THE CALVARY MINISTRY – ONLINE ✝️ THE CROSS OF CALVARY 🙏🏽 📅 MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026 📜 TEXT: JOHN 18:1–40 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36 (KJV)» 👑✝️ JESUS — THE KING WHO STOOD FIRM John 18 takes us into the final hours before the Cross. Jesus enters the garden knowing exactly what awaits Him. He knows betrayal is coming. He knows arrest is coming. He knows suffering is coming. He knows Calvary is before Him. Yet Jesus does not run. He does not hide. He does not surrender His mission. He willingly stands firm because He came to accomplish the Father's will. ✝️❤️‍🔥 🔥 THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 18 1️⃣ JESUS WAS NOT A VICTIM—HE WILLINGLY GAVE HIMSELF. ✝️ When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them whom they sought. When they answered, Jesus said: «“I am he.” — John 18:5» They went backward and fell to the ground. This moment reminds us that Jesus was not powerless. He could have escaped. He could have called for heavenly help. But He chose to remain. Why? Because He was committed to the Cross. His arrest was part of God's redemptive plan. Calvary was not an accident. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. ❤️‍🔥 2️⃣ JESUS' KINGDOM IS GREATER THAN THIS WORLD. 👑 Pilate questioned Jesus about His kingship. Jesus answered: «“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36» The kingdoms of this world are temporary. Positions change. Money disappears. Human power fades. Fame does not last forever. But the Kingdom of Christ is eternal. Therefore, do not build your entire life around things that cannot last. Build your life around Christ. Seek His Kingdom. Obey His Word. Live for eternal things. Jesus is King—not only over heaven, but Lord over our hearts. 👑✝️ 3️⃣ WE MUST STAND FOR TRUTH. 📖🔥 Jesus said: «“Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” — John 18:37» Pilate responded: «“What is truth?” — John 18:38» The world continues to ask that question. But for the believer, truth is not merely an idea. Truth is found in Christ and revealed through God's Word. In a world filled with compromise, confusion and changing opinions, followers of Jesus must remain anchored in truth. Do not compromise your faith because of pressure. Do not deny Christ to gain acceptance. Do not exchange holiness for popularity. Stand for Jesus, even when standing is costly. 🔥 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION Jesus knew the Cross was ahead, yet He remained faithful. What about you? Will you remain faithful when obedience becomes difficult? Will you stand for Christ when people disagree with you? Will you choose holiness when temptation is strong? Will you choose truth when compromise seems easier? Jesus stood firm for you. He endured rejection for you. He accepted suffering for you. He walked toward Calvary for you. Therefore, stand firm for Him. Your faith may be tested. Your obedience may cost you something. People may misunderstand you. But remember: You are serving an eternal King. 👑 Do not allow temporary pressure to make you abandon eternal truth. 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour. Thank You that He willingly stood firm and went toward the Cross for our salvation. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to remain faithful when my faith is tested. Help me not to compromise Your truth for acceptance, popularity, comfort or worldly gain. Give me courage to stand for righteousness. When I am afraid, strengthen me. When I am pressured, remind me of Your example. When temptation comes, help me remember the price You paid for me. Let my life demonstrate that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and King over my life. May I seek Your Kingdom above everything else and remain faithful until the end. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽✝️ 🌹 CALVARY BLESSING May the King of kings strengthen you today. May you remain firm when your faith is tested. May God's truth guide your decisions. May you never exchange eternal treasures for temporary pleasures. May courage rise within you to stand for Christ. And may your life continually declare: Jesus is my King. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Truth. Jesus is my Saviour. 👑✝️ STAND FIRM. THE KING IS COMING! 🔥 THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! 🔥 By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah 🙏🏽

✝️ THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY 📅 Monday, 24th August, 2026 🔥 COME TO JESUS AND DRINK! 💧✝️ 📜 TEXT: JOHN 7:1–53 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” — John 7:37 (KJV)» John 7 reveals Jesus ministering in the midst of opposition, unbelief, confusion, and division. People had different opinions about Him. Some questioned His identity. Others criticized Him. Some wanted to arrest Him. Yet Jesus continued to teach and proclaim the truth. Then, on the final and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried: «“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”» This was more than an invitation for physical water. Jesus was speaking to the deepest thirst of the human heart. The world cannot satisfy the soul. Only Jesus can. ❤️‍🔥 🔥 THREE LESSONS FROM JOHN 7 1️⃣ COME TO JESUS WHEN YOUR SOUL IS THIRSTY. 💧 Jesus said: «“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” — John 7:37» Everyone experiences a thirst that material things cannot satisfy. You may have money and still be empty. You may have friends and still feel lonely. You may have success and still lack peace. You may have possessions and still desire something more. The soul was created for God. Therefore, don't try to satisfy a spiritual thirst with worldly things. Come to Jesus. He gives peace to the troubled heart. He gives hope to the discouraged. He gives forgiveness to the sinner. He gives purpose to the lost. He gives eternal life to those who believe. ✝️ 🕊️ 2️⃣ THE HOLY SPIRIT FLOWS FROM A LIFE CONNECTED TO CHRIST. 🔥 John 7:38–39 says: «“He that believeth on me... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”» John explains that Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit. God does not want us merely to receive His blessing; He wants His life to flow through us to others. You should not be a container that only receives. You should become a channel that gives. Receive God's love—and show it. Receive His grace—and extend it. Receive His Word—and share it. Receive His comfort—and comfort others. Receive the Gospel—and preach it. A life filled with Christ should become a blessing to others. 🌍🔥 ⚠️ 3️⃣ DON'T ALLOW PEOPLE'S OPINIONS TO KEEP YOU FROM JESUS. John 7 is filled with different opinions about Jesus. Some said He was a good man. Others said He deceived people. Some recognized that He was the Christ. Others questioned where He came from. Even among the people, there was division because of Him. This reminds us that people will always have opinions about Jesus. But your salvation cannot be based on people's opinions. You must personally know Christ. Don't reject Jesus because someone else rejected Him. Don't abandon your faith because someone mocks you. Don't compromise because you want people's approval. Know whom you believe. ❤️‍🔥 📖 SEARCH THE WORD FOR YOURSELF The people questioned Jesus' teaching because they were unfamiliar with His authority. Jesus said: «“My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” — John 7:16» This teaches us the importance of knowing God's Word. Don't build your faith solely on what someone tells you. Study Scripture. Pray for understanding. Test what you hear. Know the truth. A believer who knows God's Word is less likely to be carried away by deception. Don't just hear the Word—search it, understand it, and live it. 📖🔥 ❤️‍🔥 JESUS CAN SATISFY WHAT THE WORLD CANNOT There is a thirst inside humanity that money cannot quench. The Samaritan woman in John 4 needed Living Water. The crowd in John 6 needed the Bread of Life. And in John 7, Jesus again offers Himself as the One who satisfies the thirsty soul. The message is consistent: JESUS IS ENOUGH. When you have Christ, you have the greatest treasure. When everything else changes, Christ remains. When people leave, Christ remains. When circumstances become difficult, Christ remains. When the world cannot answer your questions, Christ remains. Come to Jesus and drink. 💧✝️ 🔥 LET THE RIVERS FLOW THROUGH YOU Jesus did not say that the living water would remain stagnant. He said: «“Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”» A river flows. Therefore, don't keep your Christianity hidden. Let your faith be visible. Let your kindness speak. Let your character testify. Let your words carry grace. Let your life preach Christ. Someone around you may be spiritually thirsty. Your testimony may encourage them. Your prayer may strengthen them. Your invitation may bring them to church. Your witness may lead them to salvation. Let the living water flow! 🌊🔥 ✝️ JESUS WILL ALWAYS BRING A DECISION John 7 shows that people were divided because of Jesus. Some believed. Some doubted. Some opposed Him. Some wanted to arrest Him. Jesus still demands a response today. You cannot remain neutral forever. The question is not merely: “What do people say about Jesus?” The question is: “WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?” Is He your Saviour? Is He your Lord? Is He your King? Are you following Him? Are you obeying His Word? ✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The world offers temporary satisfaction, but Jesus offers Living Water that becomes a river within us. Come to Him, drink deeply, and let His life flow through you. 💧🔥✝️ 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Jesus Christ, the source of Living Water. Lord Jesus, I come to You with every thirst, emptiness, weakness, and need in my heart. Fill me with Your presence and satisfy my soul with what only You can provide. Holy Spirit, work deeply within me. Let rivers of living water flow through my life. Help me not to be controlled by the opinions of people. Give me courage to stand for Christ even when others reject or misunderstand Him. Give me a deeper hunger for Your Word and greater understanding of Your truth. Use my life as a channel of Your love, grace, and Gospel. Let someone encounter Jesus because of my words, actions, and testimony. May I never look to the world for what only Christ can provide. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽🔥 📜 THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 94–96 📖 ✝️ THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE Birthright is Evangelism

WWW.WHYTHEWHITEMANRULES.COM ANOTHER 5 STAR REVIEW Reviewer 1 Aug 11, 2026 The meaning about power and faith From the beginning, the reading focuses on the idea that the power and success of white people throughout history did not happen by accident. It explains how white people have spread across different parts of the world, built powerful nations, gained wealth, and influenced other countries. What makes this idea different is that their success is connected to promises that God made in the Bible. The reading connects white people to the biblical people of Israel. A lot of attention is given to the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants. These promises included becoming a great nation, having many descendants, receiving blessings, and being protected. The events that happened throughout history are presented as examples of those promises being fulfilled. This makes the main point easier to understand because the reading is trying to show that God keeps His word even when people may not realize what is happening. Faith is another major part of the reading. Faith is explained as more than just believing that something is true. It means trusting a promise enough to actually act on it. The reading explains that the Greek word connected to faith describes action based on belief and confidence. This idea becomes even more important when it explains saving faith. Saving faith means acting on God’s promises and allowing Him to change a person’s life. Near the end, people are separated into two groups called the “Two Camps.” The first camp is made up of people who reject God’s promises and choose to live according to their own decisions. The second camp includes people who trust God’s promises and actually act on them. The reading connects history with faith instead of looking at power as something that only comes from money, land, or strength. It shows how the same events can be understood differently depending on a person’s beliefs. The main message is that trusting God is supposed to be shown through actions, not just words or thoughts. Faith is presented as something that can guide a person’s choices and allow God’s promises to have an effect on their life.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: HOW CAN YOU PRAY SO THAT GOD HEARS YOU? Main Text: Psalm 66:18–20; 1 John 5:14–15 Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:5–13; James 5:16; Proverbs 15:29; Mark 11:24–25 GOD IS STILL LISTENING. One of the deepest questions a believer can ask is: “When I pray, does God really hear me?” You may have prayed for months and seen no answer. You may have cried in secret, knelt beside your bed, prayed in church, prayed while travelling, prayed when nobody knew what you were going through—and still wondered, “God, are You hearing me?” Here is the good news: God hears prayer. But the Bible also teaches us that there is a way to approach God in prayer. Prayer is not merely talking loudly. Prayer is not using many religious words. Prayer is not trying to manipulate God. Prayer is fellowship with the Father. Jesus said: «“Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” — Matthew 6:8» So the question is not simply, “How much do I pray?” The deeper question is: “How do I position my heart when I pray?” 1. PRAY WITH A SINCERE AND HUMBLE HEART God is not impressed by religious performance. He looks at the heart. Psalm 51:17 says: «“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart…”» David understood something important: God values the condition of the heart more than the appearance of the prayer. You can pray beautiful words with a proud heart and miss the heart of prayer. But you can come before God with tears, weakness, and simple words and experience His presence. Jesus' illustration In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus told the story of two men who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee. He boasted about himself. The other was a tax collector. He simply cried: «“God be merciful to me a sinner.” — Luke 18:13» Jesus said the humble man went home justified. Spiritual lesson God is not looking for impressive prayers; He is looking for surrendered hearts. Come to God honestly. If you are hurting, tell Him. If you are confused, tell Him. If you have failed, confess it. If you are afraid, tell Him. Prayer begins when pretending ends. 2. PRAY WITH FAITH James 1:6 says: «“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”» Faith does not mean that you dictate to God what He must do. Faith means that you trust who God is, even when you do not understand what He is doing. Mark 11:24 says: «“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”» Faith says: “Father, I believe You are able.” And when the answer does not come immediately: “Father, I still trust You.” Faith does not disappear because the answer is delayed. Remember the three possible answers to prayer: YES — God grants the request. WAIT — God is working, but the timing is different. NO — God knows something you do not know. A “no” from God is not proof that God has abandoned you. Sometimes God's refusal is protection. Sometimes His delay is preparation. Sometimes His silence is developing your spiritual maturity. 3. PRAY ACCORDING TO GOD'S WILL One of the most powerful scriptures on prayer is: «“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” — 1 John 5:14» Notice the words: “According to His will.” Prayer is not about making God's will submit to ours. Prayer is about bringing our desires into alignment with God's will. Jesus demonstrated this in Gethsemane. He prayed: «“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42» Jesus was facing the cross, yet He surrendered to the Father's will. That is mature prayer. A child may say: “God, give me what I want.” But spiritual maturity says: “God, give me what You know is best.” A powerful prayer to learn: “Lord, if this desire is from You, establish it. If it is not from You, remove it. And if I must wait, give me grace to wait.” 4. DEAL WITH UNFORGIVENESS AND SIN We must be careful here. The Bible does not teach that every unanswered prayer means a person has committed some hidden sin. Job suffered greatly without being guilty of the accusations brought against him. However, Scripture clearly teaches that deliberate, unrepentant sin can affect our relationship and fellowship with God. Psalm 66:18 says: «“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”» And Isaiah 59:2 says: «“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God…”» God is merciful, but we should not treat sin casually. What about unforgiveness? Jesus taught: «“And when ye stand praying, forgive…” — Mark 11:25» You cannot continuously ask God for mercy while deliberately refusing to show mercy to others. Forgiveness does not mean saying that what happened was acceptable. Forgiveness means releasing vengeance into God's hands. Ask yourself: “Is there somebody I need to forgive?” “Is there something God has been asking me to surrender?” “Am I asking God to bless something He has already told me to leave?” 5. PRAY WITH PERSISTENCE Some answers require persistent prayer. Jesus taught this through the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1–8. The purpose of the parable was clear: «“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1» Do not stop praying simply because you have not yet seen the answer. Daniel gives us another powerful example. In Daniel 10, Daniel prayed and fasted. His answer was delayed, but heaven had heard him from the beginning. The angel told him: «“From the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand… thy words were heard.” — Daniel 10:12» Think about that! Daniel was praying on earth while heaven was already responding. The delay did not mean God had ignored him. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH — A WOMAN WHO POURED OUT HER SOUL Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1 is one of the clearest pictures of persistent prayer. She was deeply troubled because she had no child. She went to the house of the Lord and prayed. She didn't simply perform a religious ritual. She poured out her soul before God. Eli initially misunderstood her. But Hannah kept praying. Eventually, God answered her prayer and gave her Samuel. Her story teaches us: 1. You can bring your deepest pain to God. 2. People may misunderstand your prayer, but God understands your heart. 3. Delay does not mean denial. 4. God can turn tears into testimony. Hannah went into the presence of God carrying sorrow. She came out carrying peace. The circumstances had not immediately changed—but something had changed inside her. That is one of the miracles of prayer. Sometimes prayer changes the situation. Sometimes prayer changes the person going through the situation. And sometimes God does both. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT GOD "HEARS" PRAYER? When Scripture says God hears prayer, it means far more than God simply detecting our words. It means God attends to, receives, and responds according to His wisdom and will. God hears the prayer of His children. Proverbs 15:29 says: «“The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”» And James 5:16 declares: «“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”» Your prayer may look small on earth, but it is not small when it reaches heaven. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. SET A CONSISTENT PRAYER TIME Do not pray only when there is an emergency. Build a prayer life. 2. BEGIN WITH WORSHIP Before presenting your shopping list to God, acknowledge who He is. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name…” — Matthew 6:9 3. CONFESS YOUR SINS Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Psalm 139:23–24 4. PRAY SCRIPTURE Use God's Word as the foundation of your prayers. 5. ASK SPECIFICALLY Instead of only saying, “Lord, bless me,” tell God what you are trusting Him for. 6. LEARN TO LISTEN Prayer is not a one-way conversation. After speaking, become quiet before God. Read Scripture. Pay attention to the convictions and guidance of the Holy Spirit. 7. KEEP A PRAYER JOURNAL Write down your requests. Record dates. Record answers. One day you will look back and realize how many prayers God answered. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. God's silence is not necessarily God's absence. You may not hear anything, but God may still be working. 2. Prayer is not primarily about getting things; it is about knowing God. The greatest answer to prayer is not always a possession. Sometimes it is God Himself. 3. Prayer changes the atmosphere of the person praying. You may enter prayer anxious and leave with peace. 4. God's answer may be different from your expectation. Never limit God to one method of answering. 5. The strongest prayer is surrendered prayer. “Lord, have Your way” is one of the deepest expressions of faith. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. When I pray, am I seeking God's will or only demanding my own will? 2. Is there any known sin I need to confess? 3. Is there someone I need to forgive? 4. Have I stopped praying because my answer is delayed? 5. Do I genuinely trust God when His answer is different from what I expected? 6. Is my prayer life based on relationship with God or only on emergency needs? 7. What prayer have I abandoned that God may be asking me to continue bringing before Him? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. PRAYER FOR A DEEPER PRAYER LIFE Father, awaken in me a fresh hunger for prayer. Take away spiritual laziness and teach me to seek Your face consistently, in Jesus' name. 2. PRAYER FOR A PURE HEART Lord, search my heart. Reveal anything that is displeasing to You and give me grace to repent and walk in righteousness. 3. PRAYER FOR FAITH Father, increase my faith. When answers are delayed, help me trust You. When I cannot see the way, help me believe that You are still working. 4. PRAYER FOR GOD'S WILL Lord, deliver me from insisting on my own way. Align my desires with Your purpose and give me grace to say, “Your will be done.” 5. PRAYER FOR PERSISTENCE Father, give me strength not to faint in prayer. Help me continue believing until Your appointed time. 6. PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS Lord, give me grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Heal my heart and remove bitterness from my spirit. 7. PRAYER FOR DIVINE ANSWERS Father, concerning every legitimate request I have brought before You, let Your perfect will be established. Open the right doors, close the wrong doors, and lead me according to Your purpose. 8. PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY Holy Spirit, teach me to recognize Your voice. Help me distinguish Your leading from my emotions, fears, and human desires. DON'T JUST PRAY—BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Beloved, prayer is not a religious emergency button. Prayer is relationship. Do not wait until everything is falling apart before you seek God. Pray when you are happy. Pray when you are confused. Pray when you have money. Pray when you have nothing. Pray when the door opens. Pray when the door closes. Pray when you understand. Pray when you don't understand. And above all, pray with a heart that trusts God. Remember: A delayed answer is not necessarily a denied prayer. God's silence is not necessarily God's absence. God's “no” is not a rejection of you. And God's “wait” is not a waste of your time. There is a God who hears. There is a God who sees. There is a God who knows. There is a God who answers. So keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep walking with God. FINAL DECLARATION I will not give up in prayer. I will not allow delay to destroy my faith. I will seek God's face, not merely His hands. I will surrender my will to His will. I will forgive. I will believe. I will persevere. And I will trust the God who hears me. 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 sela shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

MONDAY 24TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Think Before You Decide Bible Reference “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV) A Short Story Daniel was excited when he received a message from an old friend one Monday morning. The friend told him about a business opportunity that could make him a lot of money within a short time. He sent pictures of cars, expensive clothes, and screenshots of people who had supposedly made huge profits from the business. Daniel was immediately interested. “You should join now,” his friend told him. “If you delay, you will miss the opportunity.” Daniel did not have much money, but he was tired of struggling. He had watched other young people make progress while he was still trying to find his feet. He began imagining what he would do with the money if the business worked. He could buy a better phone, support his family, and finally stop asking people for help. That evening, Daniel was ready to transfer his savings. He had already made up his mind when his older brother asked him a simple question. “Have you checked how the business works?” Daniel became quiet. He had not checked anything. He had only listened to his friend and looked at the pictures he had been shown. His brother advised him to slow down and investigate before putting his money into it. Daniel reluctantly agreed. The next day, he searched for information about the company and discovered several complaints from people who had lost money through the same scheme. He also discovered that the pictures his friend had shown him were being used to attract new people. Daniel was disappointed, but he was grateful that he had not acted quickly. That experience taught him a lesson he never forgot. Not every opportunity is from God, and not everything that looks good is good for you. Sometimes wisdom is simply knowing when to stop, ask questions, pray, and think before making a decision. Today's Message Every young person will make important decisions. You will make decisions about your education, career, business, friendships, relationships, marriage, money, ministry, and the kind of person you want to become. Some decisions may look small at first, but they can affect many years of your life. The Bible says that a wise person considers his steps. This means you should not allow excitement, pressure, fear, or the desire to impress people to make your decisions for you. You do not have to say yes simply because everyone around you is saying yes. Some people have entered wrong relationships because they were afraid of being alone. Some have chosen the wrong career because they wanted to impress their friends. Some have lost money because they wanted quick success. Others have made serious mistakes because they acted before asking questions. Faith does not mean refusing to think. God expects you to pray, seek wisdom, examine your options, and make responsible decisions. You can trust God and still do your homework. Before you make an important decision, slow down. Ask yourself what the Bible says about it. Pray about it. Seek advice from mature and trustworthy people. Look at the possible consequences. Do not allow temporary excitement to make a permanent decision for you. A wise decision today can save you from years of regret tomorrow. What To Do Today 1. Think about one important decision you are currently considering and refuse to rush into it. 2. Pray about it and ask God for wisdom and clear direction. 3. Seek advice from someone mature and trustworthy. 4. Consider the possible consequences before you make your final decision. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to make good decisions. Help me not to be controlled by pressure, fear, excitement, or the desire to please people. Teach me to think carefully, listen to wise counsel, follow Your Word, and choose what will honour You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Before making any important decision today, stop for a few minutes and ask yourself three questions: Is it right? Is it wise? What could be the result? ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist Download Christian Novels by Anthony Ijere at: https://t.me/anthonyijere

Paul told the elders in Ephesus to follow his example. That example was not to take money from God’s people, but instead, to work for a living and give to their needs.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. How do you measure your prosperity? Is it by your bank account, or what you drive or live in? Is it by how many friends you have? Is it measured by how many ‘collectables’ you have acquired? What exactly does prosperity look like for you? Jeremiah 29:11 is everyone’s favorite verse to quote when it comes to times of ‘financial’ struggles. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The definition of prosper, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is this: (1) to succeed in an enterprise or activity/ especially: to achieve economic success (2) to become strong and flourishing. I Googled the original Hebrew verbiage and found that prosperous is not a word in the Hebrew language exactly. The word was ‘maschshevot,’ which in modern terms equates to peace, well-being and a positive future. The enemy is very good at taking God’s word and turning it into something BIGGER for his glory. He dilutes the Word to soften it; he adjusts the meaning of the Word to satisfy popular opinion; he creates a world of his translation of the Word to satisfy the egos of all those who want the easy way. Such as: Unconditional Love … that does not mean that I love your sin; it means that I love you enough to speak the truth in love, not judgment. The enemy will tell you that I am judging you, when I am not; I am just stating facts so that you can make an informed decision. Eye for an eye … that is hatred, according to Jesus, who says when someone harms you, turn the other cheek Prosperity preaching … from this verse … claims that if you ‘give’ to the church, then God will give to you, or rather that if you give to “their” church, God will give to you. Prosperity and riches. The enemy will hamstring you into believing that God does not love you because you have not ‘given’ enough or that your gift is not good enough. These are all lies. Starting with, God wants you to be financially rich. It is not that God does not want you to be financially rich, but he knows how easily it can distract you from Him. If you are financially rich, then your heart turns to protecting your money instead of worshiping Him who gave you the riches. Prosperity in Jeremiah is speaking of hope, peace, and well-being; not Richie Rich. I am not a RICH person, but I am better off than many. I have food in my belly, a roof over my head, people around me who love and respect me, a quality vehicle, but most of all … I have love. I have peace. I have joy. I have God. I am one of the most prosperous people I know. Today I encourage you to find your peace in Him. Worship Him. Praise Him. Embrace Him. Love Him. When you do those things with your whole heart … the world does not seem so hard to deal with. Your eyes are open to so many opportunities for His light and love to shine. This will bring so much joy to your heart that it overflows in abundance to those around you. He knows what the world is like, and He wants you to have His peace and prosperity. Be blessed. **But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

1 Timothy 6:10 NLT For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Sunday, 23rd August, 2026 TITLE: "SEEK GOD FIRST, AND TRUST HIM TO PROVIDE" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Matthew 6:33 (KJV) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Psalm 84:11 (KJV) "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Put God first, and trust Him to take care of what concerns you." DAY'S REFLECTION Life is filled with legitimate needs—food, clothing, shelter, finances, relationships, work, health, and the future. These concerns can easily become so important that they take first place in our hearts. Jesus therefore gives us a powerful principle in Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." To seek first means to make something your highest priority. Jesus is teaching us that God must not be an addition to our lives; He must be at the centre of our lives. The kingdom of God refers to God's rule, authority, and purposes. To seek His righteousness means to desire a life that agrees with His character and Word. Jesus then gives a promise: "all these things shall be added unto you." This does not mean that God promises every material desire or that believers will never experience hardship. Rather, it assures us that when we put God first, we can trust Him with our genuine needs and refuse to live controlled by anxiety. Psalm 84:11 describes God as both a "sun and shield." The sun provides light, warmth, and direction, while a shield provides protection. God therefore provides what we need for our journey and protects us as we walk with Him. The verse continues: "The LORD will give grace and glory." Grace is God's enabling favour and strength for the journey. Glory speaks of the honour and blessing that come from His presence and purposes. The psalmist concludes that "no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Life experience teaches us that people often become anxious because they want to control tomorrow today. But God calls us to trust Him one day at a time. Our responsibility is to seek Him, obey His Word, work diligently, and walk uprightly. God's responsibility is to sustain, guide, protect, and provide according to His wisdom. Therefore, examine your priorities today. Is God truly first, or have worries, money, career, relationships, possessions, or personal ambitions taken His place? When God occupies first place, everything else can be placed in its proper position. Seek Him first. Walk uprightly. Trust His provision. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Philippians 4:19 (KJV) "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God must remain the highest priority in our lives. 2. Seeking God first helps us maintain the right perspective about material needs. 3. God is both our provider and our protector. 4. We should not allow anxiety about tomorrow to control today's obedience. 5. Walking uprightly positions us to enjoy God's grace and guidance. 6. Trusting God does not remove responsibility; it helps us fulfil our responsibilities with faith. EVERYDAY ACTION Put God first today: pray, obey His Word, do your work diligently, and trust Him with your needs. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me seek Your kingdom and righteousness above everything else. Be my provider, protector, and guide, and teach me to trust You with every need. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION God is first in my life. I seek His kingdom and righteousness, and I trust Him to provide for my needs. The Lord is my sun and shield; He gives me grace, protection, and direction. I will walk uprightly and confidently in His provision. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P