When the Holy Spirit Says “No” Sometimes God's protection does not look like an open door. Sometimes it looks like a closed door. In Acts 16:6–7, Paul and his companions had plans to preach in certain regions. But Scripture says: «“They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.” — Acts 16:6» And again: «“The Spirit suffered them not.” — Acts 16:7» Paul had a plan. But the Holy Spirit had a different direction. Then Paul received the vision of a man from Macedonia saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Paul understood that God was calling them there, and they changed their direction (Acts 16:9–10). The lesson is powerful: The Holy Spirit can protect you by stopping you. A closed door may not mean that God has forgotten you. A delay may not mean that God has rejected you. A change of direction may not be a failure. Sometimes God sees what we cannot see. We may think: “This is the right opportunity.” But God may say: “Not this way.” We may think: “I must go here.” But the Holy Spirit may redirect our steps. This is why Proverbs says: «“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5» And: «“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:6» The Christian life is not simply about asking God to bless our plans. It is about becoming willing to surrender our plans to God's will. Don't be afraid of God's “No.” His “No” may be protection. His “Wait” may be preparation. His redirection may be leading you toward something you cannot yet see. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Trust God's direction. Do not lean entirely on your own understanding. Because sometimes the road God closes is the road He is protecting you from. And sometimes the path He opens is the path He has prepared for you. “Lord, direct my steps. Close every door that is not from You, and give me the wisdom and courage to follow where Your Spirit leads. Amen.”

Anthony Ijere is a contemporary Nigerian Christian author, novelist, teacher, and spiritual mentor dedicated to inspiring believers through the power of the written word. Based in Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria, he is passionate about raising a generation of young people who understand their identity, discover their purpose, and walk boldly in God's divine plan for their lives. Through deep biblical insight and engaging storytelling, Anthony combines spiritual teaching with practical life application, making complex truths simple, relatable, and transformational. His writings focus on themes such as destiny, prayer, spiritual warfare, obedience, personal transformation, Christian character, revival, and purpose driven living. His unique blend of narrative creativity and devotional teaching has made his works impactful among young believers seeking direction, growth, and spiritual stability. Anthony's ministry is strongly centered on youth revival and spiritual awakening. He believes that many destinies are lost through distraction, wrong influences, fear, compromise, ignorance, and lack of spiritual direction. Through books, teachings, and mentorship, he seeks to help believers break destructive cycles, renew their minds, and align themselves with God's original purpose. Inspired by the teachings and ministries of seasoned servants of God, including Apostle Joshua Selman and other notable Christian voices, Anthony writes with a burden to awaken spiritual hunger, strengthen faith, and stir believers toward deeper intimacy with God. His messages consistently emphasize holiness, surrender, prayer, discipline, and total dependence on the Holy Spirit. Beyond writing, Anthony actively encourages and mentors young people within local communities, helping them cultivate prayer lives, leadership qualities, godly values, and kingdom minded vision. His passion is not only to inform minds but also to transform lives and raise believers who will influence their generation for Christ. As the founder and voice behind projects such as IGNITE Youth Revival Magazine, Anthony Ijere continues to challenge young people to rise above limitations, reject mediocrity, and pursue destinies that glorify God. His writings are marked by clarity, conviction, spiritual depth, and a sincere desire to see believers walk in excellence and fulfill their divine assignments. Through every page he writes, Anthony carries a singular mission: to inspire revival, ignite purpose, and leave a lasting spiritual legacy that points hearts back to Jesus Christ.

❤️ COME TO JESUS — He Is Calling You Home Have you ever felt too broken, too guilty, or too far away from God? This new song from JGG Worship Music is a reminder that Jesus has not forgotten you. His arms are still open wide. His grace is greater than your past, and His love reaches you even in your darkest moments. 🎵 “Come to Jesus” is a Christian worship song about forgiveness, healing, repentance, and coming home to Christ. ✝️ If you have wandered, come home. 🙏 If you are hurting, come to Jesus. ❤️ If you feel unforgiven, remember His grace. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 May this song encourage someone today to lay down their burdens, surrender to Jesus, and take His hand. 🎧 Listen, worship, and share it with someone who needs this message. Jesus is reaching out… Just take His hand. You are forgiven. Come home. #ComeToJesus #JGGWorshipMusic #ChristianWorship #JesusChrist #ChristianMusic #WorshipSong #Forgiveness #Healing #Repentance #ComeHomeToJesus #GodsLove #ChristianEncouragement https://youtu.be/Noj_m_tD3oU?si=r7mFJ4OHNfHQsY_S

🔥🎶 NEW MUSIC ALERT — “HE HAS TO FLEE” 🎶🔥 I’m so excited to announce my NEW song, “HE HAS TO FLEE,” releasing AUGUST 23RD! 🙌 This song carries a message I want somebody to grab hold of: SUBMIT TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL. AND HE HAS TO FLEE. 💥 📖 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 You don’t have to surrender to every temptation, every lie, every attack, or every voice trying to pull you backward. Stand with GOD. ❤️‍🔥 🎵 HE HAS TO FLEE 📅 AUGUST 23RD 🎤 FoxxFusion Who’s ready to hear this one?! 👇🔥 Comment “HE HAS TO FLEE!” ➡️ FOLLOW FoxxFusion so you don’t miss the release! #HeHasToFlee #NewMusic #ChristianMusic #James47 #FoxxFusion

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE Speak Life • Guard Your Words ANCHOR SCRIPTURE Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” 1. WORDS HAVE POWER Your words can build or destroy, encourage or hurt, heal or discourage. Think before you speak. 2. GUARD YOUR MOUTH Avoid: Gossip • Lies • Insults • Anger • Negative declarations Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...” 3. SPEAK TO BUILD Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) “...that which is good to the use of edifying...” Before you speak, ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Will it build? 4. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE When angry—pause. When hurt—don't speak from the wound. When blessed—give thanks. 5. SPEAK FAITH, NOT DEFEAT Don't keep saying: “I can't.” “I'm finished.” Say: “God is my strength.” “I will not give up." “God is with me.” Faith-filled words don't deny reality; they refuse to surrender to defeat. KEY LESSON 1. Think before speaking. 2. Guard your tongue. 3. Speak truth. 4. Build others. 5. Control your anger. 6. Speak life. FINAL CHARGE Your tongue is small, but its impact is great. Don't use your mouth to destroy what you are praying for. Speak wisely. Speak graciously. Speak life. PRAYER Father, help me to control my tongue and use my words wisely. Let my words bring encouragement, healing and hope. Keep me from destructive speech, and let everything I say honour You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. The Lord is Near By Vera Malova August 17th, 2026 I was raised in northern Kazakhstan, but when we moved to the town of Bor in 1993, I remember the TV ads for Pastor John Carter’s evangelistic meetings across the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Things weren’t going smoothly at home. My husband often took to the bottle, and my eldest son Sasha had started drinking, too. So I was happy when Sasha began attending those meetings every day. They gave him a Bible, and when Sasha brought it home, I began to read it. By the time I reached the New Testament, I’d realized we weren’t living the way God wanted us to, so I read it again. In the meantime, Sasha was baptized and began inviting me to church. I wanted to support him, but I worked on Saturdays. However, my hands began to ache so badly that I had to go to the hospital and take a break from work. The following Saturday, my son stared at me intently, wondering if I would go to church with him, so I went. I have a habit of looking people in the eye, and I was amazed to see such kind and affectionate eyes. Everyone was glad to see me, and they all smiled, so I continued going to church and soon decided to be baptized. On the day before my baptism, my husband came home from work drunk, hit his head, and stopped breathing. My son gave him CPR, but his breathing stopped as soon as he let up. “Lord, I give my whole family into Your hands!” I cried—and instantly, my husband began breathing again. God literally raised him from the dead! Although two of my children were baptized, my husband would not surrender to the Lord, threatening and calling me ugly names. Once, in a fit of anger, he began choking me. Another time, my children attended a youth group while I stayed home, reading my Bible. My husband came in drunk and said, “Aren’t you going to church, too?” “Yes, I think I will,” I answered. “Then perhaps you’ll also decide to be baptized!” he snorted. When I replied that I’d already been baptized, he grabbed a large Kitchen knife and shouted, “Then your life is over!” His eyes burned with a terrible fire! He lunged at me but suddenly froze in place. He stood there a while, holding the knife and shouting over and over, “You will not live!” Shaking with fear, I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently for deliverance. Suddenly, I saw a beautiful rainbow in my mind with fiery letters that read, He will not hurt you! Throwing the knife down, my husband fell on the sofa, sobbing. My guardian angel had stood between us and protected me! “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11. As a family, we began praying earnestly for him. My children tried talking to him about God, but he answered, “That’s just how it’s written in your American Bible.” Lena bought him a Russian Orthodox Bible with a cross on it, blessed by Patriarch Alexy II, and as she read texts from her Bible, he read the same text in his; and whether from the Old or New Testament, every text matched word for word! Despite being convinced, my husband continued to drink as our family implored for God’s help. Finally, Sasha asked, “Father, why are you resisting?” He replied, “Okay, I will ask God to help me stop drinking.” He began carrying the Ten Commandments in his pocket and telling his co-workers and friends that they should follow them. He also promised to go to church but never did. Instead, he drank until he lost the feeling in his legs from his knees on down. One morning I woke up joyful. My eyes were shining when I said to him, “You cannot imagine how good you’d feel if you’d quit drinking,” to which he replied, “Then I’ll quit today.” Sadly, that was the day he died from his illness. It’s impossible to live in this world without God because there are problems such as alcoholism that no one else can solve. My son, who led me to God, eventually stopped going to church and began drinking again. But although he got so bad that he started hearing voices, our whole church family prayed for him, and after many years, he came back to the Lord and sobered again. Don’t think that the Lord is somewhere far away. He is right here with you! We all live in debt to the Lord, and a price has been paid for our life. Jesus paid the price for each of our days, each piece of bread we eat, and each breath we take. He paid it with His precious blood! Jeremiah 29:11 and 13 say, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.… And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Seek the Lord, for He is near.

17-08-2026 One Spirit With Him Scripture — 1 Corinthians 6:17 (AMP) “But the one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” What an incredible truth: when you belong to Christ, you are not walking through life alone. You are united with Him. The world often tells us to find our identity in what we accomplish, what people think of us, our past, or our circumstances. But God invites us into something far deeper. Through faith in Jesus, we are joined to Him. His presence is not simply something we visit during prayer or church—it is a reality we carry with us every day. Being “one spirit with Him” means your relationship with Jesus affects the way you think, speak, choose, love, and live. When you are tempted, He is with you. When you are discouraged, He is with you. When you don't know which way to go, you can turn to Him. You don't have to live as though you are separated from God, trying to figure everything out by your own strength. His Spirit is with you, guiding you and drawing you closer to Him. Today, remember that your life belongs to Christ. Your body, your mind, your choices, your dreams, and your future can all be surrendered to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live from your union with Jesus rather than from fear, pressure, or insecurity. Prayer Father, thank You that through Jesus I am united with You. Help me to remember that I am never alone. Let Your Spirit guide my thoughts, my words, and my decisions today. Teach me to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love. When I feel weak, remind me that Your presence is with me. I surrender every part of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today’s Reminder I am not alone. I belong to Christ, and I am one spirit with Him. His presence goes with me wherever I go. 🙏✨

Monday, 17th August, 2026 TITLE: "STRENGTHENED BY GOD'S SPIRIT, NOT BY HUMAN POWER" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Ephesians 3:16 (KJV) "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;" Zechariah 4:6 (KJV) "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "What human strength cannot accomplish, God's Spirit can." DAY'S REFLECTION Every journey has moments when our natural strength feels insufficient. We may have responsibilities to carry, challenges to overcome, or assignments that seem greater than our ability. At such times, God reminds us that we were never meant to depend entirely on ourselves. Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:16 that believers would be "strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." The inner man refers to our spiritual life—our heart, faith, character, and relationship with God. God does not only strengthen us outwardly; He strengthens us from within so that we can remain faithful even when circumstances are difficult. To be strengthened means to receive divine ability, courage, endurance, and spiritual stability. Sometimes God changes the situation; at other times, He strengthens us to stand firmly in the situation until His purpose is accomplished. Zechariah 4:6 gives us the same principle: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." Human might can represent resources, influence, position, or physical strength, while power can represent human ability and effort. These things have their place, but they are not the ultimate source of spiritual victory. God was teaching Zerubbabel that the work before him would be accomplished through dependence on the Holy Spirit. Likewise, some assignments in our lives cannot be completed successfully through human effort alone. We need God's direction, strength, wisdom, and enabling grace. Life experience teaches us that determination can take us far, but there are situations where determination alone is not enough. When our strength is exhausted, God's strength remains available. When our resources are limited, God's resources are unlimited. Therefore, do not face today's responsibilities saying, "I cannot do this." Instead, say, "Lord, strengthen me by Your Spirit." Depend on Him in prayer, surrender your plans to Him, and allow His Spirit to empower you. Your victory does not depend solely on how strong you are. It depends on the God who strengthens you. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 40:29 (KJV) "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God strengthens us from the inside through His Spirit. 2. Human ability has limits, but God's power has no limits. 3. Spiritual victory comes through dependence on God, not self-reliance. 4. Weakness can become an opportunity to experience God's strength. 5. Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit are essential for fulfilling God's purposes. EVERYDAY ACTION Begin today by surrendering your plans to God and asking His Spirit to strengthen and guide you. PRAYER Heavenly Father, strengthen me by Your Spirit in my inner man. Help me not to depend on human strength alone, but to trust Your power and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am strengthened by the Spirit of God. I will not depend on human power alone. The Lord gives me strength, wisdom, courage, and grace to fulfil His purpose for my life. Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

Matthew 19:27-30 Jesus has just made it clear that following Him has a cost up to and including a believer's life. The rich young ruler has dejectedly walked away after being told that the one thing he lacked to obtain eternal life was apparently the one thing he wasn't willing to give up. His wealth. Think about it. Sam Walton was one of the wealthiest men in history, Truett Cathy, Jackie O'Nassis, Queen Elizabeth all were extremely wealthy. All had comforts in life that now mean nothing. All of them take their place behind beggars and those who were believers in extreme poverty. Jesus makes the point that the rich seem to believe their wealth gives them extra privilege or consideration at judgement because there's more they have to surrender. And again Peter makes sure to say the entirely wrong thing. So he looks around seeing the rich man sadly leaving Jesus, perhaps because he had much he could afford that he refused to surrender. So Peter says, Lord, What's in it for us? The ruler likely had houses, funds he would not run out of. So Peter considers what he's left for Jesus. He left his home, his career, and he's been following Jesus for a few years, now. And he wants to know what his reward is for doing so. Jesus has already informed them on more than one occasion that they would follow Him in death. And each one died a martyrs death, executed by government or religious leaders beginning with James, brother of John and ending with John, James’ brother. These brother's deaths formed the bookends of apostles’ deaths with James being first and John the last. Jesus says yes, you will all be awarded, but it comes at a cost. The cost is going to be the terrible suffering they would experience prior to death. Not that their suffering earned them anything, the way the rich believed their wealth earned them something. But that their allegiance with Jesus and relationship with Him gave them eternal life. In particular, Jesus promises the apostles specifically that they will be on thrones judging Israel. Perhaps this is meant as a small mercy for the apostles whose last living moments will be being judged by those will end up ‘judged’ by them. Not that the apostles will get input on the eternal judgment of these individuals but that they will judge Israel as a whole including these Jewish leaders who are currently burning in torment awaiting eternity. This really should be the perspective we hold to. The rich young ruler, do you think he regrets his choice now? After 2,000 some odd years of suffering where time has no meaning and no end? How important do you think he considers his summer home now? His retirement? His first century equivalent to a Bentley? How about the leaders who knew the Scriptures pointed to Jesus but didn't want to give up their power or position. But these leaders to whom the benefits of eternal life were promised if they remained faithful to God. These Jews were considered first because the promises were made to them. But they, they will be last. And those who were considered last, the Gentiles, pagans, all who responded to Jesus would take the place of those who had been considered first. The temporal life fortunes in eternity are oftentimes flipped. The temporal riches of this life lure many believers over to a side that appears successful because financial gains are made, but in actuality is abject failure. No wealth we gain is worth what is lost if we don't have Jesus. So those health and wealth preachers, the ones insisting that poverty is a sign of disfavor with God? Yeah, they will be within sight of the rich young ruler forever reconsidering their life choices and forever incapable of changing them. We don't get the chance to change our minds after death. Our fates are locked, so what are we waiting for? What's in it for us? Only Everything. [27] Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” [28] And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - MONDAY, 17TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*I WILL WAIT FOR MY CHANGE TO COME*🌟 📖 Scripture: “If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” — Job 14:14 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Your Waiting Season Is Not Your Final Season:* Job 14:14 expresses the heart of someone passing through a difficult season but refusing to give up hope. Job understood that life has appointed seasons, and he chose to wait for his change. There are moments when we pray and do not immediately see the answer. There are seasons when progress appears slow, doors seem closed, and circumstances do not look the way we expected. But delay does not mean denial, and a difficult season does not mean that God has abandoned us. Today, God is reminding you that your present condition is not necessarily your final destination. Continue to trust Him. Continue to pray. Continue to work faithfully. Continue to believe. Your appointed time is in God's hands, and He is able to bring change when the time is right. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my waiting shall not be wasted. I will wait upon the Lord with faith, patience, and confidence, knowing that He is working even when I cannot see what He is doing. I declare that my change shall come. Every season of stagnation, delay, disappointment, limitation, and frustration shall give way to a new season according to God's perfect purpose for my life. Today, I receive grace to remain faithful while I wait. I shall not abandon my faith because of temporary difficulties. I shall not allow disappointment to make me forget God's promises. I declare that the Lord is preparing me for the next chapter of my life. He is developing my character, strengthening my faith, increasing my wisdom, and preparing me for opportunities that are aligned with His purpose. I proclaim a new season over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May God bring renewal wherever there has been weariness, restoration wherever there has been loss, and progress wherever there has been stagnation. I declare that every legitimate prayer I have committed into God's hands shall receive His perfect response. Where God says yes, may the door open. Where He says wait, may I receive grace to wait. Where He says no, may I have the wisdom to trust His better plan. Today, I refuse to be defined by my past. My previous failures shall not determine my future. My disappointments shall not cancel my destiny. My mistakes shall not prevent God from accomplishing His purpose in my life. I declare that new opportunities shall arise according to God's will. New strength shall come upon me. New ideas shall flow. New doors shall open. New testimonies shall emerge. I proclaim that my hope in God shall remain alive. Like Job, I shall continue to trust the Lord even in difficult seasons. My faith shall survive the waiting period, and my testimony shall glorify God. My waiting has a purpose. My season will change. My hope is alive. My God is faithful. My change shall come! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with thanksgiving: Thank God for sustaining you through every season of your life. 2️⃣ Read Job 14:1–14: Reflect on Job's perseverance and his decision to wait on God. 3️⃣ Declare: “I will wait for my appointed time; my change shall come according to God's perfect will.” 4️⃣ Surrender your timeline: Give God your expectations, deadlines, and unanswered prayers. 5️⃣ Keep working faithfully: Do not allow waiting to become an excuse for inactivity. Continue doing what God has placed in your hands. 6️⃣ Encourage someone: Remind someone who is going through a difficult season that their present situation is not the end of their story. 7️⃣ End with praise: Thank God in advance for the change, restoration, and testimony He is preparing. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You because You are the God who holds my times and seasons in Your hands. Thank You for sustaining me through every difficult and uncertain season. Lord, give me grace to wait patiently for my appointed time. When I become tired, strengthen me. When I become discouraged, renew my hope. When I cannot understand what You are doing, help me to trust Your wisdom. Bring change into every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Bring restoration where there has been loss, progress where there has been stagnation, healing where there has been brokenness, and renewed strength where there has been weariness. Bless my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. Let Your perfect will be accomplished in every area of my life. Help me not to compare my journey with the journey of others. Teach me to trust Your timing and remain faithful to You while I wait. I believe that my story is not over. My season will change. My hope is in You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen you in every waiting season. May He give you patience without frustration, faith without fear, and hope without disappointment. May every season of delay turn into a season of divine fulfillment. May the Lord renew your strength, restore your joy, establish your plans according to His will, and bring beautiful changes into every area of your life. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and destiny experience fresh grace and divine advancement (Amen).🙏 The season may be challenging, but God is still faithful. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep believing. 🌱 Your waiting has a purpose. 🔥 Your faith will not fail. 🌟 Your season will change. 🙌 Your testimony shall come. “I WILL WAIT... TILL MY CHANGE COME.” — JOB 14:14 Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, hopeful, and testimony-filled new week! 🙏🔥 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