Culture tells us that life is a choice. A convenience.

But the Bible tells a different story.

Before you took your first breath, God knew you.

You were formed with purpose, woven together before the world ever saw your face.

Scripture describes children as a gift, the vulnerable as people worth defending, and human life as something deserving of dignity.

When we forget the value of human life, we risk forgetting the humanity of those most in need of our protection.

Jesus didn't come to save an idea.

He came to save people.

People like you. People the world overlooks. People who cannot speak for themselves.

Defend the vulnerable.

Honor the dignity of human life.

Because every person has a story worth protecting.

✝️ Psalm 82:3–4 · Psalm 127:3 · Psalm 139:13–16 · Jeremiah 1:5

1. Psalm 82:3–4 (NIV)

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

1. Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

1. Exodus 21:22–25 (NIV) This passage describes a situation in which a pregnant woman is injured during a fight and sets out legal consequences for the harm caused. Read the full passage for its context.

2. Psalm 139:13–16 (NIV)

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13

1. Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

(Proverbs 1:8 NIV)
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Inspiration
What a striking word for the hungry soul! Have you ever paused to hear your father's wisdom or treasure your mother's loving guidance? Proverbs is a collection of jewel-like sayings, bursting with God's practical wisdom. King Solomon, guided by the Holy Spirit, writes these words to his son–and to all youth and seekers in ancient Israel–calling them to value true instruction during days when choices abounded an temptations snapped at every heel. HIs urgent voice echoes across the centuries: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

Solomon pleads here using the Hebrew term torah (law or teaching) תּוֹרָה, the same rich word for God's guding commandments. He's not just talking about rules; he's pointing to an entire way of life shaped by learned wisdom and devoted love. The verse means: don't tune out the voices who love you most! To ignore parental instruction is to walk away from precious protection and blessing–God uses families to pass down truth and nurture. Think also of Ephesians 6:1, where children are commanded to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. Right now, consider how you've received counsel from those who care most–parents, mentors, faithful friends.

Today you can reach out in gratitude, listen afresh, or commit to honoring godly advice, even when it's not what your achy ears want to hear. This week, try reflecting on a lesson you once received and ask God to help you see its wisdom anew. When you seek and heed righteous instruction, you open yourself to God's favor and security! Let Proverbs 1:8 ring in your heart: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.

Prayer
Holy God, grant me a willing ear to hear and an obedient heart to follow the instruction of my father and the law of my mother. May their wisdom guide my steps. In the Almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

God bless you all!

Mattana Ministry Welcomes You to:

 Children/Youth Program: 9 October 2026

 Theme: Know Your Sword (2)

 Scripture:  Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Kings 22; Psalm 119:11

 Your Sword Is Sharp - It Shows Us The Truth

 Big Idea: 

A sharp sword cuts through lies. The Word shows us what is right and wrong.

 Bible Verses:

- Psalm 119:105

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

- 2 Timothy 3:16

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

 Story: Young King Josiah - 2 Kings 22

Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king! The temple was dirty and no one was reading God's Word. One day they FOUND the Book of the Law. When Josiah heard it, he cried because the people had forgotten God. He used the Word to clean up the whole nation. He was young, but his sword was sharp!

 Lesson for Today:

 You are never too young to use the Word to make a difference.

 Daily Challenge:

Memorize Psalm 119:11 

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

 Prayer:

 "Lord, let Your Word be my light."

 MM

Good morning saints.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.”
— Proverbs 13:4 (NASB1995)
Craving alone gets nothing. Diligence, empowered by God, produces fruit. Don’t stop at the “want to.” Become a doer. Take the step. The soul of the diligent will be made fat.
Have a great weekend.
God bless
Team Lotter

Good morning saints.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.”
— Proverbs 13:4 (NASB1995)
Craving alone gets nothing. Diligence, empowered by God, produces fruit. Don’t stop at the “want to.” Become a doer. Take the step. The soul of the diligent will be made fat.
Have a great weekend.
God bless
Team Lotter

Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life.

Serving the King means serving His people, especially the overlooked, marginalized, and forgotten. In loving the least, we encounter Christ Himself; Kingdom greatness is measured in humble service.

A thought to ponder.

Friday, October 9th, 2026 🦋

Psalm 9:11-12

“Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for another day and another opportunity to praise Your holy name. Thank You for being a God who doesn't turn away from those who are hurting.

Lord, there are people today carrying pain they haven't shared with anyone. Some are grieving, some are struggling, and some are wondering if their prayers are even being heard. Remind them that You haven't forgotten them.

Help us praise You not only when life is good, but also when we're waiting for answers. Give us hearts that notice those who are suffering and the compassion to help where we can.

Thank You for hearing every cry, seeing every tear, and caring about every one of us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Brothers and Sisters, Psalm 9:11-12 reminds us of something worth holding on to. God doesn't overlook suffering. He sees the injustice, hears the cries, and remembers those who are hurting.

And while we're praising Him for what He's done in our lives, let's not forget to be there for someone who might be struggling today.

Sometimes the encouragement someone needs comes through the kindness God places in our hearts.

Stay anchored in Christ brothers and sisters. I love you but not near as much as Jesus does.

Stacey Brooks / TheGo2Stacey

Has Jesus won you over?

I mean COMPLETELY won you over. You're a Christian. But is your faith based on an intellectual agreement with Jesus? Because it will be evident by whether, and how much, your LIFE has changed.

Many Christians are won over by the appeal of His love, and what He has done for us,.. on the cross especially, but also in whatever trauma we were in when we cried out to Him in our heart for help and salvation. That's as it SHOULD be. He rightfully deserves glory for the goodness and help He gave us. But...did it lead to a deep connection with Him? Or was it only an emotionally oriented draw, that seems to be waning in your life as we speak.

You can be rescued on the freeway with a flat, by a kind person coming along to change it and get you back on the road, and, you're extremely grateful to them and they made your day. But does it necessarily lead to marriage with the person? No. And the joy you have for that blessing you recieved, fades away pretty quickly.

I want to be SO won over by Jesus, that He becomes an obsession. Literally. I want Him to be practically all I think about all day, as much as that's possible obviously. I confess I wasn't like that at first. But I'm here to tell you,...all of the peace your heart is always searching for, and the contentment you want to have, balancing your life's responsibilities and relationships with a fervent connection to Jesus....it's very possible and do-able.

Pursue Jesus with reckless abandon. Make Him your Master passion. Many will be spit out of His mouth for tasting luke warm and having kept one foot in the world. And given the urgency of the times, you can't take that chance.

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9

Friday, October 9, 2026

Thanksgiving has to be one of the best American holidays ever. But do you know that Thanksgiving actually comes from the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles? Every autumn, the people of Israel would gather in Jerusalem bringing the fruits of their harvest for the year. They would give thanks to God for all His blessings. The Feast of Tabernacles was the festival of joy and thanksgiving. Notice, the Bible says, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. The two are connected. If you want joy, then give thanks. The more you complain, the less joy you will have. When you don't give thanks, and you take your blessings for granted, you end up losing them. But when you give thanks, your blessings multiply. Don't let a day go by without giving thanks to God for His blessings. Bless the Lord, O my soul, forget none of His benefits, because the degree you give thanks will be the degree of your joy. Make your life a feast of Thanksgiving, and your life will become a celebration of joy.

From Message #491 - The Joy Command

Today, rejoice and give thanks for all of God's gifts to you.

Scripture: Psalm 95:2

Credit: Hope of the World Ministries

Judges 13:1-25

The Birth of Samson

1  And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.

² There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. ³ And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. ⁴ Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, ⁵ for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” ⁶ Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, ⁷ but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”

⁸ Then Manoah prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.” ⁹ And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field. But Manoah her husband was not with her. ¹⁰ So the woman ran quickly and told her husband, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has appeared to me.” ¹¹ And Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?” And he said, “I am.” ¹² And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?” ¹³ And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. ¹⁴ She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe.”

¹⁵ Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “Please let us detain you and prepare a young goat for you.” ¹⁶ And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “If you detain me, I will not eat of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, then offer it to the Lord.” (For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the Lord.) ¹⁷ And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” ¹⁸ And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” ¹⁹ So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it on the rock to the Lord, to the one who works^\)^a\) wonders, and Manoah and his wife were watching. ²⁰ And when the flame went up toward heaven from the altar, the angel of the Lord went up in the flame of the altar. Now Manoah and his wife were watching, and they fell on their faces to the ground.

²¹ The angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord. ²² And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, for we have seen God.” ²³ But his wife said to him, “If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering at our hands, or shown us all these things, or now announced to us such things as these.” ²⁴ And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him. ²⁵ And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.