LIVING FOR JESUS, A LIFE THAT IS TRUE.

KIDS STORY: The Good Samaritan

The title of todays story is:"The Good Samaritan":
A long time ago, Jesus told a story to help people understand how to love and care for others. This story is called the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Once, there was a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. As he walked along the road, some robbers attacked him. They took his clothes, beat him up, and left him lying on the side of the road, hurt and helpless.
After a while, a priest came walking down the same road. Priests were people who worked in the temple and helped others worship God. But when the priest saw the injured man, he crossed to the other side of the road and walked away, pretending not to see him.
Later, a Levite came by. Levites also worked in the temple and helped with worship. But just like the priest, the Levite saw the hurt man and walked by on the other side of the road, ignoring him.
Then, a Samaritan came along. Samaritans were people from a different area and were often not liked by the Jews. But when the Samaritan saw the injured man, he felt compassion. He went to him, cleaned and bandaged his wounds, and put the man on his own donkey. The Samaritan took the man to an inn, took care of him, and even paid the innkeeper to look after him until he got better.
"So what does The Lesson show us?"
After telling this story, Jesus asked, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"
The people answered, "The one who showed him mercy."
Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."
"What's the meaning of today's story?":
This story teaches us the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others in need, no matter who they are.
Jesus wanted everyone to understand that being a good neighbor means helping others, no matter who they are or where they come from. It means showing love and kindness to everyone, just like the Good Samaritan did.
Thank you for listening.And God bless!
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DEVOTIONAL: Strength for the Journey (1 Kings 19:1-21)

Today's Devotional is Titled: 
"Strength for the Journey" 
Taken from: "1 Kings 19:1-21 (KJV)"
As an Illustration:
"A renowned marathon runner once faced a challenge unlike any he had encountered before. Mid-race, exhaustion set in, threatening to halt his progress. As his legs grew heavy and his spirit waned, a fellow runner, noticing his struggle, offered him a piece of fruit and words of encouragement. This simple act of kindness revitalized him, giving him the strength to finish the race."
In 1 Kings 19, we encounter Elijah, a prophet of God who had just experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal. Despite this triumph, when Jezebel threatened his life, fear overtook him. He fled into the wilderness, feeling overwhelmed and despondent, and even wished for death (1 Kings 19:4). This passage highlights the profound humanity of Elijah—a man of God who also experienced fear, exhaustion, and despair.
In his darkest moment, Elijah lay under a juniper tree and slept. An angel of the Lord touched him and said, "Arise and eat" (1 Kings 19:5). Twice, the angel provided him with food and drink, strengthening him for the journey ahead. With this divine sustenance, Elijah traveled forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
At Horeb, God met Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). God asked him, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9). Elijah expressed his feelings of isolation and fear. The Lord then gave him a renewed purpose, instructing him to anoint new leaders and find Elisha, who would succeed him (1 Kings 19:15-16).
Applications:
1. "Recognize Our Humanity:" 
Even strong believers can face moments of fear and discouragement. Elijah's experience reminds us that it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
2. "Seek Divine Sustenance:" 
Just as the angel provided Elijah with food and water, we must seek spiritual nourishment through God's Word and prayer (Psalm 119:103; Matthew 4:4).
3. "Listen for God's Voice:"
Amidst life's chaos, God often speaks in a still small voice. We must quiet our hearts to hear His guidance (Psalm 46:10).
4. "Accept God's Renewal:" 
When we feel purposeless, God offers us new directions and tasks. We must be open to His plans and trust His timing (Jeremiah 29:11).
5. "Find Community:" 
Elijah felt alone, but God provided Elisha as a companion. We need to seek fellowship and support within our faith community (Hebrews 10:25).
In Conclusion:
Elijah's journey from despair to renewed purpose underscores God's care and provision for His servants. When we face our own wilderness experiences, we can trust that God will meet us with His sustenance, guidance, and encouragement. He understands our frailty and is ever ready to renew our strength for the journey ahead.
Today's "Challenge:"
This week, take time to listen for God's still small voice in your life. Reflect on the ways He has provided for you and seek to strengthen others who may be on their own journey of faith. Consider reaching out to someone who might need encouragement, just as the angel ministered to Elijah.
Let us Pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant care and provision. In our times of fear and exhaustion, help us to find rest and strength in You. Open our ears to hear Your still small voice and guide us in Your paths. Renew our spirits and grant us the courage to fulfill the purposes You have set before us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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BIO: Ezra

As I stand upon the steps of the temple, the sun casting a golden hue upon the sacred stones, I am reminded of the weight of our shared history—the trials, the tribulations, and the steadfast hope that binds us as a people. My name is Ezra, a scribe of the Law and a servant of God, entrusted with a profound mission: to restore the religious practices of our beloved Israel, scattered and forgotten in the shadows of exile.
For years, I have poured over the ancient scrolls, deciphering the sacred texts handed down through generations. Each letter, each word, is a thread in the tapestry of our identity, a call to remember the covenant made with our ancestors. The desolation of Jerusalem aches within me; the temple lies in ruins, a reflection of our brokenness. Yet, amidst this despair, I feel the stirrings of revival—an awakening of the spirit that urges us to return to our roots, to reclaim our faith.
I have traveled from Babylon, where I have studied and gained favor in the court of the king, armed not with weapons of war, but with the teachings of our Torah. I seek to guide my fellow Israelites back to a life of righteousness, where justice and mercy flow like a river. Together, we will rebuild not only our sacred spaces but also our community, united in worship and devotion.
As I gather the people, my heart swells with anticipation. I know the road ahead will be fraught with challenges—resistance from those who have strayed, the weight of our sins, and the longing for what once was. Yet, I stand firm in my conviction that through humility, prayer, and adherence to the Law, we can rekindle the flame of our faith. We will rise anew, not just as individuals, but as a people redeemed, ready to fulfill our purpose as a light unto the nations.
In this moment, I am not merely a scribe; I am a beacon of hope, a leader called to shepherd my people back to the path of righteousness. May God guide us in this sacred endeavor.
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KIDS STORY: "The Brave Builders of Jerusalem"

Todays story is titled:
"The Brave Builders of Jerusalem"
Once upon a time, in a land far away, the city of Jerusalem was in trouble. Its walls were broken down, and its gates were burned. The people of Jerusalem were sad and afraid. But one brave man named Nehemiah heard of their troubles, and he wanted to help.
Nehemiah loved God and wanted to rebuild the walls to keep the city safe. So he traveled to Jerusalem with a few friends. When he arrived, he saw the broken walls and the sad faces of the people. Nehemiah gathered everyone together and said, “Let us rise up and build! God is with us!”
The people were filled with hope. They began to work hard, lifting stones and carrying heavy bricks. Day by day, the wall began to rise higher and higher. The people sang songs and cheered each other on.
But not everyone was happy. There were some men named Sanballat and Tobiah who wanted to stop Nehemiah and the builders. They laughed at the workers and said, “These walls will never be built! Even a little fox could break them down!”
Nehemiah heard their taunts, but he was not afraid. He prayed to God, asking for strength. He told the workers, “Do not be afraid! Remember the Lord, who is great and terrible! Fight for your families, your sons, and your daughters!”
So, the workers kept building with courage. Half of them worked on the wall, while the other half stood guard with swords and spears. They were ready to fight if anyone tried to harm them. 
As they built, Nehemiah kept a watchful eye. He encouraged the workers and reminded them of God’s promises. The enemies saw that the wall was being built, and they grew more and more angry.
But God was with Nehemiah, and soon the wall was almost finished! The enemies realized they could not stop the work. They were afraid because they knew that God had helped His people.
When the people saw how brave they were, they rejoiced! They built the wall together, stronger than ever. And they knew that with faith and hard work, they could overcome any challenge.
And so, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, and the people lived in safety once more, all because one man, Nehemiah, had the courage to lead and the faith to trust in God.
This story teaches us that with faith in God and teamwork, we can overcome challenges and do great things!
The End
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DEVOTIONAL: Strengthened to Overcome Opposition (Nehemiah 4:6-15)

The title for todays devotional is:"Strengthened to Overcome Opposition"
The  text is from:Nehemiah 4:6-15 (KJV) 
"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work."
So now:Imagine a small community coming together to rebuild their town after a devastating storm. Despite facing numerous challenges and threats from outside forces, their determination and unity enable them to complete the task. They stand together, encouraged by their leaders, and are reminded of the strength and protection that comes from their faith and solidarity.
In the face of opposition, the people of Jerusalem demonstrated remarkable resolve and faith under Nehemiah's leadership. "So built we the wall... for the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6). 
Their dedication was soon met with anger and threats from their enemies, who conspired to fight against them and hinder their work (Nehemiah 4:7-8). Yet, Nehemiah and the people turned to God in prayer and set a watch against their adversaries (Nehemiah 4:9).
The strength of the bearers of burdens was waning, and the task seemed overwhelming due to the amount of rubble (Nehemiah 4:10). 
However, Nehemiah encouraged them by reminding them of the greatness of their God and the importance of their mission: "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses" (Nehemiah 4:14).
When the enemies saw that their plans were discovered and thwarted, and that God had frustrated their counsel, the people returned to their work on the wall (Nehemiah 4:15). 
This passage shows how faith, prayer, and strategic action can overcome opposition.
Here are some life applications:
1. 'Faith and Prayer': 
Like Nehemiah and the people, we must turn to God in prayer when facing opposition (Philippians 4:6).
2. 'Unity and Determination'': 
Unity and a shared purpose strengthen us to accomplish great tasks (Ephesians 4:3).
3. 'Strategic Action': 
Combining faith with wise and strategic action helps us navigate and overcome challenges (James 2:17).
So in conclusion: 
Nehemiah 4:6-15 teaches us the power of faith, unity, and strategic planning in overcoming opposition. By remembering the greatness of our God and standing together in prayer and action, we can face any challenge that comes our way.
Here's the challenge:
This week, identify an area in your life where you face opposition or discouragement. Commit to praying about it, seeking God's guidance, and taking strategic steps to address the challenge. Trust that God will give you the strength and wisdom to overcome.
Let us pray: 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. Help us to turn to You in prayer when we face opposition and to work together in unity and faith. Strengthen us to overcome challenges and remind us of Your great power and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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BIO: Elizabeth

As I sit here, in the quiet of my home, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder. My name is Elizabeth, and I have been called by God to play a special role in His divine plan. I have lived a life of faith, enduring many years of longing and heartache, as my husband, Zechariah, and I prayed for a child to call our own. We were known in our community for our piety, yet we were often met with pity and skepticism due to my barrenness. 
But God, in His infinite mercy, chose to bless us in our old age. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the temple, delivering the astounding news of my conception, I could hardly believe it. Yet deep within, I felt a stirring, a promise that my son would be great in the eyes of the Lord. 
Now, as I cradle my newborn son, John, I marvel at the miraculous way our lives have been intertwined with the fulfillment of God’s promises. I have known the depths of despair, but through faith, I have also tasted joy beyond measure. I rejoice not only in my son’s birth but in the knowledge that he will prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. My heart swells with love and anticipation as I watch God’s plan unfold, knowing that my faith has led me to this moment. 
In the shadows of my heart, I hold the stories of countless women who have walked the same path of yearning and hope. I know that my journey is a testament to the power of faith, the strength of prayer, and the unfathomable ways in which God works. 
I am Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, and my life is a living testament to the miracles that can spring forth even from the most barren of wombs.
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BIO: Stephen

I am Stephen, a servant of the Lord and a witness to His glory. My heart beats with conviction, and my spirit is ablaze with faith. I stand here, surrounded by the faces of those who would cast stones, but their anger cannot dim the light that shines within me. I have preached the truth of Christ, proclaiming His love and salvation, and for this, I have become a target.
I remember the day I was chosen among the seven, selected to serve the needs of the widows and the needy in our community. I embraced this role, not just as a duty, but as a calling, a chance to live out my faith in action. Yet, as I fed the hungry and healed the sick, I also shared the message of the Gospel with anyone who would listen. I was filled with the Holy Spirit, and His words flowed from my lips like a river of life.
Now, as I stand before the Sanhedrin, I feel an overwhelming peace, a deep assurance that I am not alone. I have seen the heavens opened, and I can see Jesus, standing at the right hand of God. Their stones may come, but my heart is anchored in His love. I know that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.
As the first Christian martyr, I understand the weight of this moment. My sacrifice may seem grim, but it is a testament to my unwavering faith. I pray for my accusers, asking the Lord to forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. My life, though short, will echo through the ages as a beacon of hope for those who follow.
So, let them cast their stones. I will not falter. I will not be afraid. For I am Stephen, a faithful servant of Christ, and my life is hidden with Him in God.
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BIO: Jeremiah

I am Jeremiah, born in the town of Anathoth, a priestly city in ancient Judah. From an early age, I was chosen by God to be a prophet, a role that brought me immense sorrow as I delivered messages of judgment and warning to my people. My heart aches for Jerusalem and its inhabitants, who have turned away from God and embraced idolatry. 
Throughout my ministry, I urged the people to repent and return to the covenant with the Lord, foretelling the destruction that would come upon them due to their disobedience. My messages were often met with resistance and hostility, leading to my deep sense of grief and lamentation. 
I recorded my prophecies in the book that bears my name, which contains not only warnings of destruction but also glimpses of hope and restoration. Even amidst despair, I proclaim God's unwavering love and promise of a new covenant, one that would write His laws on the hearts of His people.
I am known for my tears, my cries for my people, and my unwavering commitment to delivering God’s word, even when it leads to personal suffering. In my life, I exemplify the struggle between divine calling and human heartbreak, embodying the tension between judgment and hope.
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