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

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen✝️❤️

This is one of the great dangers facing Christianity today. Some people have become die-hard followers of personalities rather than disciples of Christ. If their leader is right, they defend him. If their leader is wrong, they defend him. If Scripture contradicts him, they defend him. If someone questions his teaching, they attack the person questioning him. The question should not simply be: "Who is my pastor?" The question should be: "Is what I am being taught leading me toward Christ and eternal life?" https://youtu.be/KEbgJb0bG3g?si=CQFSI4-QwOca_zIB

📘 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

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT ____ Because of Christ’s victory on the cross, we have the blessed assurance of joy, forgiveness, and eternal life with Him. ____ Dear God, please help me to honor You as I live in Your genuine presence. ____ And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:23 NLT

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” — Ephesians 1:18 Through this Bible verse, we can see the power of revelation in the Lord. Our existence has both a physical and spiritual dimension, and faith is connected to what we believe and understand. The Bible says: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7 This shows us that what is taking place within a person matters greatly. Your understanding influences how you perceive, believe, and respond to life. Can a dead man think? The physical body may remain, but the Bible presents man as more than merely a physical body. “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7 There is therefore a deeper dimension to human existence—the spirit and soul. What happens within us is not insignificant. The Bible also says: “For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18 This means that what our physical eyes see is not the whole of reality. There is a reality beyond what can be physically observed. That is why revelation is powerful. When God opens your understanding, you begin to perceive what you could not perceive before. “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18 And Jesus said: “Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?” — Mark 8:18 He was showing that a person can have physical eyes and yet fail to truly see and understand. Faith also operates beyond physical sight: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 And: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 So the question becomes: Can you see where the power lies? The power is not simply in what the physical eyes can see. There is a deeper reality—the revelation of God, which enlightens the understanding. When God opens your understanding, your perception changes. When your perception changes, what you believe can change. And when faith becomes active, it produces action. “Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26 The process can therefore be understood like this: God reveals → understanding is enlightened → faith receives → faith produces action → life is transformed. This is why Paul prayed: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling…” — Ephesians 1:18 The revelation is not merely about gaining information. It is about knowing—seeing with an understanding that comes from God. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God…” — 2 Corinthians 4:6 When God opens the eyes of your understanding, you begin to see beyond the physical realm. You begin to understand what faith sees, what revelation reveals, and what God is showing you. That is where the transformation begins.

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Sunday, August 23 📜 OLD TESTAMENT RUTH 3 — Ruth and Boaz ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 JOHN 5 — Faith in the Son of God 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of 1 John! Tomorrow we begin 2 John. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 34 — Judgment Against the Nations 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 Ruth 3 Ruth follows Naomi's instructions and approaches Boaz with humility and trust. Boaz responds with integrity, showing the importance of honour, kindness, and doing what is right even when circumstances are difficult. ✝️ 1 John 5 John emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and assures believers of eternal life. Our confidence is not in ourselves but in Christ, and genuine faith produces obedience and love for God. 🌿 Isaiah 34 Isaiah describes God's judgment against the nations and reminds us that God's justice is certain. No power can ultimately stand against His righteous purposes. ✨ KEY VERSE “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” — 1 John 5:11 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith and help us to walk in obedience, love, and integrity. Give us the wisdom to trust Your timing, just as Ruth trusted You, and help us remain confident in Your righteous purposes. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Put your faith into action today. Trust God's timing, walk with integrity, and let your love for Christ be seen through your obedience and the way you treat others. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD TOPIC: THIS WEEK AND BEYOND, I SHALL EAT THE FRUIT OF MY LABOUR Bible Reading: Psalm 128:1-2, Isaiah 65:21-23, Galatians 6:9, Psalm 121:7-8 Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily. 1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries eat the fruit of every righteous labour invested in the advancement of Your kingdom. Let no effort in this commission become fruitless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:58) 2. O Lord, preserve every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries from traps, losses, disappointments, and schemes designed to make them labour without enjoying the fruits of their efforts, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8) 3. Father, this week and beyond, I shall eat the fruit of my labour. Let the work of my hands produce profitable and lasting results, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2) 4. Every trap of the enemy prepared to divert, consume, or destroy the harvest of my labour, be exposed and rendered powerless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 124:7) 5. Every power assigned to make me labour without reward, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:23) 6. O Lord, deliver me from every deceptive opportunity and financial trap designed to turn my legitimate efforts into loss, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 22:3) 7. Every hidden snare prepared against my business, career, ministry, farm, investments, and legitimate income, be broken by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 91:3) 8. Father, give me wisdom to recognize and avoid every trap of the enemy. Let me not walk into opportunities that will bring unnecessary sorrow or loss, in the name of Jesus Christ. (James 1:5) 9. Every devourer assigned against the harvest of my labour, be rebuked by the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11) 10. Father, preserve the fruits of my labour from theft, waste, manipulation, unnecessary expenses, and every form of financial leakage, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:8) 11. Every satanic strategy designed to make me miss the reward of my labour at the point of harvest, fail completely, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12) 12. O Lord, let every righteous seed I have planted produce a corresponding harvest. Let me not become weary before my season of reaping, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:9) 13. Every power diverting my opportunities, customers, contracts, helpers, and legitimate rewards away from me, lose your influence, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 49:24-25) 14. Father, bless the work of my hands and establish everything I do according to Your will, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17) 15. I reject every form of fruitless labour. I shall not build for another to inhabit, neither shall I plant without enjoying the harvest, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:21-22) 16. Every evil expectation that I will labour and end in disappointment, be disappointed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 27:2) 17. Father, let this week bring profitable opportunities, divine connections, fruitful decisions, and tangible results into my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12) 18. I declare that I shall enjoy the work of my hands. My labour shall produce testimony, my harvest shall be preserved, and my efforts shall not be wasted, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2) 19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let them eat the fruit of their labour and enjoy the rewards of their generosity, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:10) 20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries continually receive the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Let every labour in this work produce eternal fruit, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 15:58) 21. Father, this week and beyond, I shall eat the fruit of my labour. I shall not fall into the trap of the enemy, I shall not labour in vain, and I shall not surrender my harvest to the devourer. Preserve my work, protect my opportunities, establish the work of my hands, and let my labour produce profitable results, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2; Psalm 90:17) TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospel[gmail].com WhatsApp: +2348062343560 SHALOM ✋

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33 I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?” That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross. The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation. Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us. If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it. Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way. If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world. If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did. God bless you!

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.