[Verse 1] When I lose my way You call me back With a patient hand And a steady laugh You sit beside My mess and fear And every hard thing Turns clear [Pre-Chorus] When the night runs long You don't let go You teach my heart What I need to know [Chorus] You are my friend You are my teacher You are my father You are my God You are my friend You are my teacher You are my master You are my God [Verse 2] When I fall apart You lift me slow You know my name You help me grow Through every storm You stay so near A steady flame A holy clear [Pre-Chorus] When the night runs long You don't let go You teach my heart What I need to know [Chorus] You are my friend You are my teacher You are my faith You are my God You are my friend You are my teacher You are my faith You are my God [Bridge] Take all my doubt Take all my pride Stay in my chest Stay by my side If I have breath I'll sing it loud You carried me Right through the cloud [Final Chorus] You are my friend You are my teacher You are my faith You are my God You are my friend You are my teacher You are my faith You are my God You are my friend You are my teacher You are my faith You are my God https://youtu.be/Ua2d2O_dHx4?si=OZsB3KULSGbnv5-S

Prayer, Prophetic Instructions, and the Obedience That Unlocks Answers The answer to many of our prayers is often obedience to the prophetic word and instructions God gives us, whether they come through the place of prayer or through the ministry of our man of God. There are times when our prayers have already been answered, yet we continue asking God for the same thing. Meanwhile, God is saying, “I have already answered you; now obey the instruction I have given you.” Most of the time, prayer does more than simply ask God for things. Prayer opens our eyes to see what God has already made available to us and strengthens us to obey the instructions He gives us in the place of prayer. God is just and faithful. He is a God who answers prayer. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). However, we must also understand that not every answer will come directly to us in the way we expect. There are certain answers that may be beyond our present capacity or understanding. In such situations, God may choose to use the ministry of a prophet to bring direction, instruction, or access to what He has prepared for us. Therefore, as you pray, you must also understand and recognize the ministry of a prophet. And when you have prayed and it seems as though the answer is not coming, your prayer should not always be, “Lord, give me what I am asking for.” Sometimes the prayer should be: “Lord, open my eyes to see what I need to see. Give me understanding and direct my path to the right place and the right instruction that will lead me to the answer.” This is the spirit behind Jeremiah 33:3: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Prayer works. Prayer has never failed. God answers prayer. God has never failed. Sometimes, the answer is not another prayer request, it is an instruction waiting for your obedience.

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33 I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?” That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross. The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation. Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us. If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it. Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way. If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world. If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did. God bless you!

Devotion: Jeremiah 23:29 “My message is like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks rocks to pieces.” GNB When we look at the world today, we can see the destruction, the immorality, the evil that is consuming everyone and everything. People have lost their way. They have turned their backs on God and mock those who still follow the path of righteousness. We are, in fact being tormented by Lucifer himself. He roams earth and seeks whom he can destroy. Revelation 12:9 & 17: “The huge dragon was thrown out – that ancient serpent, called the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him….. The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus.” GNB Thus the battle is on-going and, if not for the help of the holy Host and God Himself, believers would be far worse off than they are. We have been forewarned, though, and we have been given a means to fight this battle. You see, God’s Word can be wielded in battle against the evil that seeks to destroy us! Ephesians 6:12: “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, the authorities, and the cosmic powers of this dark age.” GNB The Word of God is a double-edged sword which can cut through to your soul. It is powerful and holds truths which can lead you to salvation. You will be unable to ignore the message. The Word of God is also a true weapon, a sharp sword that can defend us against the darkness in the world. It is described as part of the armour of God in Ephesians. Ephesians 6:17: “And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.” GNB The onslaught of the enemy is subtle. He will come dressed up and pretty, like an angel of light, but in the end he will try to bring you down (2 Corinthians 11:14). But you don’t have to fear this fight, for God Himself and His angels, the Holy Host, will fight with you. If you wield the Word as a sword, you will be victorious. Look again at the scripture for today. God says His Word is like fire and like a hammer; it will burn those against you and break them into pieces. Jeremiah 5:14: “…I will make my words like a fire in your mouth. The people will be like wood, and the fire will burn them up.” GNB And here, directly from scripture, from the Word of God, comes comfort and encouragement, for God will NOT ABANDON you in the midst of your strife. He WILL fight with you with a power that no-one can imagine. 1 John 4:4: “But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world.” GNB #Jeremiah29 #spiritualwarfare #armorofgod

DAY 23 - Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow 🌅 Reflection Respect Is a Language of Love Good morning, Love without respect eventually becomes painful. You can love someone and still speak to them in a way that wounds their dignity. Respect means remembering that your spouse is not your opponent. It means refusing to insult, embarrass, belittle or humiliate them—even when you disagree. A disagreement should never become permission to destroy someone's dignity. In many Ghanaian homes, people may tolerate harsh words during an argument because "we are married." But marriage is precisely where our words should become more careful. 📖 God's Word "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." — Romans 12:10 ❤️ Today's Love Action Give your spouse one sincere compliment today, preferably about a quality beyond physical appearance. 💬 Let's Talk What does respect look like in everyday married life? 🙏 Prayer Lord, teach us to honour one another even when we disagree. Let respect become part of the language of our home. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair Never use intimacy as permission for disrespect. Familiarity should increase tenderness, not reduce it. 💎 Marriage Nugget "The person closest to your heart should never become the easiest person to disrespect." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Who are Israelites, to whom pertain … the service of God. Romans 9:4–5 ɴᴋᴊᴠ Of the eight privileges of Israel listed by Paul in Romans 9:4–5, the fifth one, “the service of God,” is one not often considered. But it is very important, nevertheless, and really brings to light the nation of Israel’s distinct position found in the Scriptures. No other nation could boast that they possessed the “service” of the living God. This term is found again in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary” (Heb. 9:1). Here it is called “divine service” and is in relationship to the tabernacle in the wilderness, with all of its furnishings, and the priesthood (9:2–10). The “service of God” or “divine service” could also be used in reference to the temple. What other nation could approach God in such a way, or have the presence of God dwelling among them? Other nations had their temples and priests, but they worshiped idols and false gods. However, as marvelous as this privilege was for Israel, it was but a “shadow” of the “good things to come” (8:5; 9:11). Christ came to institute a “more perfect tabernacle” on the blessed basis of “His own blood” shed “once for all” (9:12). The “earthly sanctuary,” as wonderful as it was, pales in contrast to the heavenly one “not made with hands” (9:11). As Christians, what a privilege to be priests, and enter into the holy presence of God, not once a year, but at all times! As priests connected with the heavenly system we are exhorted to enter the “Holiest” through the “new and living way” and do so with “full assurance” (10:19–22). Brian Reynolds The holiest we enter In perfect peace with God;Through whom we found our center In Jesus and His blood. M. Bowley https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-23

Let God’s Peace Guard Your Heart (Philippians 4:6–7) There are seasons when your mind feels full of questions. What if things don't work out? What if I lose this opportunity? What if my plans fail? What will happen tomorrow? Sometimes uncertainty can steal the peace we have today. But God's Word gives us a different way to respond. The Bible says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Notice the instruction: Pray. When you don't know what to do, pray. When you're worried about tomorrow, pray. When you are waiting for an answer, pray. When circumstances are beyond your control, pray. Prayer doesn't mean pretending that problems don't exist. It means refusing to face those problems as though you are facing them alone. God already knows what you're carrying. He knows the concerns you haven't told anyone. He knows the questions you keep asking yourself. He knows the battles happening inside your heart. And He invites you to bring them to Him. But Paul gives us another important instruction: Give thanks. That can be difficult when life isn't going according to plan. Yet gratitude changes our focus. Instead of only looking at what is missing, we begin remembering what God has already done. Thank Him for life. Thank Him for His grace. Thank Him for the people He has placed around you. Thank Him for the lessons you've learned. Thank Him for the doors He has opened. Thank Him for the times He protected you without you even realizing it. Most importantly, thank Him for Jesus. Because our greatest hope isn't found in having a perfect life. Our greatest hope is found in knowing Christ. God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for our sins and make reconciliation with Him possible. That truth doesn't change when circumstances change. And then comes one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God's peace doesn't always mean the storm disappears immediately. Sometimes the situation remains. The bills still need to be paid. The decision still needs to be made. The answer still hasn't arrived. The future is still uncertain. But something inside you can change. Instead of being controlled by fear, you can learn to trust. Instead of constantly asking, “What if?” You can begin saying: “God is with me.” Instead of thinking, “I must control everything,” you can say: “I will do my part and trust God with the rest.” Peace doesn't come from knowing exactly what tomorrow will bring. Peace comes from knowing who holds tomorrow. So today, don't carry tomorrow's problems with today's strength. You have enough grace for today. Bring your worries to God. Pray honestly. Give thanks. Read His Word. And trust Him one step at a time. If the worry returns, pray again. If the fear returns, trust again. If the uncertainty returns, remember God's faithfulness again. You don't have to figure everything out today. God is still working. Give God your worries, and let His peace guard your heart while you trust Him with what you cannot control. What is one concern you need to stop carrying alone and place into God's hands today? #GodsPeace #Philippians46 #Philippians47 #TrustGod #Prayer #FaithOverFear #PeaceInChrist #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*COME UNTO ME, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST*🌟 12th Sunday after Trinity | 4th Sunday in August. 📖 Scripture: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Jesus Is Our Place of Rest* Life can become overwhelming. There are burdens we carry because of responsibilities, expectations, disappointments, unanswered prayers, family concerns, ministry demands, work, studies, and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Jesus does not tell the weary to struggle harder. He gives a gracious invitation: “Come unto me.” Christ does not promise that we will never face difficulties. Instead, He promises that when we bring our burdens to Him, He will give us rest. The rest Jesus gives is deeper than physical relaxation. It is the rest of a heart that knows it is no longer carrying everything alone. It is peace in the midst of pressure, confidence in the midst of uncertainty, and strength to continue when we feel weak. Today, whatever burden you are carrying, bring it to Jesus. Do not carry what Christ is asking you to surrender. Your burden may be heavy, but His grace is sufficient. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that I come to Jesus Christ with every burden, concern, fear, and uncertainty in my life. I refuse to carry alone what I can surrender to my Savior. I declare that the rest of Christ is entering every troubled area of my life. His peace shall replace anxiety, His strength shall replace weakness, and His hope shall replace discouragement. I proclaim that every burden weighing heavily upon my heart shall be surrendered to the Lord. I release the burdens of fear, disappointment, uncertainty, financial pressure, family concerns, ministry responsibilities, work, business, studies, and the future into God's capable hands. Today, I receive divine strength to continue the journey. Where I have become weary, the Lord shall renew me. Where I have become discouraged, He shall restore my joy. Where I have become confused, He shall give me direction. I declare peace over my family and household. May every unnecessary tension, anxiety, misunderstanding, and heaviness give way to the peace of Christ. I declare grace over my ministry and service to God. I shall not serve from exhaustion or seek to carry God's work in my own strength. I receive fresh grace, wisdom, strength, and spiritual renewal. I proclaim divine rest over my work, business, and studies. The Lord shall give me wisdom to manage my responsibilities, strength to complete my assignments, and favor to accomplish what He has placed in my hands. I declare that I shall not be controlled by tomorrow's uncertainties. God holds my future, and I choose to trust Him one day at a time. Today, I reject the lie that I must solve everything by myself. I acknowledge my dependence on God and receive His grace for every challenge before me. I declare that the Lord shall restore my emotional, spiritual, and physical strength according to His will. He shall lead me beside still waters and restore my soul. I proclaim that my home shall be a place of peace, my heart shall be a dwelling place of God's presence, and my life shall reflect the calm confidence of someone who trusts in Christ. I come to Jesus. I surrender my burdens. I receive His rest. I receive His strength. I receive His peace. I will not be overwhelmed, because Christ is with me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with Jesus: Before you begin carrying today's responsibilities, spend time in prayer and surrender your burdens to Christ. 2️⃣ Read Matthew 11:28–30: Meditate on Jesus' invitation to the weary and His promise of rest. 3️⃣ Declare: “I come to Jesus, I surrender my burdens, and I receive His rest and peace.” 4️⃣ Make a burden list: Write down the things troubling your heart and consciously hand each one over to God in prayer. 5️⃣ Stop carrying what belongs to God: Do your part faithfully, but leave the outcome in God's hands. 6️⃣ Rest in God's presence: Set aside quiet time today for prayer, worship (attend church service), Scripture reading, and reflection. 7️⃣ Encourage someone who is weary: Share Matthew 11:28 with someone who needs to be reminded that Jesus cares about their burdens. 8️⃣ End the day with thanksgiving: Thank Jesus for carrying you through the day and for every evidence of His grace. 🔥*Sunday Prayer:* Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your gracious invitation: “Come unto me.” Today, I come to You with everything that is weighing upon my heart. I bring my fears, worries, responsibilities, disappointments, unanswered questions, and every burden I cannot carry by myself. Lord, give me Your rest. Quiet every storm within me. Replace anxiety with peace, confusion with clarity, fear with faith, and weakness with strength. I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, finances, plans, and future into Your hands. Teach me to do what I can faithfully and trust You with what is beyond my control. Restore my soul. Renew my strength. Refresh my spirit. Give me wisdom for every responsibility and grace for every challenge. Help me not to run away from You when I am tired, but to run toward You. Let Your presence fill my home. Let Your peace rule in my heart. Let Your grace sustain me throughout this new week. Jesus, I come to You. Jesus, I trust You. Jesus, I surrender to You. Jesus, I receive Your rest. In Your mighty name I pray. Amen. 🙏🕊️✨ 🌿*Sunday Blessing:* May the Lord Jesus give you rest from every burden that has been weighing upon your heart. May His peace fill your home and household. May His strength sustain you in your ministry, work, business, studies, and every responsibility entrusted to you. May God give you wisdom to know what to carry and what to surrender. May He renew your strength when you are weary and restore your joy when you are discouraged. May every storm around you become an opportunity to experience the peace of Christ within you. As you enter the coming week, may you go forward not in your own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. 🕊️ Come to Jesus. 🙏 Surrender your burdens. 🌿 Receive His rest. 🔥 Walk in His strength. ❤️ Abide in His peace. 🌟 12TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 🌟 4TH SUNDAY IN AUGUST “COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” — MATTHEW 11:28 May the peace of Christ fill your heart, your home, and your entire week. Good morning beloved, happy Sunday, do have a blessed and refreshing Sunday! 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

Lifeline Today Sunday August 23 Divine Guidance I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) Guidance is about locating God’s leading and following it. God advances us by guiding us. It is His guidance that makes us great. We are not great by trials; we are great by His continual guidance. We triumph by His guidance. It is the light of His guidance that makes our paths to shine brighter. It is His leading that makes us leaders. You cannot be led by God and be left behind. When you re guided, sweat is eliminated. People will not see your sweat or your struggles, but they will look at you as an amazement and wonder! When you are guided by God, people will begin to say they don’t know what you are using. You are using guidance! Though they don’t see your sweat, they cannot deny your effect. Those who are committed to divine guidance get God committed to divine provision. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “Moving without divine guidance leads to costly trial and error, but following heaven’s compass brings speed, accuracy, and peace.” Prayer: Father Lord God, I pray for Your guidance to show me the right path and and fill me with the strength I need to face each day. Order my steps. Give me wisdom to make the right choices and peace when I must wait in Jesus’ name.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (3)" ‘…All these things I will give you...’ Matthew 4:9 NKJV THE ATTACK over the cross. Let’s look at the third temptation Jesus faced: ‘…The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me’’’ (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV). Satan’s third attack was over a cross-less life. In essence, he told Jesus, ‘You don’t have to carry the cross. Just bow to me and you can have it all.’ Jesus said, ‘…“Away with you, satan!...”’ (Matthew 4:10 NKJV). ‘Away’ with any teaching that says God is your porter and He has to wait on you! Or that He’s like a vending machine; all you have to do is put in a few coins and whatever you want will come out. Paul writes, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). Has God promised to bless you? Absolutely! But that doesn’t mean you’ll never get hurt, or face lack, or fatigue, or be betrayed and disappointed by others. Jesus said, ‘…unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies [to self], it produces much…’ (John 12:24 NKJV). Have you ever heard the expression, ‘Dead man walking?’ To do God’s will, you have to die to your own will, and do it daily. But if you’re willing to, God will take you to a new level of blessing. Bible In A Year: Amos 5:18 – 9:15, Matt 20:29-34, Ps 119:145-160, Pro 19:1-2. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026 *THE REWARD OF SACRIFICIAL DISCIPLESHIP* *Text:* Matthew 19:27–30 27. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. *Timeless Truth:* _For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister"_ (Hebrews 6:10) *INTRODUCTION* During the Second World War, Desmond Doss, an American Army medic and committed Christian, served without carrying a weapon because of his convictions. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, he repeatedly entered a dangerous battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers. He is credited with saving approximately 75 men, lowering each wounded soldier to safety while under enemy fire. Doss later received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage. His story reminds us that genuine commitment often involves sacrifice. A person who is committed to a worthy cause may surrender comfort, safety and personal advantage because he believes the cause is greater than himself. Peter's question in Matthew 19:27 comes from this same concern. The disciples had left much to follow Jesus, and Peter asked, “What shall we have therefore?” Jesus did not condemn the question. Instead, He taught them that sacrifice for God's kingdom is never wasted.*For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.* (Hebrews 6:10). The passage teaches us that Christ calls His followers to sacrificial discipleship, promises them spiritual reward and warns them against measuring God's kingdom by worldly standards. Perhaps you have sacrificed time to serve God. Perhaps you have endured rejection because of your faith. Perhaps you have given financially when it was difficult. Perhaps you have chosen obedience over personal ambition. Perhaps you have remained faithful in a ministry where nobody seems to notice your work. Jesus' answer in this passage is an encouragement: God sees, God remembers and God rewards. But Christ also corrects our understanding of reward. The Christian life is not primarily about asking, “What can I get from following Jesus?” It is about asking, “How can I faithfully serve the One who gave everything for me?” The disciples left much, but Jesus promised that their sacrifice would not be wasted. There are three great challenges before us: (i) Surrender your life completely to Christ. (ii) Serve faithfully without demanding immediate recognition. *(iii)* Stand firm when sacrifice becomes difficult. The world may celebrate those who appear to be first. God's kingdom operates differently. The person who quietly serves, humbly gives, faithfully prays, patiently suffers and continues obeying Christ may be accomplishing something of far greater eternal value than the person receiving public applause. Therefore, do not give up because your service is unnoticed. Do not stop serving because your sacrifice is costly. Do not measure God's faithfulness by your immediate circumstances. Your labour for Christ is never wasted. *Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 15:58) One day, the Lord Himself will reveal what truly mattered. And on that day, the faithful servant will discover that nothing surrendered to Christ was ever truly lost. *1. The Surrender of Sacrificial Discipleship* a. Peter reminded Jesus that the disciples had left their possessions and livelihoods to follow Him. Following Christ involves surrender. Christianity is not merely receiving blessings; it is also yielding our lives to the Lord. We must ask whether Christ truly has first place in our lives. Following Him may require us to surrender habits, relationships, ambitions, possessions, or personal preferences that compete with His will. b. The disciples did not merely admire Jesus; they left their former way of life and continued with Him. Christian commitment is not measured by how enthusiastically we begin, but by how faithfully we continue. *Questions* (i) What am I unwilling to surrender to Christ? (ii) Does my daily lifestyle demonstrate that following Jesus is more important to me than personal comfort? *2. The Reward of Kingdom Service* a. Jesus assured His disciples that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed. Jesus spoke of the future when He would sit on His glorious throne and the disciples would share in His kingdom. Our present service must be viewed in light of eternity. What we sacrifice for Christ now has eternal significance. b. Jesus promised that those who had sacrificed houses, family relationships or possessions for His name would receive abundant blessings. This does not mean that discipleship is a scheme for material prosperity. Rather, Jesus assures His followers that nothing surrendered to Him is ultimately lost. Jesus concludes His promise with: *"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters... for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”* *Questions* (i) Do I serve God for His glory or mainly for recognition and earthly rewards? (ii) When sacrifice becomes difficult, do I remember the eternal reward promised by Christ? *3. The Reversal of Kingdom Standards* a. Jesus concludes with a statement that challenges human ideas about success and reward. Human society often measures greatness through wealth, position, influence, education and recognition. But God's measurement is different. We should not measure our spiritual worth by comparing ourselves with other people. b. God values humble service rather than self-promotion. A disciple should be willing to serve even when nobody applauds, notices or rewards the work. The world's ranking system will not determine the final outcome. God will ultimately reveal the true value of every person's service. *Questions* (i) Do I become discouraged when others receive recognition while my service remains unnoticed? (ii) Am I willing to serve faithfully even when I receive no immediate reward? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to surrender every area of my life completely to You and place Your kingdom above my personal interests.🙏 2. Father, give me grace to remain faithful in serving You even when the work is difficult or unnoticed.🙏 3. Lord, deliver me from comparing myself with others and help me to value eternal rewards above temporary recognition.🙏 4. Holy Spirit, remove pride and selfish ambition from my heart and make me a humble servant who seeks God's glory rather than human applause.🙏 *Hymn:* Take My Life and Let It Be *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 9-10 [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *BEYOND HUMAN MEASURE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽👑🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 19:27-30```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (MATTHEW 19:29, 30).*_ *Brother Andrew, a humble Dutchman, began smuggling Bibles into communist countries during the _Cold War,_ risking his life to serve believers behind the Iron Curtain. He didn't seek fame; he just obeyed God's quiet call. That small, faithful beginning grew into _Open Doors,_ a global ministry that continues to help persecuted Christians today. Though little known on earth, Andrew is surely honoured in heaven.* *His story perfectly illustrates the timeless principle Jesus lays out in today's passage: that all faithful, sacrificial service done for Him, however hidden or risky, will attract heaven's reward. In the text, Apostle Peter poses a question many believers still echo today: "We have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" It is a question laced with hope but also with the subtle implication of comparison with others and transaction with God. Considering the context, Peter's question implies that if we have given up much for God, in contrast to the rich young ruler who didn't, surely we are due a proportionate reward. In His answer, Jesus affirms that sacrifice in His name is never forgotten. Certainly, we shall receive astounding rewards, yet He closes with a warning wrapped in a paradox: "But many _that are_ first shall be last; and the last _shall be_ first."* *This final line holds the key to understanding divine reward, not as a salary earned but as a gift bestowed in Sovereign wisdom. God's kingdom does not run on human logic or worldly meritocracy. Instead, it operates based on grace, faithfulness, and sincerity of heart. When we serve God with a mere transactional mind-set, doing in order to receive, we risk missing the heartbeat of discipleship. And to correct this misunderstanding, Jesus immediately follows His statement with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. There, those who worked a full day were shocked to receive the same wages as those hired last. Then Jesus concluded with the same warning: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen". The point is clear: God's rewards are not based on length of service or human measure, but on His gracious prerogative. Faithfulness, not fame, draws heaven's attention.* *This ought to challenge and comfort us. We are not in competition in God's kingdom. We are simply called to be faithful. Whatever the sacrifice our calling may demand, the measure of our reward is not in the scope of our task but in our fidelity to it. So, as the "prize-giving day" draws near, let us serve with joy, not calculation, remembering that the One who called us is no man's debtor but a just and faithful Rewarder.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*When you serve in silence, heaven echoes your labour with eternal applause.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 9-10*📜📜 Beyond Human Measure https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 54: I AM READY FOR SERVICE; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON; AND GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *ATTITUDE TO WORLD AFFAIRS* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️❤️🌍❌🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 JOHN 2:15-17```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 JOHN 2:15).*_ *The hands of the clock has been used to describe three categories of believers. Twelve-o'clock-Christians are so heavenly conscious, but of no earthly use. Half-past-six-o'clock-Christians are buried in the world and have lost the vision of heaven. The six-o'clock-believers are Christians who are of significance on earth and are heavenly minded.* *The significance of salt as flavour is not felt when it is isolated from other ingredients. It is not eaten as food all on its own. The worth of salt is acknowledged when it is used as flavour. So are believers. We are the salt of the earth. While we insulate ourselves from the pollutions of the world and live with the consciousness of heaven, we should equally exact positive influence in the world.* *Christian youths can influence their world in various clubs in school - like the Press Club, Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists, Young Farmers Club, Red Cross Society - to shine the gospel light. Qualified youths should exercise their franchise during elections as responsible citizens. We should not contaminate ourselves with the evils of the society; instead, impact it positively.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Youths can influence their world.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't isolate but insulate against the world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to be a blessing to the world.*_ Attitude To World Affairs https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *FIRST ON THE LIST* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🖤🩸🤍🙏🏽 📜📜```PSALM 103:1-5```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:3).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A list always starts with number one (1). In most cases, the first thing is the most important. For example, in an examination result, the first position is given to the child that scores the highest mark. The first always opens the list for other items to follow. As shown in our Bible passage, the first opens the door for all other benefits to come through. The blessings of God seem to be arranged in a divine, logical order in the lives of God's children. We do not have to rush for the second if we have not yet received the first. Sins (iniquities) block our way to receiving God's many benefits or blessings. Sin must first be removed out of our lives if we want to have God's blessings. For, *"if I regard* (allow) *iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"* - and bless me (Psalm 66:18). In our Bible passage, the first benefit stated there is *"forgiveness of sin"*. It is after you have received this first benefit, by turning away from your bad ways, saying sorry to God, and making Jesus your Saviour and friend, that you are qualified to enjoy the other benefits like healing, deliverance, love and mercy of God, provision and long life. *If you desire God's blessings in your life, do the first thing first: repent and turn away from your sins, and the needed blessings will come into your life.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, I am sorry for every bad thing I have done. Forgive my sins, be merciful to me and bless me.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 32:1, 2* First On The List https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ⏤ Hebrews 10:22 He who kneels the most, stands the best. ⏤ D.L. Moody Most gracious God, in Your good providence You have allowed us to see the light of another Sunday—draw near to us in mercy. May the Sun of righteousness arise upon us with healing in His wings. May our fellowship this day be with You, the Father, and with Your Son, Jesus Christ. May all unworthy thoughts be suppressed, and may our hearts be filled with holy desires. Be a guest in our home today. Abide with us and sanctify our home life. We ask You to bless all the gatherings of Your people who will worship today in any part of the world. May Your Spirit be with all who preach and teach in the name of Jesus, and with all who love You. May Your word have great power. May lost sinners be convicted and led to repentance. May Christians be strengthened and encouraged. May those who are sorrowful be comforted. May children and young people receive holy and heavenly guidance and be blessed. May this be a day of the power of the Most High, and may its influence be deep and lasting. We ask You, O God, to give us a good Sunday in our own home. Help us to remember the day and keep it in a way that pleases You and brings blessings into our lives. May our love for each other grow as we worship together. May Your love be poured out in our hearts more abundantly. May we stay close to Your heart all day. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.