LEP'S FAITH QUOTE: Faith is an Act 8/21 Friday Faith
I was not able to send out a quote for Thursday.
Now God does not want anybody in the world, under any circumstances, to be in a place where they live on eyesight and on feelings. Faith never feels and faith never looks. Faith is an act, and faith without an act is not faith, but doubt and disgrace. Every one of you has more faith than you are using.
--Smith Wigglesworth

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT

*TEXT:*
EPHESIANS 5:8-13
8. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9. for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth
10. and find out what pleases the Lord.
11. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

*TOPIC:*
YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT

*THE MESSAGE:*
Jesus made it clear that He is the light of the world, and whoever following Him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (Jn. 8:12). Darkness is often synonymous with sin and wickedness. In this text, Paul makes it clear that believers were once in darkness but are now in the light of the Lord. He urges them to live as children of the light and have nothing to do with darkness. Instead, expose it through righteous and truthful deeds that pleases the Lord. Christians are living amidst ungodly people whose behaviours and priorities conflict with the word of God. Will you compromise to belong or stand out as light? As a youth, your life must radiate the light of Christ wherever you are - in school, at work, in business, and in search of a job or a life partner. Is your light shinning? If not, fan it into flame.

*REFLECTION:*
Let your light so shine.

*PRAYER:*
Father, help me not to hide my light in Jesus' name. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
EZEKIEL 16-19.

ED.i. TO SAFE HARBOR

"Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away." - Acts 27:31-32

Paul said this when they were in a big storm on a ship at sea. This shipwreck story is often preached; however, we do not often hear about the lifeboat which belonged to the ship. The workers on the ship wanted to use this boat to secretly get away. They knew that if the ship was tossed against the rocks, they would all perish. Moreover, there were 276 people on board. How do you get them all in one lifeboat? They were cowards and wanted to leave the ship to save their own skin. Paul warned the captain and said: 'If they do not stay on board, you will not be saved.'

Jesus Christ, the only Lifeboat

The lifeboat would not offer any chance to survive on the stormy sea where they had been floating for two weeks. Paul knew this. I do not know much about ships, but one thing is certain: when there is a chance for shipwreck, the first question is: 'where is the lifeboat?'

I have an important question: do we all understand the meaning and importance of a lifeboat when it comes to the salvation of our souls? When your soul is in great need, do you have a lifeboat? Today I want to ask you to investigate the lifeboat before your soul venture on board. For many people their lifeboat is their 'good works.' However, you will not get to heaven with these. There are many leaky lifeboats and people think these will save their souls.

I would like to convince people through the Holy Spirit to step into the only safe lifeboat which will bring you to heaven. That lifeboat cannot be smashed. The wood comes from the cross on Calvary. Throughout the ages, this Lifeboat brings shipwrecks into safe harbor day and night. This Lifeboat never fails and is big enough for everyone. The only lifeboat that can save your soul is Jesus Christ.

https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Good evening prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Come unto me, all [ye] that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ⏤ Matthew 11:28

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. ⏤ Oswald Chambers

O God, You have taught us in Your holy word to cast our burdens upon You, promising that You will sustain us. We come to You this evening with our burdens. You’ve given them to us as gifts, so we know there must be a blessing hidden within each one. Help us to accept our burdens and receive the gifts they carry. Let us not complain or grumble under them, lest we miss the blessings You’ve prepared for us.

You haven’t promised to take our burdens away, for that would rob us of the blessings You’ve lovingly prepared. But You have promised to sustain us and give us the strength to bear them. So our prayer is that You would give us the grace to accept whatever burdens You’ve placed upon us, to carry whatever crosses You’ve given us, and to bear them after our Savior, trusting in quiet faith.

At the close of this day, we bring You our sincere gratitude and praise for Your goodness.

Your love never tires,
Your patience never runs out,
Your grace never fails.

We grieve You with our many sins, our unbelief, and our complaining. Have mercy on us and forgive us for Jesus’ sake.

Grant us an evening blessing from Your hand. Give us Your peace, strengthen us with Your might, and prepare us for any duty or struggle that lies ahead. Crush Satan under our feet. Jesus, You have overcome the world, and in Your victory, You are our defense and refuge. So we hide in You, as in the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Bless us for Your name’s sake. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

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.

DAILY SPRING DEVOTIONAL. By Deborah Chinedu. Founder, Dominion Life In Christ Global Community. Thursday, 20th August, 2026.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/deborah-chinedu-65600963_daily-spring-devotional-by-deborah-chinedu-ugcPost-7496173486881812487-MYSg/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAA1ZcGIB97LM8hmE5sj3arEDwGqaEIyajE8&utm_campaign=share_via

Watch ORTHODOX MORNING PRAYERS & READINGS for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026: https://robertdhosken.substack.com/p/watch-orthodox-morning-prayers-and-147

How to JOIN? See https://agape-biblia.org/Morning-Prayers.htm to JOIN US "LIVE" daily at 7 a.m. ET - start YOUR OWN Morning Prayers! We're retired missionaries in our 80s, preparing for eternity! Are you?

THROWBACK THURSDAY - In 2000, I visited Calvary Campground in Ashland, Virginia for the first time. This screenshot is from a video of the opening session of Winter Campmeeting. Except for 2011, I’ve made a stopover there every year since.

THANKFUL THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER

“Lord, We Thank You for Everything!”

Scripture...
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

Heavenly Father,
On this Thankful Thursday morning, before we ask You for anything, we want to thank You for everything.
Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for watching over us through the night. Thank You for the breath in our bodies, the activity of our limbs, and the soundness of our minds. Thank You that when our eyes opened this morning, we were given another opportunity to experience Your grace, walk in Your purpose, and declare Your goodness.
Your Word says:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
So today, Lord, we choose to rejoice. We may not have everything we want, but we thank You because You have been faithful to provide what we need.
Thank You for What We Saw—and What We Never Saw
Father, we thank You not only for the blessings we recognize, but also for the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
Thank You for dangers seen and unseen.
Thank You for doors You closed because something harmful was on the other side.
Thank You for delays that frustrated us but protected us.
Thank You for people You removed because they could not go where You were taking us.
Thank You for the accidents that did not happen, the sickness that did not overtake us, the plans of the enemy that did not prosper, and the traps that never caught us.
Your Word declares:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)
The weapon may have formed, but it did not win!
The storm came, but it did not destroy us!
The enemy attacked, but he could not cancel Your purpose!
We are still here because Your hand has been upon us.
Thank You for Your Mercy
Father, thank You for mercy.
Thank You that You did not give us what our mistakes deserved.
Thank You for forgiving us when we confessed our sins. Thank You for cleansing us, restoring us, correcting us, and giving us another opportunity to get it right.
Your Word says:
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
New mercy this morning!
Not yesterday's mercy.
Not leftover mercy.
But fresh mercy for a brand-new day.
Lord, forgive us for every sin—those committed knowingly and unknowingly, in our words, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Create in us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us.
Thank You for Jesus
Most of all, Father, thank You for Jesus!
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the blood.
Thank You for salvation.
Thank You for redemption.
Thank You that the grave could not hold Him.
Thank You that Jesus got up with all power in His hands!
Your Word declares:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” — John 3:16 (KJV)
Jesus, thank You for loving us when we were unlovable. Thank You for reaching for us when we were running from You. Thank You for being our Savior, Lord, Advocate, Shepherd, Deliverer, and Friend.
Thank You Even in Difficult Seasons
Father, teach us to thank You even when life does not make sense.
Your Word says:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
It does not say that everything that happens is good. It tells us that in everything, we can still give thanks.
So even in the valley, we thank You.
Even while waiting, we thank You.
Even when our prayers have not yet been answered, we thank You.
Even when we cannot trace Your hand, help us to trust Your heart.
We believe:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…” — Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Father, take what was meant to break us and use it to build us. Take our tears and produce testimony. Take our trials and develop endurance. Take our disappointments and redirect us toward Your purpose.
Lord, Touch Those Who Need Healing
This morning we lift up everyone who is sick in body, troubled in mind, emotionally wounded, exhausted, grieving, or discouraged.
You declared:
“For I am the LORD that healeth thee.” — Exodus 15:26 (KJV)
Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
Touch those dealing with cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, lupus, dementia, Alzheimer's, chronic pain, and every disease and condition.
Strengthen weakened bodies. Restore energy. Give doctors wisdom. Guide surgeons' hands. Let medications work as intended. Bring peace to caregivers and families.
We pray for those fighting battles in their minds—anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, grief, confusion, and despair. Let the peace of God guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Lord, Provide for Every Need
Father, remember those looking for employment. Open the right doors.
Remember those who need promotions and increases.
Remember families struggling financially.
Remember those facing bills they do not know how they will pay.
Remember those worried about food, housing, transportation, or other necessities.
Your Word promises:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Father, make a way where there appears to no way.
Give wisdom concerning finances. Provide resources. Create opportunities. Send favor. Connect people with the right opportunities at the right time.
Bless Our Families
Lord, cover our families.
Protect our marriages. Strengthen husbands and wives. Draw parents and children closer together. Heal broken relationships. Restore communication. Bring forgiveness where there has been hurt.
Protect our children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended families.
Let Joshua's declaration become the declaration of our homes:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
Save those who do not know Jesus. Draw back those who have wandered away. Let our homes become places of prayer, peace, love, forgiveness, worship, and the presence of God.
Order Our Steps Today
Father, as we go into this Thursday, order our steps.
Your Word says:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
Guide our conversations.
Guide our decisions.
Guide us on the highways.
Guide us at work.
Guide us in our homes.
Guard our mouths so that our words bring life and not destruction.
Give us discernment so that we recognize what comes from You and what does not.
When temptation comes, give us strength to say no.
When opportunity comes, give us wisdom to know whether to say yes.
When trouble comes, remind us that You are already there.
We Thank You in Advance
Father, before we see the answer, we thank You.
Before the door opens, we thank You.
Before the healing manifests, we thank You.
Before the breakthrough comes, we thank You.
Before the financial situation changes, we thank You.
Before our loved ones come to Christ, we thank You.
Because our thanksgiving is not based only on what You do—it is based on who You are.
You are still God.
You are still faithful.
You are still holy.
You are still sovereign.
You are still our Provider.
You are still our Healer.
You are still our Deliverer.
You are still our Way Maker.
You are still our Keeper.
And You are still worthy of all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise!
Thursday Declaration...
Today we declare:
I will not allow complaining to overpower my thanksgiving.
I will not allow fear to silence my faith.
I will not allow yesterday's disappointment to steal today's joy.
I will not allow what I do not have to make me forget everything God has already done.
I am thankful.
I am blessed.
I am covered.
I am kept.
I am loved.
I am forgiven.
I am redeemed.
And because God has brought me this far, I believe He will carry me the rest of the way!
Father, thank You for yesterday.
Thank You for today.
And by faith, thank You for tomorrow.
May everything we say and do today bring glory to Your name.
We seal this Thankful Thursday Morning Prayer in the mighty, matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ.
Amen, Amen, and AMEN!

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

“No matter what this Thursday brings, I WILL GIVE GOD THANKS! He has been too good, too faithful, and too merciful for me to remain silent. THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, AND I WILL REJOICE!”

TODAY'S BIBLE READING
Thursday, August 20
OLD TESTAMENT
JUDGES 21 — The Restoration of Benjamin
Congratulations on completing the book of Judges! Tomorrow we begin Ruth.
NEW TESTAMENT
1 JOHN 2 — Christ Our Advocate & Walking in the Light
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH 31 — Trust in God, Not Egypt
Today's Reflection
Judges 21
The book of Judges closes with Israel seeking a way to restore the tribe of Benjamin after the devastating conflict. The ending highlights the consequences of Israel's spiritual disorder and the need for godly leadership.
1 John 2
John encourages believers to walk in obedience, love one another, and avoid loving the world above God. Christ is our Advocate, and those who claim to know Him are called to live according to His ways.
Isaiah 31
Isaiah warns Judah against depending on Egypt and its horses for protection. True security comes from the Lord, who is able to defend and deliver His people.
KEY VERSE
“Do not love the world or anything in the world.”
— 1 John 2:15
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us through another book of Your Word. Help us to walk in obedience, love You above everything else, and place our complete confidence in You rather than human strength. As we begin the book of Ruth tomorrow, prepare our hearts to receive everything You want to teach us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Choose God over the attractions of the world today. Walk in obedience, love others sincerely, and trust God completely with every situation.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.*

*TAKE HEED WHAT YOU HEAR*

Scripture:
“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” — Mark 4:24 (KJV)

*Reflection – Be Careful What You Allow Into Your Heart*

Jesus teaches us in Mark 4:24 to pay careful attention to what we hear. Not every voice deserves our attention, and not every message deserves a place in our hearts.

What we repeatedly hear can influence our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, faith, and ultimately our lives. Therefore, Christ calls us to become intentional listeners—people who listen to God's Word, receive it with faith, and put it into practice.

The second part of the verse reminds us that spiritual understanding grows when we faithfully respond to what God has already revealed. When we value God's truth and live by it, He gives us greater understanding and deeper spiritual maturity.

Today, let us ask: What voices are shaping my life? Am I listening more to fear or faith? To discouragement or God's promises? To human opinions or the truth of Scripture?

*Prophetic Declaration:*
Today, I declare that my ears are attentive to the voice of God. I shall hear His Word with understanding, receive it with faith, and obey it with a willing heart.

I declare that every voice of fear, discouragement, confusion, negativity, and deception that seeks to weaken my faith shall not control me. I choose to listen to the voice of truth, wisdom, faith, hope, and righteousness.

Today, I receive grace to discern what I should hear and what I should reject. The Holy Spirit shall sharpen my spiritual discernment and protect my heart from influences that are contrary to God's will.

I declare that God's Word shall take root deeply within me. It shall shape my thoughts, guide my decisions, influence my relationships, and direct my actions.

I proclaim that as I faithfully apply God's Word, greater wisdom and understanding shall be given to me. I shall grow spiritually, mature in faith, and become more effective in fulfilling my God-given purpose.

Today, I declare God's wisdom over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. I shall hear the right counsel, recognize the right opportunities, and make decisions that align with God's purpose.

I declare that I shall not allow negative words spoken about me to define my identity. My identity is rooted in Christ, and my confidence comes from God's Word.

I proclaim that my mouth shall also become a source of life. I will be careful not only about what I hear but also about what I speak. My words shall encourage, strengthen, heal, and point people toward Christ.

Today, I receive grace to become a doer of God's Word and not merely a hearer. What God teaches me shall produce visible transformation in my character and conduct.

I declare that every good seed of God's Word planted in my heart shall produce fruit. My faith shall grow, my wisdom shall increase, my discernment shall deepen, and my life shall become increasingly fruitful.

I will hear God's Word.
I will receive God's Word.
I will obey God's Word.
I will grow through God's Word.
And I will become a blessing to others through God's Word.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

*Action Steps for today:*
Begin with God's Word: Spend time reading Scripture before filling your mind with social media, news, or other voices.

Read Mark 4:1–25: Meditate especially on Jesus' teaching about hearing and receiving God's Word.

Declare: “I take heed to what I hear. My ears are open to God's truth, and my heart is ready to obey His Word.”

Check your influences: Identify one negative voice, habit, or source of information that has been affecting your faith and reduce its influence.

Speak life: Intentionally encourage at least one person today with words of faith, hope, and love.

Apply what you hear: Ask yourself, “What is God asking me to do with what I have learned?” Then take one practical step.

End with thanksgiving: Thank God for His Word and ask Him for greater wisdom and understanding.

*Prayer:*
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me Your Word to guide, correct, strengthen, and transform my life.

Lord Jesus, help me to take heed to what I hear. Give me discernment to recognize Your voice and wisdom to reject every voice that is contrary to Your truth.

Guard my heart from fear, confusion, discouragement, bitterness, gossip, deception, and every negative influence that can weaken my faith.

Let Your Word take deep root in my heart. Give me understanding as I read Scripture and grace to put what I learn into practice.

Give me wisdom concerning my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and future. Help me hear the right counsel and make decisions that honor You.

Let the words of my mouth also bring life and encouragement to others. Make me a faithful hearer and a committed doer of Your Word.

As I faithfully receive and apply Your truth, give me greater wisdom, deeper understanding, stronger faith, and greater spiritual maturity.

Lord, open my ears to hear You, my heart to receive You, and my life to obey You.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Blessing for today:*
May the Lord open your spiritual ears to hear His voice clearly. May He give you discernment to recognize truth, wisdom to reject harmful influences, and grace to obey His Word.

May God's Word take deep root in your heart and produce abundant fruit in your family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny.

May your understanding increase, your faith grow stronger, and your life become a powerful testimony of what happens when God's Word is heard, believed, and obeyed.

May you hear wisely.
May you discern accurately.
May you obey faithfully.
May you grow continually.
May your life bear much fruit.

“TAKE HEED WHAT YE HEAR.” — MARK 4:24.

Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, discerning, fruitful, and spiritually enriching day
Shalom!

*Remember: Your confession is your possession.*

* Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.*

_Please share with others, thank you and God bless you _

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