DAY 22 - Morning

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Make Your Home a Safe Place

Good Morning!
Home should be more than the place where we sleep.
It should be a place where the heart can rest.
A husband should be able to come home without wondering whether every mistake will become a source of criticism.
A wife should be able to express herself without fearing ridicule.
Children should know that disagreement does not mean the family has stopped loving them.
A safe home doesn't mean there are no disagreements.
It means people can disagree without destroying one another.
In a Christ-centred marriage, love should create an atmosphere where both husband and wife can say:
"I am safe to be honest here."

God's Word
"Let your gentleness be evident to all." — Philippians 4:5
Today's Love Action
Ask your spouse:
"What can I do to make our home feel even safer and more peaceful for you?"
Listen without becoming defensive.

Let's Talk
What makes a home emotionally safe?

Prayer
Lord, make our home a place of peace, honesty, respect and grace. Help us never use each other's weaknesses as weapons. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
A healthy marriage is not one where nobody gets hurt. It is one where hurt can be discussed without fear and repaired with grace.

Marriage Nugget
"A peaceful home is built when love becomes stronger than fear."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

MY STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

There are moments in life when my strength is not enough, when the road becomes uncertain and my heart is tempted to fear. But in those moments, I remember that I am not walking alone.

You are my strength in weakness and my hope in despair. When I cannot see clearly, You see the end from the beginning. In You, I see my future—secured, preserved, and guaranteed. Therefore, I surrender myself to Your hands. Carry me, hold me tight, and keep me firm when my feet feel weak.

I am not afraid of tomorrow because my tomorrow is already settled by You. I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the One who holds what lies ahead.

Alone, I can fail. Alone, I can become tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed. But with You, I am never alone. Me and You can never fail together, because Your wisdom is greater than my confusion, Your strength is greater than my weakness, and Your plans for me cannot be defeated.

So I rest in Your hands. I trust Your leading. I follow Your voice.

My future is safe with You. My tomorrow is secure in You. And as long as Your hand is upon me, I will not be afraid.

— Pastor Jonathan Ubah

Isaiah 35:4-6 ESV
[4] Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” [5] Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; [6] then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.35.4-6.ESV

amen

Did you know?
Joseph runs Potiphar's entire household, trusted with everything except one thing, his master's wife. And she wants him. Not once, the text says she propositioned him day by day. This wasn't a moment of weakness. It was sustained pressure, day after day, that Joseph resisted every single time. When she confronts him directly, Joseph doesn't just refuse. He explains why. How could he do this great evil, and sin against God? Not fear of Potiphar. Not fear of punishment. A line he wouldn't cross, because of who he answered to. Then one day, alone in the house, she grabs his garment. Joseph doesn't argue. He runs, leaving the garment behind in her hands. That garment becomes the evidence used to falsely accuse him. Joseph loses his position, his reputation, and his freedom, for doing the right thing. Scripture doesn't rush to rescue him. He sits in prison, for the crime of running from sin. Sometimes integrity costs you everything, before it costs you nothing.

Let's talk about it.
Deceiver Unmasked

Why was Sin Permitted? Why did God not destroy the first evildoer, satan, even though He knew how he would harm countless innocent angels and humans?

Revelation 12:7-9, 12
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

God permitted satan to carry forward his work until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been highly exalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. God's government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Lucifer had concluded that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also all the worlds. He had artfully presented his side of the question, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects. His power to deceive was very great. By disguising himself in a cloak of falsehood, he had gained an advantage. All his acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the true nature of his work. Until fully developed, it could not be made to appear the evil thing it was; his disaffection would not be seen to be rebellion. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character or see to what his work was leading.

God could employ Only such means as were consistent with Truth and Righteousness. Satan could use what God could not— flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God and had misrepresented His plan of government, claiming that God was not just in imposing laws upon the angels; that in requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, He was seeking merely the exaltation of Himself. It was therefore necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God's government is just, His law perfect. satan had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper and his real object must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works.

The discord which his own course had caused in heaven, Satan charged upon the government of God. All evil he declared to be the result of the divine administration. He claimed that it was his own object to improve upon the statutes of Jehovah. Therefore God permitted him to demonstrate the nature of his claims, to show the working out of his proposed changes in the divine law. His own work must condemn him. Satan had claimed from the first that he was not in rebellion. The whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked.

Even when he was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of the worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted out of existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages, he must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, and that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His law might be forever placed beyond all question.

Satan's rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages—a perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its [p. 43] terrible results. The working out of Satan's rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the existence of God's government is bound up the well-being of all the creatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings, to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression, to save them from committing sin, and suffering its penalty.

He that ruleth in the heavens is the one who sees the end from the beginning—the one before whom the mysteries of the past and the future are alike outspread, and who, beyond the woe and darkness and ruin that sin has wrought, beholds the accomplishment of His own purposes of love and blessing. Though "clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne." Psalm 97:2, R.V. And this the inhabitants of the universe, both loyal and disloyal, will one day understand. "His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deuteronomy 32:4.

Daily Bible Lesson.
WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22

We pray:

“Lord, show me Your will.”

Then His light touches something we love—

our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue—

and suddenly:

“My situation is different.”
“Everyone does it.”
“I'm not convicted.”

Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light.

IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY.

Jesus asks:

“Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46

So here is the question beneath every reform:

ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS?

---

① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME?

THE EXCUSES:

“I have to work.”
“Most Christians worship Sunday.”
“God knows my heart.”

Yes—God knows the heart.

And Jesus says:

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

God's command still reads:

“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10

Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income.

But faith asks something deeper:

WHAT IS JESUS WORTH?

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29

Do not merely argue for the Sabbath.

KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps.

---

② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”?

THE EXCUSES:

“My body needs it.”
“I've always eaten this way.”
“We're all going to die anyway.”

But this body is not ours to abuse.

“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Health reform is not salvation by menu.

It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ.

Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399

What a warning:

APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS.

Stop asking only:

“Do I enjoy it?”

Ask:

“WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?”

---

③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE?

THE EXCUSES:

“It's only fashion.”
“God only looks at the heart.”
“I don't want to look different.”

Yes:

“The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

And Scripture also calls for:

“Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9

The issue is not ugliness.

Not neglect.

Not a religious uniform.

The question is:

WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD?

Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction.

CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING.

Let your appearance quietly testify:

“I BELONG TO CHRIST.”

---

④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.”

Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively.

Anger becomes “my personality.”
Pride becomes “confidence.”
Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.”

Then comes the universal shield:

“Nobody is perfect.”

True.

But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5

Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life.

HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW.

“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69

Stop defending your defect with:

“THAT'S WHO I AM.”

Bring it to Jesus:

“LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.”

---

⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”?

Here excuses become painfully practical:

“My job is here.”
“My children's opportunities are here.”
“I'll move when everything becomes convenient.”

Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged:

“Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29

Why?

Not because soil saves souls.

But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times.

God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis.

“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8

Abraham lived as a pilgrim.

Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12

Their stories remind us:

LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT.

Yet Inspiration also counseled:

“Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26

So the message is not:

PANIC AND RUN.

It is:

PRAY.
PREPARE.
SIMPLIFY.
LEARN.
WATCH PROVIDENCE.
AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY.

And remember:

YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART.

Christ's first relocation project is:

SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT.

---

⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE?

Here the excuses sound innocent:

“I'm only joking.”
“But it's true!”
“I just needed to release my feelings.”

Scripture answers:

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4

“Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2

And instead:

“That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29

Imagine that standard:

WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE.

No gossip.

No slander.

No degrading jesting.

No cutting sarcasm.

No dishonest flattery.

No spreading bitterness from heart to heart.

“Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14

This does not mean hiding wrongdoing.

Jesus rebuked sin.

Nathan confronted David.

Paul corrected churches.

Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals.

But Scripture says:

“Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15

Before speaking, ask:

IS IT TRUE?
IS IT NECESSARY?
IS IT LOVING?
WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON?
WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS?

“Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337

What a standard:

**TRUTH ON THE LIPS.

GRACE IN THE HEART.**

---

⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.”

Sometimes that is sincere.

Conscience must never be forced.

But sometimes:

“I'M NOT CONVICTED”

really means:

“I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.”

Jesus reveals a searching principle:

“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17

Notice the order:

WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE.

Before asking,

“Is this really required?”

ask:

“LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?”

That question exposes whether we want truth—

or merely reassurance.

---

⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST

Inspiration defines genuine reformation:

“Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128

Truth must reach:

the calendar,
the kitchen,
the wardrobe,
the temper,
the address,
the tongue,
and the choices nobody sees.

“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22

But never miss this:

REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE.

You can keep Sabbath—

and hate your brother.

Eat perfectly—

and feed on pride.

Dress modestly—

and advertise self-righteousness.

Move to the country—

and take worldliness with you.

Guard your tongue publicly—

while bitterness rules privately.

Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits.

HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS.

“Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5

---

THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM

When Christ touches your—

TIME—will He be Lord?

APPETITE—will He be Lord?

APPEARANCE—will He be Lord?

CHARACTER—will He be Lord?

LOCATION—will He be Lord?

TONGUE—will He be Lord?

There it is.

DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?

“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23

Perhaps we do not need another argument.

Perhaps we need another surrender.

Instead of continually praying:

“LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,”

perhaps we need to pray:

“LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.”

Take my appetite.

Take my pride.

Take my temper.

Take my tongue.

Take my plans.

Take my home.

TAKE MY WHOLE HEART.

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6

NO MORE EXCUSES.
NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT.
NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD.

CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE.
FAITH BEFORE FEAR.
TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION.
SURRENDER BEFORE SELF.

Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord—

REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US.

IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB)

SATURDAY, 22 AUGUST 2026

THE HERESY PREACHERS OF THE LAST DAYS

_“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”_ Matthew 24:24 KJV

Beloved, the last days will not only be marked by scoffers. They will also be marked by deceivers.

Few weeks ago a dear leader was invited to a Facebook “bible study” about the second coming. At first it sounded good. But when he asked honest questions about their claim that _“Jesus has already come secretly”_ and that _“they alone have the sealed book of Revelation”_, he was removed. That is how heresy works. It invites you in with sweet words, but it silences you the moment you bring the light of Scripture.

This is not new. Paul warned Timothy, _“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”_ 2 Timothy 4:3. In the last days, heresy preachers will rise. They will speak with confidence. They will quote verses out of context. They will claim special revelation. They will say, _“Lo, here is Christ, or lo, he is there.”_ But Jesus already warned us: _“Believe it not.”_ Matthew 24:23-26.

What are the marks of these heresy preachers?

They deny or distort the public coming of Christ. The Bible says _“every eye shall see him.”_ Revelation 1:7. _“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”_ Matthew 24:27. Any teaching of a “secret coming” that bypasses the trumpet, the resurrection, and the clouds is false. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

They claim exclusive knowledge. _“We have the sealed book. We have the new revelation no one else has.”_ But John already closed the canon with a warning. Revelation 22:18-19. The Holy Spirit does not contradict the Word He inspired. If anyone tells you to follow them because they have secret truth, run.

They cannot endure questions. Truth welcomes testing. Acts 17:11 _“These were more noble... in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”_ Heresy blocks, bans, and bullies. That is because light exposes it. John 3:20.

Leaders, our job in this hour is to guard the flock. Acts 20:28-30. We must teach people how to test every spirit. 1 John 4:1. We must root our people in the Word so deeply that when error comes, they will say, _“That does not line up.”_

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Do not be intimidated out of groups. Jesus said, _“Take heed that no man deceive you.”_ Matthew 24:4. Stay in the Word. Stay in community that honors Scripture. And stay under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, not under men who claim to be the only voice of God.

The real Jesus is coming. Publicly. Gloriously. With power. And He needs leaders who will not be moved by every new doctrine. Ephesians 4:14.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVatb11ulKTDXcjL3X

Prayer For Today
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for discernment. Deliver Your people from deception. Expose every false teacher and every lying spirit. Give us a hunger for Your Word and a heart that tests all things. Keep me and the people You have given me from being tossed to and fro. Anchor us in truth. Make us bold to question, bold to obey, and bold to defend the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today's Declaration
I will not be deceived. I test every spirit by the Word. Jesus is coming publicly, and I am ready. I am rooted in truth, led by the Spirit, and I will guard the flock God has given me.

Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 24:4-28, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Acts 20:27-31, Jude 1:3-4

Today’s Action
Leaders, do three things this week:
1. Teach your people the difference between truth and error using Scripture. Take 10 minutes in your next meeting to go through Matthew 24:23-27.
2. Model openness to questions. Create a safe place where people can ask, “Is this biblical?” without fear of being removed.
3. If you encounter false teaching online or offline, don’t argue endlessly. Mark it, avoid it, and warn others lovingly. Romans 16:17.

Remember: The devil’s goal in the last days is not just to make you sin. It is to make you believe a lie. Stay in the Word, and the Word will keep you.

Prayer Of Salvation
_Have you given your life to Jesus today? If not, pray this prayer with me now:_
_Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and I turn to You. Forgive me and wash me with Your blood. Today I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. Please write my name in the Book of Life and take it out of the book of death. Give me Your Spirit and the power to live for You and to sin no more. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. From today, I declare that I am a child of God. Amen._

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVatb11ulKTDXcjL3X

t.me/dailyleadershipboost

Isaiah 41:10
10. So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 22)

1. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2. The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.

3. A prudent man
foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished.

4. By humility and
the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honor and life.

5. Thorns and
snares are in the way of the perverse;
He who guards his soul will be far from them.

6. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

7. The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8. He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow,
And the rod of his anger will fail.

9. He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
For he gives of his bread to the poor.

10. Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

11. He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.

12.The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

13. The lazy man
says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”

14. The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;
He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.

15. Foolishness is
bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

16. He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,
And he who gives to the rich, will surely
come to poverty.

17. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;

18. For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

19. So that your trust may be in the LORD;
I have instructed you today, even you.

20. Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,

21. That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?

22. Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

23. For the LORD will plead their cause,
And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

24. Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,

25. Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.

26. Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge,
One of those who is surety for debts;

27. If you have nothing with which to pay,
Why should he take away your bed from under you?

28. Do not remove the ancient landmark
Which your fathers have set.

29. Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: BREAKING COVENANTS, PART 2

MEMORIZE:
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-19
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

MESSAGE:
Years ago, one of my daughters in the Lord came to me and said, "Daddy, a young man approached me and said he wants to marry me." I congratulated her, but she replied, "Daddy, my father told me that I was dedicated to a river goddess when I was born, and a covenant was made that whoever I marry is going to die on our wedding day. I don't want the young man to die." I told her that I know someone stronger than the river goddess. We prayed a simple prayer, and she left. The next time I saw her, she was happily married and already had a baby. I declare that any evil force that might be hindering your progress is destroyed today, in Jesus' name.

A new and greater covenant can cancel a previously existing one. For instance, if you want to break a covenant with someone, all you need to do is enter into a covenant with someone greater; the greater fellow can release you from the lesser person's covenant by force. If a person enters into a covenant with the devil, the moment he or she enters into a covenant with God, He will wipe out all evil covenants from the fellow's life. God's covenant is superior to any other covenant. Our God is stronger than the strongest; therefore, once a person enters into a covenant with Him, He will bind any strong man who was previously in charge of the fellow's life and throw him out.

It is also important to note that the devil still seeks to retain his strongholds in the lives of people even after they have become born again. A stronghold is a deeply entrenched evil pattern that the devil has instilled in a person, and it must be addressed. Otherwise, the person will continue to operate under its influence even after he or she has become born again. Such strongholds typically include bitterness, pride, generational curses, anger, and other similar issues.

Beloved, (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) urges us to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. If you are a party to any evil covenant or are under the influence of any demonic stronghold, cry out to God today to deliver you by His mighty power. I join my faith with yours and decree that you are completely free from any evil covenant or demonic stronghold that might be in your life, in Jesus' name.

KEY POINT:
Having a covenant with God annuls every evil covenant in a person's life.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
LAMENTATIONS 1 - 2

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 10 - IN CHRIST ALONE
1 In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

2 In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

3 There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

4 No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand


‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026
*BREAKING COVENANTS II*
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1.Father, thank You for making me a new creature in Christ Jesus.

2.Father, thank You for destroying the covenant of death and hell over me, and bringing me into a new covenant of life through the death and resurrection in Christ Jesus.

3.Father, because greater is Jesus is in me than the devil in the world, I declare that any evil force that might be hindering my progress be destroyed today, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, because I am in covenant with You, I decree that any evil covenant entered into on my behalf is destroyed by the power in the blood of Jesus.

5.Father, by the new covenant in the blood of Jesus, I terminate every negative effect of any evil covenant in my life, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, by the power of the new covenant in the blood of Jesus, I bind any strong man previously in charge of any area of my life and I throw them out of my life, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, I break and destroy every evil stronghold of the devil over any area of my life today, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, I break every evil pattern of bitterness, pride generational curses, anger, and every demonic stronghold in my life and family, and I terminate its influence over my life, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, I pull down every stronghold and cast down imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against Your knowledge in my life and family, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, as many of Your children that are under the influence of any demonic stronghold, deliver and set them completely free from any evil covenant in their lives, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
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Let Your anointing be on in the increase in his life and establish every decree from his mouth, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name
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‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.
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‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
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‎14.Your personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
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‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
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#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.