BEHIND JESUS TEXT: Acts 18:28 SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3 OBJECTIVES At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to: 1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. 2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh. 3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man. 4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture. INTRODUCTION Acts 18:28 (KJV): “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is. The Bible teaches that God is Spirit: John 4:24 (KJV): “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is also love: 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real. QUESTION Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit? Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (KJV): “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him. John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16: “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love. 2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God. Isaiah 2:22: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” James 4:14: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal. 3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God. John 1:4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…” 1 John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ. 4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour. Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself. 5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD God is holy, righteous, loving and good. Psalm 100:5: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 145:9: “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity. Acts 10:38: “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” 6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man. Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves. THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH 1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM God became visible through Jesus Christ. John 14:9: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” 2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM John testified that Jesus was physically real. 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…” The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ. 3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people. 1 John 1:3: “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples. Matthew 26:30: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them. 4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority. John 2:11: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…” Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…” His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God. 5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…” Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…” He understands what humanity experiences. 6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption. Matthew 26:28: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” 1 Peter 1:18–19: “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…” Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined. In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is. Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Behind the soil, there may be gold. Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God. Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” John 20:28: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed. ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation. 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…” Jesus truly came in the flesh. He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine. WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT Acts 18:28: “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come. Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal. John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world…” Luke 1:32–33: “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…” Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel. Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character. But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus. We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings. Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him. They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace. But the Gospel points us back to Jesus. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD Jesus made this clear: John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter also declared: Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other…” Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way. His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity. Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS? Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…” And then: John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God…” The fullness of God dwells in Him. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He existed before Abraham. John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is one with the Father. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Thomas called Him God. John 20:28: “My Lord and my God.” And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son: Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father. And in Him is eternal life. FINAL CHALLENGE Do not stop at what you see on the surface. Look behind Jesus. Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures. John 20:31: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.

The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND "ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING" “All Creatures of Our God and King” traces its roots to one of the most beautiful expressions of praise in Christian history: the Canticle of the Sun, written by St. Francis of Assisi around 1224. St. Francis composed the canticle near the end of his life, during a period of physical suffering. Rather than allowing his circumstances to silence his faith, he looked at creation and saw it as a reflection of God’s glory. The sun, moon, wind, water, fire and earth became, in his poetic prayer, fellow worshippers joining humanity in praising their Creator. Centuries later, the English clergyman William Henry Draper brought this ancient prayer into the world of congregational hymn singing. Draper translated and adapted portions of St. Francis’ canticle into English, creating the hymn now known as “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Draper prepared the hymn for a children’s Whitsuntide celebration in Leeds, England. His version was subsequently published in the early 20th century and became widely used in churches, particularly in Britain and other English-speaking Christian communities. The familiar melody adds another layer of history. The tune, commonly known as “Lasst uns erfreuen,” originated in Germany and appeared in a Catholic hymnal in 1623. Centuries later, it was arranged and popularised in the English-speaking church, notably through the work of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the English Hymnal. The hymn’s message is simple yet profound: all creation belongs to God and is called to praise Him. Its repeated invitation to “O praise Him” turns the song into a celebration of worship that reaches beyond humanity to the entire created world. From a prayer written by a 13th-century saint to an English adaptation sung in churches centuries later, “All Creatures of Our God and King” has endured because of its timeless reminder that creation itself points toward the greatness, goodness and glory of its Creator.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH 2026. TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT II MEMORISE Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: - (Deuteronomy 7:12) BIBLE READING: GENESIS 20:1-18 (KJV) 1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? 5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. 6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. 7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. 8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? 11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake. 12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. 13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. 14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. 15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. 16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved. 17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. 18 For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. MESSAGE Years ago, a highly influential man in an Islamic nation, where church planting was prohibited, invited one of our missionaries to establish a church within his compound. When the church started, his wife said to him, "With your position in government and your influence in this nation, you allowed a church be established in your compound?" He looked at his wife and said, "Don't you dare say a word against these people!" I believe that it was easy for the RCCG to plant a church in that nation, and indeed many nations in the world today, because of God's covenant with its founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi. One of the gains of being in a covenant with God is that you will keep getting greater results than your peers as long as you keep fulfilling your part of the covenant. God will keep giving you results that are beyond your efforts. What other people struggle to get will come to you easily because of His covenant with you. In Exodus 19:5, God said, "If you will keep my covenant, I will make you a peculiar treasure." This means that people will take a look at you and wonder why God loves you so much. Several times, when I wake up at night and reflect on all the good things God is doing in RCCG, I usually say, "Lord, how can you love us this much?" Some people might claim that it is because we fast and pray, but believe me, some people fast more than we do. I recall vividly that when I became the General Overseer, I had some of my friends join me in a 36-hour non-stop prayer session. We thought this was a remarkable feat until we heard of a man who prayed non-stop for so much longer! I may not have spent as many hours in prayer at a stretch as that person, yet what God has done for RCCG is unprecedented and truly remarkable. Indeed, there are immense gains in being in a covenant with the Almighty God. Another gain of being in a covenant with God is protection. When a king took Abraham's wife, God intervened by appearing in the king's dream. He went the extra mile to protect her and instructed the king to ask Abraham to pray for him, as we see in today's Bible reading. Beloved, there are immeasurable blessings that flow from being in covenant with God. KEY POINT Being in a covenant with God gives you access to tremendous benefits and makes difficult things easy. AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR JEREMIAH 44 - 46 HYMN 19 - ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME 1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee! Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Cleanse me from its guilt and power. 2. Not the labours of my hands, can fulfill thy law's demands could zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone, thou must save and thou alone. 3. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling naked, come to thee for dress, helpless, look to thee fir grace foul to the fountain fly wash me saviour or I die. 4. While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyelids close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee. PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DATE: MONDAY AUGUST 17TH 2026 *THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT II ‎PRAYER POINTS 1.Father, thank You for Your covenant to build Your church and never to allow the gate of hell to prevail over it. 2.Father, thank You for the spread of the gospel across the nations of the earth. Thank You for raising men and women to bare the light of the gospel even to the inter lands. 3.Father, thank You for divinely positioning men and women to favour the advancement of Your gospel across the world. 4.Father, please help me never to go out Your covenant for my life. Help me to keep fulfilling my part of the covenant so I can keep enjoying greater results than my peers, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please keep me in Your covenant, and grant me results that are beyond my efforts. Make easy for me what other people struggle to get, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me to keep Your covenant, and make me a wonder to nations, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please show me Your mercy and let it continue to speak for me such that I will constantly enjoy unprecedented and truly remarkable blessings of Your covenant, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please keep me in Your covenant and let me and my household enjoy divine protection everywhere we go, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please help me to hearken to Your judgements, to keep and to do them, so I can abide in Your covenant and enjoy Your mercies, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please establish me and my household in Your covenant so we can have access to Your immeasurable blessings and benefits, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy the gains of Your covenant with him, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎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. ‎ ‎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. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎#GodBlessOThese prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2026 TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT I AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." Deuteronomy 29:9 BIBLE READING: DEUTERONOMY 28:1-14 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. MESSAGE: In Proverbs 31:1-9, one of the things King Lemuel's mother taught him was that there were certain things that kings should not do. She told him that kings should not give their strength to women, nor should they follow the ways that destroy kings, nor should they drink wine or strong drink. If a fellow does the things that kings shouldn't do, it is expected that such a person would either never become a king or would be dethroned if he or she is already a king. To fully enjoy the gains of any covenant with God, you must be ready to fulfil its terms and conditions by surrendering totally to Him and obeying all His instructions. Once you decide to serve God with all your life and do whatever He says, sooner or later, people will come to you and say, "Tell us your secret; how are you flourishing in every area of your life?!" Many people attribute the remarkable progress of RCCG to my academic background; however, they are unaware that we are reaping the benefits of the founder's covenant with God. God called the founder of the church, Pa Josiah Akindayomi, a man who never attended school, and told him that if he could meet certain conditions, He would establish a church through him that would spread around the world. God helped Pa Akindayomi, and before his death, he fulfilled all the conditions that God gave him. Today, the RCCG is present in over 195 nations worldwide. The church is where it is today because of God's covenant with my Father in the Lord. God cannot be mocked. Anyone who obeys the terms of His covenant will reap its gains. In today's memory verse, Moses told the Israelites that if they kept God's commandments, they would prosper in all that they did. Prosperity is a major gain that those who keep God's covenant will enjoy. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all enjoyed abundant prosperity as a result of God's covenant with Abraham. Father Abraham was described as a man who was blessed in all things (Genesis 24:1), Isaac was described as being very great (Genesis 26:13), and Jacob was described as a prosperous man (Genesis 30:43). Beloved, God has given His children all things to enjoy richly (1 Timothy 6:17). However, you must fulfil the terms and conditions of God's covenant with His children to truly enjoy prosperity in all areas of your life. May your life reflect the gains of God's covenant abundantly, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Anyone who obeys the terms of God's covenant wil reap its gains. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 40-43 HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smiles quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. 3 Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly Repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and Obey. 4 But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favour He shows, For the joy He bestows, Are for them, Who will trust and obey. 5 Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side In the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey..

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2026 TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT I AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." Deuteronomy 29:9 BIBLE READING: DEUTERONOMY 28:1-14 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. MESSAGE: In Proverbs 31:1-9, one of the things King Lemuel's mother taught him was that there were certain things that kings should not do. She told him that kings should not give their strength to women, nor should they follow the ways that destroy kings, nor should they drink wine or strong drink. If a fellow does the things that kings shouldn't do, it is expected that such a person would either never become a king or would be dethroned if he or she is already a king. To fully enjoy the gains of any covenant with God, you must be ready to fulfil its terms and conditions by surrendering totally to Him and obeying all His instructions. Once you decide to serve God with all your life and do whatever He says, sooner or later, people will come to you and say, "Tell us your secret; how are you flourishing in every area of your life?!" Many people attribute the remarkable progress of RCCG to my academic background; however, they are unaware that we are reaping the benefits of the founder's covenant with God. God called the founder of the church, Pa Josiah Akindayomi, a man who never attended school, and told him that if he could meet certain conditions, He would establish a church through him that would spread around the world. God helped Pa Akindayomi, and before his death, he fulfilled all the conditions that God gave him. Today, the RCCG is present in over 195 nations worldwide. The church is where it is today because of God's covenant with my Father in the Lord. God cannot be mocked. Anyone who obeys the terms of His covenant will reap its gains. In today's memory verse, Moses told the Israelites that if they kept God's commandments, they would prosper in all that they did. Prosperity is a major gain that those who keep God's covenant will enjoy. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all enjoyed abundant prosperity as a result of God's covenant with Abraham. Father Abraham was described as a man who was blessed in all things (Genesis 24:1), Isaac was described as being very great (Genesis 26:13), and Jacob was described as a prosperous man (Genesis 30:43). Beloved, God has given His children all things to enjoy richly (1 Timothy 6:17). However, you must fulfil the terms and conditions of God's covenant with His children to truly enjoy prosperity in all areas of your life. May your life reflect the gains of God's covenant abundantly, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Anyone who obeys the terms of God's covenant wil reap its gains. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 40-43 HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smiles quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. 3 Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly Repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and Obey. 4 But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favour He shows, For the joy He bestows, Are for them, Who will trust and obey. 5 Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side In the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey..

Dear Christian, FEELING DISCOURAGED, DEPRESSED OR EVEN DESPAIRING? Helen Howarth Lemmel experience the same when she was struck by a disease that caused her to go blind, and as a result was abandoned by her husband. Yet amidst her situation she turned to Jesus and wrote over 500 hymns of praise and worship! This beloved hymn came out in 1922. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." So I pray, Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2O26. "PROMISES, PROMISES!' (1)" ‘…when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36 NIV. MANY OF us remember singing in church, ‘Every promise in the Book is mine!’ Exciting words—but are they entirely true? If you’ve prayed for the fulfilment of a Bible promise that didn’t materialise, you may have wondered, felt disillusioned, or even stopped trusting. What’s true is that every promise in the Book intended for you, is yours! God is committed to keeping every promise He has made (Matthew 24:35). So how can you know which Bible promises are yours? Here are some scriptural guidelines to help you: 1) Be sure you understand the promise. God is committed to His Word, not to your interpretation of it. When Jesus said, ‘…Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’ (John 2:19 NKJV), His audience completely misunderstood Him, thinking He meant the literal temple when He meant His body. 2) Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, Peter received divine understanding of Christ’s deity. When Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘…this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father…’ (Matthew 16:15-17 NIV). Soon afterwards, walking in the flesh, the same man totally misunderstood Jesus and was severely rebuked by Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23). Why? Because ‘…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God…nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’ (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). So submit your thoughts to God; pray for His guidance, and in due course, you’ll get the insight you need. Bible In A Year: Judg 12-15, Matt 17:14-27, Ps 119:81-88, Pro 17:27-28. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *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. [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *QUEST FOR REVIVAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:HABAKKUK 3:1-2```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy" (HABAKKUK 3:2).*_ *Reviewing the history of revivals in Christendom, English author and theologian, Os Guinness, states that these spontaneous supernatural acts occur during turbulent times. Examining the periods of the Christian Reformation, Revival, and Renaissance, he concludes that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn. Consequently, we should always be people of hope and prayer rather than gloom and defeatism. God can turn the situation around in a moment.* *The cleric took lessons from the experience of Habakkuk, the prophet who was struck with terror on learning from the Lord that the land of Judah would be attacked by the fierce Chaldean troops from Babylon. Already disturbed by the iniquities of injustice and impunity around him, on which he expected the Lord to act, Habakkuk was now informed that more disquietude was on the way. The prophet was made to understand that even the Chaldeans, who were to be used as an instrument of punishment, were themselves to face the wrath of God for their wickedness. His anxiety was relieved when he realised that the God of mercy he served was at the point of reviving His people in the process. He went on to intercede for precisely that.* *With humanity now also traumatised by sporadic assaults coming through technological inventions like Artificial Intelligence (AI), wars, insecurity, dysfunctional governance, threats of nuclear conflagration, there are fears that man is on the brink, looking into the bottomless abyss. Really? Not so. The Christian is challenged, rather, like Habakkuk, to plead for revival among the turmoil. It is the hour to ask for an unprecedented move of God's Spirit in the world, an event that should usher multitudes to repentance and turning to Christ for succour in trying times.* *The Lord's second coming is imminent, going by the signs we are witnessing. It is a timely call for vigilant heaven-seeking Christians to strengthen their commitment to holiness, evangelism, study of God's word, fellowship, and acts of kindness. We shouldn't be despondent as we observe the events that signal the end-time; instead, we should discern revival on the horizon.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Current global upheavals are not for our anxiety, but for our action.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 22-25*📜📜 Quest For Revival https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS; AND GHS 167: I MUST TELL JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TREASURE IN TIMOTHY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state" (PHILIPPIANS 2:19-20).*_ *Timothy was a youth and spiritual son of Apostle Paul. He possessed excellent qualities that are missing in the lives of many youths today.* *Timothy's life and work in the body of Christ was so remarkable that Paul confirmed that there was none that was like-minded like Timothy in following godly examples. Timothy was a selfless minister whom Paul trusted to take care of the church in Philippi.* *Many so-called Christian youths are selfish and only think about their comfort. The Lord expects us to live a sacrificial life to edify the body of Christ and to win sinners to the kingdom. As a student, you can share what you have with your friends as it is more blessed to give than to receive.* *You also need to share the gospel of Christ with your unbelieving friends to help them to see the need of surrendering their lives to Christ. We are talking about Timothy today because he had a good and godly treasure that helped to achieve much in his ministry. Are you trustworthy like Timothy?* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Timothy was a selfless minister.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be a selfless believer.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to be selfless and trustworthy.*_ The Treasure In Timothy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:10 am] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026``` *TIME IS A GIFT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🕰️⏲️⏰⌚⏳🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Time is a gift from God to everyone. We have a lot of time on earth, but it won't last forever. Our time here will end at some point. Therefore, we must use our time wisely. That requires good planning. Proper use of your time will help you make the most of opportunities and succeed in life. There's a time for school, homework, play, house chores, and rest. Make time for prayer and Bible reading. Do the right thing when it is needed. Don't waste all your time on phones, television and games. Say no to procrastination. God does everything at the right time. He sent Jesus to die for your sins at the right time. Any time from now, the rapture will take place. The opportunity to repent and be saved won't last forever. Once the rapture happens, it will be too late. *If you are still living in disobedience, the right time for you to sincerely repent and be saved is now!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Father, help me to be wise and to do the right thing at the right time.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Corinthians 6:2* Time Is A Gift https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk15thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [15/08, 12:11 am] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 15TH AUGUST, 2026. *PRAYER AND PASSION FOR REVIVAL* *TEXT:* HABAKKUK 3:1-2. 1.A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. 2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lotrd, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. *Timeless Truth:* _"My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word"_ (Psalm 119:25). *INTRODUCTION* Revival, in the Christian context, is the sovereign visitation of God that brings renewed spiritual life, deep repentance, holiness, restoration and fresh power to His people. There are many contemporary cases of revival in addition to the one in Bible days. Jonah was used by God to bring Revival to the people of Nineveh where all the 120,000 inhabitants got convicted and converted. There were revivals in Israel during the time of king Hezekiah and Josiah. The Early Church also experienced great revival immediately after the Pentecost. When there is spiritual coldness and indifference to spiritual things, when there is no clear distinction between the world and the Church, when saints are distracted from heavenly desire to earthly preoccupation, then revival is needed. When the saints are weak, powerless and fainting in scriptural conviction and consecration, then we need revival. When formalism and entertainment fill our worship instead of true and holy devotion to God and heavenly things, revival is needed. In order to experience revival, there must be deep concern and burden for prayer coupled with passion for revival. It takes a revived person to be an instrument of revival. *1. The Man of Prayer* a. The man God uses must be a man of bended knees with power of prayer. *"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.”* Habakkuk was not merely a prophet who preached; he was also a man who prayed. His direct communication with God was not clogged. God could express His mind and vision to him clearly and He also could hear from God and communicate with God effectively and fruitfully. He was a true servant of God that stood between God and man as mediator. He lived a life that was pleasing to God and God could speak to him about people. He dwelt in the midst of compromised and corrupted people without being defiled and with boldness to declare unto them their sins and evil as God had told him without fear or favour. His response to the difficult circumstances surrounding Judah was to seek God. The spiritual condition of a nation should drive God's servants to their knees. Revival begins when someone becomes sufficiently burdened to pray as he comes out of the cocoon of self seeking and self satisfaction. b. There is no revival that ever came in human history without people who had the passion and power of prayer from God. Habakkuk's prayer demonstrates that prayer is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of dependence upon the Almighty. The revival God wants to bring may begin with one person who is willing to stand before Him in persistent intercession. Churches need prayer warriors who will carry the burden of their generation before God. The praying saints or warriors that bring revival concentrate their prayers on heavenly things and not on earthly benefits and blessings. Earnest, consistent and persistent prayers by holy people with deep burden and passion for the glory of God, salvation of souls and perfection of saints are indispensable to a true God sent revival. *Question* Am I sufficiently burdened by the spiritual condition of my generation to become a man or woman of prayer? *2. The Manifestation of Passion* *"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid"*. Habakkuk's prayer reveals intense spiritual passion. Having heard God's Word and understood His dealings with His people, he was moved deeply. He was such a person that was not indifferent to the Word of God. The Word of God moved, burned and melted his heart. It became fire in his bones that only revival could quench. First he heard the voice of God. Second he was afraid. He was like Noah who, after hearing the Word of God, believed and *"being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house"* (Hebrews 11:7). True passion for God is not passive. It actively engages in things that will bring change and revival. b. Passion for revival means longing to see God glorified, sinners saved, believers renewed and righteousness restored. Habakkuk did not ask God merely to improve circumstances; he asked Him to revive His work. True revival passion is therefore God-centred rather than man-centred. We must pray until spiritual hunger replaces spiritual complacency. *Question* Does my prayer life demonstrate a genuine passion for God to revive His work in my generation? *3. The Mercy from the Potentate* a. What does this world need desperately from God? Mercy! The degree of worldliness and ungodliness are inexcusable. Man deliberately lives his life, spurning His Word and commandments as if God does not exist. Saints' lives are soiled with carnality, worldliness and corruption. Their focus has shifted from serving the Lord to what mundane things the Lord will give to them. b. Passionate prayer for the mercy of God is an indication that we accept that God has been offended and He is angry at us because of our coldness and carnality. It should always be a prayer point constantly. *“In the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”* Habakkuk recognized God as the sovereign Potentate who has authority to judge, revive, restore and show mercy. He therefore pleaded, *“in wrath remember mercy.”* Revival cannot be manufactured by human ability; it must come through divine mercy and sovereign intervention. The prophet understood that although God's people might deserve judgment, God's mercy could provide restoration. This should encourage us to approach God humbly and plead for mercy upon the Church, families, communities, and nations. When God shows mercy, dry bones can live again, cold hearts can burn again and His work can flourish again. *Question* Am I humbly pleading with the sovereign God to remember mercy and revive His work in our generation? What decision are you making to be an agent of revival in your church and community? *Prayer Points* 1.O Lord, make me a man/woman of prayer, burdened continually for revival and spiritual awakening🙏. 2.O Lord, ignite within me an unquenchable passion for Your glory and the advancement of Your work 🙏. 3.O Lord, the sovereign Potentate, revive Your work in the Church, in families and throughout our nation 🙏. 4 Lord, in wrath remember mercy; pour out Your Spirit, save the lost, restore the backslidden and let genuine revival come upon our generation 🙏. *HYMN:* Come Holy Spirit *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 22-25. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer [It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23 God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go. ⏤ Tony Evans Lord, You created us in Your own image so that we might truly be Your children. We come to You this morning seeking Your favor. Please take away anything that hinders us from fully experiencing Your love. Just as the rising sun drives away the darkness, may Your love drive away the shadows in our souls. As the morning light spreads across fields and valleys, may Your grace surround us and fill us with Your holy love. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We have not lived in a way that honors You. We want today to be the best day we’ve ever lived. Please give us special grace, a special measure of Your Spirit, so we can stay close to You. Help us to do our everyday work better—more skillfully, more neatly, and more quickly than ever before. Help us to keep You in our thoughts as we go about our tasks. Give us more of the mind of Christ so that we may be sweet-spirited and kind-hearted. May Your love shine through us so that we reflect You in everything we do and say. Sanctify our influence on others. Many of our friends need Your help and blessing today. Some will find their duties hard because they are discouraged. Life hasn’t been easy for them. They’ve faced setbacks and losses. Please remember them and bless them in their discouragement. Keep them from losing heart. Give them courage and hope, and sustain them with Your grace. There are homes in distress because loved ones are sick. Please bless those homes tenderly. Spare the lives of those who are ill if it is Your will. We ask for these mercies, confident in Your compassion, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/41/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

The Story Behind the Hymns THE STORY BEHIND "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS" “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was born from personal sorrow, faith and a deep confidence in prayer. The hymn was written by Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an Irish-born poet who emigrated to Canada in the 1840s. Scriven experienced profound personal loss, including the tragic death of his fiancée shortly before their planned marriage. Years later, when Scriven learned that his mother in Ireland was seriously ill, he was unable to travel to be with her. Instead, he wrote a poem to comfort her and remind her of the friendship and strength found in Jesus. The poem, written around 1855, was titled “Pray Without Ceasing.” Its opening words captured the heart of his message: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!” The words were later discovered and published, eventually becoming known as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The familiar melody was composed by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868. His tune, now inseparably connected with Scriven’s words, helped transform the poem into one of Christianity’s most beloved hymns. At its heart, the hymn is a reminder that believers do not have to carry their burdens alone. In moments of sorrow, weakness, anxiety and uncertainty, they can bring everything to Christ in prayer. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has since travelled across generations, languages and continents, continuing to remind millions of people of the comfort, companionship and hope found in Christ.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH, 2026 THEME: THE WEIGHT OF COVENANT I AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." Psalm 89:34 READ: Genesis 17:1-8 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. MESSAGE: In today's Bible reading, God made a covenant with Abram and promised to make him a father of many nations, then changed his name to Abraham. God never lies, so all the promises that He made to Abraham were fulfilled. Numbers 23:19 says: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" When God makes a covenant with a person, He always fulfils His part, and this gives the fellow access to everything he or she will ever need on earth. These things include long life, prosperity, favour, blessings, joy, peace, divine health, and everything good. The devil, on the other hand, is unable to keep any covenant he makes. He breaks his promises at will because he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). People often enter into covenants with other parties to receive something from them, while also giving something in return. The real weight of a covenant, however, comes when one of the parties involved is unable to fulfil their obligations. In most cases, a heavy weight of death is the consequence for breaking a covenant. When people join secret societies, they enter into covenants. When they do not do the things they are asked to do in the group, the penalty is usually death. You might be asking yourself, "Why would anybody want to join a cult knowing that it could lead to their death?" Some people claim that they join secret societies because they need protection, while others say that it is for prosperity and other benefits. It is important to note that the devil lures them into such societies with the promise of those things, but in return, he takes their souls and destroys them. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul (Matthew 16:26)? A soul is too heavy a weight for anyone to surrender to the devil. Beloved, do not allow the devil to tempt you into establishing an evil covenant with empty promises, and if you have entered into any covenant with hell and signed a pact with satan, Jesus can set you free if you run to Him. He will not cast away anyone who comes to Him (John 6:37). I pray that the Lord will establish His covenant of peace with you and your household, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Any covenant that is made with the devil is based on lies. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 33-36 HYMN 11: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING 1 Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring, Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. Chorus: Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Saviour; Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. 2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. 3 Standing on the promises I now can see Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, Standing on the promises of God. 4 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God. 5 Standing on the promises I shall not fall, List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call. Resting in my Saviour as my All in all, Standing on the promises of God. ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, 14TH AUGUST, 2026 *THE WEIGHT OF COVENANTS I* ‎ 1.Father, I worship You, The covenant keeping God. You are faithful to Your promises from generation to generation, for Your word is Yea and Amen. 2.Father, thank You for giving me a new name, from a slave to sin to a heir of Your glorious Kingdom. Thank You for the grace of adoption into sonship. 3.Father, thank You for the fulfillment of Your promises in times past; thank You because You are not a man that should lie nor repent, for You are able to do what You say. 4.Father, thank You for granting me access to long life, prosperity, favour, blessings, joy, peace, divine health and all that I will need in life to fulfill Your purpose on earth through Christ Jesus. 5.Father, please help me to fulfill my own obligations for the fulfillment of Your covenant with me. Help me not to break Your covenant with me through sin, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me to do all that I need to do in living Holy and in total obedience to Your commands, so I can remain under the covering of Your covenant for me, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me not to surrender my soul to the devil for protection, prosperity or for any other gains of this world, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, as many of our Youths and young adults that might have established an evil covenant with hell or signed a pact with satan please, set them free today, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please empower all Your children to be able to resist any temptation from the devil to enter into unholy covenant at the expense of their souls, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please establish Your covenant of peace with me and my household, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to remain committed to Your covenant, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎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. ‎ ‎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. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) #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.

The Story Behind the Hymns THE STORY BEHIND "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS" Some hymns are written in moments of triumph while others are born from the testimony of a life that has learned, through hardship and uncertainty, that God never fails. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is one of those hymns. In 1923, American Methodist minister Thomas Obediah Chisholm wrote words that would eventually become one of Christianity’s most cherished hymns. The hymn was not born from one spectacular miracle or a single dramatic event but grew from Chisholm’s personal experience of God’s steady care throughout his life. Born in Franklin, Kentucky, in 1866, Chisholm experienced financial difficulties and recurring health challenges. Yet, through the changing seasons of life, he became increasingly convinced that God’s faithfulness was not dependent on circumstances. His inspiration came largely from the powerful words of Lamentations 3:22–23: “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” That biblical declaration became the foundation of his hymn. Chisholm sent the poem to his friend, William Marion Runyan, a Methodist minister and musician associated with the Moody Bible Institute. Deeply moved by the words, Runyan composed the melody that would carry the hymn into churches around the world. Then came the unforgettable opening: “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee.” The hymn celebrates something profoundly simple: God’s character does not change. Morning after morning, His mercies are renewed. Through seasons of abundance and seasons of need, through joy and sorrow, uncertainty and hope, His faithfulness remains. That is why the hymn has endured for generations. It reminds us that we do not have to wait for a great miracle to recognize God’s goodness. Sometimes, the greatest evidence of His faithfulness is simply waking up to another morning, another day of mercy, another opportunity to trust Him. Nearly a century after Chisholm wrote those words, the hymn continues to cross generations, cultures and denominations. Its message remains as powerful today as when it was first written: God was faithful yesterday. God is faithful today. And God will be faithful tomorrow. Every new morning is another testimony. Great is Thy faithfulness.