August 23 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY KEEPER 📖 Psalm 121:5 (LLV) — “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” There is comfort in knowing someone is watching over us. Not watching to find fault. Not watching from a distance. Watching because we matter to them. The psalmist says, “The LORD is your keeper.” He guards. He watches. He preserves. He cares. Earlier in this psalm, the writer looks toward the hills and asks, “Where does my help come from?” His answer is immediate. “My help comes from the LORD.” Then he tells us something remarkable about this Keeper. “He who keeps you will not slumber.” We grow tired. God does not. We become distracted. God does not. We sometimes fail to see the danger ahead. God does not. There is never a moment when God's attention wanders from His children. But then the psalmist makes the picture even more intimate. “The LORD is your shade at your right hand.” In the fierce heat of the ancient world, shade was not merely comfortable. It could mean survival. And shade cannot protect you from far away. It must be near. Very near. The psalmist could have said that God watches us from heaven. That would have been true. Instead, he describes God as shade beside us. Close enough to shelter. Close enough to protect. Close enough to remain at our side. We may not recognize every danger from which God has protected us. We may never know how many paths were quietly redirected, how many doors remained closed, or how many circumstances God used to keep us from something we could not see. But our confidence does not depend upon knowing everything God is doing. It rests in knowing who He is. My Keeper. The One who watches when I sleep. The One who sees what I cannot. The One who remains beside me through every step of the journey. A new beginning rests beneath this promise: I do not know everything that lies ahead, but my Keeper does—and He never stops watching over me. Reflection: Can I trust God's watchful care even when I cannot see what He may be protecting me from or how He is guiding my path? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Keeper. Thank You for watching over me when I am awake and when I sleep, when I understand the road ahead and when I do not. Help me trust Your protection even when I cannot see what You are doing. Remind me that You are not distant, but near—my shade at my right hand. Let me walk through today resting in Your faithful care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer, Prophetic Instructions, and the Obedience That Unlocks Answers The answer to many of our prayers is often obedience to the prophetic word and instructions God gives us, whether they come through the place of prayer or through the ministry of our man of God. There are times when our prayers have already been answered, yet we continue asking God for the same thing. Meanwhile, God is saying, “I have already answered you; now obey the instruction I have given you.” Most of the time, prayer does more than simply ask God for things. Prayer opens our eyes to see what God has already made available to us and strengthens us to obey the instructions He gives us in the place of prayer. God is just and faithful. He is a God who answers prayer. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). However, we must also understand that not every answer will come directly to us in the way we expect. There are certain answers that may be beyond our present capacity or understanding. In such situations, God may choose to use the ministry of a prophet to bring direction, instruction, or access to what He has prepared for us. Therefore, as you pray, you must also understand and recognize the ministry of a prophet. And when you have prayed and it seems as though the answer is not coming, your prayer should not always be, “Lord, give me what I am asking for.” Sometimes the prayer should be: “Lord, open my eyes to see what I need to see. Give me understanding and direct my path to the right place and the right instruction that will lead me to the answer.” This is the spirit behind Jeremiah 33:3: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Prayer works. Prayer has never failed. God answers prayer. God has never failed. Sometimes, the answer is not another prayer request, it is an instruction waiting for your obedience.

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33 I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?” That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross. The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation. Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us. If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it. Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way. If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world. If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did. God bless you!

❤️ The Cross: Proof of the Greatest Love ✝️ Does not St. Paul on every occasion show us that the death [of Christ] is the greatest proof of his love for us? He thus says: “God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Also, for this reason, does not he take pride and yearn all the more, nay, even leap for joy and flutter his wings, as it were, when he writes to the Galatians: “far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14)? Even Christ himself, who endured these sufferings calls them his Glory (John 17:1)! And when he wished to show us his love, what did he mention? His signs or miracles or wonders? Never! He but laid his cross in the middle saying: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). And so did St Paul say: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also gave us all things with him?” (Rom 8:32). And when he exhorts to love, he raises this same type in the middle saying: “Love one another, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (cf. Eph 5:2). _St. John Chrysostom, Homily on Divine Providence 17:1-7. #TheCross #DivineLove #Sacrifice #Salvation #GodsLove

DAY 23 - Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow 🌅 Reflection Respect Is a Language of Love Good morning, Love without respect eventually becomes painful. You can love someone and still speak to them in a way that wounds their dignity. Respect means remembering that your spouse is not your opponent. It means refusing to insult, embarrass, belittle or humiliate them—even when you disagree. A disagreement should never become permission to destroy someone's dignity. In many Ghanaian homes, people may tolerate harsh words during an argument because "we are married." But marriage is precisely where our words should become more careful. 📖 God's Word "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." — Romans 12:10 ❤️ Today's Love Action Give your spouse one sincere compliment today, preferably about a quality beyond physical appearance. 💬 Let's Talk What does respect look like in everyday married life? 🙏 Prayer Lord, teach us to honour one another even when we disagree. Let respect become part of the language of our home. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair Never use intimacy as permission for disrespect. Familiarity should increase tenderness, not reduce it. 💎 Marriage Nugget "The person closest to your heart should never become the easiest person to disrespect." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Who are Israelites, to whom pertain … the service of God. Romans 9:4–5 ɴᴋᴊᴠ Of the eight privileges of Israel listed by Paul in Romans 9:4–5, the fifth one, “the service of God,” is one not often considered. But it is very important, nevertheless, and really brings to light the nation of Israel’s distinct position found in the Scriptures. No other nation could boast that they possessed the “service” of the living God. This term is found again in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary” (Heb. 9:1). Here it is called “divine service” and is in relationship to the tabernacle in the wilderness, with all of its furnishings, and the priesthood (9:2–10). The “service of God” or “divine service” could also be used in reference to the temple. What other nation could approach God in such a way, or have the presence of God dwelling among them? Other nations had their temples and priests, but they worshiped idols and false gods. However, as marvelous as this privilege was for Israel, it was but a “shadow” of the “good things to come” (8:5; 9:11). Christ came to institute a “more perfect tabernacle” on the blessed basis of “His own blood” shed “once for all” (9:12). The “earthly sanctuary,” as wonderful as it was, pales in contrast to the heavenly one “not made with hands” (9:11). As Christians, what a privilege to be priests, and enter into the holy presence of God, not once a year, but at all times! As priests connected with the heavenly system we are exhorted to enter the “Holiest” through the “new and living way” and do so with “full assurance” (10:19–22). Brian Reynolds The holiest we enter In perfect peace with God;Through whom we found our center In Jesus and His blood. M. Bowley https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-23

Let God’s Peace Guard Your Heart (Philippians 4:6–7) There are seasons when your mind feels full of questions. What if things don't work out? What if I lose this opportunity? What if my plans fail? What will happen tomorrow? Sometimes uncertainty can steal the peace we have today. But God's Word gives us a different way to respond. The Bible says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Notice the instruction: Pray. When you don't know what to do, pray. When you're worried about tomorrow, pray. When you are waiting for an answer, pray. When circumstances are beyond your control, pray. Prayer doesn't mean pretending that problems don't exist. It means refusing to face those problems as though you are facing them alone. God already knows what you're carrying. He knows the concerns you haven't told anyone. He knows the questions you keep asking yourself. He knows the battles happening inside your heart. And He invites you to bring them to Him. But Paul gives us another important instruction: Give thanks. That can be difficult when life isn't going according to plan. Yet gratitude changes our focus. Instead of only looking at what is missing, we begin remembering what God has already done. Thank Him for life. Thank Him for His grace. Thank Him for the people He has placed around you. Thank Him for the lessons you've learned. Thank Him for the doors He has opened. Thank Him for the times He protected you without you even realizing it. Most importantly, thank Him for Jesus. Because our greatest hope isn't found in having a perfect life. Our greatest hope is found in knowing Christ. God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for our sins and make reconciliation with Him possible. That truth doesn't change when circumstances change. And then comes one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God's peace doesn't always mean the storm disappears immediately. Sometimes the situation remains. The bills still need to be paid. The decision still needs to be made. The answer still hasn't arrived. The future is still uncertain. But something inside you can change. Instead of being controlled by fear, you can learn to trust. Instead of constantly asking, “What if?” You can begin saying: “God is with me.” Instead of thinking, “I must control everything,” you can say: “I will do my part and trust God with the rest.” Peace doesn't come from knowing exactly what tomorrow will bring. Peace comes from knowing who holds tomorrow. So today, don't carry tomorrow's problems with today's strength. You have enough grace for today. Bring your worries to God. Pray honestly. Give thanks. Read His Word. And trust Him one step at a time. If the worry returns, pray again. If the fear returns, trust again. If the uncertainty returns, remember God's faithfulness again. You don't have to figure everything out today. God is still working. Give God your worries, and let His peace guard your heart while you trust Him with what you cannot control. What is one concern you need to stop carrying alone and place into God's hands today? #GodsPeace #Philippians46 #Philippians47 #TrustGod #Prayer #FaithOverFear #PeaceInChrist #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

✝️ 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.

Blessings Brethren! Did you miss our Sunday Service last week (8/16/26)? Check out the Sermon Excerpt by Pastor Leon on "King David: A Portrait of a Godly Leader" 2 Samuel 23:15-17 We look forward to worshiping with you today at 10 am!

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*COME UNTO ME, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST*🌟 12th Sunday after Trinity | 4th Sunday in August. 📖 Scripture: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Jesus Is Our Place of Rest* Life can become overwhelming. There are burdens we carry because of responsibilities, expectations, disappointments, unanswered prayers, family concerns, ministry demands, work, studies, and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Jesus does not tell the weary to struggle harder. He gives a gracious invitation: “Come unto me.” Christ does not promise that we will never face difficulties. Instead, He promises that when we bring our burdens to Him, He will give us rest. The rest Jesus gives is deeper than physical relaxation. It is the rest of a heart that knows it is no longer carrying everything alone. It is peace in the midst of pressure, confidence in the midst of uncertainty, and strength to continue when we feel weak. Today, whatever burden you are carrying, bring it to Jesus. Do not carry what Christ is asking you to surrender. Your burden may be heavy, but His grace is sufficient. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I come to Jesus Christ with every burden, concern, fear, and uncertainty in my life. I refuse to carry alone what I can surrender to my Savior. I declare that the rest of Christ is entering every troubled area of my life. His peace shall replace anxiety, His strength shall replace weakness, and His hope shall replace discouragement. I proclaim that every burden weighing heavily upon my heart shall be surrendered to the Lord. I release the burdens of fear, disappointment, uncertainty, financial pressure, family concerns, ministry responsibilities, work, business, studies, and the future into God's capable hands. Today, I receive divine strength to continue the journey. Where I have become weary, the Lord shall renew me. Where I have become discouraged, He shall restore my joy. Where I have become confused, He shall give me direction. I declare peace over my family and household. May every unnecessary tension, anxiety, misunderstanding, and heaviness give way to the peace of Christ. I declare grace over my ministry and service to God. I shall not serve from exhaustion or seek to carry God's work in my own strength. I receive fresh grace, wisdom, strength, and spiritual renewal. I proclaim divine rest over my work, business, and studies. The Lord shall give me wisdom to manage my responsibilities, strength to complete my assignments, and favor to accomplish what He has placed in my hands. I declare that I shall not be controlled by tomorrow's uncertainties. God holds my future, and I choose to trust Him one day at a time. Today, I reject the lie that I must solve everything by myself. I acknowledge my dependence on God and receive His grace for every challenge before me. I declare that the Lord shall restore my emotional, spiritual, and physical strength according to His will. He shall lead me beside still waters and restore my soul. I proclaim that my home shall be a place of peace, my heart shall be a dwelling place of God's presence, and my life shall reflect the calm confidence of someone who trusts in Christ. I come to Jesus. I surrender my burdens. I receive His rest. I receive His strength. I receive His peace. I will not be overwhelmed, because Christ is with me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with Jesus: Before you begin carrying today's responsibilities, spend time in prayer and surrender your burdens to Christ. 2️⃣ Read Matthew 11:28–30: Meditate on Jesus' invitation to the weary and His promise of rest. 3️⃣ Declare: “I come to Jesus, I surrender my burdens, and I receive His rest and peace.” 4️⃣ Make a burden list: Write down the things troubling your heart and consciously hand each one over to God in prayer. 5️⃣ Stop carrying what belongs to God: Do your part faithfully, but leave the outcome in God's hands. 6️⃣ Rest in God's presence: Set aside quiet time today for prayer, worship (attend church service), Scripture reading, and reflection. 7️⃣ Encourage someone who is weary: Share Matthew 11:28 with someone who needs to be reminded that Jesus cares about their burdens. 8️⃣ End the day with thanksgiving: Thank Jesus for carrying you through the day and for every evidence of His grace. 🔥*Sunday Prayer:* Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your gracious invitation: “Come unto me.” Today, I come to You with everything that is weighing upon my heart. I bring my fears, worries, responsibilities, disappointments, unanswered questions, and every burden I cannot carry by myself. Lord, give me Your rest. Quiet every storm within me. Replace anxiety with peace, confusion with clarity, fear with faith, and weakness with strength. I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, finances, plans, and future into Your hands. Teach me to do what I can faithfully and trust You with what is beyond my control. Restore my soul. Renew my strength. Refresh my spirit. Give me wisdom for every responsibility and grace for every challenge. Help me not to run away from You when I am tired, but to run toward You. Let Your presence fill my home. Let Your peace rule in my heart. Let Your grace sustain me throughout this new week. Jesus, I come to You. Jesus, I trust You. Jesus, I surrender to You. Jesus, I receive Your rest. In Your mighty name I pray. Amen. 🙏🕊️✨ 🌿*Sunday Blessing:* May the Lord Jesus give you rest from every burden that has been weighing upon your heart. May His peace fill your home and household. May His strength sustain you in your ministry, work, business, studies, and every responsibility entrusted to you. May God give you wisdom to know what to carry and what to surrender. May He renew your strength when you are weary and restore your joy when you are discouraged. May every storm around you become an opportunity to experience the peace of Christ within you. As you enter the coming week, may you go forward not in your own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. 🕊️ Come to Jesus. 🙏 Surrender your burdens. 🌿 Receive His rest. 🔥 Walk in His strength. ❤️ Abide in His peace. 🌟 12TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 🌟 4TH SUNDAY IN AUGUST “COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” — MATTHEW 11:28 May the peace of Christ fill your heart, your home, and your entire week. Good morning beloved, happy Sunday, do have a blessed and refreshing Sunday! Shalom!🙏 *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com