📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Wednesday, August 19 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 20 — Israel Fights Against Benjamin ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 JOHN 1 — The Word of Life 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of 2 Peter! Today we begin the book of 1 John. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 30 — Woe to the Rebellious Nation 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 20 Israel gathers to confront the terrible evil committed in their midst. The chapter reminds us of the seriousness of sin, the importance of seeking God before acting, and the need for justice tempered with dependence on God. ✝️ 1 John 1 John declares that Jesus Christ is the Word of Life and calls believers to walk in the light. We are reminded that fellowship with God requires honesty about sin, while God's faithfulness provides forgiveness and cleansing when we confess. 🌿 Isaiah 30 God rebukes Judah for seeking security in Egypt instead of trusting Him. The chapter calls God's people back to quietness, repentance, and confidence in the Lord rather than dependence on human strength. ✨ KEY VERSE "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." — 1 John 1:7 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us to walk continually in Your light. Give us hearts that are honest before You, quick to confess our sins, and willing to trust You completely. Keep us from depending on human strength instead of Your power, and help us remain faithful to Your truth. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Walk in the light today. Be honest with God, confess anything that needs to be surrendered, and choose to trust Him rather than relying solely on your own strength.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *TEXT:* TITUS 2:12–13 12 It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age Eph 1:4 Col 1:22 2Ti 1:9 1Jn 2:16 13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 1Co 1:7 Phi 3:20 *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *THE MESSAGE:* Upright living refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commandments. God created us to live extraordinary lives without struggle - a life above the power of sin, a product of grace. Man failed by disobeying and could not live an upright life. The salvation Jesus wrought restored man to the life he was expected to live. As recipients of God’s grace, we are empowered to live in a new way. Have you received the power to live this new life, or are you still entangled by sexual immorality, lying, and deception? The grace of God is potent to train you to renounce impiety and worldly passions. You must lean on Jesus to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age. *REFLECTION:* You are empowered to live an upright life. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to display this enabling grace daily. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 7-11. ED.ii. LOT'S FATAL DECISIONS "Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land." - Genesis 19:24-25 Abraham was blessed by God and because his nephew Lot was with him, Lot was also blessed. Both had large flocks. At one point the shepherds of both flocks started to fight because there was not enough space. Abraham then let Lot choose to go either to the left or to the right. Lot saw that the Jordan area was good and made his first fatal choice. Lot chose the best for himself. It was his first step towards Sodom. It did not occur to him to consult the Lord first. So many Christians today do the same and make their own choices based on what they see, instead of asking for the Lord's guidance. Many follow the money. The evil one mainly whispers to young people: 'If you go for the money, you can achieve everything.' However, God's way is always the best way. Lot's second fatal decision is to pitch his tents nearby Sodom. 'Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord' (Genesis 13:13). Once you take one step in the wrong direction, it will not be long before you are completely on the wrong track. Lot's third fatal step is in Genesis 14:12, it says that 'he was living in Sodom.' So, it did not take long before Lot lived in the city of Sodom. God had to destroy Sodom because of the wickedness. It was because of Abraham's prayer for Lot and his family that God gave them an opportunity to flee the city. Dear reader, one day God will destroy this world as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not make fatal choices. Do not join the sinful practices of this world. Always choose to go the way of Jesus. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ⏤ Psalm 103:17 There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom We come with grateful hearts to You, O God, our Father. We will praise You as long as we live. We call on our souls and all that is within us to bless Your holy name and never forget Your blessings. You forgive all our sins. You heal all our diseases. You redeem our lives from destruction. You crown us with love and compassion. You satisfy our needs with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. You, Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and full of mercy. You won’t stay angry forever, nor will You hold our sins against us forever. You have not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your mercy toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You. For You know how we are formed; You remember that we are dust. Our days are like grass; we flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But Your mercy, O Lord, is from everlasting to everlasting. We rejoice in Your eternity. We rest in it, knowing that our trust in You will never be shaken. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but Your kindness will never depart from us, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed. Grant us Your peace now, our Father, and keep us safe in the secret place of Your presence throughout the night. Bless us with Your tender love, we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

📘 Daily Devotion — August 18 | Acts 19:6 (NKJV) 💯 Living in the Power of God's Spirit In Acts 19, Paul arrived in Ephesus and met a group of disciples who had not yet fully understood the work of the Holy Spirit. After teaching them about Jesus Christ and baptizing them in His name, Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. This event demonstrated God's presence and confirmed His work among these believers as the gospel continued to spread. The central truth of this passage is not the outward signs themselves but the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people. From the beginning of the church, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to live boldly, faithfully, and effectively for Christ. For believers today, every follower of Jesus is called to live in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. He gives wisdom, strength, comfort, and power to obey God's Word and to be faithful witnesses for Christ. Rather than relying on our own abilities, we can trust the Spirit to guide and equip us each day. Reflection Questions 1. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit in my daily walk with God? 2. In what areas do I need God's strength instead of my own? 3. How can I be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading? Prayer Lord God, thank You for giving Your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen Your people. Help me to depend on You each day instead of my own understanding. Fill my life with Your wisdom, power, and love so that I may faithfully serve You and glorify Your name. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. ● Trust God's strength when facing difficult situations. ● Look for opportunities to serve others through the Spirit's leading. Takeaway Thought A life surrendered to the Holy Spirit is a life empowered to glorify Christ. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August18 #Acts196 #HolySpirit #SpiritEmpowered #PowerOfGod #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

Guidelines for living. August 18th, 2026 3 Steps to Finding a New Direction. This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” But you said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16 Jeremiah the prophet was a man who needs to be rediscovered today. The circumstances surrounding his life and world have so many parallels to life today. How so? Well, for one thing, instability had gripped the world. Jeremiah’s beloved nation was about to be chewed up by the powerful tiger of Babylon. Social structures were failing too. Families were being torn apart; truth and morality had been sacrificed in the process. The priesthood had become politicized. No wonder Jeremiah seemed out of sync with his day—an old prophet who castigated the moral and spiritual decline. No wonder he was publicly scorned and privately castigated. There is a text in the book which bears his name which needs to be emblazoned on the conscience of every parent: God expects more, something more of His children, than that which satisfies the world. God spoke to Jeremiah, here’s what He said, “Stand at the crossroads and look; [and] ask for the old paths, [and] ask where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). There were three parts to that advice: First, go back to the crossroads, back to the place where you took the wrong path, and look. God is saying, “Hey, you’ve been down the wrong road. You’ve learned that it didn’t bring you the peace or contentment. Now stand there—mentally speaking—take a look down the narrow road, the one that seemed to be less exciting, and realize it was here you went wrong. Let’s stop for a moment. Is it ever too late to acknowledge that you went wrong? You may think so, but in reality, it is not. A thief on the cross, seeing his life ebb away minute by minute, came to that place; he cried out, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He went back to the crossroads and took the right path. Before you go back to the crossroads—that fork in the road where you went wrong—you must stop what you’re doing and mentally look back. Often, we think, “It’s too late for me.” Not so, friend. Coming to the end of the year is a time for reflection and to go back if you missed the right path. Step number two in this process is this: “Ask for the old paths where the good way is.” In reality, prayer is asking. It is saying, “God, I went wrong. You know that, and now I admit it. I don’t want the future to be a rerun of the mistakes of the past. Forgive me, show me the right way to go.” Israel had missed God, and in spite of their waywardness, God promised to help them if they would only come back to Him. He said, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). God will do the same for you as well. Step number three in this process of finding the right direction is this: When you have found the good way, “walk in it.” This is a matter of simple obedience, of putting your feet in a straight line in the direction you know God wants you to go. And with that simple step of obedience comes a great promise. God said, “you will find rest for your soul.” God did not force them, He invited them. Sadly, Israel rejected God’s invitation. Don’t do it, friend. Going back to the fork in the road requires courage and humility. Resource Reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30

August 18 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY ROCK 📖 Psalm 18:2 (LLV) — “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I take refuge; my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.” Life does not always give us steady ground. Circumstances change. Plans collapse. People disappoint us. Things we thought were certain suddenly are not. David knew that kind of life. He had known victory and danger. Friendship and betrayal. Celebration and fear. There were times when he literally hid among the rocks to escape those who wanted to destroy him. Perhaps that is why his words carry such confidence. “The LORD is my rock.” Not: The LORD might become my rock if trouble comes. Not: The LORD was my rock when things were difficult. The LORD is my rock. Right now. David's security was not found in the stability of his circumstances. It was found in the unchanging character of his God. Then David keeps going. “My fortress.” When danger surrounds me, God is my security. “My deliverer.” When there seems to be no way out, God is my rescuer. “My shield.” When the battle comes close, God stands between me and what would destroy me. “My stronghold.” When everything around me feels uncertain, there remains somewhere I can stand. Notice something beautiful in David's words. Again and again he says: “My.” My rock. My fortress. My deliverer. My God. My strength. My shield. My salvation. My stronghold. David was not describing a God he had merely heard about. He was describing the God he had learned to trust. There is a difference between knowing that God is a rock and being able to say, “He is my rock.” That kind of confidence is formed through walking with Him. Through storms. Through uncertainty. Through prayers answered in unexpected ways. Through discovering, again and again, that when everything else moves, God does not. The storm may still come. The ground around us may still shake. But our confidence does not rest upon the absence of trouble. It rests upon the presence of Someone who cannot be moved. A new beginning finds somewhere solid to stand: when everything around me changes, the Lord remains my rock. Reflection: What feels uncertain in my life today, and am I trying to find security in changing circumstances or in the unchanging character of God? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my rock when everything around me feels uncertain. You are my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, and my refuge. Teach me not merely to know these things about You, but to trust them personally. When circumstances shift beneath my feet, remind me that You have not moved. Help me stand securely in You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 18 - Morning Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage 🌅 Morning Reflection Protect Your Friendship Good morning, Before you became husband and wife, you were two people who discovered something special in each other. Friendship. But sometimes marriage becomes so occupied with responsibilities that friendship quietly disappears. You discuss school fees. You discuss the children. You discuss electricity bills. You discuss work. But when did you last simply laugh together? When did you last sit and talk about nothing important? Friendship is not an optional extra in marriage. It is part of the foundation. 📖 God's Word "A friend loves at all times." — Proverbs 17:17 ❤️ Today's Love Action Spend some time together today doing something neither of you considers a responsibility. Take a walk. Share a meal. Tell jokes. Listen to music. Simply enjoy each other's company. 💬 Let's Talk What did you enjoy doing together before marriage that you could bring back into your relationship? 🙏 Prayer Lord, restore the friendship in our marriage. Help us enjoy one another again and not allow responsibilities to steal our companionship. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair A couple can share a house, children and finances and still become emotionally distant. Friendship keeps the heart connected. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Don't become such good partners in managing life that you forget to be friends." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

THE CALVARY MINISTRY – ONLINE ✝️ THE CROSS OF CALVARY 🙏🏽 📅 TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026 📜 TEXT: JOHN 8:1–12 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” — John 8:12 (KJV)» 💡 JESUS — THE LIGHT THAT BREAKS THE DARKNESS The world is filled with darkness—sin, deception, fear, hatred, confusion and hopelessness. But into that darkness, Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world.” ✝️💡 Light does not negotiate with darkness. When light appears, darkness disappears. Jesus came to reveal the truth, expose sin, offer forgiveness and lead humanity back to God. In John 8, Jesus encountered a woman whose life had been marked by sin and shame. The religious leaders wanted condemnation, but Jesus demonstrated both mercy and truth. He did not approve of her sin, but neither did He allow her past to become the end of her story. 🔥 THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 8 1️⃣ JESUS DOES NOT CONDEMN THE REPENTANT HEART. ❤️ The woman was brought before Jesus publicly and accused of her sin. Yet Jesus responded with wisdom and mercy. «“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” — John 8:7» Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of those who were ready to condemn someone else while ignoring their own need for mercy. The Cross reminds us that we are all dependent upon God's grace. Therefore, never allow your past to convince you that you are beyond God's mercy. There is forgiveness in Christ. 🙏🏽 2️⃣ JESUS FORGIVES, BUT HE ALSO CALLS US TO CHANGE. 🔥 Jesus told the woman: «“Go, and sin no more.” — John 8:11» This is the balance of the Gospel. Jesus does not say, “Your sin does not matter.” Neither does He say, “You are beyond redemption.” He says, in effect: “I forgive you—now walk in a new direction.” Grace is not permission to continue in sin. Grace gives us the power to leave the old life behind and follow Christ. 3️⃣ THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS WALK IN HIS LIGHT. 💡 «“He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” — John 8:12» Following Jesus means allowing His light to guide our decisions, relationships, words, attitudes and character. When His light enters your life, you cannot remain comfortable in darkness. His light reveals what needs to change. His light gives direction when you are confused. His light gives hope when you are discouraged. His light gives courage when you are afraid. His light gives life when you feel spiritually dead. 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION Perhaps there are areas of your life that you have kept hidden in darkness. Bring them to Jesus. Do not run from the light. Run toward the Light. When Jesus exposes something in your heart, it is not always to destroy you—it is often to restore you. Your past may have been dark, but your future can be illuminated by Christ. You may have fallen, but you can rise again. You may have failed, but God's grace can restore you. You may have wandered, but you can return to the Father. Never allow condemnation to keep you away from the One who came to save you. Jesus is the Light of the world. Walk in His light. Live by His truth. Reject the darkness. Follow Him daily. ✝️🔥 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Search my heart and expose every area of darkness that does not please You. Give me the courage to repent sincerely and turn away from every sinful way. Lord Jesus, shine Your light upon my heart, my thoughts, my words, my relationships and my decisions. Help me not to live according to the patterns of this world, but to follow You faithfully. When I fall, give me grace to rise. When I am tempted, give me strength to overcome. When I am confused, let Your Word guide me. May my life reflect the light of Christ so that others may see You through me. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽✝️ 🌹 CALVARY BLESSING May the Light of Christ shine brightly upon your life. 💡 May every darkness be overcome by His presence. May His mercy restore you. May His grace strengthen you. May His truth guide you. May His Word protect you. And may your life become a testimony of what happens when a person chooses to walk with Jesus. Leave the darkness. Follow the Light. Walk in holiness. Live for Christ. 💡✝️ JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! 🔥 THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! 🔥 By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah 🙏🏽

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*LORD, OPEN MY EYES TO YOUR WONDERFUL TRUTH*🌟 📖 Scripture: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Open My Eyes, Lord* Psalm 119:18 is a humble prayer for spiritual revelation. The Psalmist understood that reading God's Word is not merely an intellectual exercise; we need God's help to truly understand, receive, and apply His truth. There may be wonderful things God wants us to see—truths about His character, promises concerning our lives, instructions for our journey, and wisdom for our decisions. But we need spiritual eyes to recognize them. Today, let your prayer be: “Lord, open my eyes.” Open my eyes to understand Your Word. Open my eyes to recognize Your opportunities. Open my eyes to see what You are doing. Open my eyes to recognize people I should help and paths I should avoid. When God opens our spiritual eyes, confusion gives way to understanding, fear gives way to faith, and uncertainty gives way to divine direction. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my spiritual eyes are opened to the wonderful truths of God's Word. I receive divine understanding, wisdom, discernment, and revelation through the Holy Spirit. I declare that confusion shall not control my mind. The Lord shall illuminate my understanding and help me distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, what is beneficial and what is harmful, and what is God's will and what is not. Today, I receive grace to understand God's Word deeply and apply it faithfully. The Scriptures shall not merely be words that I read; they shall become living truth that transforms my thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and conduct. I declare that God shall open my eyes to opportunities that align with His purpose for my life. I shall recognize the doors He opens, the relationships He brings, and the assignments He places before me. I proclaim that my eyes shall be opened to see hidden dangers and avoid destructive paths. The Lord shall give me discernment concerning people, decisions, opportunities, and circumstances. I declare divine revelation over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May the Lord show me what I need to know and teach me what I need to learn for every season of my life. Today, I receive wisdom to make sound decisions. I shall not be governed by impulse, fear, pressure, or confusion. I shall seek God's counsel and allow His Word to guide my steps. I declare that every veil of spiritual blindness, ignorance, misunderstanding, and deception is removed by the light of God's truth. I shall walk in the light and grow continually in the knowledge of Christ. I proclaim that as my understanding increases, my life shall produce good fruit. I shall become wiser in my speech, more patient in my relationships, more faithful in my service, and more effective in fulfilling my God-given assignment. Today, I declare that I will not miss what God is showing me. I will not overlook divine opportunities because of fear. I will not reject God's instructions because of pride. I will have a teachable heart and a willing spirit. Lord, open my eyes. Open my understanding. Open my spiritual perception. Let me behold the wonders in Your Word. Let me see what You want me to see and understand what You want me to understand. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with prayer: Before reading the Bible today, pray: “Lord, open my eyes and give me understanding.” 2️⃣ Read Psalm 119: Spend time meditating on the importance and power of God's Word. 3️⃣ Declare: “My spiritual eyes are opened; I receive wisdom, revelation, and understanding from God's Word.” 4️⃣ Write down one truth: Record one thing God teaches you from today's Bible reading and consider how you can apply it. 5️⃣ Seek God's direction: Before making an important decision today, pause and ask God for wisdom. 6️⃣ Remain teachable: Be willing to receive correction, instruction, and godly counsel. 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for every truth He has revealed to you throughout the day. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a humble heart and ask: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Open my spiritual eyes. Open my understanding. Remove every veil of ignorance, confusion, deception, and spiritual blindness from my life. Give me grace to understand Your Word and apply it to my daily life. Let Your Word guide my thoughts, decisions, relationships, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of my life. Lord, show me the opportunities You have prepared for me. Help me recognize the doors You want me to enter and the paths You want me to avoid. Give me discernment to recognize what is from You and wisdom to respond appropriately. Let me never be too proud to learn or too distracted to hear Your voice. Open my eyes to see Your goodness even in difficult seasons. Help me recognize Your hand at work when circumstances do not look the way I expected. May Your Word become a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Let my life continually reflect the wisdom and truth I receive from You. Open my eyes, Lord, and let me behold Your wonders! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord open your spiritual eyes and fill you with divine wisdom and understanding. May His Word become clearer to you, His voice become more recognizable, and His direction become more evident. May God open your eyes to new opportunities, divine connections, hidden dangers, and the wonderful things He is doing in your life. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and destiny be guided by the light of God's Word. May you never walk in confusion when divine wisdom is available to you. May the Holy Spirit illuminate your path and lead you into God's perfect will. 📖 Your eyes are opened. 💡 Your understanding is enlightened. 🕊️ Your discernment is sharpened. 🔥 Your faith is strengthened. 🌟 You shall behold the wonders of God's Word. 🙏 “OPEN THOU MINE EYES, THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS OUT OF THY LAW.” — PSALM 119:18 Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, insightful, wisdom-filled, and revelation-filled day. 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

Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 TITLE: "FORGETTING THE PAST, PRESSING TOWARD THE PRIZE" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV) "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV) "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Do not let yesterday hold you back from what God has prepared for tomorrow." DAY'S REFLECTION Life is a journey, and every journey has a past, a present, and a future. Some people remain trapped by past failures, disappointments, regrets, or even past successes. But Paul teaches us an important principle in Philippians 3:13–14: keep moving forward. Paul says, "forgetting those things which are behind." This does not mean literally erasing the past from our memory. Rather, it means refusing to allow the past to control our present or determine our future. Past failures should teach us, not imprison us. Past successes should encourage us, not make us complacent. The phrase "reaching forth" speaks of stretching forward with determination. Paul was focused on what was before him. He understood that spiritual growth requires continual progress. The Christian life is not about becoming comfortable with yesterday's achievements; it is about continually pursuing God's purpose. Paul says, "I press toward the mark." To press means to pursue with determination despite difficulties. The mark is the goal or destination toward which he was moving. This teaches us that reaching God's purpose requires focus, perseverance, and discipline. Hebrews 12:1 uses the picture of a race. Runners cannot successfully complete a race while carrying unnecessary weights. Likewise, there are attitudes, habits, relationships, distractions, and sins that can slow our spiritual progress. We must be willing to lay them aside. The writer then gives us the secret of endurance: "Looking unto Jesus." Our eyes must remain fixed on Christ. People can disappoint us, circumstances can change, and our own strength can fail, but Jesus remains the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus Himself endured the cross because He focused on the joy that was set before Him. In the same way, we must look beyond temporary difficulties toward the eternal purpose God has prepared for us. Today, do not allow yesterday's failure to cancel tomorrow's opportunity. Learn from the past, release what must be released, remove every unnecessary weight, and keep your eyes on Jesus. The race is not over. Keep running. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV) "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. The past should be a lesson, not a prison. 2. Spiritual progress requires letting go of unnecessary weights. 3. God's purpose requires determination and perseverance. 4. We must keep our eyes on Jesus rather than becoming distracted by circumstances. 5. The Christian journey is a race that requires patience and endurance. 6. There is a God-given prize ahead for those who faithfully continue. EVERYDAY ACTION Release one past burden, remove one distraction, and take one purposeful step toward God's will today. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me release the past and press forward with faith. Remove every weight that slows me down and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus until I fulfil Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I will not be controlled by my past. I press forward toward God's purpose and keep my eyes on Jesus. Every weight is removed, my faith is strengthened, and I will finish my race faithfully and receive the prize in Christ Jesus. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. 1. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST 18, 2O26. "DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (3)" ‘…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ Ephesians 6:4 NIV WHEN ASKED, ‘How do you suggest parents handle their children’s activities on web sites like Facebook and Twitter?’ Dr. Dobson gave this advice: ‘Parents have to know what technology their kids are using. Sexting is a terrible thing. (‘Sexting’ is the new term for children exposing themselves to one another online, thinking they are safe because they are in the sanctuary of their own home.) Pornography is pervasive, and parents need to keep up with changes in technology and protect their kids. That’s a tough assignment, because kids are ahead of them. Parents often have extremely demanding careers and when they come home they have nothing left to give, so the culture will often take your kids to hell.’ One night a father and his daughter were out on a lake when their small boat was caught in a storm. As he rowed, Dad kept saying to his daughter, ‘Can you see the shore? Can you see the shore?’ After a terrifying hour the little girl pointed over her dad’s shoulder and said, ‘Yes, I see the light. Mum said if we were out after dark she would hang a light in the window.’ When they finally got home a tearful mother hugged her husband and daughter, and thanked God for their safe return. Looking at her, the little girl said, ‘Mum, you never had to worry. We steered by your light!’ Parent, your children are being caught in life’s storms. They are rowing in the dark with no sense of direction. Live for God, and give them a light they can steer by! Bible In A Year: Gen 6:9 – 8:4, Matt 24:37-51. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026. *THIRSTING AFTER GOD* *TEXT:* PSALM 42:1-5. 1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. *Timeless Truth:*_"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"_ Psalm 63:1). *INTRODUCTION* When a man ceases to experience thirst, he is as good as dead. The same is true in the spiritual. In fact, one of the first experiences of a converted man is thirst for God and spiritual things. Spiritual thirst is a deep longing for God and His presence. Just as the body cannot survive without water, the soul cannot flourish without God. The psalmist expresses an intense desire for the living God despite the pain, tears, discouragement and difficult circumstances surrounding him. His experience teaches us that genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; rather, it means learning to seek God even in the midst of trouble. When everything else fails, God remains the only lasting satisfaction for the thirsty soul. *1. Thirsting After God Like a Hart* a. The psalmist declares, *“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”* A thirsty hart desperately seeks water because its survival depends upon it. Many are thirsty for wealth, pleasure, popularity, power and pride of life among others. The thirst makes them pay a heavy price to get what they are looking for. At times they pay the ultimate price. True thirst will always be demonstrated by desperate seeking for how to satisfy and quench the thirst. In the same vein, many commonly seek God's blessings without seeking for the God of the blessings. The psalmist case was different. *"So panteth my soul after thee"*. Who and what you are passionately and desperately seeking for is a reflection of the state of your heart. In the same manner, the believer should have an earnest and persistent longing for God. The psalmist does not merely desire God's gifts; he desires God Himself. b. His greatest hunger is to *“appear before God.”* He was thirsty to become closer to God. Jesus also echoed this when He said, *"seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness"*. Our ultimate purpose for seeking God was to see His glory, be conformed to His image and be always ready for the kingdom of God. Jesus further assured that *"all other things shall be added unto you"*. The psalmist demonstrated his thirst for God when he decided, *"early will I seek thee...to see thy power and thy glory as I have seen thee in the sanctuary"* (Psalm 63:1,2). Our spiritual lives become weak when our desire for God is replaced by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, possessions, recognition or human approval. Genuine revival begins when the soul cries out for God's presence, His Word, His holiness and fellowship with Him. *Question* Is my desire for God as deep and urgent as the thirst of a hart for water? *2. Tearful Afflictions Giving Loss of Hope* a. Incidentally, the psalmist did not prioritize seeking for heavenly blessings above seeking for God just because everything was going well with him. In fact, the psalmist's circumstances have become so painful that his tears have been his food day and night. He was not finding it rosy in life at that time. One would have expected him, as many worshippers do today, to concentrate on seeking God for release from pains and troubles as priority. Worse still, people around him mockingly asked, directly and indirectly, *“Where is thy God?”.* His memories of former worship and joyful fellowship with God's people intensify his present sorrow. Yet that did not distract his affections towards God. b. At times, affliction can attack not only our circumstances, but also our emotions and confidence. Yet the psalmist's tears reveal that God's children may experience seasons of deep discouragement without being abandoned by God. His pain was real, but it did not have the final word. Even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, faith must continue to look toward Him. Seeking God and His righteousness, above all else, should not be diminished as a result of our pains, problems, persecutions and poverty among others. Whatever be our situations, the promises of God that *"all other blessings shall be added"* still stand as long as we keep seeking the face and the glory of God to be reflected in our lives above all else. We must have grace to be tougher than our tough challenges. It is our attitude and the content of our prayers in the time of distress and difficulties that reflect the genuineness of our love for God. Jesus Christ, while on the cross and under intense pains, was still consecrated to soulwinning and intercessory prayers for the sinners and the lost. The will of God and the glory of God was His priority. He has given us examples to follow. *Question* Am I consecrated to seek God and His glory as priority when affliction and tears surround me? *3. Trust in Abiding Grace with a Life of Holiness* When passing through tough times, we must maintain trust in God's abundant grace and continue to live the life that God approves. There is no challenge we pass through that God has not allowed and if God allowed it, then He will see us through as children. The act of faith is in mocking those challenges and still continues seeking the glory of God and heavenly readiness. We must learn how to feed our frustrations and fruitlessness with the word of hope and promises given by God. The psalmist speaks directly to his troubled soul: *“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God.”* He refuses to surrender permanently to despair. Instead, he deliberately redirects his heart toward God. Trusting God's abiding grace means choosing hope when feelings say there is no hope. It also means continuing to live faithfully, before God while waiting for His intervention. A thirsty soul must not only seek God's presence, but also remain committed to a holy life. God's grace sustains us, restores our joy and enables us to praise Him even before our circumstances change. For a child of God, no bad situation is permanent, but temporary and for a moment. *"weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning"*. *Question* Am I deliberately trusting God's abiding grace and maintaining a holy life even when my circumstances are discouraging? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, create within me an unquenchable thirst for Your presence and Your Word 🙏. 2.Lord, strengthen me when tears, afflictions and discouragement threaten my faith 🙏. 3.Father, make me tougher than my challenges and keep me on being engaged in Your service 🙏. 4.Lord, visit and help those brethren who are carrying heavy loads and sustain them by Your grace 🙏. *HYMN:* More of Jesus would I know *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 35-38. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *DOUSING DESPONDENCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😩😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 42:1-5```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (PSALM 42:5).*_ *As German bombs fell on England during _World War II,_ the situation became desperate. Hearts were filled with discouragement and thoughts of defeat. Then Winston Churchill's voice echoed over the radio. It inspired the nation and boosted morale among a people on the verge of giving up. On a spiritual level, believers find hope in God too, as they hear the voice that resonates through the pages of His Word. In moments of discouragement, Christians serve as a testimony to those who have never met God or heard His voice.* *David exemplifies this in our devotional text as he expresses acute hunger and "thirst for God, the living God". In his hopelessness, he recalled the exhilarating moments he had in God's house and presence. Reminiscences of the voice of joy and praise filled his soul. Awakened by the testimonies of God's faithfulness and the certainty of blessedness that flows from trust in God, he gladly addresses his soul and jerks back from the abyss of despondency.* *Are you troubled about any ugly situation or setback? Cheer up and look up! Here are gems and clues for you as a Christian pilgrim, who could, at times, be discouraged and cast down. Don't stay down. David didn't. He queried and counselled his soul. First is to know that neither discouragement nor despondency is a sign of weakness. Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. In our times of discouragement, suicide is no option; it only leads to a more serious, endless and interminable suffering in hell. The present challenge or problem has not diminished God's love for us. He desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of His power!* *The time to exit the discouragement mode is now! Take the verifiable steps that effectively log you out, which include a deep, interminable longing for God. This is what Isaiah calls "waiting upon the Lord". Second, you will do well to consciously recall and delight in God's past acts of mercy, divine interventions, and faithfulness. Finally, you must deliberately seek the remedy of praise to uplift your downcast, crestfallen, and discouraged heart. Beloved, don't give in to despair! God will certainly lead you in paths of love, light and joy, where you will find new hope.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*God always opens the window of hope for His own in the darkest of times.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 35-38*📜📜 Dousing Despondency https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 3: IMPATIENT HEART, BE STILL; GHS 4: LEAVE IT THERE; GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; AND GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *STAND IN CHRIST'S LIBERTY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 5:1-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (GALATIANS 5:13).*_ *The Christian liberty is the freedom Christ has purchased for the children of God through His death on the Cross of Calvary. The devil fights this liberty in diverse ways. When young Christians fail to understand their liberty in Christ, the devil keeps reminding them about their past sins to create major stumbling blocks to their prayers.* *It is a common strategy of the devil to manipulate them and push them back into their shells. Once you are born again through genuine repentance, you have the liberty to serve God in truth and in Spirit because God does not give us the spirit of fear but He gives us the Spirit of power and of a sound mind.* *When God has forgiven you, you are justified by faith and no longer bound to the yoke of sin. However, this liberty is not a guarantee to continue in sins, believing the erroneous doctrine of eternal security. Apostle Paul warns: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You have the liberty.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't use the Christian liberty to sin.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to understand and enjoy my liberty in Christ.*_ Stand In Christ's Liberty https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS - 3* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```MATTHEW 4:8-11```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jesus has power and authority over Satan, and He always uses them at the appropriate time. In this situation, Jesus did not hesitate to command Satan to get behind Him. Satan knew that Jesus is over and above him, yet he tempted Christ to bow down in worship to him. Can the master bow to worship his servant? No! Jesus cannot, will not, and did not bow to Satan. As a friend of Jesus, you must know who you are in Christ. You are a joint-heir with Christ. What Jesus has is what you have because of the privilege of sonship. Do not throw your costly apparels (Christian experiences) to the dogs. The things of this world as stated in 1 John 2:15-17 will pass away. Let the love of God and the things of eternal value be uppermost in your heart. Do not yield to the enticement and allurement that your friends are using to deceive you. The fashions of the world may look attractive, but they will soon pass away. Do not follow them. Do not seek to please the world. Strive to please only God. *Jesus has set the example of refusing to bow to Satan in order to show us that we can be victorious. You can do likewise. Become His friend if you are not, follow Him faithfully and consistently, and He will give you the grace to overcome Satan.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, please help me to obey You only and not yield to pressure to obey, worship or serve Satan.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 4:1-13* The Temptation Of Jesus - 3 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence. ⏤ St. Augustine Father, days come and go, bringing change and decay, but You remain the same forever. A thousand years in Your sight are like a single day. With You, there is no past or future; all time is present to You. Yet in our small lives, we need daily blessings. The memories of our past sorrows cast shadows on our present, and our fears for the future often cast shadows on our path. We are grateful that You see and know everything—past, present, and future—and that we can safely leave it all in Your hands. Help us to live faithfully in this little day that is ours, leaving the past and future with You, without worrying. So, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, enabling us to be true and faithful in all our duties. We ask You, O Lord, to give us the strength and wisdom we need for today’s responsibilities and experiences. Let nothing surprise or dishearten us. Hold our hand through every situation. Give us wisdom to answer every question and make every decision in a way that pleases You. Strengthen us to resist temptation, no matter how subtly it approaches. Increase Your love within us so that we may be patient with everyone we meet, compassionate toward those who are sorrowful, cheerful with those who are discouraged, and helpful to those who are weak. Send us out to do Your work so that everything we do today is for You. Breathe upon us as we wait here in Your presence and give us Your blessing as our Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.