OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: BREAKING COVENANTS, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" 1 John 4:4 (KJV) BIBLE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-19 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. MESSAGE: Years ago, one of my daughters in the Lord came to me and said, "Daddy, a young man approached me and said he wants to marry me." I congratulated her, but she replied, "Daddy, my father told me that I was dedicated to a river goddess when I was born, and a covenant was made that whoever I marry is going to die on our wedding day. I don't want the young man to die." I told her that I know someone stronger than the river goddess. We prayed a simple prayer, and she left. The next time I saw her, she was happily married and already had a baby. I declare that any evil force that might be hindering your progress is destroyed today, in Jesus' name. A new and greater covenant can cancel a previously existing one. For instance, if you want to break a covenant with someone, all you need to do is enter into a covenant with someone greater; the greater fellow can release you from the lesser person's covenant by force. If a person enters into a covenant with the devil, the moment he or she enters into a covenant with God, He will wipe out all evil covenants from the fellow's life. God's covenant is superior to any other covenant. Our God is stronger than the strongest; therefore, once a person enters into a covenant with Him, He will bind any strong man who was previously in charge of the fellow's life and throw him out. It is also important to note that the devil still seeks to retain his strongholds in the lives of people even after they have become born again. A stronghold is a deeply entrenched evil pattern that the devil has instilled in a person, and it must be addressed. Otherwise, the person will continue to operate under its influence even after he or she has become born again. Such strongholds typically include bitterness, pride, generational curses, anger, and other similar issues. Beloved, (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) urges us to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. If you are a party to any evil covenant or are under the influence of any demonic stronghold, cry out to God today to deliver you by His mighty power. I join my faith with yours and decree that you are completely free from any evil covenant or demonic stronghold that might be in your life, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Having a covenant with God annuls every evil covenant in a person's life. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LAMENTATIONS 1 - 2 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 10 - IN CHRIST ALONE 1 In Christ alone, my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand 2 In Christ alone, who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save 'Til on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live, I live 3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ 4 No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026 *BREAKING COVENANTS II* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for making me a new creature in Christ Jesus. 2.Father, thank You for destroying the covenant of death and hell over me, and bringing me into a new covenant of life through the death and resurrection in Christ Jesus. 3.Father, because greater is Jesus is in me than the devil in the world, I declare that any evil force that might be hindering my progress be destroyed today, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, because I am in covenant with You, I decree that any evil covenant entered into on my behalf is destroyed by the power in the blood of Jesus. 5.Father, by the new covenant in the blood of Jesus, I terminate every negative effect of any evil covenant in my life, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, by the power of the new covenant in the blood of Jesus, I bind any strong man previously in charge of any area of my life and I throw them out of my life, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, I break and destroy every evil stronghold of the devil over any area of my life today, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, I break every evil pattern of bitterness, pride generational curses, anger, and every demonic stronghold in my life and family, and I terminate its influence over my life, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, I pull down every stronghold and cast down imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against Your knowledge in my life and family, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as many of Your children that are under the influence of any demonic stronghold, deliver and set them completely free from any evil covenant in their lives, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Let Your anointing be on in the increase in his life and establish every decree from his mouth, 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.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026. TOPIC: BREAKING COVENANTS 2 MEMORISE Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. - (1 John 4:4) READ: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (KJV) 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. MESSAGE Years ago, one of my daughters in the Lord came to me and said, "Daddy, a young man approached me and said he wants to marry me." I congratulated her, but she replied, "Daddy, my father told me that I was dedicated to a river goddess when I was born, and a covenant was made that whoever I marry is going to die on our wedding day. I don't want the young man to die." I told her that I know someone stronger than the river goddess. We prayed a simple prayer, and she left. The next time I saw her, she was happily married and already had a baby. I declare that any evil force that might be hindering your progress is destroyed today, in Jesus' name. A new and greater covenant can cancel a previously existing one. For instance, if you want to break a covenant with someone, all you need to do is enter into a covenant with someone greater; the greater fellow can release you from the lesser person's covenant by force. If a person enters into a covenant with the devil, the moment he or she enters into a covenant with God, He will wipe out all evil covenants from the fellow's life. God's covenant is superior to any other covenant. Our God is stronger than the strongest; therefore, once a person enters into a covenant with Him, He will bind any strong man who was previously in charge of the fellow's life and throw him out. It is also important to note that the devil still seeks to retain his strongholds in the lives of people even after they have become born again. A stronghold is a deeply entrenched evil pattern that the devil has instilled in a person, and it must be addressed. Otherwise, the person will continue to operate under its influence even after he or she has become born again. Such strongholds typically include bitterness, pride, generational curses, anger, and other similar issues. Beloved, (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) urges us to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. If you are a party to any evil covenant or are under the influence of any demonic stronghold, cry out to God today to deliver you by His mighty power. I join my faith with yours and decree that you are completely free from any evil covenant or demonic stronghold that might be in your life, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT Having a covenant with God annuls every evil covenant in a person's life. AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. Adeboye BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Lamentations 1 - 2 HYMN 10 - IN CHRIST ALONE 1. In Christ alone, my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand 2. In Christ alone, who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save 'Til on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live, I live 3. There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Friday, 21st August, 2026 TITLE: "A HEART AFTER GOD: LIVING WITH A CLEAN HEART" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Acts 13:22 (KJV) "And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." Psalm 51:10 (KJV) "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "God is more interested in the condition of your heart than the appearance of your life." DAY'S REFLECTION God looks beyond outward appearance and examines the heart. Acts 13:22 records God's testimony concerning David: "a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." David was not a perfect man. He made serious mistakes and experienced painful failures. Yet he repeatedly turned back to God with humility, repentance, and a desire to obey Him. To be "after God's own heart" does not mean being sinless. It means having a heart that genuinely desires God, responds to His correction, loves His ways, and seeks to fulfil His will. David's life teaches us that God can use imperfect people who are willing to surrender themselves to Him. Psalm 51:10 reveals David's prayer after his failure: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." The word "create" is significant. David understood that he needed more than outward correction. He needed God to work deeply within him. A clean heart speaks of inner purity—our motives, desires, attitudes, thoughts, and intentions. A right spirit speaks of an inner disposition that is steadfast, faithful, and aligned with God. We can sometimes correct our outward behaviour while leaving the heart unchanged, but genuine transformation begins inside. Life experience teaches us that people can appear successful, religious, or respectable outwardly while struggling with hidden attitudes such as pride, bitterness, jealousy, unforgiveness, dishonesty, or selfishness. God, however, sees what others cannot see. Therefore, we should regularly invite God to examine and transform our hearts. When He reveals something wrong, we should not defend it; we should repent and ask Him for cleansing and renewal. A heart after God is not a heart that never fails—it is a heart that returns to God when it fails. It is willing to learn, change, forgive, obey, and pursue God's purpose. Today, do not focus only on how others see you. Ask God to examine who you are on the inside. Let your private life agree with your public testimony. Lord, create in me a clean heart and give me a spirit that desires to fulfil Your will. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God looks at the heart, not merely outward appearance. 2. A heart after God desires to know, love, and obey Him. 3. Failure does not have to be the end when genuine repentance follows. 4. Inner transformation is more important than outward appearance. 5. We must continually guard our hearts against attitudes that separate us from God's will. 6. God can use imperfect people who sincerely surrender themselves to Him. EVERYDAY ACTION Examine your heart today, quickly repent of anything displeasing to God, and choose one action that reflects His character. PRAYER Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Remove everything that displeases You and help me live wholeheartedly according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I have a heart that seeks after God. My thoughts, motives, words, and actions will honour Him. I will walk in repentance, obedience, purity, and humility, and my life will fulfil God's purpose. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 19–20 | Galatians 5 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 19 The Victory That Comes Through Trust 2 Kings 19 continues the crisis that began in the previous chapter. Jerusalem remains surrounded by the mighty Assyrian army, and King Hezekiah faces an enemy far stronger than anything Judah can overcome through military strength alone. Humanly speaking, defeat appears certain. Yet the chapter demonstrates that faith flourishes precisely where human ability reaches its limits. When Hezekiah receives the threatening message from the Assyrian king, he does not respond with panic or political maneuvering. Instead, he enters the house of the Lord, spreads the letter before God, and prays. His response reveals the heart of genuine faith. Rather than focusing on the greatness of the enemy, he fixes his attention on the greatness of God. Hezekiah's prayer is centered on God's glory. He asks the Lord to deliver Jerusalem so that all the nations will know that the Lord alone is God. His concern extends beyond personal survival to the honor of God's name. This becomes the foundation of true biblical prayer—seeking God's glory above personal comfort. God answers through the prophet Isaiah with words of comfort and assurance. The Lord declares that He has heard the prayers of His servant and that Assyria's pride has not gone unnoticed. The enemy may boast of its military power, but it remains completely subject to God's sovereign authority. The Assyrian king is merely an instrument whom God has permitted to accomplish His purposes. That very night, the Lord intervenes without Judah lifting a sword. The Assyrian army is defeated by God's direct action, and the invading king returns home in humiliation before eventually meeting his own end. The impossible victory belongs entirely to the Lord. Judah contributes nothing but trust. The chapter reveals that God's power is never measured by visible circumstances. What appears impossible to people is easily accomplished by the sovereign Lord. Faith does not ignore reality but recognizes that God is greater than every circumstance. Theologically, 2 Kings 19 teaches that prayer is an expression of dependence upon God. It reveals His sovereignty over every nation and demonstrates that His glory is the ultimate purpose behind His acts of deliverance. The chapter also confirms that God's promises are completely trustworthy. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance and invites believers to cast every burden upon Him. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over every enemy through His death and resurrection. The battles we face today are approached not from fear but from confidence in the triumph of our risen King. For believers today, 2 Kings 19 reminds us that our first response to overwhelming circumstances should always be prayer. We are called to bring every burden before the Lord, trusting that He remains sovereign over every situation. In Christ, we know that no earthly power can overcome God's eternal purposes. Our confidence rests not in our own strength but in the God who still delivers those who trust Him. 2 Kings 20 Receiving God's Gifts with Humility 2 Kings 20 shifts from a national crisis to a deeply personal one. After witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Assyria, Hezekiah now faces a life-threatening illness. The chapter reminds us that even faithful believers experience seasons of personal suffering. Victory in one area of life does not exempt anyone from future trials. When Isaiah informs Hezekiah that his life is coming to an end, the king immediately turns to the Lord in prayer. He pours out his heart honestly before God, demonstrating that faith is expressed through humble dependence rather than self-sufficiency. God graciously hears his prayer and extends his life, providing a miraculous sign to confirm His promise. The Lord's compassion toward Hezekiah reveals His willingness to hear the prayers of His people. While God's sovereign purposes remain perfect, He graciously invites His children to bring their requests before Him. Prayer is not an attempt to manipulate God but a privilege of fellowship with Him. Yet the chapter also reveals the subtle danger that often follows blessing. After recovering, Hezekiah receives visitors from Babylon. Instead of directing their attention to God's greatness, he proudly displays all the wealth and treasures of his kingdom. His heart shifts from gratitude to self-confidence. The very blessings God has given become occasions for pride. Isaiah confronts the king and announces that a future generation will experience Babylonian captivity. The seeds of exile are already being planted through misplaced confidence and spiritual complacency. The chapter serves as a reminder that victories and blessings require just as much humility as seasons of hardship. Hezekiah accepts God's word with humility, acknowledging the righteousness of the Lord's judgment. Even in correction, he recognizes God's justice and faithfulness. Theologically, 2 Kings 20 reveals both God's compassion and His holiness. He delights in answering prayer and extending mercy, yet He also opposes pride and calls His people to continual humility. Every blessing is intended to lead us into deeper worship rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly demonstrated humility despite possessing all authority and glory. Unlike Hezekiah, Jesus never sought His own honor but always glorified the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, believers receive the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and are called to steward that gift with humble gratitude. For believers today, 2 Kings 20 reminds us that every answered prayer and every blessing should deepen our dependence upon God rather than our confidence in ourselves. We are called to receive God's gifts with grateful hearts and use them for His glory. In Christ, we have received blessings far greater than earthly treasures, and our greatest privilege is pointing others not to ourselves but to the Savior whose grace has transformed our lives. Galatians 5 — Standing Firm in the Freedom of the Christ Galatians chapter 5 is one of the clearest New Testament passages describing the freedom believers have in the Christ, the Son of God, and how that freedom is to be lived out. Paul moves from defending the doctrine of justification by faith to explaining its practical application. The redemptive plan does not free believers so they can live for themselves; it frees them to live by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of the Christ in every area of life. The chapter begins with a powerful call to stand firm in the freedom that the Christ has secured. The Son of God has broken the chains of sin, legalism, and condemnation. Believers are warned not to return to any system that attempts to earn God's acceptance through human effort. Christian living begins with grace and continues by grace. The redemptive plan is complete in the Christ, leaving nothing for human works to add. Paul explains that attempting to gain righteousness through religious performance separates a person from the very grace they seek to improve upon. Salvation is received entirely through faith in the Christ. Once believers understand this, they are free to serve God from love rather than obligation. The Son of God calls His people into a relationship marked by joyful obedience rather than fearful striving. The chapter then emphasizes that Christian freedom is not permission for selfish living. Freedom has a purpose. Believers are called to serve one another in love because love fulfills the heart of God's commands. The redemptive plan transforms self-centered hearts into servant-hearted people who reflect the compassion and humility of the Christ. Christian living expresses itself through love because the love of the Son of God has first been poured into His people. Paul warns that selfishness, conflict, and division destroy fellowship within the body of Christ. When believers focus on their own desires rather than on loving one another, the unity purchased by the Christ is weakened. The Son of God calls His church to pursue peace, humility, and mutual care as evidence of His transforming work. The chapter then introduces the contrast between the flesh and the Spirit. These two influences are opposed to one another. The flesh naturally pursues selfish desires, while the Holy Spirit leads believers into lives that honor the Christ. Christian living is a continual choice to yield to the Spirit rather than to the old sinful nature. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but empowers believers to live differently. Paul identifies the works of the flesh as evidence of a life governed by sinful desires. These actions produce brokenness, division, and spiritual death because they flow from humanity apart from the Christ. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit reveals the character of the Son of God. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not human achievements but the natural result of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The image of fruit is significant because fruit grows naturally from a healthy relationship with its source. Believers do not manufacture Christlike character through determination alone. As they abide in the Christ and yield to His Spirit, His life becomes visible in them. The redemptive plan produces inward transformation that is demonstrated through outward character. The chapter concludes by reminding believers that those who belong to the Christ have crucified the old way of life. Since they now live by the Spirit, they are called to walk by the Spirit every day. Christian living involves continual dependence upon the Son of God rather than self-reliance. Pride, rivalry, and envy have no place in the life of one who has been transformed by His grace. Throughout Galatians chapter 5, the Christ remains the center of true freedom. He has delivered His people from both the bondage of sin and the burden of legalism. Through His Holy Spirit, He enables them to live lives that display His love and holiness. The redemptive plan is fulfilled as believers increasingly reflect the character of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly in the freedom the Christ has purchased for us. Christian living is not about earning God's favor but about walking daily in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded to reject both legalism and selfishness, choosing instead to serve others in love and bear the fruit that reflects the life of the Son of God. As we walk by the Spirit, our lives become visible demonstrations of His grace, revealing the beauty of His redemptive plan to the world around us. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2026 BE AT PEACE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD A WORD FROM THE WORD: "Be at peace in the knowledge that I am God: I will be lifted up among the nations, I will be honoured through all the earth." Psalm 46:10 BBE. In this boisterous and noisy world that is replete with pressures, demands, and constant hiccups, God, is through the psalmist, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in our anchor Scripture, calling His people to the stillness that comes from the peace of the knowledge that He is God. Being at peace (or being still, NIV) is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s Omnipotence and Sovereignty over every situation. It demonstrates choosing confidence in God’s power over the anxieties about outcomes. Many times, we tend to move too fast for God to speak clearly to and about us, but stillness creates the enabling environment for divine clarity, direction, and peace. When your heart is still and experiences the peace that comes from the knowledge of God, confusion settles, fear loses its hold, and faith is restored. Replete in the Scripture are situations where God revealed Himself in moments of peaceful surrender; an instant example is Elijah's encounter with God, not in the wind or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). The LORD Jesus would often retreat to quiet places to pray, even in the midst of pressing demands (Mark 1:35). Stillness is where perspective returns, and power is sustained where stillness is practiced. I would counsel that you resist the urge to panic, force results, or rush decisions. Let God be God. When you are at peace in the knowledge of God, He fights, speaks, restores, and reigns. PRAYER BULLETS: Father LORD, thank You. I ask You for the grace to be still, know, and recognise Your Sovereignty, as You become exalted in my life. FURTHER READING: Isaiah 30:15; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB) THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2026 HE IS COMING LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 KJV Leaders, there is no announcement date on heaven’s calendar. Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. Sudden. Unexpected. Without warning to the world. Peter said the day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.”_ 2 Peter 3:10. That means this world as we know it will end abruptly. And every leader will give account. Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” This truth is not given to scare us. It is given to sober us. Because when a thief is expected, the wise owner stays awake. Luke 12:39-40 - “And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched... Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” The danger for leaders is not unbelief. It is slumber. It is doing Kingdom work with a casual heart. It is building with wood, hay and stubble because we assume we have time. 1 Corinthians 3:13. But the day is approaching like a thief, and it will test every work. So how do we live when the coming is sudden? Walk in constant readiness. Not fear, but readiness. Keep short accounts with God. Confess quickly. Forgive quickly. Walk in the light. 1 John 1:7. Let your lamp be full of oil. Matthew 25:4. A thief does not wait for you to get ready. He meets you as you are. Guard your heart against surprise and sin. The reason people are caught off guard is because they are distracted. Luke 21:34 _“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”_ Watch what you watch. Watch what you feed on. Watch who you follow. A thief enters through open doors. Stay faithful in your assignment. The faithful servant is the one found _“so doing”_ when the master returns. Matthew 24:46. Keep preaching. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep building people. Don’t drop your post because the night is long. The trumpet could sound on an ordinary Thursday. Leaders, our people are watching us. If we are careless, they will be careless. If we are awake, they will be awake. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief... Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” We don’t know the day or the hour. Matthew 24:36. But we do know the Master. And He said He is coming. So we live every day like it could be today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVatb11ulKTDXcjL3X Prayer For Today Father, thank You for the warning in Your word. I refuse to be caught sleeping. Wake my spirit. Purify my heart. Help me to walk in readiness every day. Keep me faithful in my assignment, sober in my walk, and passionate for souls. Let the day of the Lord not overtake me as a thief. Prepare me and prepare the people You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today's Declaration The Lord is coming like a thief in the night and I am ready. I walk in the light. I keep my lamp full. I am faithful in my assignment. I watch and I pray. I will not be overtaken by darkness. Bible Reading Plan 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 24:42-51, Luke 12:35-40, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Revelation 16:15, Mark 13:32-37 Today’s Action Leaders, do a “thief audit” today. Ask: “If Jesus came tonight, what would I regret?” Deal with it now. Repent, reconcile, or reset. Then check one area of your life or ministry that has become casual. Tighten it. Set the standard again. Teach your team: We don’t live in fear of His coming. We live in faithfulness because of His coming. Remember: A thief comes without notice. So we live every day with notice in our spirit.

Heaven Will Be Worth the Wait There is a day coming for every child of God when faith will become sight, hope will become reality, and the long journey home will finally be over. Whatever trials we endure in this present life, whatever tears we shed, whatever prayers seem to wait unanswered, there is a glorious promise before us: Heaven will be worth the wait. The Bible does not describe eternity as an endless existence floating upon clouds. It presents something far greater—a restored creation, the presence of God, the glory of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of our bodies, the reunion of God’s people, and a world where sin, suffering, death, and sorrow are gone forever. The Greatest Gift: We Will See Jesus Above everything else, Heaven is glorious because Jesus will be there. Paul wrote that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus Himself promised His disciples: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” —John 14:3, KJV Imagine that moment. The One whom we have trusted without seeing, we will finally see face to face. The One whose name we have worshiped, whose Word we have believed, and whose grace has carried us through our darkest days will stand before us in glory. The Apostle John tells us: “We shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:2 Every question about faith will be answered by His presence. Every doubt will disappear. Every struggle will seem small compared with the glory of being with Christ. Jesus is not merely the One who gets us to Heaven. Jesus is the treasure of Heaven. We Will See Our Loved Ones Again For those who have died in Christ, death is not the final goodbye. The Christian hope is resurrection. Paul comforted believers who were grieving their departed loved ones, telling them that Christians should not grieve “even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He then described the great day when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:17 What a promise. The Christian does not believe that death permanently destroys the relationships God has given us. We look forward to the resurrection and the gathering together of God’s people in the presence of Christ. Can we imagine embracing a loved one again—without sickness, without separation, without the fear that another goodbye is coming? The reunion will not be marked by hospitals, funerals, tears, or graves. It will be life. And it will be eternal. No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises concerning eternity is found in Revelation: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” —Revelation 21:4 Think about everything that causes us grief in this present world. There will be no more death. No more funeral services. No more cancer wards. No more broken hearts. No more loneliness. No more betrayal. No more fear. No more sin. No more crying ourselves to sleep. God Himself will wipe away the tears. The hands that created the universe will personally comfort His children. The New Heaven and the New Earth Scripture points beyond simply going to Heaven. God’s ultimate plan is the renewal of creation. John saw: “a new heaven and a new earth.” —Revelation 21:1 The Christian hope is not ultimately an escape from God’s creation but the redemption and renewal of creation. Peter likewise speaks of looking for: “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” —2 Peter 3:13 Imagine a world where righteousness dwells completely. No corruption. No injustice. No violence. No exploitation. No pollution. No decay. No sin. Everything will finally exist as God intended it to exist. The curse will be gone, and creation itself will be brought into glorious freedom. The New Jerusalem And then Scripture gives us one of the most breathtaking visions in all of the Bible—the New Jerusalem. John saw the holy city descending from Heaven: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” —Revelation 21:2 The description is magnificent: gates of pearl, foundations adorned with precious stones, streets of pure gold, and the glory of God illuminating the city. But even these incredible descriptions point toward something greater. God Himself will dwell with His people. Revelation says: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” —Revelation 21:3 The greatest beauty of the New Jerusalem will not be its gold. It will not be its gates. It will not be its walls. It will be the presence of God. And there will be no temple in the city, because: “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” —Revelation 21:22 The Lamb is Jesus Christ. The One who died for us will be at the center of eternity. We Will Finally Understand There are things we cannot understand now. There are prayers we do not understand. There are disappointments whose purpose remains hidden. There are losses that still hurt. There are seasons when we wonder why God allowed something to happen. But Heaven will bring clarity. Paul wrote: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” —1 Corinthians 13:12 One day we will see clearly. We will understand that God never abandoned His children. We will understand the meaning of grace. We will understand the purpose of perseverance. And perhaps many things that caused us to weep on earth will appear completely different when viewed from eternity. Heaven Will Make This Journey Worth It Paul, who suffered imprisonment, persecution, beatings, rejection, hunger, danger, and hardship, wrote: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” —Romans 8:18 That is an extraordinary statement. Paul was not saying that suffering is insignificant. He was saying that future glory is infinitely greater. Whatever you are facing today, it will not last forever. The sickness will not last forever. The grief will not last forever. The struggle against sin will not last forever. The tears will not last forever. This present age is not the end of the story. There is a resurrection coming. There is a Kingdom coming. There is a New Jerusalem coming. There is a new heaven and a new earth coming. And, most importantly, Jesus is coming. Keep Going Sometimes the Christian life feels long. Sometimes the road is difficult. Sometimes faith feels like walking through darkness while holding onto a promise. But keep going. Keep trusting Christ. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on eternity. The writer of Hebrews tells us to run the race with endurance, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). The finish line is closer than it has ever been. And when we finally cross it, we will discover that every sacrifice made for Christ was worth it. Every prayer was worth it. Every act of obedience was worth it. Every tear was worth it. Every moment when we chose Christ over the world was worth it. Because on the other side of this life is not emptiness. There is glory. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is righteousness. There is the New Jerusalem. There is the new heaven and the new earth. And there is Jesus. The Best Is Yet to Come Christian, do not let the temporary darkness of this world make you forget the eternal light that is coming. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people. He promised to return. He promised resurrection. God promised to make all things new. And John heard the voice from the throne proclaim: “Behold, I make all things new.” —Revelation 21:5 One day, the journey will be over. One day, faith will become sight. One day, we will stand in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. One day, we will see those who have gone before us in Christ. One day, there will be no more graves to visit because death will be gone. One day, there will be no more tears to shed because God Himself will wipe them away. One day, we will enter the fullness of the inheritance Christ purchased for us. And when that day comes, we will understand something with absolute certainty: Heaven was worth the wait. Until then, keep your eyes upon Jesus. The road may be difficult. The night may be long. But morning is coming. Christ is coming. And for those who belong to Him, the best is yet to come. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” —Revelation 22:20

Let's talk about it. DYING AND GOING STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN IS A FALSE DOCTRINE The Bible does not teach that the dead immediately go to heaven as conscious spirits. When Lazarus died, Jesus said plainly: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.” — John 11:11 And Martha said: “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” — John 11:24 She did not say Lazarus was already alive in heaven. She understood that his hope was the resurrection. Scripture repeatedly describes death as a sleep: “The dead know not any thing.” — Ecclesiastes 9:5 “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” — Psalm 146:4 The Christian hope is not an immortal soul leaving the body at death. It is the resurrection when Christ returns. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven... and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 The teaching that the dead remain consciously alive opens the door to one of Satan’s oldest deceptions — the claim that human beings do not truly die. “Ye shall not surely die.” — Genesis 3:4 Once people believe the dead are conscious and able to communicate, they become vulnerable to spiritualism — apparitions, supposed messages from the dead, and deceptive supernatural manifestations. Scripture warns that powerful spiritual deceptions will occur in the last days. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders...” — Matthew 24:24 God’s Word gives the safeguard: The dead are unconscious. They do not communicate with the living. They await the resurrection. Our hope is not in supposed spirits of the dead. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and the resurrection at His coming.

Matthew 20:1-16 And Jesus continues with the lesson of the first being the last with this parable. A landowner is the comparison this time. The Kingdom of God is like a landowner seeking employees in the early morning. He hires them for a denarius for the day. This was the typical amount for a day's wages for a laborer so this wouldn't have been unusual. The unusual bit would come later. But then Jesus adds to the story that this owner then returns to the market another 4 times to hire workers for the same amount he paid workers for all day. And at the end of the day this landowner lines up those he hired and begins paying them by starting with the latest hired and chosing to pay all workers a full day's wage. Now Jesus did this as part of a lesson, explaining that those who worked and bore the heat of the day would complain. But the truth is a denarius was a fair wage for the period of a full day. And the owner was well within his rights to pay what he wished. The idea was that what was given was the same reward whether one came early or one came late. The big picture is Jesus is making it clear that the reward of eternal life goes to even those who show up late. In context, Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is going to be open to the groups the nation of Israel considered beneath them and as a result would be jealous of those who are brought into the kingdom even if they were not brought in from the beginning as Israel was. Even today, non messianic Jews are extremely jealous in defending their position before God as His original people and cannot grasp that from 70 AD to current times there's been no temple at which to offer sacrifice. No real Aaronic priesthood either. The thought of anyone entering into God's kingdom apart from the nation of Israel is repugnant to them, let alone the idea someone would be entering before them. And some of the apostles really continued to struggle with this concept of Gentiles being welcomed into God's Kingdom. Especially Peter, who was part of the problem that became known as the first great heresy of the church. It took the Apostle Paul to correct him. So the Catholic notion of an infallible Peter is entirely fictional. It took 2 consecutive visions from God to get Peter off his butt to go speak with Cornelius. Even then, Peter hesitated to share the gospel with a Gentile. And even after this, Peter shares in the heresy and even Barnabas is carried away. Jesus is using the national pride of Israel against them. He knows their jealousy regarding others who joined the Kingdom. The first century Jews were zealous for their nation while at the same time having what they considered good reasons to despise other nations. The faithful Jews who did receive Jesus heard Him when He taught that ALL nations would be blessed with the gift of being able to turn to Him and believe. They heard him. And this was one of the great failures of Peter and some of the other believers. On the day of judgment, the faithful witnesses will be standing behind the believers of today for their reward. Not because we earned it, but because God has mercy. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [15] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. [16] This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!’ [17] And the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. [19] And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Moses knew the Messiah would be rejected and God says if any Israelite does not listen to Him, God would require their punishment and they will be utterly cut off from the people of God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are the new Israel. We are the saints, we are the last who became first. We are not better than the Jews, we are not worse off. We are saved by grace through faith. We should with our very last breath be sharing the gospel with everyone. [1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; [4] and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ [7] They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ [8] “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ [9] When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. [10] And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”