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.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

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!

August 16 - The Danger of Wrongly-Based Rituals #LifeOfChrist “Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they?’” (Matthew 9:14–15). Religious ritual and routine, if not handled appropriately, will always threaten true godliness. Some practices, such as praying to saints or lighting candles for the dead, are heretical. But even biblical practices, when their forms become the center of attention, can become barriers to true righteousness. Church attendance, Bible reading, saying grace before meals, and singing hymns can become lifeless habits that exclude true worship and praise. When we apply good things such as these the wrong way, they can keep us from faithful obedience . . . and keep unbelievers from trusting in God. Alms, prescribed prayer, and fasting were the three major expressions of piety the Jews performed in Jesus’ time. The leaders took these matters quite seriously and were meticulous to practice them publicly so as to impress others with their piety (cf. Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). Thus these practices became badges of pride and hypocrisy rather than marks of humble and genuine religion before God. Jesus’ point in mentioning the bridegroom and his attendants is to show how out of place it is for His followers (attendants) to mourn and fast while He (the Bridegroom) is with them in person. Pharisaical manners and rituals are always wrong for Christians, but even good practices (such as sincere fasting), if not done properly, can hinder what the Lord wants to accomplish in our midst. Ask Yourself Should our answer to this kind of hypocrisy be the removal of all forms, disciplines, and ritual practices from our worship? Or is there value in these kinds of expressions? What would go missing from our worship if it was all spur-of-the-moment, with no cherished repetitions?

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.

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born on January 8, 1894 in Poland, to father Julius Kolbe and mother Maria Dabrowska. He joined the Franciscans in 1907 and ordained as a priest in 1918. He founded a movement devoted to Our Lady and spread this movement through a magazine named "The Knight of the Immaculate". He was arrested by Nazis on February 17, 1941 and sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. He was singing hymns to the Virgin Mary in the concentration camp without any fear. He was tortured in the Nazi concentration camp without giving any food, water and other facilities for more than two weeks. When another person was due to be killed on a particular day, that man started crying" my wife, my children". Then Maximilian volunteered to take the place of that man to die, to save that poor man. He was killed by giving carbolic acid injection. He died on August 14, 1941. A cure from intestinal tuberculosis to one Angela Testoni in July, 1948 and also a cure from calcification on the arteries/sclerosis were attributed to the intervention of St. Maximilian. He was beatified in 1971 by Pope Paul-VI and canonized by Pope John Paul-II on October 10, 1982. He was declared as a martyr and is venerated as a patron saint of drug addicts and political prisoners. #catholic #saint #St. #drug #addiction #politicalprison #political #prision #drugfree #addictionfree #savepoor #injection #virginmary #Mary #intervention #interventionfordisease #disease #illness #cure #politicalharrasament #prisioerofconscience #dissident #undertrialprisoners #prisionalwithoutanycharge

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.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26. "RESPONDING TO FAILURE" ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’ Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026. *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN* *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8. 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10). *INTRODUCTION* When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*. *1. Prepared Heaven* a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal. b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity. *Question* Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven. *2. Pacification with Happiness* a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity. b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations? *Question* What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary? *3. Punishment of Hell* What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*. *Question* Are you transparently free from all sins? *Prayer Points* 1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace 🙏. 2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits 🙏. 3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things 🙏. 4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously 🙏. *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_ *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."* *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.* *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.* *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*📜📜 Short Shelf-Life Of Pain https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS SETS FREE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⛓️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽⛓️‍💥🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_ *A song writer wrote:* _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_ _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_ *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.* *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.* *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.* *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_ Jesus Sets Free https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 35:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped! While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued. In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability. *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18* God Is In Charge https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ⏤ Galatians 5:13 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name. We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls. So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day. We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good. Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND “NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE” When the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and began its final descent into the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, the ship’s musicians continued playing as passengers faced the unfolding tragedy. Among the hymns associated with those final moments was “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The image of the hymn being played as the great ship disappeared into the darkness has become one of the most enduring stories connected with the hymn. Its words, centred on drawing closer to God even in the face of suffering and death, gave the moment a profound spiritual significance. The hymn’s opening lines express that longing: “Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me…” However, the story of “Nearer, My God, to Thee” began long before the Titanic. The words were written by Sarah Flower Adams, an English poet, in 1841. Adams drew her inspiration from the biblical story of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, recorded in Genesis 28. According to the biblical account, Jacob was travelling away from home when he stopped to sleep. During the night, he dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. God spoke to Jacob and reassured him of His presence and promises. Inspired by this powerful encounter, Adams wrote “Nearer, My God, to Thee” as a prayer expressing the desire to remain close to God through every circumstance of life, even through hardship, sorrow and death. The hymn was later set to several melodies. The tune most commonly associated with it today is “Bethany,” composed by American church musician Lowell Mason and published in 1856. Over the generations, the hymn became a treasured part of Christian worship, particularly in moments of grief, farewell and personal trial. Its message is timeless: circumstances may change, suffering may come, and the journey may become difficult, but the believer can continually seek the presence of God. More than 180 years after Sarah Flower Adams wrote its words, and more than a century after its association with the Titanic, “Nearer, My God, to Thee” continues to be sung around the world. At its heart is a simple prayer: Nearer to God, through every step, every struggle and every season of life.