✝️ Focus on the Cross Thank You, Lord, for this Sunday morning. Today, let us focus our hearts on the Cross of Jesus Christ—the greatest expression of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and sacrifice. As we look to the Cross, may we learn to be merciful to our friends, forgiving toward those who hurt us, and loving even when it is difficult. Let the Cross remind us that we have received grace, and therefore we should extend grace to others. May Jesus and His Cross remain at the centre of our hearts, our words, and our lives. ✝️ “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 Have a blessed Sunday.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN MEMORIZE: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalm 127:4 (KJV) BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 1:15-31 15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king. 16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? 17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. 18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not: 19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. 20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. 26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30 Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever. MESSAGE: In (1 Kings 1:1-49), one of King David's sons decided to crown himself king by staging a coup to overthrow his father. Solomon's mother was informed of the development, so she went to David and reminded him that he had promised that her son would succeed him as king. That same day, Solomon was crowned king meaning that Israel had three kings on that fateful day: David, Solomon, and the son who decided to make himself king. Solomon might not even have been aware of the events that led to his coronation; however, because his mother rose and entreated the king on his behalf, he was crowned king. There are certain things that children might miss if their parents don't rise to pray for them. A child may not know his or her left from right and may not even be qualified for an exalted position; however, his or her parents' prayers can elevate that child into that position. The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively. Any parent who does not pray for his or her child is like a mother hen who watches as a hawk carries her chick away, leaving the chick to fight for itself. The chick lacks sufficient strength to fight a hawk; however, if its mother joins in the fight, it would have a better chance of being saved. If you are a parent, do not keep quiet over your children's destiny so that the devil will not tamper with it. Cry out to God to show your children mercy early in their lives. In Psalm 90:14, Moses prayed that God should satisfy him and the children of Israel early with His mercy so that they would rejoice and be glad all the days of their lives. He knew that the secret to lasting joy and gladness was to start enjoying God's mercy early in life. Beloved, if you are a parent, do not neglect your spiritual responsibility over your children. Like Moses, ask God to show your children His mercy early in their lives. Let your prayers position them for opportunities early in life. Your children will begin to enjoy supernatural favour that some people only get to experience as adults if you pray for them now. I pray that God will shower His mercies over you and your household, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Parents should not neglect their spiritual responsibility over their children. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LAMENTATIONS 3 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 28 - GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH 1. Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore (2ce). 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow: Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Song deliverer! Song deliverer! Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce). 3. If I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside: Bear me through the swelling torrent, Land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises! Songs of praises! I will ever give to Thee (2ce). 4. Saviour, come! We long to see thee, long to dwell with thee above and to know in full communion, all the sweetness of Thy love. Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Take thy waiting people home (2ce). [22/08, 10:03 pm] +234 806 008 5461: ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026 *PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for Your promise to bless us and make us fruitful, to multiply and to replenish the earth. 2.Father, thank You for Your promise in Your word that none of Your children will be barren. Thank You because You will visit every awaiting couple with children according to Your will. 3.Father, as arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, please empower all Your children to fulfill Your purpose for their lives, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help all Your children never to go out of Your plan and purpose for their lives. Help them to patiently wait on Your guidance and commands, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help each parent never to fail in their role to pray for their children at all times, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me as a father/mother to command the children You have given me after You, so they won't miss Your purpose in life, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me as a child to my parents not to fail in my role in walking in the godly counsel of my parents, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please show me and all the children You have given me, Your mercy and favour. Satisfy us early so we can rejoice and be glad all the days of our lives, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please strengthen all parents to arise in their spiritual responsibility over the children You have given them, and let all their children begin to enjoy supernatural favour, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please let all the children You have given me bring me joy and shower them and every member of my household with Your mercies, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to enjoy the fruits of his labour over his children, 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.[22/08, 7:06 pm] +234 806 008 5461: OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN MEMORIZE: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalm 127:4 (KJV) BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 1:15-31 15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king. 16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? 17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. 18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not: 19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. 20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. 26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30 Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever. MESSAGE: In (1 Kings 1:1-49), one of King David's sons decided to crown himself king by staging a coup to overthrow his father. Solomon's mother was informed of the development, so she went to David and reminded him that he had promised that her son would succeed him as king. That same day, Solomon was crowned king meaning that Israel had three kings on that fateful day: David, Solomon, and the son who decided to make himself king. Solomon might not even have been aware of the events that led to his coronation; however, because his mother rose and entreated the king on his behalf, he was crowned king. There are certain things that children might miss if their parents don't rise to pray for them. A child may not know his or her left from right and may not even be qualified for an exalted position; however, his or her parents' prayers can elevate that child into that position. The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively. Any parent who does not pray for his or her child is like a mother hen who watches as a hawk carries her chick away, leaving the chick to fight for itself. The chick lacks sufficient strength to fight a hawk; however, if its mother joins in the fight, it would have a better chance of being saved. If you are a parent, do not keep quiet over your children's destiny so that the devil will not tamper with it. Cry out to God to show your children mercy early in their lives. In Psalm 90:14, Moses prayed that God should satisfy him and the children of Israel early with His mercy so that they would rejoice and be glad all the days of their lives. He knew that the secret to lasting joy and gladness was to start enjoying God's mercy early in life. Beloved, if you are a parent, do not neglect your spiritual responsibility over your children. Like Moses, ask God to show your children His mercy early in their lives. Let your prayers position them for opportunities early in life. Your children will begin to enjoy supernatural favour that some people only get to experience as adults if you pray for them now. I pray that God will shower His mercies over you and your household, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Parents should not neglect their spiritual responsibility over their children. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LAMENTATIONS 3 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 28 - GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH 1. Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore (2ce). 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow: Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Song deliverer! Song deliverer! Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce). 3. If I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside: Bear me through the swelling torrent, Land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises! Songs of praises! I will ever give to Thee (2ce). 4. Saviour, come! We long to see thee, long to dwell with thee above and to know in full communion, all the sweetness of Thy love. Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Take thy waiting people home (2ce). ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026 *PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for Your promise to bless us and make us fruitful, to multiply and to replenish the earth. 2.Father, thank You for Your promise in Your word that none of Your children will be barren. Thank You because You will visit every awaiting couple with children according to Your will. 3.Father, as arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, please empower all Your children to fulfill Your purpose for their lives, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help all Your children never to go out of Your plan and purpose for their lives. Help them to patiently wait on Your guidance and commands, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help each parent never to fail in their role to pray for their children at all times, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me as a father/mother to command the children You have given me after You, so they won't miss Your purpose in life, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me as a child to my parents not to fail in my role in walking in the godly counsel of my parents, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please show me and all the children You have given me, Your mercy and favour. Satisfy us early so we can rejoice and be glad all the days of our lives, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please strengthen all parents to arise in their spiritual responsibility over the children You have given them, and let all their children begin to enjoy supernatural favour, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please let all the children You have given me bring me joy and shower them and every member of my household with Your mercies, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to enjoy the fruits of his labour over his children, 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.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC:- WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR. Understanding Divine Closure, Redirection, and the Next Move of God. Key Scripture: Revelation 3:7 — “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” There are times in life when you pray for a door to open, you believe God has answered, you prepare yourself to walk through it—and suddenly, the door closes. The job opportunity disappears. The relationship ends. The business deal fails. The application is rejected. The opportunity goes to someone else. The plan you prayed about does not work. And you ask, “God, why?” But here is a truth every believer must understand: A closed door is not always a sign of God's absence. Sometimes it is evidence of God's protection. We often celebrate God when He opens doors, but mature Christians must also learn to trust Him when He closes them. Sometimes God closes a door because what is behind it would destroy what He is building inside you. Sometimes God closes a door because the next chapter of your life requires you to leave the previous chapter behind. And sometimes God closes a door because He is preparing to open another one that you could never have opened for yourself. 1. GOD CAN CLOSE A DOOR FOR YOUR PROTECTION Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 «“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”» There are things we desperately want because we can only see what is in front of us. But God sees what is beyond the door. You may see an opportunity. God may see a trap. You may see a relationship. God may see the pain it will produce. You may see a promotion. God may see the pride it could create. You may see a business opportunity. God may see the consequences you cannot yet see. Biblical Example: Balaam In Numbers 22, Balaam was travelling in a direction he thought was acceptable, but God placed an angel in his path. Balaam could not see the danger. His donkey could. What Balaam considered an obstacle was actually divine protection. Sometimes you are frustrated because something is blocking your way, while heaven is saying: “I am blocking this because I know what you don't know.” Don't curse every closed door. Some closed doors are mercy. 2. GOD MAY CLOSE ONE DOOR TO REDIRECT YOU TO ANOTHER Scripture: Acts 16:6–10 Paul and his companions wanted to preach in certain regions, but Scripture says: «“They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.”» Then Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Notice something powerful: Paul was doing God's work, yet God still closed a door. This teaches us that: A good idea is not necessarily a God idea for this particular season. You can be sincere and still be moving in the wrong direction. You can have a legitimate opportunity and still not have divine permission. You can pray, plan, prepare—and God can still say: “Not this way.” The closed door redirected Paul toward Macedonia, where God had prepared a greater assignment. Spiritual Insight Never allow disappointment to make you disobey divine direction. When God closes a door, ask: “Lord, where are You directing me?” Not merely: “Lord, why did You stop me?” 3. A CLOSED DOOR DOES NOT MEAN A CLOSED FUTURE Scripture: Revelation 3:7 «“What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”» One closed door does not mean your entire future has been cancelled. David was rejected by his family. Joseph was rejected by his brothers. Moses experienced rejection before returning to Egypt. Paul experienced opposition throughout his ministry. Yet God's purpose for them continued. Remember this: A closed chapter is not a closed destiny. You may lose an opportunity without losing your purpose. You may lose a relationship without losing your future. You may lose a position without losing your calling. You may experience rejection without becoming rejected by God. The enemy wants you to interpret one disappointment as the conclusion of your entire story. But God says: “I am still writing.” 4. SOMETIMES GOD CLOSES A DOOR BECAUSE YOU HAVE OUTGROWN THE ROOM Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19 «“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.”» There are seasons you cannot enter while continuously holding onto the previous one. The children of Israel could not remain in Egypt forever. Ruth had to leave Moab. Abraham had to leave his father's house. The disciples had to leave their nets and follow Jesus. Growth requires movement. Sometimes the door closes because God is calling you forward. You keep asking God to reopen what He has already closed. But God may be saying: “Stop trying to return to where I am trying to take you from.” Some people are praying for restoration when God is offering transformation. Some are asking God to rebuild yesterday when God is preparing tomorrow. 5. LEARN TO TRUST GOD WHEN YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND HIM Scripture: Romans 8:28 «“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”» Notice that Scripture does not say everything that happens is good. It says God can work all things together for good. The rejection can become redirection. The disappointment can become development. The delay can become preparation. The closed door can become protection. The ending can become the beginning of something greater. Faith says: “God, I don't understand this, but I trust You.” That is mature faith. Anyone can praise God when everything is working. But there is a deeper level of worship when you can say: “Even when I don't understand Your decision, I still trust Your character.” BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JOSEPH Joseph received a dream from God, but his journey did not immediately look like the dream. He was hated by his brothers. He was thrown into a pit. He was sold into slavery. He was falsely accused. He was imprisoned. Door after door seemed to close. But God was not abandoning Joseph. God was positioning Joseph. The pit was not the palace. The prison was not the promotion. The rejection was not the conclusion. Eventually, Joseph stood before Pharaoh. Genesis 50:20 captures the revelation: «“Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”» What looked like destruction became divine positioning. Somebody needs to hear this: Your current closed door may be part of a larger story that you cannot see yet. Don't abandon God because you don't understand the chapter. Keep walking. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep believing. The God who gave you the promise is still working on the process. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Not every closed door is an attack. Some are divine interventions. 2. God's “NO” can be as loving as His “YES.” A parent who loves a child does not give the child everything they request. God is your Father. 3. Timing matters. Something can be good but wrong for your present season. 4. Never force what God has closed. When God closes a door, human manipulation cannot make it God's will. 5. Look for God's presence beyond the door. Sometimes we become so focused on what we lost that we fail to notice where God is leading us. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS When God closes a door: 1. Don't panic. Take time to pray before making emotional decisions. 2. Don't force it open. What God has closed does not need manipulation. 3. Examine your heart. Ask whether the closure is correction, protection, preparation, or redirection. 4. Seek God's Word. Don't interpret your circumstances without Scripture. 5. Ask for direction. Pray: “Lord, show me what You want me to do next.” 6. Keep moving. A closed door should not become an excuse to stop your entire life. 7. Trust God's timing. What you cannot understand today may become clear tomorrow. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. What closed door am I currently struggling to accept? 2. Am I trying to force open something God may have closed? 3. Could this disappointment actually be divine protection? 4. What might God be redirecting me toward? 5. Am I more committed to God's will or to my own plans? 6. What lesson is God teaching me in this season? 7. Can I still trust God even when I don't understand Him? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to recognize when You are closing a door for my protection. 2. Lord, deliver me from forcing doors that You have closed. 3. Father, when one door closes, give me spiritual eyes to see the door You are opening. 4. Lord, heal every disappointment caused by rejection, delay, and closed opportunities. 5. Father, redirect my steps into Your perfect will. 6. Every door that must remain closed for my protection, give me the grace to leave it closed. 7. Lord, open the doors that align with Your purpose for my life. 8. Father, strengthen my faith when I cannot understand what You are doing. 9. Every good thing You have ordained for my life, let no power of darkness permanently hinder it. 10. Lord Jesus, let my life become a testimony that even through closed doors, You were working for my good. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't spend the rest of your life standing in front of a door God has already closed. There is a time to knock. There is a time to wait. There is also a time to walk away. If God closed it, trust Him. If God blocked it, thank Him. If God redirected you, follow Him. If God is preparing another door, wait for Him. You may not understand the closure today. But one day you may look back and say: “Thank God that door did not open.” The door you are crying over today may be the very door God closed because He saw something you could not see. So dry your tears. Strengthen your faith. Lift your eyes. Your story is not over. There is still purpose. There is still grace. There is still a future. And there are doors that only God can open. DECLARE BY FAITH: “I will not die at a closed door. I will not force what God has closed. I will not allow rejection to destroy my faith. I will trust God's direction. I will follow His purpose. And when my appointed door opens, no man will be able to shut it!” In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447640 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

SO, you're contemplating finding a second job where you get paid hourly. Here are some average numbers that you should consider before going that direction. Let's say you can find an opportunity to earn $20/hour and work four extra hours each day. That is $80 per day or $400 weekly. For a full year that works out to $20,800. That really sounds good. Maybe you can pay off some credit card debt, pay off a student loan, make some needed repairs around the house, or any number of other ways to use it. But, wait! Before you put all that money in the bank, there are costs related to this extra income source. First of all, the extra income may put you in a higher tax bracket. At the very least you will probably pay 25% of that extra earnings in federal tax. Plus, you will also have to pay 7.65% FICA tax on that income. That alone will reduce your earnings by $6,800. Now you're only getting $14,000. According to recent studies in the US, the daily expenses incurred by someone working a second job (food, clothing, fuel, parking, etc), averages around $60 per day...not including childcare. That works out to $15,600! WELL, that means you are now paying to work this second job! NOW WHAT? What alternative do you have? Comment below "HELP" to learn what I've found.

✝️ 🏆 At Potter’s Field Ministries, we focus on meeting the greatest needs, whether through soccer tournaments or lending a helping hand. 🌐 Learn more at: www.pottersfield.org #PottersFieldMinistries #SportsMinistry #FaithInAction #Uganda #SoccerForGood #GreatCommission #YouthEmpowerment #PFM #GlobalMinistry #Mudcup #Gospel #Discipleship #Outreach #FaithDriven

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *TEXT:* GENESIS 22:2, 16-18. 2 God said, “Please take your son, your unique son whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him as a burnt offering there on one of the mountains that I will point out to you.” Heb 11:17. 16 and said, “I have taken an oath to swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that since you have carried this out and have not withheld your only unique son, Luk 1:73 Heb 6:13 [Eze 16:8] [Heb 6:14] 17 I will certainly bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the gates of their enemies. Gen 24:60 [Gen 46:3] [Neh 9:23] [Heb 11:12] 18 Furthermore, through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my command.” Gen 12:3 Gen 18:18 Gen 26:4 Act 3:25 Gal 3:8 [Gen 28:14] [Jer 4:2] [Luk 1:55] [Luk 24:27] [Joh 1:45] [Joh 4:22] [Joh 5:46] [Act 10:43] [Act 13:32] [Act 26:6] [Act 28:23] [Rom 1:2]. *TOPIC:* REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. *THE MESSAGE:* In Christianity, being obedient means listening attentively to divine instruction and responding positively out of reverence for our Creator. When anything else occupies your heart, obeying God becomes difficult. Faithful obedience, as seen in Abraham's prompt response to God's command, requires trust and surrender, not rationalisation. Abraham obeyed God and was willing to sacrifice his only Son, the promised child. Like Jesus, our ultimate example, we must obey even when it is complex and costly. You must give up something of worth. Are you obeying God's instructions, or hesitating? Can you let go of a relationship that you hold so dearly to safeguard your faith? If you struggle, ask God for a heart that responds promptly and faithfully. *REFLECTION:* Obedience comes with blessings. *PRAYER:* Father, give me the grace to obey You promptly. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 24-28. ED.ii. WHEN WE COME TOGETHER "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." - 1 Corinthians 14:26 When we come together, we call it a church meeting or service. In a meeting there should be room for the ministry of God's servant, so the church is educated and grows. But it is also important that the entire congregation participates. If you are a member of a church, then you are not a visitor nor a guest, but a member of the Body of Christ. The intention is that every member participates in the meeting. As the congregation consists of several people, it could become hyperactive. When everyone participates at the same time, it then becomes chaotic. Order in church Paul gives us insights about these things in his letters to the Corinthian church. Corinth was a young church with many activities. That is why they needed help with the order during the church service. They had to learn how such a meeting should be because they had recently been born again. There were gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church, but they did not know which gift to give priority to. They also did not have much experience in dealing with new church members. They did not know how to resolve certain disagreements, etc. Paul wanted to help them. We have gained knowledge about these matters because Paul wrote and explained how everything should work. Paul says that 'the church may be built up' (1 Corinthians 14:26) and in 1 Corinthians 14:40 he says: 'but everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.' Nobody is to have a hidden agenda. Let us live like the first church did. 'They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer' (Acts 2:42). https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ⏤ Colossians 3:23 God does nothing except in response to believing prayer. ⏤ John Wesley O God, by the teaching and example of Your dear Son, You have warned us to work Your works while it is day, before the night comes. Give us the spirit of earnestness and diligence so that we may faithfully do the work You’ve given us. Save us from laziness and sloth. Help us to understand the true meaning of life. Enable us by Your grace to do everything with all our might, whatever tasks come our way. We ask Your forgiveness tonight for where we’ve failed to fulfill our duties. Give us grace and wisdom to use every talent You’ve entrusted to us, so that it may bring blessings and good into the world, and honor and glory to Your name. May we be faithful in every relationship in life. In our home, help us to fulfill our duties so that no part of our home life suffers. Help us to be faithful in all our business, social, church, state, and worldly responsibilities. We also ask that You teach us how to make all our work Christian work—business for Jesus. Teach us how to do everything for Your glory. Let not our worldly activities steal our hearts away from our heavenly Master. Don’t let us become worldly while we are busy with the things we must do to provide for our bodies. Make all our work a means of grace to us. May we learn to do everything for Jesus. Then we will find a blessing in every task and duty. Grant that in all things we may honor and glorify You, forgetting ourselves. We ask this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/48/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

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