DAY 25 - Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow 🌅 Reflection Honour Family Without Losing Your Marriage Good morning, Family is a blessing. Parents matter. In-laws matter. Extended family matters. But marriage also creates a new primary family unit. Sometimes the challenge is not that in-laws are bad people. The challenge is boundaries. A mother may mean well but become too involved. A father may offer advice that creates tension. A sibling may expect more than the couple can reasonably give. The answer is not disrespect. It is healthy boundaries expressed with honour. Jesus taught us to honour our parents, but marriage also carries the principle of leaving and cleaving. 📖 God's Word "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife." — Genesis 2:24 ❤️ Today's Love Action Discuss with your spouse one family boundary that would protect your marriage while still showing honour to your families. 💬 Let's Talk How can couples honour extended family without allowing outside pressure to divide them? 🙏 Prayer Lord, give us wisdom to honour our families while protecting the unity of our marriage. Help us establish boundaries without bitterness or disrespect. Amen. 🌿 From My Counselor's Chair A boundary is not a wall against family. It is a clear line that helps relationships remain healthy. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Honour your family, but don't sacrifice your marriage on the altar of people-pleasing." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

The 𝐒𝐭. 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞 took place beginning on 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟒, 𝟏𝟓𝟕𝟐, in Paris and spreading across France, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 30,000 French Huguenots. The Third War of Religion in France between Roman Catholics and Protestant Huguenots had come to a negotiated end in 1570. Henry III of Navarre and Margaret of Valois were married in Paris on August 18, 1572, and consequently, a large number of leading French Huguenots were in the city for the event. On August 22, while walking home, French Huguenot Admiral Gaspard de Coligny was shot in the street by an unknown assailant who escaped. He was severely injured, but recuperating at home when, at the instigation of Margaret's mother, Queen Catherine de' Medici (mother of King Charles IX), Henry, Duke of Guise and his men finished the job by stabbing Coligny and throwing him out of his window. This led to a widespread, semi-organized wave of violence against French Huguenot leaders and citizens. Bodies were thrown into the River Seine (over 1000 washed ashore in the coming days). Petrus Ramus, the philosopher, was killed in Paris, and Claude Goudimel, the composer who played a major role in the production of the Genevan Psalter, was killed in Lyon. The severed head of Coligny was sent to the Pope (but apparently not delivered), and the Pope rejoiced in the slaughter of the Hugenots, celebrating with a gold medal created for the occasion, and ordering a Te Deum to be sung to God in thanksgiving for the event. When Philip I of Spain heard the news, he "laughed, for almost the only time on record." English playwright Christopher Marlowe wrote a play to tell the story called 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑠 (1593), and the massacre has been retold in many other works of literature since. It was one of the most infamous atrocities ever perpetrated against Christians since the time of the Reformation.

My mother and I, a couple of Sundays ago.

Daily Bible Lesson. GOD DOES NOT BRING HIMSELF DOWN TO HUMAN STANDARD, HE CALLED US TO RISE TO HIS STANDARD God does not bring Himself down to our human standard. He calls us to rise to His standard. We live in a generation where people are increasingly comfortable redefining God’s Word to fit their preferences. Some say, “I will keep this commandment, but that one is no longer necessary.” But the question is not, “Which commandments do I prefer?” The question is, “What has God commanded?” The Ten Commandments are not ten suggestions. They reveal the character, righteousness, and moral will of God. Scripture says, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” — Romans 7:12. Look carefully at the commandments: 1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Are we putting God first, or have we allowed something else to occupy His place? 2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.” Are we worshiping God according to His Word, or according to human tradition? 3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.” Do our words and lives honor the name we claim to represent? 4. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Why do people readily accept nine commandments while arguing against the fourth? If God wrote all ten, who gave us permission to erase one? 5. “Honour thy father and thy mother.” Do we respect the authority God has established in the family? 6. “Thou shalt not kill.” God values human life. 7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” God calls us to purity and faithfulness. 8. “Thou shalt not steal.” God requires honesty and respect for what belongs to others. 9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” God calls His people to truthfulness. 10. “Thou shalt not covet.” God is not merely concerned with outward behavior; He searches the heart. Notice something important: the commandments are connected. We cannot claim to honor the God who gave the law while deliberately rejecting the commandment we find inconvenient. James 2:10–11 teaches that the One who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” The same God stands behind the whole law. But let us be clear: we are not saved by keeping the law. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet grace does not give us permission to live in rebellion. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15. The law does not replace Christ. Christ leads us to obedience. So before we select which commandments we want to keep, let us humble ourselves and ask: “Lord, what does Your Word say?” God does not need to lower His standard to accommodate our disobedience. He calls us higher. Let us stop choosing between commandments and start choosing obedience to God. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12 God’s standard remains God’s standard—even when society changes. Amazing Love

True Worship Belongs to God Alone Scripture Judges 17:6 (NKJV) In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. When Everyone Does What Is Right in Their Own Eyes Judges 17 marks a shift in the book of Judges. Instead of focusing on Israel's battles with foreign enemies, the chapter reveals the spiritual decline taking place within the nation itself. The greatest danger was no longer outside Israel but inside the hearts of God's people. The chapter begins with Micah returning stolen silver to his mother. Although he admitted his wrongdoing, the family's response did not lead to true repentance or obedience to God's Word. Instead, they used part of the silver to make a carved image and a molded image for worship. They mixed the name of the LORD with practices that God had clearly forbidden. Micah then established his own private shrine, made household idols, and even appointed his own priest. Later, when a wandering Levite arrived, Micah hired him to serve in his personal religious system. Micah believed that because he now had a Levite serving him, God would surely bless him. The tragedy of this chapter is that the people were religious but not obedient. They wanted God's blessing without submitting to God's commands. They created a form of worship based on personal preference rather than God's revealed truth. Judges 17 concludes with the sobering statement that there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. The issue was not merely political leadership but spiritual authority. The people rejected God's rule and replaced it with their own opinions and desires. This same temptation exists today. Our culture often teaches that truth is personal and that everyone should determine what is right for themselves. Yet God's Word remains the unchanging standard for faith and life. Genuine worship is not built upon feelings, traditions, or personal preferences but upon humble obedience to the Lord. God desires hearts that submit to Him completely. True worship is demonstrated not only by what we say but by how faithfully we obey His Word. Reflection Questions 1. Am I following God's Word or simply doing what seems right in my own eyes? 2. Are there areas where I have substituted personal preferences for biblical obedience? 3. Is my worship shaped by Scripture or by culture and convenience? Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to honor You according to Your Word rather than according to my own ideas. Guard my heart from compromise and from creating a faith that fits my preferences instead of Your truth. Teach me to walk in humble obedience and to worship You in spirit and in truth. May every area of my life be surrendered to Your authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Learn to celebrate the grace and anointing upon other people’s lives. Envy and jealousy will only rob you of peace and hinder you from recognizing what God is doing through others. Some people have been set apart from their mother’s womb to preach the Gospel, touch lives, restore hope, and deliver people from the kingdom of darkness. Their calling is not a threat to you it is a testimony of God’s power and purpose. #CelebrateGrace #NoToJealousy #KingdomOfGod #Anointing #Gospel #Purpose #GodsCalling

DO STEP-PARENTS MATTER? SYNOPSIS: (NOTE: before you pre-judge and fire off a comment, please READ THE FULL ARTICLE at the "Them Before Us" link.) The children come first! Nick Spencer, founder of Them Before Us (TBU), explains that children have a fundamental right to their biological mother and father, stating that every child is conceived by one man and one woman. The group distinguishes between adoption and remarriage, which they view as adults stepping in to provide stability for children after a pre-existing tragedy; compared to surrogacy or donor conception, which they define as adults intentionally, to satisfy their own desires, causing via IVF a child’s loss of biological connection. READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-08-15.htm#article_4

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 23) 1. When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; 2. And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. 3. Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food. 4. Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! 5. Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 6. Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; 7. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. 8. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words. 9. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10. Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; 11. For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you. 12. Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. 13. Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. 14. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell. 15. My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; 16. Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things. 17. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; 18. For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. 19. Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. 20. Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. 22. Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. 23. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. 25. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. 26. My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways. 27. For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well. 28. She also lies in wait as for a victim, And increases the unfaithful among men. 29. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30. Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. 31. Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; 32. At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. 33. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. 34. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 35. “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS? Knowing His Name Is Not the Same as Knowing Him! Key Scripture — Acts 19:14–16 (KJV) “And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” Thought Of The Day... There is a tremendous difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus. Acts 19 gives us a powerful and sobering picture of this truth. The seven sons of Sceva had heard about the miracles taking place through the Apostle Paul. They had witnessed or heard reports of demons being cast out and lives being transformed through the name of Jesus. They saw the results, but they did not understand the relationship behind the results. They wanted the authority Paul demonstrated without possessing the relationship Paul had. They attempted to use the name of Jesus almost like a spiritual formula. Earlier in the passage they said: “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” — Acts 19:13 (KJV) Notice their language. They did not say, “Jesus whom we know.” They said, “Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” Jesus was Paul's testimony, but He had not become their personal testimony. And that raises a serious question for every believer: Do you know Jesus for yourself? It is possible to grow up in church and still only know about Jesus. It is possible to know Scripture and still not truly surrender to Jesus. It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus, teach about Jesus, shout about Jesus, and even use the name of Jesus—yet lack a genuine relationship with Him. Christianity was never intended to be secondhand. You cannot survive spiritually forever on your mother's relationship with God, your father's prayers, your pastor's anointing, your bishop's revelation, your spouse's faith, or your grandmother's testimony. Eventually, you must know Him for yourself. Paul could say: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV) Paul wasn't satisfied merely knowing facts about Christ. His desire was, “That I may know Him.” “JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?” These may be some of the most sobering words in Acts. The evil spirit responded: “Jesus I know.” There was no confusion in the kingdom of darkness concerning Jesus. The demons knew exactly who He was. During Jesus' earthly ministry, an unclean spirit cried: “I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” — Mark 1:24 (KJV) James gives us another sobering reminder: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” — James 2:19 (KJV) Simply acknowledging that Jesus exists is not the same as belonging to Him. But then the spirit said something else: “Paul I know.” Why was Paul recognized? Because Paul's life demonstrated that he belonged to Jesus. Paul wasn't borrowing somebody else's faith. He had encountered Christ for himself. His authority did not come from merely repeating Jesus' name; it flowed from his relationship with and commission from Jesus. Then came the devastating question: “BUT WHO ARE YE?” In other words, You are using the name, but where is your relationship with the One whose name you are using? The sons of Sceva discovered that the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase. There is power in the name of Jesus because of who Jesus is. Jesus declared: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” — Matthew 28:18 (KJV) His name represents His person, His authority, His victory, His lordship and His kingdom. We must never reduce the name of Jesus to something we merely shout when we are in trouble. His name belongs to the Savior to whom we surrender our lives. DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS YOU CALL ON? Jesus is more than a name mentioned at the end of a prayer. He is the Son of God. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16 (KJV) He is the Savior. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (KJV) He is the Way to the Father. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6 (KJV) He is the Resurrection and the Life. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” — John 11:25 (KJV) He is Lord. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:11 (KJV) The question is not merely, “Have you heard about Him?” The question is: Have you trusted Him? Have you surrendered to Him? Are you following Him? Are you walking with Him? Does your life belong to Him? YOU CANNOT BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE'S ANOINTING The sons of Sceva tried to imitate what they saw Paul doing. But spiritual authority cannot be copied like a technique. You can imitate someone's preaching style. You can imitate someone's prayer language. You can imitate someone's worship. You can repeat someone's favorite Scriptures. But you cannot imitate their relationship with God. Jesus said: “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5 (KJV) Our strength comes from abiding in Christ. The greatest danger is not weakness that drives us toward Jesus. The greater danger is trying to operate spiritually while disconnected from Him. The seven sons discovered this painfully. The possessed man “overcame them, and prevailed against them.” They entered believing they had authority they did not possess and left “naked and wounded.” There is a warning here: Never attempt to substitute religious activity for genuine relationship with Christ. YOUR PRIVATE WALK MATTERS Before Paul stood publicly in authority, he had privately surrendered his life to Jesus. Our public Christianity must be supported by a private relationship with God. Who are you when there is no microphone? Who are you when there is no congregation? Who are you when nobody sees you praying? Who are you when temptation comes? Who are you when life becomes difficult? Do you still trust Jesus when there is nobody around to applaud your faith? Jesus said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” — John 8:31 (KJV) Real discipleship is demonstrated through continued fellowship, obedience, faith and dependence upon Christ. KNOW HIM BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES Don't wait until trouble arrives to try to discover who Jesus is. Know Him now. Know Him in prayer. Know Him through His Word. Know Him in worship. Know Him through obedience. Know Him when everything is going well so that when everything begins falling apart, you already know where your help comes from. David could face Goliath because David already knew God before Goliath appeared. Daniel could face the lions because Daniel knew God before he entered the den. The three Hebrew boys could face the fiery furnace because they knew God before Nebuchadnezzar heated it. Paul could endure persecution because he knew the Christ for whom he suffered. And when your day of testing comes, you need more than something somebody told you about Jesus. You need to be able to declare: I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! Job said: “For I know that my redeemer liveth…” — Job 19:25 (KJV) There are some storms where somebody else's testimony will not be enough. You need your own history with God. You need memories of prayers He answered. You need moments when His Word carried you. You need times when you experienced His grace. You need the confidence to declare: I know who Jesus is because I have walked with Him for myself! THE QUESTION STILL STANDS Acts 19 leaves us with a question that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart: DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS? Not just the Jesus your pastor preaches. Not just the Jesus your parents taught you about. Not just the Jesus you heard about in Sunday School. But Jesus Christ for yourself. And perhaps an even deeper question is: DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT YOU KNOW HIM? Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (KJV) Knowing Jesus should produce following Jesus. Following Jesus should produce obedience. Obedience should produce transformation. And transformation should cause our lives to testify that we have been with Jesus. PRAYER... Father, in the name of Jesus, Thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Lord, forgive us for every time we have been satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus instead of developing a deeper relationship with Him. We don't want secondhand faith. We don't want borrowed convictions. We don't want to depend solely upon somebody else's prayers, testimony or relationship with You. Lord Jesus, we want to know You for ourselves. Draw us closer to You. Give us a hunger for Your Word, a desire for prayer, a heart of worship and a spirit willing to obey Your voice. Search our hearts and remove everything that has created distance between us and You. Teach us not merely to speak Your name but to honor Your name with the way we live. When temptation comes, remind us who You are. When storms arise, remind us who You are. When fear attacks, remind us who You are. When the enemy challenges our faith, help us stand firmly upon the authority of Your Word. May our lives testify that we belong to Jesus Christ. And Lord, let our greatest desire always be the cry of Paul: “That I may know him.” We want to know You more deeply, love You more completely, trust You more confidently, obey You more faithfully, and represent You more boldly. In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. DECLARATION... I DECLARE that I will not live on borrowed faith! I know who Jesus is! Jesus is my Savior. Jesus is my Redeemer. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Deliverer. Jesus is my Rock. Jesus is my Strength. Jesus is my Hope. Jesus is my King! I will seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and grow deeper in my relationship with Him. I refuse to merely know about Jesus. I WILL KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! And when life asks me, “Do you know who Jesus is?” My faith, my testimony, my obedience and my life will answer: YES! I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV) Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

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.