OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: BREAKING COVENANTS, PART 1

MEMORIZE:
"But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?" Ezekiel 17:15 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: 1 SAMUEL 2:27-31
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

MESSAGE:
God is faithful; He never breaks His promises, nor does He go back on His word. James 1:17 says that there is no variableness nor shadow of turning with Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He never breaks His covenants. However, if a fellow breaks a covenant he or she has made with God, then God is under no obligation to keep His part of the covenant.

In Numbers 25:6-13, God made a covenant of eternal priesthood with Phinehas, Eleazar's son, because, in his zeal for the Lord, he struck a man and his concubine dead. However, in today's Bible reading, God told Eli, "I entered into a covenant that you and your father's house will stand before Me forever, but since you have broken the covenant, I am saying, let it be far from Me." Eli's carelessness annulled the covenant God made with his ancestor, Phinehas. As a result of the broken covenant, God's hedge of protection departed from Eli's household, and his two sons died on the same day. When Eli heard the news of their death, he also died that same day, along with the wife of one of his sons. This illustrates the importance of a covenant and that the consequence of breaking one is usually death.

The death of a person who is a party to a covenant typically releases such a person from fulfilling his or her part in the covenant; however, God remains faithful to His covenants, even after a person He is in covenant with dies. Deuteronomy 7:9 says that He keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments to the thousandth generation. Exodus 34:7 tells us that He keeps mercy for thousands. When you keep your covenant with God, it will extend to your descendants. When God promised Abraham that through his seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18), that promise found its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus, who came 42 generations after Abraham, approximately 2,000 years later. When God promised David that he would always have a seed to sit on the throne (Psalm 89:3-4,29), He never broke His side of the covenant. That covenant was also fulfilled in Jesus.

Beloved, remain faithful to your covenant with God, for in doing so, you will release immeasurable blessings upon yourself and your descendants for generations to come.

KEY POINT:
God is faithful; He never breaks His covenants.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
JEREMIAH 51 - 52

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 11 - STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST OUR KING
1. Standing on the promises of Christ our King, Thro' eternal ages



‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026
*BREAKING COVENANTS I*
‎
1.Father, You are the faithful God; the same yesterday, and today, and for ever, the covenant keeping God.

2.Father, thank You for Your faithfulness from generation to generation; You never break Your covenant because You are not a man that will lie or repent of his words.

3.Father, please help me not to break Your covenant or fail to fulfill my own part of Your covenant with me. Help me not to be careless in my walk with You, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, please help me never to break Your covenant so that Your hedge of protection will not depart from my household, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me not to ignore the correction and discipline on the children You have given me so they won't miss Your covenant for their lives, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me to be faithful to Your covenant throughout my living, and never to compromise at any point in time, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please let my love for You be on the increase daily and help me to keep Your commandments for an extension of the blessings of Your covenant to my descendants, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please let the promises in Your covenant find fulfillment in my life and in the lives of my children's children, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help me to remain faithful in your covenant; please release Your immense blessings upon my life and on my descendants, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please show me Your mercy, and help me to repent in any area I have broken Your covenant, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Help him never to break 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 Key to Breakthrough

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

Did you know over 70% of Messiah’ ministry focused on healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing miracles? In Acts 10:38, Luke beautifully summarizes His work, “Yahwah anointed Messiah of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for Yahwah was with Him.”

Messiah went around healing how many? All who were oppressed! The wonderful news is He continues to heal today. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

You may be wondering—why don’t we witness more miracles in our lives? why don’t we witness more miracles and healings in our lives? The answer could be simple—we often don’t ask. James 4:2 states, “...Ye have not because you ask not.” In Matthew 7:7, Messiah encourages us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

You might say I’ve asked and asked and still have not received my miracle or healing!” Please remember Yahwah is not on our time clock. If I had my way when found out I had hepatitis C I would have been healed immediately. But my eventual healing was not on my time but Yahwah’s!

We also have to remember what it says in the end of Matthew 5:45 “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Friend, in walking with Messiah for 36 years, I’ve learned Yahwah delights in answering our prayers! Is there something you’re believing Yahwah for right now? Does it feel like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged - Yahwah’s Word assures us that through faith and patience, we will inherit His promises.

If you stay in faith and keep seeking, your breakthrough is on the horizon!

This coming Saturday evening at 6:00 PM Pakistan Time, we are arranging a special gathering at our home for widowed women, where we will share the Word of God, pray together, and distribute food supplies. We warmly invite you to join us through your prayers, support, and love as we seek to encourage and bless these precious women. The Bible says, “Look after orphans and widows in their distress.” — James 1:27. Let us come together and show God’s love through His Word, prayer, and acts of kindness. May the Lord use this gathering to bring hope, comfort, and blessings to every heart.

DEMYSTIFYING THE DEMON OF MASTURBATION

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

«“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4»

Introduction

There are certain battles people fight in silence. They smile in public, worship in church, preach powerful messages, and yet return home to fight a private war that leaves them feeling ashamed, condemned, and spiritually weak. Masturbation is one of those subjects that many people are afraid to discuss openly.

Unfortunately, silence has sometimes allowed fear, ignorance, condemnation, and misinformation to grow around the issue. Some people believe every case of masturbation means a demon has entered their body. Others dismiss the matter completely and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of sexual bondage, lust, addiction, or spiritual oppression.

We must approach this subject with both truth and compassion.

To demystify something means to remove unnecessary mystery, fear, exaggeration, and confusion surrounding it. Therefore, when we speak about what some describe as the demon of masturbation, we must understand that the issue is often more complex than simply saying, “There is a demon inside me.”

The real question is: What is driving the behaviour?

Is it lust? Is it pornography? Is it loneliness? Is it a habit developed over many years? Is it emotional pain? Is it an addiction? Is there genuine spiritual oppression involved?

Until we understand the root, we may continue fighting the wrong battle.
In this write-up, twelve points on how to demystify the demon of masturbation and stay free from it have been examined carefully.

God bless you as you read through it, and I pray you get your freedom from reading it in Jesus name amen.

1. Masturbation Is Not a Person's Identity

The first thing I want to say to anyone struggling with masturbation is this:

You are not masturbation. You are not your addiction. You are not your worst moment.

A person may struggle with a sexual habit without that habit becoming their identity.

The devil loves to move people from conviction into condemnation.

Conviction says:

«“What you are doing is wrong. Come back to God.”»

Condemnation says:

«“You are dirty. You are hopeless. God does not want you anymore.”»

But Romans 8:1 declares:

«“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...”»

The enemy knows that a person drowning in shame will often continue doing the very thing that is destroying them.

Shame says, “Hide from God.”

Grace says, “Run to God.”

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves. Sin makes people hide. But God came looking for them.

That is still the heart of God.

2. The Real Battle Often Begins in the Mind

Jesus said:

«“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28»

Sexual sin rarely begins with the physical act. It often begins in the mind.

A thought is entertained.

A fantasy is repeated.

An image is watched.

A memory is revisited.

A desire is fed.

Eventually, what was once a thought becomes a stronghold.

This is why Proverbs 4:23 says:

«“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”»

The hand may be involved in masturbation, but the battlefield is often much deeper than the hand. The battlefield may be the mind, imagination, appetite, emotions, and habits.

You cannot consistently feed lust and expect purity to grow.

You cannot continually consume sexually explicit content and expect your mind to remain unaffected.

What you repeatedly feed becomes stronger.

3. Is There Really a “Demon of Masturbation”?

We need balance here.

The Bible does not specifically name a spirit called the demon of masturbation. Therefore, we must be careful not to give unscriptural names and descriptions where Scripture is silent.

However, the Bible clearly teaches that human beings can experience temptation, bondage, strongholds, sinful desires, and spiritual oppression.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:

«“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”»

At the same time, James 1:14–15 teaches that people can also be drawn away by their own desires.

Therefore, not every struggle should automatically be blamed on a demon.

Sometimes it is:

- A habit that has been practised repeatedly.
- An addiction strengthened over time.
- Exposure to pornography.
- Sexual fantasies.
- Loneliness and isolation.
- Emotional pain.
- Curiosity that developed into bondage.
- Lack of discipline.
- Unresolved wounds.
- A genuine spiritual attack that exploits an existing weakness.

The wise believer does not oversimplify the problem.

Sometimes a demon may exploit a habit, but the habit itself must still be broken.

You can cast out an evil spirit, but if you return to the same environment, the same pornography, the same fantasies, the same secret lifestyle, and the same triggers without renewing your mind, the cycle may continue.

Deliverance without discipline can produce temporary relief without lasting transformation.

4. Lust Is a Fire That Must Not Be Fed

One of the greatest fuel sources for masturbation is lust.

Paul instructed Timothy:

«“Flee also youthful lusts...” — 2 Timothy 2:22»

Notice that Paul did not say, “Negotiate with youthful lusts.”

He said, “Flee.”

There are some battles you overcome by standing and fighting. There are others you overcome by refusing to remain in the environment.

Joseph did not stay in Potiphar's wife's room to prove his spiritual strength. He ran!

Sometimes your deliverance begins with leaving the room.

Turning off the phone.

Blocking the website.

Deleting the videos.

Changing your sleeping pattern.

Avoiding isolation.

Refusing to entertain fantasy.

You cannot pray against a fire while continuously pouring petrol on it.

5. Pornography Is Often a Major Doorway to Sexual Bondage

We must be honest: pornography has become one of the greatest enemies of sexual purity in this generation.

What previous generations struggled to access is now available within seconds on a mobile phone.

Pornography trains the mind to seek repeated stimulation. It can create unrealistic expectations, intensify fantasies, and strengthen unhealthy patterns of sexual behaviour.

For many people, masturbation did not become a serious struggle until pornography became a regular companion.

Therefore, if you sincerely desire freedom, you must address the source.

Do not merely pray:

«“Lord, take away this habit.”»

Also pray:

«“Lord, give me the courage to remove what is feeding this habit.”»

Psalm 101:3 says:

«“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...”»

Freedom requires honesty.

What are you watching?

What are you saving?

Who are you chatting with?

What happens when you are alone?

What time are you most vulnerable?

Until you identify the trigger, you may keep repeating the cycle.

6. Repetition Can Become a Stronghold

A stronghold is something that has gained unusual influence over a person's thinking or behaviour.

What you repeatedly practise can become easier to repeat.

This is why some people sincerely hate the habit and still find themselves returning to it.

The cycle may look like this:

Trigger → temptation → fantasy → masturbation → temporary relief → guilt → shame → promise to stop → another trigger → relapse.

The answer is not merely making stronger promises.

Many people have said:

«“This is the last time.”»

Then repeated it again.

Why? Because willpower alone is often not enough to break a deeply established pattern.

Real freedom requires a combination of:

- Repentance.
- Renewing the mind.
- Spiritual discipline.
- Removing triggers.
- Accountability.
- Healthy habits.
- Prayer.
- Filling your life with the Word of God.

7. Do Not Fight a Spiritual Battle Without Spiritual Weapons

If there is a spiritual dimension to your struggle, you must engage spiritual weapons.

Ephesians 6:17 speaks about:

«“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”»

When temptation comes, do not remain mentally passive.

Speak the Word.

Pray.

Worship.

Change your environment.

Call someone you trust.

Go for a walk.

Read Scripture aloud.

Refuse to sit in darkness and negotiate with temptation.

The devil is not afraid of your good intentions. But he recognizes the authority of a believer who stands firmly in the truth of God's Word.

8. Your Body Must Come Under the Government of the Spirit

Paul said:

«“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...” — 1 Corinthians 9:27»

Your body has desires, but your desires must not become your master.

There is a difference between having an urge and surrendering to every urge.

Maturity means learning to say no to yourself.

The Christian life is not simply about casting out devils. It is also about crucifying the flesh.

Galatians 5:24 says:

«“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”»

There are things prayer will empower you to overcome, but you must still make a decision to walk away.

God gives grace, but grace is not permission to remain comfortably in bondage.

Grace empowers us to live differently.

9. Stop Fighting Alone

Secrecy is one of the greatest strengths of addiction.

The enemy tells you:

«“Don't tell anyone. They will judge you.”»

But James 5:16 says:

«“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”»

This does not mean you should announce your private struggle to everybody.

Wisdom is necessary.

Find a mature and trustworthy spiritual leader, counsellor, or accountability partner who can help you without shaming or exploiting you.

Sometimes freedom begins when you finally say:

“I need help.”

There is no shame in seeking help.

The shame is allowing pride to keep you in chains when help is available.

10. Replace, Don't Just Remove

Jesus taught important principles about an empty house in Matthew 12:43–45. The lesson is clear: a life must not merely be emptied of destructive influences; it must be filled with what is good and godly.

Do not simply say:

«“I will stop masturbating.”»

Ask yourself:

“What will I replace this habit with?”

Fill your life with:

- Prayer.
- Scripture meditation.
- Productive work.
- Exercise.
- Healthy friendships.
- Fellowship.
- Service to God.
- Purposeful activities.
- Accountability.

An idle mind can become a playground for temptation.

When your life has no structure, temptation can easily find space.

11. If You Fall, Get Up Again

Perhaps you are reading this and saying:

«“Pastor, I have tried many times and failed.”»

Hear me: Do not surrender to failure.

Proverbs 24:16 says:

«“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...”»

The righteous person is not necessarily the person who never faces temptation or never stumbles. The righteous person is the one who refuses to remain on the ground.

Repent genuinely.

Receive God's mercy.

Learn from what happened.

Identify the trigger.

Strengthen your boundaries.

And rise again.

Micah 7:8 says:

«“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise...”»

Your last failure does not have to become your permanent address.

12. Freedom Is More Than Deliverance

True freedom is not simply shouting during a deliverance service.

Freedom is being able to return home and make different choices.

Freedom is controlling your thoughts.

Freedom is turning away when nobody is watching.

Freedom is honouring God with your body.

Freedom is saying no when temptation says yes.

Freedom is developing the discipline to live in the light.

Jesus said:

«“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36»

Christ can break chains.

Christ can heal wounds.

Christ can renew the mind.

Christ can restore purity.

Christ can strengthen weak places.

But you must cooperate with the process of freedom.

A WORD TO PARENTS, PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS

We must stop addressing sexual struggles only with insults and condemnation.

Calling everyone possessed without understanding their struggle may create more fear than freedom.

We need truth, but truth must be spoken with love.

Some people need deliverance.

Some need discipleship.

Some need accountability.

Some need counselling for deep emotional wounds.

Some need to break free from pornography.

Some need all of the above.

The church must become a place where people can seek help without being publicly humiliated.

Holiness should be preached, but restoration must also be available.

Jesus never lowered God's standard, but He also lifted people who had fallen.

PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM

1. Repent sincerely before God. Do not justify what you know is feeding lust and impurity.
2. Destroy your triggers. Delete pornography and sexually explicit materials.
3. Control your private environment. Avoid situations and times when you are consistently vulnerable.
4. Renew your mind daily with God's Word.
5. Pray before temptation becomes overwhelming.
6. Fast and develop spiritual discipline where appropriate.
7. Exercise self-control in other areas of life.
8. Get a trusted accountability partner.
9. Avoid isolation when you know you are vulnerable.
10. If the struggle feels compulsive or severely distressing, seek appropriate professional support alongside spiritual guidance.
11. Never give up on your journey toward purity.

PRAYER FOR FREEDOM

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge every habit, lust, fantasy, addiction, and practice that has tried to bring me into bondage. I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Break every ungodly pattern that has gained control over my life. I renounce every connection with pornography, lust, immoral fantasies, and every practice that dishonours You.

Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak. Give me the grace to discipline my body, control my thoughts, and flee every appearance of sexual immorality. Let the power of the Holy Spirit break every spiritual oppression and every stronghold operating in my life.

I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me. My body belongs to the Lord. My mind belongs to Christ. My future will not be destroyed by a secret habit. I receive grace to walk in purity, discipline, and freedom.

I will rise again. I will not be condemned. I will not remain in bondage. Through Jesus Christ, I am empowered to overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

CONCLUSION

Masturbation should neither be surrounded by unnecessary fear nor treated casually when it has become connected to lust, pornography, guilt, compulsive behaviour, or spiritual bondage.

Let us demystify the issue.

Not every struggle is automatically a demon. Not every demon can be blamed for choices we repeatedly make. But neither should we deny that spiritual warfare can exploit human weaknesses.

The answer is a balanced pursuit of freedom through repentance, truth, spiritual discipline, renewal of the mind, accountability, wise boundaries, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

You are not beyond redemption.

You are not too dirty for grace.

You are not too weak for God's strength.

And no chain is stronger than the power of Jesus Christ.

Your struggle may be private, but your freedom can become your testimony.

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

The Bible’s Big Story

The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.

The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation

The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah.

Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people.

Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises.

Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love.

Prophets (17 books):
Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.
Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end.

The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever.

The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation

The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things.

Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection.

History (1 book): Acts.
Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord.

Letters (21 books):
Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.
These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him.
General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude.
These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living.

Prophecy (1 book): Revelation.
This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth.

How the Two Testaments Fit Together

The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King.

Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns.

If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Don’t Wait Any Longer.

All too often you hear of Christians who were raised as children to love Jesus, but through the teen years drifted away. Some because of “rebellion,” others because of hard feelings with other church members, some stopped praying and reading their Bibles, and a million other reasons. Whatever the reason, once they quit going to church, it became harder and harder to find their way back. Many times, people have to hit “rock bottom” to look up and see their need for a Savior! You often hear of an adult losing a mother or father who was praying for them, and it shook them to the core, bringing them back to the Lord. Sometimes it takes losing every earthly possession and having nowhere else to turn before they turn to Jesus! Everyone needs the Lord, for He is our only hope of salvation and eternal life. Without Him, we are lost! Ask yourself today, “How healthy is my spiritual life?” “Do I put God first above everything else?” “Am I spending time with God each day, through prayer and Bible study?” “What does Jesus really mean to me?” Ask God to search your heart and open your eyes to areas that are lacking in your spiritual life. Remember, there is nothing too great or too small for God to forgive. If you have distanced yourself from your Lord and Savior, don’t wait any longer - run into His waiting arms today! Text: 1 John 1:9, James 5:11, Psalm 103:17, Romans 7:15

Daily Bible Lesson.
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS — VICTORY WHERE ADAM FAILED

Matthew 4:1–11 | Mark 1:12–13 | Luke 4:1–13

The temptation of Jesus was not merely a story about three conversations in the wilderness. It was a powerful revelation of how Satan attacks, how Christ responds, and how victory over temptation is possible.

After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and nights. Then Satan came to tempt Him.

«“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” — Matthew 4:1»

Notice something important: Jesus was not tempted because He had sinned. He was tempted because He was righteous.

THE FIRST TEMPTATION — “COMMAND THAT THESE STONES BE MADE BREAD”

Jesus was hungry. Satan attacked Him at His weakest physical moment.

«“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” — Matthew 4:3»

Satan was essentially saying, “Use your power to satisfy yourself. Put your physical desire before obedience to God.”

But Jesus answered:

«“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4»

The lesson is simple:
Your greatest need is not always the thing your flesh is demanding.

Food is important, but obedience to God is more important.

Jesus did not allow hunger to become an excuse for disobedience.

THE SECOND TEMPTATION — “CAST THYSELF DOWN”

Satan then took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and quoted Scripture.

«“If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down.” — Matthew 4:6»

Notice carefully: Satan quoted Scripture!

This teaches us something extremely important:

Not everyone who quotes the Bible is teaching the truth.

The devil quoted Psalm 91, but he twisted its meaning to encourage Jesus to test God.

Jesus answered:

«“Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” — Matthew 4:7»

The lesson:
Knowing Scripture is not enough. We must understand Scripture correctly and submit to its true meaning.

The devil can use Bible words while promoting a message that contradicts God's will.

THE THIRD TEMPTATION — WORSHIP ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE KINGDOMS

Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him.

«“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9»

What was Satan asking for?

Worship.

Jesus answered with absolute firmness:

«“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10»

Jesus would receive the kingdom—but not by compromising His loyalty to God.

The lesson:
Never exchange obedience to God for temporary success, popularity, money, power, pleasure, or worldly recognition.

There are things Satan may offer that look attractive, but anything that requires disobedience to God is too expensive.

JESUS WON WITH “IT IS WRITTEN”

Look at Christ's weapon throughout the temptation:

“It is written.”

He did not answer Satan with human philosophy.

He did not argue from emotion.

He did not negotiate.

He stood upon the Word of God.

This is why Scripture says:

«“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11»

If the Word of God is not in your heart, what will you stand upon when temptation comes?

JESUS SUCCEEDED WHERE ADAM FAILED

There is a beautiful contrast here.

Adam was tempted in a perfect garden, surrounded by abundance—and he fell.

Jesus was tempted in a barren wilderness, weakened by forty days of fasting—and He remained faithful.

Adam listened to the serpent.

Jesus answered the serpent with God's Word.

Adam disobeyed God.

Jesus obeyed God.

Where Adam failed, Christ stood victorious.

And Hebrews gives us this encouragement:

«“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15»

Jesus understands temptation—not because He surrendered to it, but because He faced it and overcame it without sin.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

Temptation itself is not sin.

Giving in to temptation is sin.

When temptation comes, remember:

When your flesh says, “Satisfy yourself,” remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone.”

When Satan twists Scripture, remember: “It is written.”

When the world offers you success in exchange for compromise, remember: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.”

And when you feel weak, remember:

«“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13»

The Christian life is not about pretending temptation does not exist.

It is about learning to stand when temptation comes.

Jesus did not overcome temptation by compromising with Satan.

He overcame by trusting His Father, standing upon Scripture, and refusing to disobey.

THE FINAL LESSON

Satan can tempt you, but he cannot force you to sin.

The choice remains before you.

When temptation comes, don't negotiate with it.

Don't entertain it.

Don't twist Scripture to justify it.

Stand on the Word. Trust God. Choose obedience.

Because the same Christ who overcame in the wilderness is able to strengthen those who follow Him today.

«“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7»

Jesus overcame.
Jesus is our example.
Jesus is our strength.
And through Him, victory is possible.

Amazing Love

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals.

Are there any Bible verses that say Joseph was previously married or had children before he married Mary?
August 20, 2026
Read Time: 2 min

No Scripture says that Joseph had children before Mary, but we can come to that conclusion through some simple detective work. For instance, the Bible tells us in several places that Jesus had brothers and sisters. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He committed the care of His mother to the apostle John (John 19:25–27). That would have been a very unusual act if the other children had been her offspring. She would have automatically been under their care if that were the case.

Furthermore, during the time of Jesus, it was the duty of the oldest son in a family to stay home and work with the father to eventually take over his business. If Jesus had been the eldest, it would have been an insult to leave Joseph in the carpenter shop and go off preaching. But because Jesus was one of the younger sons, it wasn’t a problem.

When we put these things together, it makes sense that Jesus was not Joseph’s first son. You typically hear about Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ brothers and sisters. However, it seems Joseph had died by the time Christ began His ministry, so scholars conclude that he was older than Mary and had already had a family before marrying her. His first wife had evidently passed away, and Joseph himself is never mentioned as being alive when Christ began His ministry.

A lot of this comes from simple deduction. Joseph died from old age and/or hard work by the time Jesus began His ministry. The older brothers of Christ continued working in the carpenter shop in Nazareth, and Jesus was Mary’s only biological son as far as we can tell.

What is most important is that we know and believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Our passage today suggests the people in His hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. Will you receive Him?

Key Bible Texts
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3 KJV)

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

INVITATION TO DIVINE WISDOM

A WORD FROM THE WORD:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…" James 1:5 NIV.

One of the greatest gifts God gives to His children is wisdom, that is, the privileged ability to see life from His perspective and make decisions that align with His will. Wisdom, from every sense responsibility, is more than knowledge or intelligence; it is in proper perspective, divine insight, spiritual understanding, and the capacity to choose rightly in every situation.

Many frustrations in life come from decisions made without wisdom. Opportunities are missed, relationships break, time is wasted, and unnecessary battles arise. But when a person operates with God’s wisdom, confusion fades into insignificance and clarity takes its rightful place.

The young King Solomon knew this, which was the reason he sought for wisdom above riches or power. His life demonstrated that when you get wisdom, everything else aligns.
A peep into God’s wisdom shows the numerous benefits for His children who subscribe to it. It guards you from deception, and helps you to properly discern people and opportunities. It keeps you from repeating perennial mistakes, and directs you to the right path when there seem to be no clarity.
God's wisdom plants you on the pedestal for long-term peace and successful endeavours.

God is inviting you today to ask for His wisdom. He does not withhold it, but gives it liberally to as many as His children who ask. Seek wisdom and you will walk securely.

PRAYER BULLETS:

LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege and invitation to ask for Your divine wisdom today. Guide my thoughts, decisions, and steps as I walk in, and operate in Your supernatural understanding.
.
FURTHER READING:

1 Kings 3:5-12; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10; James 3:13-18.
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Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026.

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‭James 5:13-14 NIV‬
[13] Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.5.13-14.NIV