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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-08-20 10:00:34 -
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    Sound the Alarm

    By Jenni Poling

    August 19th, 2026

    “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1

    To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion.

    No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing.

    So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart.

    Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous!

    Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for?

    Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you!

    So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Sound the Alarm By Jenni Poling August 19th, 2026 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1 To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion. No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing. So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart. Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous! Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for? Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you! So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-08-20 09:59:11 -
    Gods Creation,100 / evolution,0
    THE BEETLE THAT NAVIGATES BY THE STARS

    Most people would never look twice at a dung beetle. After all, it spends its day rolling balls of animal manure across the ground. Yet hidden inside this tiny insect is a navigation system that continues to amaze scientists.

    Dung beetles depend on manure for survival. Many species shape it into a ball and roll it away from the competition before burying it underground as a food source. That sounds simple enough until you realize how they do it.

    The beetles push the dung ball backward using their hind legs. Their heads face downward toward the ground. They cannot see where they are going. Yet somehow they travel in remarkably straight lines, avoiding competitors and efficiently reaching their destination.

    How do they do this?

    Scientists have discovered that dung beetles use the sun as a compass during the day. When the sun is hidden by clouds or directly overhead, they can switch to using wind direction. But one species, the African dung beetle Scarabaeus satyrus, takes things even further.

    It navigates by the night sky.

    Researchers found that these beetles can orient themselves using the polarized light of the moon and even the faint glow of the Milky Way. Think about that for a moment. A tiny insect, pushing a ball of dung backward across the African landscape, is using the stars to guide its path.

    The obvious question is how such a system came to exist.

    Evolutionists often argue that the beetle's behavior provides a survival advantage because it helps avoid conflicts with competing beetles. But identifying a benefit is not the same as explaining the origin of the system. Saying a trait is useful does not explain how an insect acquired the ability to process information from the sun, moon, wind, and stars and convert it into successful navigation.

    A navigation system requires more than a benefit. It requires sensors, processing mechanisms, behavioral programming, and precise coordination between all of those components.

    And the wonders do not stop there.

    Dung beetles play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By burying manure, they recycle nutrients back into the soil. Studies have shown that their activity can increase soil water retention by around 10 percent and dramatically improve plant growth by 280 % during drought conditions. In other words, these tiny insects are helping entire ecosystems thrive.

    Australia learned this lesson firsthand.

    When millions of cattle were introduced, bush fly populations exploded because the insects bred in the enormous quantities of cow dung scattered across the landscape. Beginning in the 1960s, scientists imported specialized dung beetle species from overseas. The results were extraordinary. Fly numbers dropped by approximately 90 percent as the beetles efficiently buried the manure before the flies could use it.

    What many people dismiss as a dirty little insect turned out to be one of the most effective environmental workers on the continent.

    The dung beetle reminds us that design is often found in the most unexpected places. Hidden beneath its humble appearance is a sophisticated navigation system capable of using the sun, wind, moon, and even the Milky Way. It performs ecological services that benefit entire landscapes while carrying out tasks most people never notice.

    The next time you see a dung beetle, remember that you are looking at far more than an insect rolling a ball of waste. You are looking at a tiny creature equipped with abilities that human engineers still struggle to fully understand.

    "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24
    Gods Creation,100 / evolution,0 THE BEETLE THAT NAVIGATES BY THE STARS Most people would never look twice at a dung beetle. After all, it spends its day rolling balls of animal manure across the ground. Yet hidden inside this tiny insect is a navigation system that continues to amaze scientists. Dung beetles depend on manure for survival. Many species shape it into a ball and roll it away from the competition before burying it underground as a food source. That sounds simple enough until you realize how they do it. The beetles push the dung ball backward using their hind legs. Their heads face downward toward the ground. They cannot see where they are going. Yet somehow they travel in remarkably straight lines, avoiding competitors and efficiently reaching their destination. How do they do this? Scientists have discovered that dung beetles use the sun as a compass during the day. When the sun is hidden by clouds or directly overhead, they can switch to using wind direction. But one species, the African dung beetle Scarabaeus satyrus, takes things even further. It navigates by the night sky. Researchers found that these beetles can orient themselves using the polarized light of the moon and even the faint glow of the Milky Way. Think about that for a moment. A tiny insect, pushing a ball of dung backward across the African landscape, is using the stars to guide its path. The obvious question is how such a system came to exist. Evolutionists often argue that the beetle's behavior provides a survival advantage because it helps avoid conflicts with competing beetles. But identifying a benefit is not the same as explaining the origin of the system. Saying a trait is useful does not explain how an insect acquired the ability to process information from the sun, moon, wind, and stars and convert it into successful navigation. A navigation system requires more than a benefit. It requires sensors, processing mechanisms, behavioral programming, and precise coordination between all of those components. And the wonders do not stop there. Dung beetles play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By burying manure, they recycle nutrients back into the soil. Studies have shown that their activity can increase soil water retention by around 10 percent and dramatically improve plant growth by 280 % during drought conditions. In other words, these tiny insects are helping entire ecosystems thrive. Australia learned this lesson firsthand. When millions of cattle were introduced, bush fly populations exploded because the insects bred in the enormous quantities of cow dung scattered across the landscape. Beginning in the 1960s, scientists imported specialized dung beetle species from overseas. The results were extraordinary. Fly numbers dropped by approximately 90 percent as the beetles efficiently buried the manure before the flies could use it. What many people dismiss as a dirty little insect turned out to be one of the most effective environmental workers on the continent. The dung beetle reminds us that design is often found in the most unexpected places. Hidden beneath its humble appearance is a sophisticated navigation system capable of using the sun, wind, moon, and even the Milky Way. It performs ecological services that benefit entire landscapes while carrying out tasks most people never notice. The next time you see a dung beetle, remember that you are looking at far more than an insect rolling a ball of waste. You are looking at a tiny creature equipped with abilities that human engineers still struggle to fully understand. "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24
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  • The Bible Challenge a adăugat o fotografie
    2026-08-20 05:00:00 -
    Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 17–18 | Galatians 4

    Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading)

    2 Kings 17

    The Consequences of Persistent Rebellion

    2 Kings 17 records one of the most significant turning points in the history of God's people—the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria. After generations of rejecting the Lord, the nation experiences the judgment that God had repeatedly warned would come through His prophets. The chapter is not simply a historical account of military defeat; it is a theological explanation of why the nation fell.

    The final king of Israel reigns during a time when Assyria grows increasingly powerful. Eventually, Samaria is besieged, the people are carried into exile, and the northern kingdom comes to an end. Yet the inspired writer makes it clear that Assyria is only the instrument. The true reason for Israel's downfall is persistent covenant unfaithfulness.

    The chapter pauses to explain Israel's long history of rebellion. Despite God's continual faithfulness, the people repeatedly chose idolatry, ignored His commandments, rejected His prophets, and followed the practices of the surrounding nations. Again and again, the Lord patiently called them to repentance. He warned them through Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, and many other prophets. Yet they hardened their hearts and refused to return.

    God's judgment, therefore, is not sudden or unfair. It comes only after centuries of patience and repeated opportunities for repentance. The exile demonstrates that God's holiness requires Him to deal with sin while His patience reveals His desire to save rather than destroy.

    The chapter concludes by describing the resettlement of the land by foreign peoples who adopt a mixture of pagan worship and limited acknowledgment of the Lord. This blending of truth and idolatry becomes another reminder that God desires wholehearted devotion rather than divided allegiance.

    Theologically, 2 Kings 17 reveals both God's justice and His extraordinary patience. The Lord faithfully keeps both His promises of blessing for obedience and His warnings of judgment for persistent rebellion. The chapter also demonstrates that outward religion without genuine faithfulness can never substitute for wholehearted obedience.

    This chapter points to Christ, who bore the judgment that sinful humanity deserved. Israel experienced exile because of covenant unfaithfulness, but Jesus endured separation and judgment on the cross so that those who trust Him might be reconciled to God forever. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant founded upon His perfect obedience rather than their own.

    For believers today, 2 Kings 17 reminds us not to take God's patience for granted. His mercy invites repentance, not complacency. We are called to reject every form of idolatry and remain wholly devoted to the Lord. In Christ, we have received grace beyond measure, and our response should be faithful obedience flowing from grateful hearts.

    2 Kings 18

    Trusting God Above Every Earthly Power

    2 Kings 18 introduces the reign of Hezekiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. In sharp contrast to many of his predecessors, Hezekiah wholeheartedly seeks the Lord and leads the nation through a season of genuine spiritual reform. He removes idols, destroys the high places, and restores proper worship according to God's Word. His leadership demonstrates that true revival begins when God's people return to wholehearted obedience.

    The chapter emphasizes that Hezekiah trusted the Lord with exceptional faith. Rather than simply maintaining religious traditions, he actively removed everything that competed with God's rightful place in the nation. Even objects that had once served a legitimate purpose were removed when they became idols. His actions remind us that anything replacing devotion to God must be surrendered, regardless of its history or significance.

    Because of Hezekiah's faithfulness, God blesses his reign. Yet obedience does not eliminate opposition. The powerful Assyrian Empire eventually invades Judah, placing enormous pressure upon the nation. Humanly speaking, Judah appears defenseless against such overwhelming military strength.

    The Assyrian commander attempts to undermine Judah's confidence through intimidation and deception. He mocks Hezekiah's trust in God, questions the Lord's ability to save His people, and encourages surrender rather than faith. His strategy is spiritual as well as military, seeking to replace confidence in God with fear and doubt.

    Throughout the chapter, the central question becomes this: Will God's people trust the Lord when circumstances appear impossible? The enemy's arguments sound persuasive from a human perspective, yet they ignore the sovereign power of the living God.

    Hezekiah's response is marked by restraint and quiet trust. Rather than engaging in fearful debate, the people remain silent according to the king's instruction. The chapter closes with the crisis unresolved, preparing the reader for God's remarkable deliverance in the chapters ahead.

    Theologically, 2 Kings 18 teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only during seasons of blessing but also in moments of overwhelming opposition. The chapter highlights the importance of removing idols, trusting God's promises, and refusing to allow fear to replace faith.

    This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance. Jesus faced opposition, temptation, and impossible situations without wavering in His confidence. He is the greater King who leads His people not merely against earthly enemies but to victory over sin, death, and Satan through His perfect obedience and finished work.

    For believers today, 2 Kings 18 reminds us that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does guarantee God's presence. We will face voices that question God's promises and encourage compromise, yet we are called to trust the Lord above every earthly power. In Christ, we have a King who has already won the ultimate victory, giving us confidence to stand firm regardless of the challenges before us.

    Galatians 4 — Adopted as Sons Through the Christ

    Galatians chapter 4 continues Paul's explanation of the believer's freedom in the Christ, the Son of God. Having established that righteousness comes by faith rather than by the Law, Paul now reveals the intimate relationship believers have with God through adoption into His family. The chapter contrasts slavery under the Law with the freedom of sonship, demonstrating that the redemptive plan has always pointed toward a personal relationship with God through His Son rather than a life of religious bondage.

    The chapter begins with the illustration of an heir who, while still a child, lives under guardians and restrictions until the appointed time. Paul uses this picture to explain that before the coming of the Christ, God's people lived under the supervision of the Law. The Law served an important purpose, but it was temporary. It prepared people for the coming of the Son of God, who would bring the fullness of God's redemptive plan.

    At the perfect time in history, God sent His Son into the world. The Christ entered humanity, fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and accomplished redemption for those who were under its condemnation. Through His work, believers are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God. Christian living begins with this new identity. The Son of God has not simply forgiven sinners; He has welcomed them into His family.

    Paul emphasizes the privilege of adoption. Believers are no longer distant from God but are able to know Him as their loving Father. The Holy Spirit confirms this relationship by producing confidence, assurance, and intimacy with God. The redemptive plan does not merely change a believer's legal standing before God; it transforms the relationship completely. Those who belong to the Christ become heirs of all that God has promised.

    The chapter then expresses Paul's concern that the Galatian believers were drifting back toward religious bondage. Having experienced the freedom found in the Christ, they were allowing themselves to become entangled again in regulations and external observances. This saddened Paul because it represented a return to slavery after having experienced true freedom. Christian living is never sustained through legalism but through continual dependence upon the grace of the Son of God.

    Paul reminds the Galatians of the love they once shared and recalls how they had joyfully received him when he first preached the gospel. His concern is not personal rejection but their spiritual well-being. Like the Christ, Paul longs to see believers fully mature in their faith. The redemptive plan is not complete until the character of the Son of God is increasingly formed within His people.

    Toward the end of the chapter, Paul uses an illustration from the lives of Abraham's two sons to explain the difference between living under the Law and living under God's promise. One son represents human effort and bondage, while the other represents God's promise fulfilled by grace. This comparison demonstrates that believers belong to the family established through God's promise rather than through human achievement. The Son of God fulfills the promise, and those who trust in Him become children of the promise as well.

    The chapter concludes by reminding believers that they are not children of slavery but children of freedom. Their identity is no longer defined by striving to earn God's acceptance but by receiving His grace through the Christ. Christian living flows from that secure relationship rather than attempting to achieve it.
    Throughout Galatians chapter 4, the Christ is revealed as the One who brings believers into God's family, secures their inheritance, and frees them from the bondage of legalism. The redemptive plan moves from law to grace, from slavery to sonship, and from fear to joyful fellowship with God.

    For believers today, this chapter reminds us to live in the freedom the Christ has secured for us. Christian living is rooted in our identity as God's beloved children, not in our ability to keep religious rules. We are encouraged to reject every form of spiritual bondage and to embrace the confidence that comes from knowing the Son of God. As we walk daily in the assurance of our adoption, we experience the joy, freedom, and intimacy that God's redemptive plan has provided through the Christ.

    #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod
    📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 17–18 | Galatians 4 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 17 The Consequences of Persistent Rebellion 2 Kings 17 records one of the most significant turning points in the history of God's people—the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria. After generations of rejecting the Lord, the nation experiences the judgment that God had repeatedly warned would come through His prophets. The chapter is not simply a historical account of military defeat; it is a theological explanation of why the nation fell. The final king of Israel reigns during a time when Assyria grows increasingly powerful. Eventually, Samaria is besieged, the people are carried into exile, and the northern kingdom comes to an end. Yet the inspired writer makes it clear that Assyria is only the instrument. The true reason for Israel's downfall is persistent covenant unfaithfulness. The chapter pauses to explain Israel's long history of rebellion. Despite God's continual faithfulness, the people repeatedly chose idolatry, ignored His commandments, rejected His prophets, and followed the practices of the surrounding nations. Again and again, the Lord patiently called them to repentance. He warned them through Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, and many other prophets. Yet they hardened their hearts and refused to return. God's judgment, therefore, is not sudden or unfair. It comes only after centuries of patience and repeated opportunities for repentance. The exile demonstrates that God's holiness requires Him to deal with sin while His patience reveals His desire to save rather than destroy. The chapter concludes by describing the resettlement of the land by foreign peoples who adopt a mixture of pagan worship and limited acknowledgment of the Lord. This blending of truth and idolatry becomes another reminder that God desires wholehearted devotion rather than divided allegiance. Theologically, 2 Kings 17 reveals both God's justice and His extraordinary patience. The Lord faithfully keeps both His promises of blessing for obedience and His warnings of judgment for persistent rebellion. The chapter also demonstrates that outward religion without genuine faithfulness can never substitute for wholehearted obedience. This chapter points to Christ, who bore the judgment that sinful humanity deserved. Israel experienced exile because of covenant unfaithfulness, but Jesus endured separation and judgment on the cross so that those who trust Him might be reconciled to God forever. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant founded upon His perfect obedience rather than their own. For believers today, 2 Kings 17 reminds us not to take God's patience for granted. His mercy invites repentance, not complacency. We are called to reject every form of idolatry and remain wholly devoted to the Lord. In Christ, we have received grace beyond measure, and our response should be faithful obedience flowing from grateful hearts. 2 Kings 18 Trusting God Above Every Earthly Power 2 Kings 18 introduces the reign of Hezekiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. In sharp contrast to many of his predecessors, Hezekiah wholeheartedly seeks the Lord and leads the nation through a season of genuine spiritual reform. He removes idols, destroys the high places, and restores proper worship according to God's Word. His leadership demonstrates that true revival begins when God's people return to wholehearted obedience. The chapter emphasizes that Hezekiah trusted the Lord with exceptional faith. Rather than simply maintaining religious traditions, he actively removed everything that competed with God's rightful place in the nation. Even objects that had once served a legitimate purpose were removed when they became idols. His actions remind us that anything replacing devotion to God must be surrendered, regardless of its history or significance. Because of Hezekiah's faithfulness, God blesses his reign. Yet obedience does not eliminate opposition. The powerful Assyrian Empire eventually invades Judah, placing enormous pressure upon the nation. Humanly speaking, Judah appears defenseless against such overwhelming military strength. The Assyrian commander attempts to undermine Judah's confidence through intimidation and deception. He mocks Hezekiah's trust in God, questions the Lord's ability to save His people, and encourages surrender rather than faith. His strategy is spiritual as well as military, seeking to replace confidence in God with fear and doubt. Throughout the chapter, the central question becomes this: Will God's people trust the Lord when circumstances appear impossible? The enemy's arguments sound persuasive from a human perspective, yet they ignore the sovereign power of the living God. Hezekiah's response is marked by restraint and quiet trust. Rather than engaging in fearful debate, the people remain silent according to the king's instruction. The chapter closes with the crisis unresolved, preparing the reader for God's remarkable deliverance in the chapters ahead. Theologically, 2 Kings 18 teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only during seasons of blessing but also in moments of overwhelming opposition. The chapter highlights the importance of removing idols, trusting God's promises, and refusing to allow fear to replace faith. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance. Jesus faced opposition, temptation, and impossible situations without wavering in His confidence. He is the greater King who leads His people not merely against earthly enemies but to victory over sin, death, and Satan through His perfect obedience and finished work. For believers today, 2 Kings 18 reminds us that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does guarantee God's presence. We will face voices that question God's promises and encourage compromise, yet we are called to trust the Lord above every earthly power. In Christ, we have a King who has already won the ultimate victory, giving us confidence to stand firm regardless of the challenges before us. Galatians 4 — Adopted as Sons Through the Christ Galatians chapter 4 continues Paul's explanation of the believer's freedom in the Christ, the Son of God. Having established that righteousness comes by faith rather than by the Law, Paul now reveals the intimate relationship believers have with God through adoption into His family. The chapter contrasts slavery under the Law with the freedom of sonship, demonstrating that the redemptive plan has always pointed toward a personal relationship with God through His Son rather than a life of religious bondage. The chapter begins with the illustration of an heir who, while still a child, lives under guardians and restrictions until the appointed time. Paul uses this picture to explain that before the coming of the Christ, God's people lived under the supervision of the Law. The Law served an important purpose, but it was temporary. It prepared people for the coming of the Son of God, who would bring the fullness of God's redemptive plan. At the perfect time in history, God sent His Son into the world. The Christ entered humanity, fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and accomplished redemption for those who were under its condemnation. Through His work, believers are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God. Christian living begins with this new identity. The Son of God has not simply forgiven sinners; He has welcomed them into His family. Paul emphasizes the privilege of adoption. Believers are no longer distant from God but are able to know Him as their loving Father. The Holy Spirit confirms this relationship by producing confidence, assurance, and intimacy with God. The redemptive plan does not merely change a believer's legal standing before God; it transforms the relationship completely. Those who belong to the Christ become heirs of all that God has promised. The chapter then expresses Paul's concern that the Galatian believers were drifting back toward religious bondage. Having experienced the freedom found in the Christ, they were allowing themselves to become entangled again in regulations and external observances. This saddened Paul because it represented a return to slavery after having experienced true freedom. Christian living is never sustained through legalism but through continual dependence upon the grace of the Son of God. Paul reminds the Galatians of the love they once shared and recalls how they had joyfully received him when he first preached the gospel. His concern is not personal rejection but their spiritual well-being. Like the Christ, Paul longs to see believers fully mature in their faith. The redemptive plan is not complete until the character of the Son of God is increasingly formed within His people. Toward the end of the chapter, Paul uses an illustration from the lives of Abraham's two sons to explain the difference between living under the Law and living under God's promise. One son represents human effort and bondage, while the other represents God's promise fulfilled by grace. This comparison demonstrates that believers belong to the family established through God's promise rather than through human achievement. The Son of God fulfills the promise, and those who trust in Him become children of the promise as well. The chapter concludes by reminding believers that they are not children of slavery but children of freedom. Their identity is no longer defined by striving to earn God's acceptance but by receiving His grace through the Christ. Christian living flows from that secure relationship rather than attempting to achieve it. Throughout Galatians chapter 4, the Christ is revealed as the One who brings believers into God's family, secures their inheritance, and frees them from the bondage of legalism. The redemptive plan moves from law to grace, from slavery to sonship, and from fear to joyful fellowship with God. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to live in the freedom the Christ has secured for us. Christian living is rooted in our identity as God's beloved children, not in our ability to keep religious rules. We are encouraged to reject every form of spiritual bondage and to embrace the confidence that comes from knowing the Son of God. As we walk daily in the assurance of our adoption, we experience the joy, freedom, and intimacy that God's redemptive plan has provided through the Christ. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod
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  • LIVING WORD A distribuit un link
    2026-08-20 04:36:43 -
    Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26.
    "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION"

    ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT

    FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of Phillip Kotze name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too.

    Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation

    *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. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *FROM FAME TO SHAME*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6.

    7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
    2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
    3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
    4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
    5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
    6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people.

    *1. Stealing Cursed Properties*

    a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”*
    b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided.

    *Question*

    Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command?

    *2. Self-Confidence and Pride*

    a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord.

    *Question*

    Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God?

    *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat*

    a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter.
    b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience.

    *Question*

    When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule .
    2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength .
    3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision .
    4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory .

    *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42.
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```


    *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_

    *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.*

    *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.*

    *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.*

    *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*


    Underestimating Sin's Deadliness
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_

    *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.*

    *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.*

    *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.*

    *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_


    Christian Cleansing
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼‍‍🏼‍🏼‍🏼‍

    ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *REASONABLE SERVICE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```ROMANS 12:1-3```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_



    A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves:

    *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.*

    *(ii) Living a holy life.*

    During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form.

    Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God.

    *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8*



    Reasonable Service
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3

    The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer

    O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more.

    This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name.

    May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy.

    Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *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. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Frank Fabian Aidoo added 2 fotografii
    2026-08-20 04:07:52 -
    Thursday, 20th August, 2026

    TITLE: "THE LORD FIGHTS FOR YOU"

    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

    Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."

    Exodus 14:14 (KJV) "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

    QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

    "When God goes before you, no battle is greater than His power."

    DAY'S REFLECTION

    Life sometimes brings battles we cannot avoid—opposition, difficult circumstances, uncertainty, disappointment, and situations that seem beyond our control. In such moments, God's Word gives us a powerful assurance: we are not fighting alone.

    Deuteronomy 20:4 declares that "the LORD your God is he that goeth with you." The word "goeth" reminds us that God does not send His people into battle and abandon them. He goes with them. His presence gives us courage when circumstances create fear.

    The Scripture also says that God goes with us "to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." This does not mean that believers will never face opposition. Rather, it assures us that our ultimate confidence is in God's power, justice, and ability to deliver. Some battles require our action and obedience; others require us to stand still and allow God to intervene.

    This is exactly what Moses told Israel at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:14: "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Humanly speaking, there seemed to be no escape. Yet God was about to demonstrate that an impossible situation was not beyond His ability.

    "Hold your peace" means to remain calm and trust God rather than allowing fear and panic to control you. There are times when our greatest act of faith is to stop worrying, pray, obey God's instructions, and wait for Him to act.

    In everyday life, we may encounter situations where we have done everything within our ability and still see no solution. Such moments remind us that God's power is greater than human limitations. We should not respond with panic, bitterness, or despair. Instead, we should place the matter before God and trust Him for direction and deliverance.

    Today, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Do what He requires of you, but do not carry what only He can carry. God goes before you, God stands with you, and God is able to fight for you.

    MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

    2 Chronicles 20:15 (KJV) "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

    Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

    1. God's presence gives us courage in the midst of battles.

    2. We do not have to face every challenge in our own strength.

    3. Faith requires remaining calm when circumstances encourage panic.

    4. Obedience is our responsibility; the ultimate outcome belongs to God.

    5. God is able to bring deliverance even when there seems to be no way out.

    EVERYDAY ACTION

    Pray about your battles, obey God's direction, and refuse to let fear control your response.

    PRAYER

    Heavenly Father, thank You for going with me and fighting for me. Give me peace in every battle, wisdom to obey You, and faith to trust Your power for my deliverance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    DECLARATION

    The Lord is with me and fights for me. I will not fear or be discouraged. I will remain calm, trust God's power, and walk confidently in His victory. The battle belongs to the Lord! Amen.

    Devotion by

    Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
    +233 544 295 158

    Follow us on WhatsApp
    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
    Thursday, 20th August, 2026 TITLE: "THE LORD FIGHTS FOR YOU" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Exodus 14:14 (KJV) "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "When God goes before you, no battle is greater than His power." DAY'S REFLECTION Life sometimes brings battles we cannot avoid—opposition, difficult circumstances, uncertainty, disappointment, and situations that seem beyond our control. In such moments, God's Word gives us a powerful assurance: we are not fighting alone. Deuteronomy 20:4 declares that "the LORD your God is he that goeth with you." The word "goeth" reminds us that God does not send His people into battle and abandon them. He goes with them. His presence gives us courage when circumstances create fear. The Scripture also says that God goes with us "to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." This does not mean that believers will never face opposition. Rather, it assures us that our ultimate confidence is in God's power, justice, and ability to deliver. Some battles require our action and obedience; others require us to stand still and allow God to intervene. This is exactly what Moses told Israel at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:14: "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Humanly speaking, there seemed to be no escape. Yet God was about to demonstrate that an impossible situation was not beyond His ability. "Hold your peace" means to remain calm and trust God rather than allowing fear and panic to control you. There are times when our greatest act of faith is to stop worrying, pray, obey God's instructions, and wait for Him to act. In everyday life, we may encounter situations where we have done everything within our ability and still see no solution. Such moments remind us that God's power is greater than human limitations. We should not respond with panic, bitterness, or despair. Instead, we should place the matter before God and trust Him for direction and deliverance. Today, remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Do what He requires of you, but do not carry what only He can carry. God goes before you, God stands with you, and God is able to fight for you. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) 2 Chronicles 20:15 (KJV) "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." Psalm 46:1 (KJV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God's presence gives us courage in the midst of battles. 2. We do not have to face every challenge in our own strength. 3. Faith requires remaining calm when circumstances encourage panic. 4. Obedience is our responsibility; the ultimate outcome belongs to God. 5. God is able to bring deliverance even when there seems to be no way out. EVERYDAY ACTION Pray about your battles, obey God's direction, and refuse to let fear control your response. PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for going with me and fighting for me. Give me peace in every battle, wisdom to obey You, and faith to trust Your power for my deliverance. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION The Lord is with me and fights for me. I will not fear or be discouraged. I will remain calm, trust God's power, and walk confidently in His victory. The battle belongs to the Lord! Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P
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  • Amaobi Nwachukwu a adăugat o fotografie
    2026-08-20 01:38:30 -
    THE PILGRIMS GUIDE

    THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

    INVITATION TO DIVINE WISDOM

    A WORD FROM THE WORD:

    "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…" James 1:5 NIV.

    One of the greatest gifts God gives to His children is wisdom, that is, the privileged ability to see life from His perspective and make decisions that align with His will. Wisdom, from every sense responsibility, is more than knowledge or intelligence; it is in proper perspective, divine insight, spiritual understanding, and the capacity to choose rightly in every situation.

    Many frustrations in life come from decisions made without wisdom. Opportunities are missed, relationships break, time is wasted, and unnecessary battles arise. But when a person operates with God’s wisdom, confusion fades into insignificance and clarity takes its rightful place.

    The young King Solomon knew this, which was the reason he sought for wisdom above riches or power. His life demonstrated that when you get wisdom, everything else aligns.
    A peep into God’s wisdom shows the numerous benefits for His children who subscribe to it. It guards you from deception, and helps you to properly discern people and opportunities. It keeps you from repeating perennial mistakes, and directs you to the right path when there seem to be no clarity.
    God's wisdom plants you on the pedestal for long-term peace and successful endeavours.

    God is inviting you today to ask for His wisdom. He does not withhold it, but gives it liberally to as many as His children who ask. Seek wisdom and you will walk securely.

    PRAYER BULLETS:

    LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege and invitation to ask for Your divine wisdom today. Guide my thoughts, decisions, and steps as I walk in, and operate in Your supernatural understanding.
    .
    FURTHER READING:

    1 Kings 3:5-12; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10; James 3:13-18.
    __________________________________________

    Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026.

    If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others.

    And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967.

    #ThePilgrimsGuide.
    THE PILGRIMS GUIDE THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026 INVITATION TO DIVINE WISDOM A WORD FROM THE WORD: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…" James 1:5 NIV. One of the greatest gifts God gives to His children is wisdom, that is, the privileged ability to see life from His perspective and make decisions that align with His will. Wisdom, from every sense responsibility, is more than knowledge or intelligence; it is in proper perspective, divine insight, spiritual understanding, and the capacity to choose rightly in every situation. Many frustrations in life come from decisions made without wisdom. Opportunities are missed, relationships break, time is wasted, and unnecessary battles arise. But when a person operates with God’s wisdom, confusion fades into insignificance and clarity takes its rightful place. The young King Solomon knew this, which was the reason he sought for wisdom above riches or power. His life demonstrated that when you get wisdom, everything else aligns. A peep into God’s wisdom shows the numerous benefits for His children who subscribe to it. It guards you from deception, and helps you to properly discern people and opportunities. It keeps you from repeating perennial mistakes, and directs you to the right path when there seem to be no clarity. God's wisdom plants you on the pedestal for long-term peace and successful endeavours. God is inviting you today to ask for His wisdom. He does not withhold it, but gives it liberally to as many as His children who ask. Seek wisdom and you will walk securely. PRAYER BULLETS: LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege and invitation to ask for Your divine wisdom today. Guide my thoughts, decisions, and steps as I walk in, and operate in Your supernatural understanding. . FURTHER READING: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10; James 3:13-18. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.
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  • Abraham Adeyemo
    2026-08-20 01:28:36 -
    Lifeline Today
    Thursday August 20
    Choices and Changes
    Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 (NLT)

    Choices determine destiny. The ability to make a choice is a gift God has given every living human being. Every choice you make acts as a building block for life changes. Small daily decisions compound into major life transformations, shaping your health, career, and happiness over time. Choosing short-term comfort can lead to long-term struggle, while discipline brings future rewards.

    Everything in life reflects the choices you make in life. If you have chosen something, you will consequently get the results that will adhere to it. If you have made bad choices in the past, you can turn to God in repentance to resist future temptation. Life is too short to allow yourself to be an inmate in the prison of bad choices and weak decisions. Be guided by the Word and the Spirit in making your choices. This is your day.

    Wisdom Fountain: “It’s choice—not chance—that determines your destiny.”
    Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to make righteous choices and the courage to embrace the changes they bring. Clear my mind of doubt, still my anxious thoughts, and align my heart with Your perfect will so I may walk forward with peace and absolute trust in Your guidance in Jesus’ name.
    Lifeline Today Thursday August 20 Choices and Changes Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 (NLT) Choices determine destiny. The ability to make a choice is a gift God has given every living human being. Every choice you make acts as a building block for life changes. Small daily decisions compound into major life transformations, shaping your health, career, and happiness over time. Choosing short-term comfort can lead to long-term struggle, while discipline brings future rewards. Everything in life reflects the choices you make in life. If you have chosen something, you will consequently get the results that will adhere to it. If you have made bad choices in the past, you can turn to God in repentance to resist future temptation. Life is too short to allow yourself to be an inmate in the prison of bad choices and weak decisions. Be guided by the Word and the Spirit in making your choices. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “It’s choice—not chance—that determines your destiny.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to make righteous choices and the courage to embrace the changes they bring. Clear my mind of doubt, still my anxious thoughts, and align my heart with Your perfect will so I may walk forward with peace and absolute trust in Your guidance in Jesus’ name.
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  • Blessing Nyamutaka
    2026-08-19 17:33:04 -
    Colossian 1:11 ESV*
    > “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience wiColossiansThe Greek word there is _dunamis_ — it means God’s explosive, resurrection power. Same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

    What it actually means

    *1. It’s God’s power, not yours*
    “according to His glorious might” — You’re not being told to try harder. You’re being prayed for to be filled with _His_ strength. It’s like plugging into a power source bigger than you.

    *2. The purpose of the strength*
    Paul doesn’t say “so you can be rich” or “so life gets easy.” He says:
    *“for all endurance and patience with joy”*
    So God’s might is given to help you:
    - *Endure* — keep going through hard seasons without quitting
    - *Have patience* — with people, with waiting, with trials
    - *Do it with joy* — not bitter, not complaining

    *3. “All might” = enough for anything*
    It’s not a little boost It’s _all_ might. Whatever situation you’re facing — grief, temptation, hard work, sickness, ministry — God’s power is sufficient for that exact thing.

    How it works practically
    Ephesians 3:16 says the same thing: _“strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner man.”_
    So it’s an inner strengthening. You might still be tired on the outside, but on the inside you get steadiness, peace, and the ability to not give up.

    *Analogy*: Like a phone battery. You can’t run on 2%. “Strengthened with all might” is God fast-charging your spirit so you can keep doing what He called you to do.

    Prayer from Colossians 1:9-Paul actually prayed this over the church. You can pray it for yourself:
    _“God, strengthen me with all Your power so I can endure this with patience and still have joy.”_
    Colossian 1:11 ESV* > “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience wiColossiansThe Greek word there is _dunamis_ — it means God’s explosive, resurrection power. Same power that raised Jesus from the dead. What it actually means *1. It’s God’s power, not yours* “according to His glorious might” — You’re not being told to try harder. You’re being prayed for to be filled with _His_ strength. It’s like plugging into a power source bigger than you. *2. The purpose of the strength* Paul doesn’t say “so you can be rich” or “so life gets easy.” He says: *“for all endurance and patience with joy”* So God’s might is given to help you: - *Endure* — keep going through hard seasons without quitting - *Have patience* — with people, with waiting, with trials - *Do it with joy* — not bitter, not complaining *3. “All might” = enough for anything* It’s not a little boost It’s _all_ might. Whatever situation you’re facing — grief, temptation, hard work, sickness, ministry — God’s power is sufficient for that exact thing. How it works practically Ephesians 3:16 says the same thing: _“strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner man.”_ So it’s an inner strengthening. You might still be tired on the outside, but on the inside you get steadiness, peace, and the ability to not give up. *Analogy*: Like a phone battery. You can’t run on 2%. “Strengthened with all might” is God fast-charging your spirit so you can keep doing what He called you to do. Prayer from Colossians 1:9-Paul actually prayed this over the church. You can pray it for yourself: _“God, strengthen me with all Your power so I can endure this with patience and still have joy.”_
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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-08-19 11:37:57 -
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    Sound the Alarm

    By Jenni Poling

    August 19th, 2026

    “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1

    To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion.

    No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing.

    So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart.

    Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous!

    Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for?

    Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you!

    So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Sound the Alarm By Jenni Poling August 19th, 2026 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1 To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion. No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing. So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart. Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous! Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for? Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you! So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
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    Vă rugăm să vă autentificați pentru a vă dori, partaja și comenta!
  • Johnny Gass
    2026-08-19 11:36:56 -
    Brenda Walsh Ministries
    For God’s Eyes Only.

    "Ministry" is all about serving others. In fact, the name itself comes from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve," and is not meant to be a position of glory or prestige. This isn’t a job for someone wanting to be noticed and held in high esteem, but rather a life of humility, quietly serving–not to impress others, but for the approval of God’s eyes only! However, there are some who think that “ministry” is only for the work of pastors or traveling evangelists. But God has called us all to be “ministers.” The Bible says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” But to heed God’s command, you must be fueled by Holy Spirit power! In 1 Peter 4:11, we’re told, “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The keywords are “the ability which GOD supplies!” Make no mistake, God is calling YOU to minister for Him! But first, you must come before His throne with a humble heart, and pray for an anointing of His Holy Spirit so that God can use you in a mighty way! And don’t forget to ask Him to strip away all pride and pretentiousness–giving you a servant’s heart so that you won’t be tempted to work for the applause of others–but to truly glorify your Lord and Savior! Text: James 4:10, Psalm 25:9, Romans 12:6-7, Psalm 51:17
    Brenda Walsh Ministries For God’s Eyes Only. "Ministry" is all about serving others. In fact, the name itself comes from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve," and is not meant to be a position of glory or prestige. This isn’t a job for someone wanting to be noticed and held in high esteem, but rather a life of humility, quietly serving–not to impress others, but for the approval of God’s eyes only! However, there are some who think that “ministry” is only for the work of pastors or traveling evangelists. But God has called us all to be “ministers.” The Bible says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” But to heed God’s command, you must be fueled by Holy Spirit power! In 1 Peter 4:11, we’re told, “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The keywords are “the ability which GOD supplies!” Make no mistake, God is calling YOU to minister for Him! But first, you must come before His throne with a humble heart, and pray for an anointing of His Holy Spirit so that God can use you in a mighty way! And don’t forget to ask Him to strip away all pride and pretentiousness–giving you a servant’s heart so that you won’t be tempted to work for the applause of others–but to truly glorify your Lord and Savior! Text: James 4:10, Psalm 25:9, Romans 12:6-7, Psalm 51:17
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    Vă rugăm să vă autentificați pentru a vă dori, partaja și comenta!
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