*Looking Up* It’s normal, as well as understandable, to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. Sometimes we're preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something beyond our five senses. But in his letter to the *Colossians* , Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up: *“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬* As we think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider: - First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King. - Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed. - Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever. - Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His Throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s Sovereign plan. So when we’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at ourselves, let's look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all. *A Prayer of Thanks for Eternal Life* Father God, we realize that eternal life began the moment we accepted Your free gifts of Grace and Salvation. As we follow You, help us to always remember to look up—to have an eternal mindset. Give us the wisdom to be mindful of heaven as we are living here on earth. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Thursday, August 27 📜 OLD TESTAMENT 1 SAMUEL 3 — The Lord Calls Samuel ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT REVELATION 1 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Jude! Today we begin the book of Revelation. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 38 — Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 1 Samuel 3 Samuel hears God's voice and learns to respond with obedience: “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” God was preparing Samuel for his calling. We too must cultivate a heart that is willing to listen and obey. ✝️ Revelation 1 John receives a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ is revealed as the risen and glorified Lord who holds authority over His Church. The chapter reminds us that Jesus is with His people and remains Lord over everything. 🌿 Isaiah 38 Hezekiah becomes seriously ill and turns to God in prayer. God hears him and gives him additional years of life. His story reminds us that we can bring our deepest concerns honestly before God. ✨ KEY VERSE “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, give us hearts that are ready to hear and obey Your voice. Help us recognize Your leading and remain faithful to Your calling. Strengthen our faith as we study Revelation and remind us that Jesus Christ is Lord over all. Teach us, like Hezekiah, to bring every situation before You in prayer. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Create quiet time to listen to God today. Read His Word attentively, pray sincerely, and be willing to obey whatever He places on your heart. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

God has always spoken to people in different ways, and one of those ways is through dreams and visions. All throughout the Bible—Joseph, Jacob, Daniel—you see God using these moments to guide, warn, or encourage people. And Joel 2:28 even says that God will continue to speak this way, which is why many Christians still believe He does today. I’m one of them. So many people have had dreams or visions that gave direction or revealed something true later on. God hasn’t gone silent; we just have to stay open, pay attention, and make sure everything lines up with Scripture. As we keep going, we’ll talk about how to recognize God’s voice and how to test what you experience so you can grow in confidence and wisdom. https://professorwhoopieteen.weebly.com/

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-033 Today’s Scripture John 2:12 (ESV) “After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.” Opening the Scriptures The first great sign at Cana was complete. Jesus had manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. John now records something that may appear much less important. Jesus traveled to Capernaum with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples, and they remained there for a few days. There is no miracle recorded. There is no great public teaching. There is no dramatic event. Yet John includes this ordinary moment in his Gospel. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became flesh, truly entered human life. He traveled from place to place. He spent time with His family and disciples. He experienced the ordinary rhythms of life in this world. The glory revealed at Cana belonged to the same Jesus who now traveled with those around Him. Living God’s Word Today We can easily begin to think that only dramatic moments matter in the Christian life. We remember conversions, answered prayers, great acts of ministry, powerful sermons, and extraordinary circumstances. But most of our Christian lives are not lived in extraordinary moments. They are lived in ordinary days. We wake up. We work. We care for our families. We speak with neighbors. We serve others. We fulfill responsibilities. We read God’s Word. We pray. And then another day begins. These ordinary days matter. Christian faithfulness is not measured only by what we do when something extraordinary happens. It is also revealed by how we live when nothing remarkable seems to be happening. Are we faithful when nobody notices? Are we truthful in ordinary conversations? Are we patient with our families? Do we work honestly? Do we continue reading Scripture when we do not feel spiritually excited? Do we continue following Christ when life seems routine? The disciples had witnessed an extraordinary sign at Cana. Now they simply continued traveling with Jesus. That is discipleship. We follow Christ through remarkable days and ordinary ones. Our circumstances change. Our Lord does not. Do not spend your life waiting for some great spiritual moment while neglecting the opportunities for obedience God has placed before you today. Faithfulness in small things matters. Faithfulness in ordinary days matters. Faithfulness when nobody applauds matters. Wherever Christ leads, continue following Him. Question for Today Will you faithfully follow Christ even when today seems completely ordinary? Respond: “Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful every day.”

1 Peter 1:3-12 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, [8] whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] receiving the end of your faith-the salvation of your souls. [10] Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, [11] searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. [12] To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-things which angels desire to look into.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 26) 1. As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. 2. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight. 3. A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back. 4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 5. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool. 9. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10. The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. 11. As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. 12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13. The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” 14. As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. 15. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. 17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!” 20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. 23. Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross. 24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; 25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart; 26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. 27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 25 | Ephesians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 25 The Fall of Jerusalem and the Hope That Remains 2 Kings 25 concludes the historical record of the books of Kings with the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. It is a heartbreaking chapter, yet it is not merely the story of a nation's defeat. It is the fulfillment of God's long-declared warnings through generations of prophets. What God had patiently announced for centuries now comes to pass exactly as He said. The Babylonian army lays siege to Jerusalem until famine overwhelms the city. Eventually, the walls are breached, and King Zedekiah attempts to flee. He is captured, witnesses the destruction of his family, and is taken into exile. The collapse of Judah's final earthly kingdom illustrates the devastating consequences of persistent rebellion against the Lord. The Babylonians then destroy Jerusalem. The temple is burned, the city walls are torn down, and many of the people are carried away into captivity. The place where God's people had gathered for worship now lies in ruins. The visible symbols of Israel's strength, security, and identity are removed. Yet even as the temple falls, God's presence is not defeated. The Lord is never confined to buildings or earthly kingdoms. His covenant purposes continue beyond what human eyes can see. A small remnant remains in the land under the leadership of Gedaliah, offering a brief opportunity for stability. Yet even this hope is disrupted through violence and fear, causing many to flee to Egypt despite God's repeated warnings. The chapter demonstrates that human hearts remain prone to trust their own plans rather than God's direction. The book closes with an unexpected note of hope. Years after the exile begins, Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, is released from prison and shown kindness by the king of Babylon. Though seemingly small, this closing scene carries profound theological significance. The royal line of David has not been extinguished. God's covenant promise remains alive. The story is not over. This quiet ending points beyond exile to restoration. Though the kingdom has fallen, God's redemptive plan continues moving toward the coming of the Messiah. The final chapter of Kings leaves readers looking forward to the greater King whom God has promised. Theologically, 2 Kings 25 reveals both God's perfect justice and His unwavering faithfulness. His judgment against sin is certain, yet His covenant promises remain secure. Even in exile, God preserves hope because His purposes cannot fail. This chapter points directly to Jesus Christ. The preserved line of David ultimately leads to the birth of the Messiah, the eternal King whose kingdom will never be destroyed. Earthly Jerusalem fell because of sin, but Christ establishes a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Through His death and resurrection, He restores what humanity's rebellion had broken and opens the way for all who trust Him to become citizens of His everlasting kingdom. For believers today, 2 Kings 25 reminds us that even the darkest moments of history cannot cancel God's promises. Loss, discipline, and hardship are never the end of God's story. In Christ, hope remains because our King reigns forever. We may experience seasons that feel like exile, but God's faithfulness never changes. His redemptive plan continues, His promises stand secure, and His kingdom will one day be fully established in perfect righteousness and everlasting peace. Ephesians 2 — Saved by Grace and United in the Christ Ephesians chapter 2 reveals the heart of God's redemptive plan by showing how the Christ, the Son of God, rescues sinners, gives them new life, and unites them into one family. After celebrating the spiritual blessings found in the Christ in chapter 1, Paul now explains how those blessings became ours. This chapter moves from humanity's desperate condition apart from God to the glorious transformation accomplished entirely through His grace. Christian living begins by understanding that salvation is God's work from beginning to end. The chapter opens by describing humanity's condition apart from the Christ. Spiritually separated from God and unable to rescue themselves, people naturally follow the patterns of a fallen world and the desires of their sinful nature. This description reminds believers that salvation is never earned because humanity has no ability to bring itself back to God. The redemptive plan begins with God's mercy toward those who were completely unable to save themselves. The turning point of the chapter comes with the overwhelming declaration of God's mercy and love. Because of His great love, God acted through the Christ to give life to those who were spiritually dead. The Son of God accomplished what humanity never could. Christian living is rooted in this reality: believers stand before God because of His grace, not because of their goodness. Every aspect of salvation points back to His mercy. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith. It is not the result of human achievement or religious performance. This truth protects the believer from pride and continually directs all glory to the Christ. The redemptive plan leaves no room for boasting because everything necessary for salvation has already been accomplished through the Son of God. The chapter then explains that believers are God's workmanship, created anew in the Christ for lives of faithful service. Good works do not produce salvation, but they naturally flow from it. Christian living is the result of a transformed heart. The Son of God saves His people not only from sin but also for a life that reflects His character and fulfills His purposes. Paul next addresses the separation that once existed between different groups of people. Through the Christ, barriers of hostility have been removed, and those who were once divided have been brought together into one new people. The redemptive plan creates unity where there was once division. The Son of God is the source of true peace because He reconciles people to God and to one another. This reconciliation extends beyond human relationships to the believer's relationship with God Himself. Those who were once far away have been brought near through the sacrifice of the Christ. Access to the Father is now available because of His finished work. Christian living is lived in the confidence of this restored relationship, knowing that believers are welcomed into God's presence through the Son of God. The chapter continues by describing the Church as God's household and His holy temple. Believers are no longer strangers or outsiders but members of God's family. Together they are being built into a dwelling place where God lives by His Spirit. The redemptive plan is not only individual but also corporate. The Christ is building a people who reflect His glory together as one body. The foundation of this spiritual house is firmly established upon the truth of God's Word, with the Christ Himself as the cornerstone. Everything in the believer's life and in the Church must remain aligned with Him. Christian living remains stable only when it is centered on the Son of God. Throughout Ephesians chapter 2, the Christ is revealed as the giver of life, the source of grace, the bringer of peace, and the cornerstone of God's eternal kingdom. Every aspect of the believer's salvation, identity, and purpose is found in Him. The redemptive plan transforms those who were spiritually dead into living members of God's family and joins them together for His glory. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that our salvation is entirely the work of God's grace through the Christ. Christian living is not an attempt to earn God's acceptance but a joyful response to His mercy. We are called to live as God's workmanship, pursuing the good works He has prepared for us while walking in unity with fellow believers. As we remain firmly built upon the Son of God, we become living stones in His spiritual house, displaying His grace and participating in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 26) 1. As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. 2. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight. 3. A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool’s back. 4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 5. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool. 9. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10. The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. 11. As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. 12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13. The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” 14. As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. 15. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. 17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!” 20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. 23. Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross. 24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; 25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart; 26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. 27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin

It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:6–8 ɴᴋᴊᴠ There is another thing connected with my waiting for God’s Son from heaven. I have not yet got the Person I love with me, and while waiting for Him I am going through the world tired and worn with the spirit and character of everything around me. The more I am in communion with God, the more keenly shall I feel the spirit of the world to be a weariness to me, although God still upholds my soul in fellowship and communion with Himself. Therefore, Paul says, in 2 Thessalonians 1, “to give you who are troubled rest with us.” I get rest to my spirit now in waiting for Christ, knowing that when He comes He will have everything His own way; for the coming of the Lord, which will be trouble to the world, will be to the saints’ full and everlasting rest. It is not right to be weary of the service and conflict. Oh, no! Rather let me be victorious every day, but still it is not rest to be fighting. I shall know it all better when I am in the glory, my soul will be enlarged, and more capable of enjoying what God really is; but it is the same kind of joy that I have now, as I shall have when He comes to be glorified in His saints. J. N. Darby Jesus, our Lord, with joy we waitTo see Thy blessed face;Though weak on earth our present state,Our strength is in Thy grace. T. Ruse https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-26

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: FEAR GOD, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) BIBLE READING: DANIEL 1:8-20 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. MESSAGE: Yesterday, I discussed some benefits of having the fear of God, and today I will discuss how having the fear of God can give you access to the secrets of His heart. The Bible says in Psalm 25:14 that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will reveal His covenant to them. God shares His secrets with those who fear Him, just like we humans tend to confide in those who believe in us and hold us in high regard. Abraham was someone who feared the Lord, and in turn, he was given access to the secrets of God's heart. When God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, He said, "...Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do," (Genesis 18:17). God can only say such about the people who fear Him because He knows that they will cherish His secrets. Daniel was another person who gained tremendous insights because of how he feared and honoured God. He was taken into captivity at a young age, but his fear of the Lord led him to remain faithful to Him. The Bible says in Daniel 1:8 that he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat. He honoured God by being faithful to Him even in a foreign land and also led his companions to do the same. God, in turn, honoured his decision by making him and his companions ten times better than their peers (Daniel 1:20). When the king had a dream that none of the magicians in the land could tell or interpret, God revealed it to Daniel (Daniel 2:19). Beloved, when you fear God, you will never lack spiritual knowledge and insight because God will always make sure that you have access to it. Today's memory verse says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and Psalm 111:10 also says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Everyone who feared the Lord in the Bible had access to uncommon knowledge. If you want to access that kind of knowledge, you have to fear God. If you want God to give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches in secret places, just as He promised in Isaiah 45:3, you must honour Him with your thoughts, decisions, and actions. I pray that the Almighty God will give you access to the secrets of His heart as you honour Him with your life, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Those who fear God have access to uncommon insights and knowledge. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 9 - 12 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 23 - ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER 1. All to Jesus I surrender all to Him I freely give; I will ever low and trust Him, in His presence daily live. CHORUS: I surrender all, I surrender all: All to Thee, my blessed saviour, I surrender all. 2. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet l bow; Worldly pleasures all forsaken. Take me, Jesus, take me now. CHORUS: 3. All to Jesus I surrender. Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. CHORUS: 4. All to Jesus I surrender, now I feel the sacred flame o the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name! CHORUS: