compound, Gaza’s only Catholic church, early this morning. Two people died and several others, including the parish priest, were injured.

The Latin patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that 60-year-old janitor Saad Salameh and 84-year-old Fumayya Ayyad lost their lives. Ayyad had been receiving psychological support in a Caritas tent when the blast occurred.

Both victims were rushed to al-Mamadi Hospital. They succumbed to their injuries amid severe shortages of medical supplies and blood units in Gaza. Their deaths underscore the dire conditions faced by civilians and health workers under siege.

Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Church, Kills Two & Wounding The Priest

Israeli Strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church Kills Two, Injures Priest

Today we focus on I Chronicles 4:9-10 and the powerful prayer of Jabez. He cried out from deep need and God granted his request.

Breakthroughs start when we admit our struggles and call on God with urgency. Do you try to solve challenges alone or bring them before Him?

Beloved, God can do more than we ask or imagine. Lift your voice in sincere, persistent prayer today.

Prayer for Today:
Father, have mercy on me as I call upon You. Hear my cry and turn every difficult situation around in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Focus For Today 17/07/2025

Desperate Prayer for Breakthrough – July 17, 2025

Often, we ask God to do something and then worry about how He will make it happen. Our minds cannot grasp His methods.

Consider a PhD in Mathematics. It may sound impressive, but it covers only a tiny part of the field. Even specialists focus on narrow topics. Yet God knows every branch of every subject, seen and unseen.

When I became General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1981, some claimed I had manipulated my way in. God responded with a clear sign. For months, at each seminar’s opening day, a woman gave birth to a baby boy. Those with spiritual insight recognized this as God’s confirmation of His choice.

Beloved, when you ask God for something, don’t worry about how He will do it. Trust His wisdom, obey His guidance, and leave the rest in His hands.

Don't Think For God

Trusting God’s Infinite Wisdom

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV) reminds us that marriage is honorable and the marital bed pure. God judges fornicators and adulterers.

Our sexuality is natural, like hunger or thirst. But just as we avoid poison or dirty water, we must avoid unsafe or ungodly sexual practices. True sexual fulfillment is meant for the covenant of marriage. In marriage, couples can explore intimacy in love, purity, and with God’s blessing.

Ignore voices that promote casual sex. Real satisfaction comes from obeying God and honouring His design for sex. Embrace the sacred gift of intimacy within the safe confines of marriage.

Confession:
I acknowledge that sex is a sacred act designed by God for divine purposes. By His grace, I will honour and uphold its sanctity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sexual Pleasures Should Be Discovered And Explored In Marriage

Discovering Healthy Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

An Israeli strike hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City on Thursday morning. Doctors at Al-Ahli Hospital confirmed two women were killed and several others wounded.

Father Gabriel Romanelli and other churchgoers suffered injuries when the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip was damaged. Reports from Italy’s ANSA news agency say six people were seriously hurt, though the priest’s injuries were described as minor.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as "unacceptable," calling it part of a months-long campaign against civilians. Gaza remains under heavy siege, with severe restrictions on food, water, fuel and humanitarian aid.

Palestinian Christians of many denominations worship across Gaza and the West Bank. Al-Quds (Jerusalem) holds holy sites for Islam, Christianity and Judaism, including Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, Armenian and Protestant churches.

Israel Strikes Only Catholic Church In Gaza; Two Women Killed, Several Wounded

Israel Strikes Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Two Women Killed, Several Injured

Please read carefully. I’m talking about godly life, not just religious rituals. Living by moral integrity, humility, discipline, and faith shapes every area of life.

A godly life builds trust, sharpens focus, and guides decisions with wisdom. It promotes inner peace, mental stability, and healthy relationships by encouraging love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Such a life also reveals purpose, invites divine favor, and leaves a lasting legacy. These qualities lead to genuine, sustainable success beyond mere material gains.

Benefits Of Godly Life

8 Ways a Godly Life Paves the Way to Lasting Success

Theme: Be Kind Always

Memory Verse: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Bible Reading: Joshua 2:1–24 recalls how Rahab risked her life to shelter Israel’s spies. Her kindness not only spared her family but also secured her place in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Modern Application: We often rush calls from unknown numbers and answer harshly. Yet God can send a helper through a ‘wrong number.’ I once needed £50 in the UK. Moments after praying, a stranger called by mistake—and became my blessing.

Key Point: Show kindness in word and deed. You never know how God will work through your gentle spirit. Be courteous, be generous, and you will reap a harvest of grace.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 15–19
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Hymn 24: "I Want to Be Like Jesus"

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 19/07/2025

Be Kind Always: Open Heavens Devotional – July 19, 2025

An Israeli strike on Gaza’s sole Catholic church killed two people at the Holy Family Compound, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said. The Patriarchate called the attack unjustified and mourned the loss of life.

The strike occurred as Gaza’s civil defence reported at least 20 deaths in Israeli attacks across the territory on Thursday. Pope Leo XIV said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

The Holy Family Compound was sheltering about 600 displaced people, including many children and 54 individuals with special needs. The Patriarchate condemned the strike as a blatant violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious sites.

Israel expressed “deep sorrow” over the civilian casualties and damage. The foreign ministry said it never targets churches and that its military would investigate the incident.

Israeli Strike On Gaza’s Only Catholic Church Kills Two

Israeli Strike Hits Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Killing Two

At a recent gospel music concert, I responded to Pastor Joel Ogebe’s dramatic refusal of a financial gift. I believe faith and finances can go hand in hand. Rejecting money in public only makes poverty look like a badge of holiness.

Your holy antics may seem righteous, but they push you away from God’s abundance. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that our best deeds are like filthy rags. If it were me, I’d gladly accept the offering and keep it. Being born again is not a guarantee of lifelong poverty. Choose to be rich.

Note: I’m not asking you to make money your god. Keep your priorities straight and remain blessed!

Apostle Constance C. Friday Reacts To Pastor Joel Ogebe's Money Rejection Antics

Apostle Constance Friday Takes on Pastor Joel Ogebe’s Money Rejection Stunt

Every human soul carries a deep void that only Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, can truly fill.

The enemy exploits this longing by labeling it depression or loneliness. He then tries to treat a spiritual need with medications and therapy alone.

Only a genuine relationship with Christ and the filling of His Holy Spirit can satisfy the soul’s cravings. Through prayer, worship, and spiritual discernment, we can see past the enemy’s lies and embrace true peace in Jesus.

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