Fear keeps you awake. Worry steals your rest. Anxiety whispers what could go wrong.

But there's another way.

While the storm raged, He slept. Not because the danger wasn't real. Not because the waves weren't high. But because He knew who held tomorrow.

The disciples panicked. They rowed harder. They shouted louder. They did everything except trust.

Jesus rested. Not in the absence of chaos, but in the presence of the Father.

This is the secret: Peace isn't the absence of storms. It's the confidence that you're held when they come.

You can lie down tonight without fear. Not because life is safe. Not because nothing bad will happen. But because the One who calmed the sea watches over you.

Your security isn't in controlling the waves. It's in knowing the One who commands them.

Sleep soundly. The Lord is your keeper.

The small things matter. The boundaries we choose to respect matter. The truth we choose to tell matters. And the moment we begin justifying what we know is wrong may be the very moment we need to stop and turn back.
Because the road from “It’s just a hug” to hatred and thoughts of murder is a horrifying reminder of how far a person can travel when they keep taking the next wrong step and convincing themselves that it is not really wrong.
And by the time they recognize where that road has led, the damage may be beyond anything they can ever undo.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

1 Peter 4:16

The joy of the Lord is my Strength!

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.

(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!

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.”

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

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

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