Paul carefully planned his journey because he desired to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Although he deeply loved the believers in Ephesus, he recognized that God's calling required him to stay focused on the mission before him. His decisions reflected wisdom, discipline, and a commitment to making the best use of the time God had given him. This verse reminds us that living for Christ requires intentional choices. Paul understood that not every good opportunity could be pursued if it distracted him from God's greater purpose. He remained focused on the mission the Lord had entrusted to him, even when doing so meant making difficult decisions. For believers today, this passage encourages us to use our time wisely and keep Christ at the center of our priorities. There are many good things competing for our attention, but not everything deserves the same place in our lives. As we seek God's direction, He helps us recognize what truly matters and make decisions that honor Him. A purposeful life is not necessarily a busy life. It is a life surrendered to God's will and intentional about using every opportunity for His glory. When our priorities are aligned with Christ, our time, energy, relationships, and resources can all become instruments for advancing His kingdom. Reflection Questions 1. Are my daily priorities aligned with God's purpose for my life? 2. What distractions keep me from focusing on what matters most? 3. How can I better use my time to serve the Lord? Prayer Lord God, thank You for giving me each day as a gift. Help me to use my time wisely and to keep my focus on the purpose You have for my life. Guide my decisions so that everything I do brings honor and glory to You. Give me wisdom to recognize distractions and courage to prioritize what truly matters. In Jesus' name, Amen. Practical Application Begin each day by committing your schedule to the Lord. Focus on activities that strengthen your relationship with Christ. Make time to serve others and share God's love. --- Takeaway Thought A life focused on God's purpose is a life that leaves an eternal impact. ``` *DAILY DEVOTION* Check it out!: Shared from https://lordsbook.com download the app on IOS https://apps.apple.com/ug/app/lordsbook-app/id6670486435 ANDROID https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.himfirstapps.lordsbookapp

📘 Daily Devotion — August 23 | Acts 20:16 (NKJV) 💯 Living with Purpose Paul carefully planned his journey because he desired to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Although he deeply loved the believers in Ephesus, he recognized that God's calling required him to stay focused on the mission before him. His decisions reflected wisdom, discipline, and a commitment to making the best use of the time God had given him. This verse reminds us that living for Christ requires intentional choices. Paul understood that not every good opportunity could be pursued if it distracted him from God's greater purpose. He remained focused on the mission the Lord had entrusted to him. For believers today, this passage encourages us to use our time wisely and keep Christ at the center of our priorities. As we seek God's direction, He helps us make decisions that honor Him and advance His kingdom. A life lived with purpose is a life that continually seeks to fulfill God's will. Reflection Questions 1. Are my daily priorities aligned with God's purpose for my life? 2. What distractions keep me from focusing on what matters most? 3. How can I better use my time to serve the Lord? Prayer Lord God, thank You for giving me each day as a gift. Help me to use my time wisely and to keep my focus on the purpose You have for my life. Guide my decisions so that everything I do brings honor and glory to You. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Begin each day by committing your schedule to the Lord. ● Focus on activities that strengthen your relationship with Christ. ● Make time to serve others and share God's love. Takeaway Thought A life focused on God's purpose is a life that leaves an eternal impact. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August23 #Acts2016 #PurposeDriven #FaithfulJourney #ObedienceToGod #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

Devotion: Jeremiah 23:29 “My message is like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks rocks to pieces.” GNB When we look at the world today, we can see the destruction, the immorality, the evil that is consuming everyone and everything. People have lost their way. They have turned their backs on God and mock those who still follow the path of righteousness. We are, in fact being tormented by Lucifer himself. He roams earth and seeks whom he can destroy. Revelation 12:9 & 17: “The huge dragon was thrown out – that ancient serpent, called the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him….. The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus.” GNB Thus the battle is on-going and, if not for the help of the holy Host and God Himself, believers would be far worse off than they are. We have been forewarned, though, and we have been given a means to fight this battle. You see, God’s Word can be wielded in battle against the evil that seeks to destroy us! Ephesians 6:12: “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, the authorities, and the cosmic powers of this dark age.” GNB The Word of God is a double-edged sword which can cut through to your soul. It is powerful and holds truths which can lead you to salvation. You will be unable to ignore the message. The Word of God is also a true weapon, a sharp sword that can defend us against the darkness in the world. It is described as part of the armour of God in Ephesians. Ephesians 6:17: “And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.” GNB The onslaught of the enemy is subtle. He will come dressed up and pretty, like an angel of light, but in the end he will try to bring you down (2 Corinthians 11:14). But you don’t have to fear this fight, for God Himself and His angels, the Holy Host, will fight with you. If you wield the Word as a sword, you will be victorious. Look again at the scripture for today. God says His Word is like fire and like a hammer; it will burn those against you and break them into pieces. Jeremiah 5:14: “…I will make my words like a fire in your mouth. The people will be like wood, and the fire will burn them up.” GNB And here, directly from scripture, from the Word of God, comes comfort and encouragement, for God will NOT ABANDON you in the midst of your strife. He WILL fight with you with a power that no-one can imagine. 1 John 4:4: “But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world.” GNB #Jeremiah29 #spiritualwarfare #armorofgod

Sunday, 23rd August, 2026 TITLE: "SEEK GOD FIRST, AND TRUST HIM TO PROVIDE" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Matthew 6:33 (KJV) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Psalm 84:11 (KJV) "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Put God first, and trust Him to take care of what concerns you." DAY'S REFLECTION Life is filled with legitimate needs—food, clothing, shelter, finances, relationships, work, health, and the future. These concerns can easily become so important that they take first place in our hearts. Jesus therefore gives us a powerful principle in Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." To seek first means to make something your highest priority. Jesus is teaching us that God must not be an addition to our lives; He must be at the centre of our lives. The kingdom of God refers to God's rule, authority, and purposes. To seek His righteousness means to desire a life that agrees with His character and Word. Jesus then gives a promise: "all these things shall be added unto you." This does not mean that God promises every material desire or that believers will never experience hardship. Rather, it assures us that when we put God first, we can trust Him with our genuine needs and refuse to live controlled by anxiety. Psalm 84:11 describes God as both a "sun and shield." The sun provides light, warmth, and direction, while a shield provides protection. God therefore provides what we need for our journey and protects us as we walk with Him. The verse continues: "The LORD will give grace and glory." Grace is God's enabling favour and strength for the journey. Glory speaks of the honour and blessing that come from His presence and purposes. The psalmist concludes that "no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Life experience teaches us that people often become anxious because they want to control tomorrow today. But God calls us to trust Him one day at a time. Our responsibility is to seek Him, obey His Word, work diligently, and walk uprightly. God's responsibility is to sustain, guide, protect, and provide according to His wisdom. Therefore, examine your priorities today. Is God truly first, or have worries, money, career, relationships, possessions, or personal ambitions taken His place? When God occupies first place, everything else can be placed in its proper position. Seek Him first. Walk uprightly. Trust His provision. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Philippians 4:19 (KJV) "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God must remain the highest priority in our lives. 2. Seeking God first helps us maintain the right perspective about material needs. 3. God is both our provider and our protector. 4. We should not allow anxiety about tomorrow to control today's obedience. 5. Walking uprightly positions us to enjoy God's grace and guidance. 6. Trusting God does not remove responsibility; it helps us fulfil our responsibilities with faith. EVERYDAY ACTION Put God first today: pray, obey His Word, do your work diligently, and trust Him with your needs. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me seek Your kingdom and righteousness above everything else. Be my provider, protector, and guide, and teach me to trust You with every need. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION God is first in my life. I seek His kingdom and righteousness, and I trust Him to provide for my needs. The Lord is my sun and shield; He gives me grace, protection, and direction. I will walk uprightly and confidently in His provision. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Daily devotion for August 23rd Any Volunteers? Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 11:1-2 The great principle to remember in reading the Old Testament is that what happens to Israel on a physical level pictures what is happening to us on the spiritual level. God too is a builder. The New Testament tells us that He is building a city with inhabitants called the New Jerusalem. It is not like the old one, made of bricks and mortar, but a new city built of spiritual stones--living stones, according to the New Testament (1 Peter 2:5). It is intended to be inhabited by redeemed people. If you draw that parallel, you will begin to see some of the teaching of this passage in Nehemiah. Chapter 11 is the account of Nehemiah's efforts to repopulate Jerusalem. Although the city wall had been rebuilt at this point, Nehemiah discovered that he had a problem. He had a fine, well-defended city--but without people! His solution was to draft families to move there, for a capital must be inhabited since it is the heart of the nation. As the governor, he simply issued an edict: One out of every ten people living in the suburbs must move to Jerusalem. He went through the towns and numbered the people, counting them off by tens, and then they threw a die with ten numbers on it. The man who had the same number that came up on the die was expected to move his family into Jerusalem. If you read this carefully, it is apparent that when a man was chosen to move into Jerusalem, he was permitted to decline if he wanted to. That is because God wanted volunteers for this. So a man could be chosen but could decide against moving. Then the lot would be cast again and another name chosen. Sooner or later someone would be found who consented freely to go. According to the account, those who chose to go were commended by the people. They honored them because they volunteered to do what God called them to do. The same principle applies in the church today. According to the New Testament, we are all called into the ministry--all of us! The ministry belongs to the saints! The minute you become a Christian, you are moved into God's new Jerusalem. You are asked to take up labor there, to do work according to the spiritual gift God has given you. But you must also volunteer to do it. God does not force His people to do what they are asked to do. He gave us all spiritual gifts, but He does not force us to use them. Yet if you want to be respected or honored and commended at last by the Lord Himself and by all His people, then the wise thing is to volunteer to perform the realm of ministry He has opened up for you. Lord I want to be a part of what You are building. Thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. Show me how best to put them to use.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (3)" ‘…All these things I will give you...’ Matthew 4:9 NKJV THE ATTACK over the cross. Let’s look at the third temptation Jesus faced: ‘…The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me’’’ (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV). Satan’s third attack was over a cross-less life. In essence, he told Jesus, ‘You don’t have to carry the cross. Just bow to me and you can have it all.’ Jesus said, ‘…“Away with you, satan!...”’ (Matthew 4:10 NKJV). ‘Away’ with any teaching that says God is your porter and He has to wait on you! Or that He’s like a vending machine; all you have to do is put in a few coins and whatever you want will come out. Paul writes, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). Has God promised to bless you? Absolutely! But that doesn’t mean you’ll never get hurt, or face lack, or fatigue, or be betrayed and disappointed by others. Jesus said, ‘…unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies [to self], it produces much…’ (John 12:24 NKJV). Have you ever heard the expression, ‘Dead man walking?’ To do God’s will, you have to die to your own will, and do it daily. But if you’re willing to, God will take you to a new level of blessing. Bible In A Year: Amos 5:18 – 9:15, Matt 20:29-34, Ps 119:145-160, Pro 19:1-2. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026 *THE REWARD OF SACRIFICIAL DISCIPLESHIP* *Text:* Matthew 19:27–30 27. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. *Timeless Truth:* _For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister"_ (Hebrews 6:10) *INTRODUCTION* During the Second World War, Desmond Doss, an American Army medic and committed Christian, served without carrying a weapon because of his convictions. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, he repeatedly entered a dangerous battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers. He is credited with saving approximately 75 men, lowering each wounded soldier to safety while under enemy fire. Doss later received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage. His story reminds us that genuine commitment often involves sacrifice. A person who is committed to a worthy cause may surrender comfort, safety and personal advantage because he believes the cause is greater than himself. Peter's question in Matthew 19:27 comes from this same concern. The disciples had left much to follow Jesus, and Peter asked, “What shall we have therefore?” Jesus did not condemn the question. Instead, He taught them that sacrifice for God's kingdom is never wasted.*For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.* (Hebrews 6:10). The passage teaches us that Christ calls His followers to sacrificial discipleship, promises them spiritual reward and warns them against measuring God's kingdom by worldly standards. Perhaps you have sacrificed time to serve God. Perhaps you have endured rejection because of your faith. Perhaps you have given financially when it was difficult. Perhaps you have chosen obedience over personal ambition. Perhaps you have remained faithful in a ministry where nobody seems to notice your work. Jesus' answer in this passage is an encouragement: God sees, God remembers and God rewards. But Christ also corrects our understanding of reward. The Christian life is not primarily about asking, “What can I get from following Jesus?” It is about asking, “How can I faithfully serve the One who gave everything for me?” The disciples left much, but Jesus promised that their sacrifice would not be wasted. There are three great challenges before us: (i) Surrender your life completely to Christ. (ii) Serve faithfully without demanding immediate recognition. *(iii)* Stand firm when sacrifice becomes difficult. The world may celebrate those who appear to be first. God's kingdom operates differently. The person who quietly serves, humbly gives, faithfully prays, patiently suffers and continues obeying Christ may be accomplishing something of far greater eternal value than the person receiving public applause. Therefore, do not give up because your service is unnoticed. Do not stop serving because your sacrifice is costly. Do not measure God's faithfulness by your immediate circumstances. Your labour for Christ is never wasted. *Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 15:58) One day, the Lord Himself will reveal what truly mattered. And on that day, the faithful servant will discover that nothing surrendered to Christ was ever truly lost. *1. The Surrender of Sacrificial Discipleship* a. Peter reminded Jesus that the disciples had left their possessions and livelihoods to follow Him. Following Christ involves surrender. Christianity is not merely receiving blessings; it is also yielding our lives to the Lord. We must ask whether Christ truly has first place in our lives. Following Him may require us to surrender habits, relationships, ambitions, possessions, or personal preferences that compete with His will. b. The disciples did not merely admire Jesus; they left their former way of life and continued with Him. Christian commitment is not measured by how enthusiastically we begin, but by how faithfully we continue. *Questions* (i) What am I unwilling to surrender to Christ? (ii) Does my daily lifestyle demonstrate that following Jesus is more important to me than personal comfort? *2. The Reward of Kingdom Service* a. Jesus assured His disciples that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed. Jesus spoke of the future when He would sit on His glorious throne and the disciples would share in His kingdom. Our present service must be viewed in light of eternity. What we sacrifice for Christ now has eternal significance. b. Jesus promised that those who had sacrificed houses, family relationships or possessions for His name would receive abundant blessings. This does not mean that discipleship is a scheme for material prosperity. Rather, Jesus assures His followers that nothing surrendered to Him is ultimately lost. Jesus concludes His promise with: *"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters... for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”* *Questions* (i) Do I serve God for His glory or mainly for recognition and earthly rewards? (ii) When sacrifice becomes difficult, do I remember the eternal reward promised by Christ? *3. The Reversal of Kingdom Standards* a. Jesus concludes with a statement that challenges human ideas about success and reward. Human society often measures greatness through wealth, position, influence, education and recognition. But God's measurement is different. We should not measure our spiritual worth by comparing ourselves with other people. b. God values humble service rather than self-promotion. A disciple should be willing to serve even when nobody applauds, notices or rewards the work. The world's ranking system will not determine the final outcome. God will ultimately reveal the true value of every person's service. *Questions* (i) Do I become discouraged when others receive recognition while my service remains unnoticed? (ii) Am I willing to serve faithfully even when I receive no immediate reward? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to surrender every area of my life completely to You and place Your kingdom above my personal interests.🙏 2. Father, give me grace to remain faithful in serving You even when the work is difficult or unnoticed.🙏 3. Lord, deliver me from comparing myself with others and help me to value eternal rewards above temporary recognition.🙏 4. Holy Spirit, remove pride and selfish ambition from my heart and make me a humble servant who seeks God's glory rather than human applause.🙏 *Hymn:* Take My Life and Let It Be *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 9-10 [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *BEYOND HUMAN MEASURE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽👑🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 19:27-30```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (MATTHEW 19:29, 30).*_ *Brother Andrew, a humble Dutchman, began smuggling Bibles into communist countries during the _Cold War,_ risking his life to serve believers behind the Iron Curtain. He didn't seek fame; he just obeyed God's quiet call. That small, faithful beginning grew into _Open Doors,_ a global ministry that continues to help persecuted Christians today. Though little known on earth, Andrew is surely honoured in heaven.* *His story perfectly illustrates the timeless principle Jesus lays out in today's passage: that all faithful, sacrificial service done for Him, however hidden or risky, will attract heaven's reward. In the text, Apostle Peter poses a question many believers still echo today: "We have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" It is a question laced with hope but also with the subtle implication of comparison with others and transaction with God. Considering the context, Peter's question implies that if we have given up much for God, in contrast to the rich young ruler who didn't, surely we are due a proportionate reward. In His answer, Jesus affirms that sacrifice in His name is never forgotten. Certainly, we shall receive astounding rewards, yet He closes with a warning wrapped in a paradox: "But many _that are_ first shall be last; and the last _shall be_ first."* *This final line holds the key to understanding divine reward, not as a salary earned but as a gift bestowed in Sovereign wisdom. God's kingdom does not run on human logic or worldly meritocracy. Instead, it operates based on grace, faithfulness, and sincerity of heart. When we serve God with a mere transactional mind-set, doing in order to receive, we risk missing the heartbeat of discipleship. And to correct this misunderstanding, Jesus immediately follows His statement with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. There, those who worked a full day were shocked to receive the same wages as those hired last. Then Jesus concluded with the same warning: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen". The point is clear: God's rewards are not based on length of service or human measure, but on His gracious prerogative. Faithfulness, not fame, draws heaven's attention.* *This ought to challenge and comfort us. We are not in competition in God's kingdom. We are simply called to be faithful. Whatever the sacrifice our calling may demand, the measure of our reward is not in the scope of our task but in our fidelity to it. So, as the "prize-giving day" draws near, let us serve with joy, not calculation, remembering that the One who called us is no man's debtor but a just and faithful Rewarder.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*When you serve in silence, heaven echoes your labour with eternal applause.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 9-10*📜📜 Beyond Human Measure https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 54: I AM READY FOR SERVICE; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON; AND GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *ATTITUDE TO WORLD AFFAIRS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️❤️🌍❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 JOHN 2:15-17```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 JOHN 2:15).*_ *The hands of the clock has been used to describe three categories of believers. Twelve-o'clock-Christians are so heavenly conscious, but of no earthly use. Half-past-six-o'clock-Christians are buried in the world and have lost the vision of heaven. The six-o'clock-believers are Christians who are of significance on earth and are heavenly minded.* *The significance of salt as flavour is not felt when it is isolated from other ingredients. It is not eaten as food all on its own. The worth of salt is acknowledged when it is used as flavour. So are believers. We are the salt of the earth. While we insulate ourselves from the pollutions of the world and live with the consciousness of heaven, we should equally exact positive influence in the world.* *Christian youths can influence their world in various clubs in school - like the Press Club, Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists, Young Farmers Club, Red Cross Society - to shine the gospel light. Qualified youths should exercise their franchise during elections as responsible citizens. We should not contaminate ourselves with the evils of the society; instead, impact it positively.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Youths can influence their world.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't isolate but insulate against the world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to be a blessing to the world.*_ Attitude To World Affairs https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *FIRST ON THE LIST* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🖤🩸🤍🙏🏽 📜📜```PSALM 103:1-5```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:3).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A list always starts with number one (1). In most cases, the first thing is the most important. For example, in an examination result, the first position is given to the child that scores the highest mark. The first always opens the list for other items to follow. As shown in our Bible passage, the first opens the door for all other benefits to come through. The blessings of God seem to be arranged in a divine, logical order in the lives of God's children. We do not have to rush for the second if we have not yet received the first. Sins (iniquities) block our way to receiving God's many benefits or blessings. Sin must first be removed out of our lives if we want to have God's blessings. For, *"if I regard* (allow) *iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"* - and bless me (Psalm 66:18). In our Bible passage, the first benefit stated there is *"forgiveness of sin"*. It is after you have received this first benefit, by turning away from your bad ways, saying sorry to God, and making Jesus your Saviour and friend, that you are qualified to enjoy the other benefits like healing, deliverance, love and mercy of God, provision and long life. *If you desire God's blessings in your life, do the first thing first: repent and turn away from your sins, and the needed blessings will come into your life.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, I am sorry for every bad thing I have done. Forgive my sins, be merciful to me and bless me.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 32:1, 2* First On The List https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ⏤ Hebrews 10:22 He who kneels the most, stands the best. ⏤ D.L. Moody Most gracious God, in Your good providence You have allowed us to see the light of another Sunday—draw near to us in mercy. May the Sun of righteousness arise upon us with healing in His wings. May our fellowship this day be with You, the Father, and with Your Son, Jesus Christ. May all unworthy thoughts be suppressed, and may our hearts be filled with holy desires. Be a guest in our home today. Abide with us and sanctify our home life. We ask You to bless all the gatherings of Your people who will worship today in any part of the world. May Your Spirit be with all who preach and teach in the name of Jesus, and with all who love You. May Your word have great power. May lost sinners be convicted and led to repentance. May Christians be strengthened and encouraged. May those who are sorrowful be comforted. May children and young people receive holy and heavenly guidance and be blessed. May this be a day of the power of the Most High, and may its influence be deep and lasting. We ask You, O God, to give us a good Sunday in our own home. Help us to remember the day and keep it in a way that pleases You and brings blessings into our lives. May our love for each other grow as we worship together. May Your love be poured out in our hearts more abundantly. May we stay close to Your heart all day. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 235 DATE: 23RD AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: RELY ON GOD _3 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: LUKE 18:1 (NKJV) “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Devotional message: Yesterday, we saw that God desires us to make Him our ultimate source and to rely completely upon Him. Today, we look at one of the clearest ways we demonstrate our dependence upon God: prayer. Prayer is more than presenting our requests before God. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our dependence upon Him. When we pray, we are declaring that we cannot sustain ourselves by our own strength and that we need God's wisdom, grace, direction, protection, provision, and sustaining power. Therefore, a prayerless life can gradually become an expression of self-dependence. When a person consistently lives without seeking God, it can communicate, whether consciously or unconsciously, “I can manage my life without You.” Daniel is a powerful example. Despite occupying a high position in government and serving under different regimes, he never allowed his position to become his source of security. Scripture records that he prayed three times a day, just as he had done previously (Daniel 6:10). His government position could not sustain him. His wisdom could not protect him from every danger. His influence could not guarantee his future.He needed God.And because Daniel maintained his dependence upon God, the Lord sustained him even through different administrations and dangerous circumstances. And our greatest example is Jesus Christ Himself.Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus spent time in prayer. Scripture records that He withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), and on another occasion He went to the mountain and continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Prayer keeps us connected to the Source.When we pray, God can correct our direction before we make costly decisions. He can strengthen us when we are weak, guide us when we are confused, sustain us when we are weary, and remind us that we are not walking this journey alone. Do not wait until the battle becomes unbearable before you pray.Pray before the battle. Pray during the battle. Pray after the victory.Make prayer your lifestyle, not merely your emergency tool.The more we recognize our dependence upon God, the more naturally we will seek Him. PRAYER Heavenly Father,As Daniel sought You consistently, as the disciples devoted themselves to prayer, and as Jesus continually withdrew to fellowship with the Father, give us grace to seek you continually.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING Dan 6:1–28,Luke 5:15–16,Luke 6:12–16,Acts 3:1–10,1 Thessalonians 5:16–18,John 5:19–30 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

THE SUNDAY BLOG….. Sunday August 23, 2026 Confused Priorities Can Seriously Hinder Our Walk With Christ Walking with Christ is a journey of intentional devotion, yet many believers find their spiritual progress stalled. The culprit is rarely overt rebellion; rather, it is the subtle, creeping danger of confused priorities. When worldly ambitions, anxieties, and fleeting pleasures crowd out the Lord, our spiritual vitality withers. Jesus addressed this peril directly in the Parable of the Sower. In Luke 8:14, He describes the seed that falls among thorns: "The seeds that fell among thorns stand for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Notice that these individuals heard the Word, but their spiritual growth was choked out. Misplaced priorities—chasing wealth, stressing over daily survival, or living for entertainment—act like spiritual weeds. They consume our emotional and mental energy, leaving no room for a vibrant relationship with Christ. When our focus is divided, our spiritual sight becomes completely blurred. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Financial security or worldly success easily masquerades as a master, dictating our time, decisions, and passions. When we attempt to split our allegiance between God and the world, spiritual paralysis sets in. We become lukewarm, drifting away from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, accommodating sin or holding onto competing loyalties fractures our intimacy with God. As James 4:4 sharply reminds us, "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." Friendship with the world here denotes adopting its value system. When we prioritize worldly acceptance over divine obedience, we actively hinder our communion with Christ. Ultimately, confused priorities rob us of our spiritual fruitfulness and joy. To experience the abundant life Jesus promised, we must ruthlessly evaluate our schedules and hearts, cutting away the clutter. Realigning our lives with Christ restores our purpose, clearing the thorns so we can walk closely and powerfully with our Savior. Personal Closing Prayer… Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed worldly worries, ambitions, and distractions to choke out my devotion to You. Open my eyes to see where my priorities have drifted away from Your kingdom. Cleanse my heart from a divided allegiance, and grant me the grace to reject the pull of this world. Realign my steps, Lord, so that I may walk closely, single-mindedly, and faithfully with Christ every single day. Amen. Next Sunday’s Blog: THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. THE BIBLE: Let’s READ IT! Let’s STUDY IT! Let’s BELIEVE IT! Let’s LIVE IT! ___________________________________

7 - CANONS OF PUBLIC PRAYER C. H. Spurgeon First, public prayer should be a matter of the heart. A man must be really earnest in prayer. You can pardon a man’s familiarities and vulgarities too, when you clearly see that his inmost heart is speaking to his Master, and that it is only the man’s defects of education or experience which create his faults, and not any moral or spiritual vices of his heart. Cast your whole soul into the exercise of public prayer. So pray, that by a divine attraction, you draw the whole congregation up with you to the throne of God. So pray, that by the power of the Spirit, you express the desires and thoughts of every one present, and stand as the one voice for hundreds of beating hearts which are glowing with fervor before God’s throne. Second, public prayer should be appropriate. There is no need to make the public prayer a gazette of the week’s events, or a register of the births, deaths, and marriage of your people, but the general movements that have taken place in the congregation should be noted by the minister’s careful heart. He should bring the joys and sorrows alike before the throne of grace. Third, public prayer should not be long. John Macdonald said, “If you are in the spirit of prayer, do not be long, because other people will not be able to keep pace with you in such unusual spirituality; and if you are not in the spirit of prayer, do not be long, because you will then be sure to weary the listeners.” Ten minutes is the limit to which our public prayer ought to be prolonged. Fourth, do not use cant phrases. Be done with these vile things altogether. There should be no grotesque mingling of Scripture texts, alterations of Scripture texts, or abuses of Scriptural truth in prayer. It ought always to be a point of honor among ministers always to quote Scripture directly. Make us of an expression fresh from your own mind, and it will be quite as acceptable to God as a scriptural phrase defaced or clipped. Vehemently strive against garblings and perversions of Scripture, and renounce forever all cant phrases, for the are the disfigurement of free prayer. Five, vary the order, length, and current of your public prayers. Vary the order of your prayers, then, for the sake of maintaining attention, and preventing people going through the whole thing as a clock runs on till the weights are down. Also vary the length of your prayers. Do you not think it would be much better if sometimes instead of giving three minutes to the first prayer and fifteen minutes to the second, you have nine minutes to each? Would it not be better sometimes to be longer in the first, and not so long in the second prayer? Finally, vary the current of your prayers. There are many topics which require your attention; the church in its weakness, its backslidings, its sorrows, and its comforts; the outside world, the neighborhood, unconverted hearers, the young people, the nation. Do not pray for all these every time, or otherwise your prayers will be long and probably uninteresting. Six, keep from all attempts to work up spurious fervor in public devotion. Do not labor to seem earnest. Pray as your heart dictates, under the leading of the Spirit of God, and if you are dull and heavy tell the Lord so. It will be no ill thing to confess your deadness, and bewail it, and cry for quickening; it will be real and acceptable prayer; but simulated ardor is a shameful form of lying. Seventh, prepare your prayer. Proper preparation means solemn consideration beforehand of the importance of prayer, meditation upon the needs of men’s souls, and a remembrance of the promises which we are to plead; and thus coming before the Lord with a petition written upon the fleshly tables of the heart. This is surely better than coming to God at random, rushing before the throne at haphazard, without a definite error or desire. If we wanted to summarize the canons with adverbs we could say, “Spurgeon exhorts pastors to pray soulfully, appropriately, quickly, authentically, variously, and prepared-ly.” Spugeon’s conclusion of the lecture is a most fitting place for this post to end: Let your prayers be earnest, full of fire, vehemence, prevalence. I pray the Holy Ghost to instruct every student of this College so to offer public prayer, that God shall always be served of his best. Let your petitions be plain and heart-felt; and while your people may sometimes feel that the sermon was below the mark, may they also feel that the prayer compensated for all.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *TEXT:* GENESIS 22:2, 16-18. 2 God said, “Please take your son, your unique son whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him as a burnt offering there on one of the mountains that I will point out to you.” Heb 11:17. 16 and said, “I have taken an oath to swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that since you have carried this out and have not withheld your only unique son, Luk 1:73 Heb 6:13 [Eze 16:8] [Heb 6:14] 17 I will certainly bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the gates of their enemies. Gen 24:60 [Gen 46:3] [Neh 9:23] [Heb 11:12] 18 Furthermore, through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my command.” Gen 12:3 Gen 18:18 Gen 26:4 Act 3:25 Gal 3:8 [Gen 28:14] [Jer 4:2] [Luk 1:55] [Luk 24:27] [Joh 1:45] [Joh 4:22] [Joh 5:46] [Act 10:43] [Act 13:32] [Act 26:6] [Act 28:23] [Rom 1:2]. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *THE MESSAGE:* In Christianity, being obedient means listening attentively to divine instruction and responding positively out of reverence for our Creator. When anything else occupies your heart, obeying God becomes difficult. Faithful obedience, as seen in Abraham's prompt response to God's command, requires trust and surrender, not rationalisation. Abraham obeyed God and was willing to sacrifice his only Son, the promised child. Like Jesus, our ultimate example, we must obey even when it is complex and costly. You must give up something of worth. Are you obeying God's instructions, or hesitating? Can you let go of a relationship that you hold so dearly to safeguard your faith? If you struggle, ask God for a heart that responds promptly and faithfully. *REFLECTION:* Obedience comes with blessings. *PRAYER:* Father, give me the grace to obey You promptly. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 24-28. ED.ii. WHEN WE COME TOGETHER "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." - 1 Corinthians 14:26 When we come together, we call it a church meeting or service. In a meeting there should be room for the ministry of God's servant, so the church is educated and grows. But it is also important that the entire congregation participates. If you are a member of a church, then you are not a visitor nor a guest, but a member of the Body of Christ. The intention is that every member participates in the meeting. As the congregation consists of several people, it could become hyperactive. When everyone participates at the same time, it then becomes chaotic. Order in church Paul gives us insights about these things in his letters to the Corinthian church. Corinth was a young church with many activities. That is why they needed help with the order during the church service. They had to learn how such a meeting should be because they had recently been born again. There were gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church, but they did not know which gift to give priority to. They also did not have much experience in dealing with new church members. They did not know how to resolve certain disagreements, etc. Paul wanted to help them. We have gained knowledge about these matters because Paul wrote and explained how everything should work. Paul says that 'the church may be built up' (1 Corinthians 14:26) and in 1 Corinthians 14:40 he says: 'but everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.' Nobody is to have a hidden agenda. Let us live like the first church did. 'They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer' (Acts 2:42). https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ⏤ Colossians 3:23 God does nothing except in response to believing prayer. ⏤ John Wesley O God, by the teaching and example of Your dear Son, You have warned us to work Your works while it is day, before the night comes. Give us the spirit of earnestness and diligence so that we may faithfully do the work You’ve given us. Save us from laziness and sloth. Help us to understand the true meaning of life. Enable us by Your grace to do everything with all our might, whatever tasks come our way. We ask Your forgiveness tonight for where we’ve failed to fulfill our duties. Give us grace and wisdom to use every talent You’ve entrusted to us, so that it may bring blessings and good into the world, and honor and glory to Your name. May we be faithful in every relationship in life. In our home, help us to fulfill our duties so that no part of our home life suffers. Help us to be faithful in all our business, social, church, state, and worldly responsibilities. We also ask that You teach us how to make all our work Christian work—business for Jesus. Teach us how to do everything for Your glory. Let not our worldly activities steal our hearts away from our heavenly Master. Don’t let us become worldly while we are busy with the things we must do to provide for our bodies. Make all our work a means of grace to us. May we learn to do everything for Jesus. Then we will find a blessing in every task and duty. Grant that in all things we may honor and glorify You, forgetting ourselves. We ask this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/48/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.