OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION MEMORIZE: "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:5 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 91:1-16 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. MESSAGE: The devil lures many people into evil covenants with the promise of protection; however, complete protection only exists in God. Romans 8:31 says, "... If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:37 further says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. This means that, if you are in a covenant with God, you will not have to fight any battle, because He will always fight for you. Many times, you would have won the battle before you even realise that someone was trying to attack you. I ran away from my village after some people threatened that they were going to 'eat me for breakfast,' and for 13 years, I could not return. However, after I met the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to visit my village, and I even attended a wedding where I saw many of the people who had threatened to kill me through diabolical means. I was much younger in the faith at the time, so I had a lot of zeal but not much wisdom. I was asked to preach at the wedding, and I delivered a powerful sermon that hit them hard with the word of God. Some months later, those people went to the mother of the lady who got married and told her that it was her daughter's wedding that provided a platform for me to insult them. They further said that they had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and the opportunity had presented itself now that her daughter was pregnant. They told her, "We will see if your daughter will give birth, unless we are not the ones in charge here on earth." The lady's mother became frightened and came to me. I told her not to worry and assured her that on the day her daughter would give birth, all those who had threatened her would fall asleep. To the glory of God, things turned out exactly as I said; her daughter gave birth while those who threatened her were sleeping. The baby they swore would not be born is now a medical doctor. Beloved, God said that He will be a wall of fire around you in today's memory verse, and anyone who chooses to confront the Consuming Fire will not live to tell the story. Never be afraid of any force, person, or situation that threatens to harm you. Cry out to God in such cases, and He will show up to defend you and give you victory. KEY POINT: God is a wall of fire around those who are in a covenant with Him. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 5 - BLESSED ASSURANCE 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood. CHORUS: This is my story; this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day. Long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. CHORUS: 3. Perfect submission, perfect all is rest, I in my saviour am happy and blest watching waiting looking above filled with his goodness lost in his love. CHORUS: PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026 *GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION* 1.Father, thank You for being my protection in all situations, for in You is my protection complete. 2.Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror; through the love of Jesus, I have victory without a fight because You are always fighting for me 3.Father, please keep me forever in Your covenant of protection, so I won't have to fight in battle with anyone trying to attack me, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your word, and under the shadow of Your presence, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence; cover me with Your feathers, and hide me under Your wings, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please save me from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; and from the destruction that wasteth at noonday; let no evil come near me and my household, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones, let them keep us in all our ways, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, as many that are into covenant with the devil against my well-being, send them on errands they will never recover from; let their waiting be in vain over my life, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, thank You for Your promise to be a wall of fire round about me, please help me never to go out of Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please show up to defend me from those that are after my soul, and give me victory, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎13.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎14.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:1315:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date!

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026. "TRUST YOUR BIBLE, IT'S TRUE!" ‘…that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled...’ Matthew 26:56 NIV THE DEATH, burial and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled no less than twenty-nine different Old Testament prophecies. The odds of that happening are virtually impossible! Mathematician Peter Stoner explains it this way: ‘If you were to cover the state of Texas two feet deep in pound coins, then on one, place a mark. What is the probability that a blindfolded person could, on their first attempt, select that coin? That’s the likelihood of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one lifetime. And Jesus fulfilled twenty-nine of them in one day!’ Let’s look at some of the prophecies He fulfilled: 1) ‘…They pierced My hands and… feet’ (Psalms 22:16 NKJV). 2) ‘They divide my garments…and…cast lots’ (Psalms 22:18 NKJV). 3) ‘…in that day…I will make the sun go down at noon, and…darken the earth in…daylight’ (Amos 8:9 NKJV). Jesus predicted both His death and His resurrection. He told His critics, ‘…“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”…the temple he had spoken of was his body’ (John 2:19-21 NIV). Jesus orchestrated every event, including Judas’ betrayal, the high priest’s hypocrisy, and Peter’s denial. Why? ‘That the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ So you can trust your Bible because it’s true. And something else is true too. God is ‘…able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). Note the words ‘immeasurably more.’ What seems impossible to you at the moment, is all in a day’s work for Him. So start trusting Him to work on your behalf. Bible In A Year: Gal 4-6, Matt 19:1-14, Ps 119:113-120, Pro 18:10-12. 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. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE PRICE OF DWELLING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND UNITY* *TEXT:* GENESIS 33:5-15. 5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. 6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. 8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. 9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. 10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. 11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. 12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee. 13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. 14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. 15 And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. *Timeless Truth:* _"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"_ (Psalm 133:1). *INTRODUCTION* Love and unity are the indispensable catalysts of human relationships that make life worthwhile. Without these two graces, life ceases to have meaning and will breed heartaches, emotional troubles, bitter enmity and rivalries, anguish of the soul and all sorts of relational problems. The fulfilment and joy of natural and spiritual families, communities, nations etc rest on love and unity. *"Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"*. Satan's delight is to fuel relational problems and thereby make the earth another hell for relations. When the foundation of happy relationship and co-existence is destroyed, what shall the righteous do? The foundation of a happy and united family life of Isaac was broken and it had its toll on the children. Parental disunity and favoritism led to bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob. The result was not a sweet experience for each member of the family. After 20 years of separation between the children, the need for peace and unity, so as to end the ugly experience became imperative. They must be commended that they did not die in that situation. They allowed God and let go of their differences. What can we learn from them about how to build the broken walls and foundation of life and unity among brethren? Read on. *1. Bridge the Communication Gap* a. The main reason Jesus came to pay the ultimate price of redemption is to break the communication barrier between man and God due to sin. Once that barrier is broken, it will be possible to break the communication barrier among fellow brethren. The fact that Jesus paid this price underscores the importance of love and unity among brethren. No man can claim to be godly without conscious and deliberate commitment to living in peace and love with fellow brethren and neighbours. A graceless person will be content with disunity and loveless relationships while true grace makes true reconciliation possible. Jacob initiated it and this shows he had grace. He first settled the problem in the spiritual realm by wrestling with God on a lonely night at Jabbok. His personal encounter with God first changed his life, blew his ego to the wind of heaven, brought a deep transformation into his life and melted his hardened heart of deception. The change must start with you. The godly who desires to live at peace and pleases God must be ready to pray through until his heart is melted with the grace to forgive, forget and fall into the love of God. Ego or self is often the main problem that must bow in order to live at peace and unity. b. For the first time after 20 years, Jacob opted to take the lead by asking for a face to face meeting with his estranged brother and bridge the communication gap. *"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee?"*. Take the godly initiative and step: bridge the Communication Gap. Sink all your pride, anger, hatred, bitterness and desire for revenge at the cross and take the initiative. Unknown to him, Esau, though a violent man, secretly desired peace too. It only takes one to bell the cat. Surprisingly, the God of peace that had broken Jacob at the altar of prayer and grace had also dealt with Esau too. Broken communication became mended. *"And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant"*. In bringing peace to a troubled or broken relationship, there may be the need to bring a third party that is respected by both sides and has the wisdom and grace to mend relationships. *Question* Are you willing to please and bridge the communication gap with someone? How do you want to demonstrate your willingness? *2. Bind Your Character with Grace* a. Jacob had trained all his wives and children on how to show respect and give honour to the one who had been hurt and might be breathing out revenge and anger. It was not the time prove who was wrong or right. In reconciliation, self defence is minimized. *"Why do ye not rather accept wrong? Why not rather let yourselves suffer wrong and be deprived of what is your due? Why do you not rather take wrong?"* (1Corinthians 6:7). The crucified saint will be willing to accept blame even when he is not convinced that he is wrong for the sake of peace. This is where grace is also needed. *"Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves"*. All the people with Jacob went humbly and bowed to their Daddy's brother. Jacob had depoisoned the hearts of his people so that they could sincerely give the needed and expected honour to Esau. The peaceful person will not be a hypocritical person who will pretend to seek for peace and unity and privately he will be poisoning the hearts of others. b. Humility is an essential part of living in love and unity and building again love and unity in a broken relationship. Many apologies, though may be simple, have a way of healing hurt hearts and broken bones and barriers in relationships. It takes humility to bend when the other person is standing on his points which may even be wrong and unacceptable altogether. *"The fruit of peace is shown by them which make peace"*. *"Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of GOD"*. *Question* Are you willing to pay the price of love and unity so that your life receives the immeasurable blessings of obedience to God or you still want to stick to your gun and end up in perdition? *3. Bless Your Companion With Gifts* God paid the price of reconciliation with man by giving us the gift of Jesus Christ and all other spiritual and earthly gifts and blessings. True reconciliation must also be sealed up with exchange and acceptance of godly and helpful gifts. Jacob was smart to have prepared gifts for Esau ahead of their encounter. In fact, at first, Esau wanted to wisely reject the gifts. If he had refused, then know that the problem was only solved superficially. *"And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord"*. The Scripture says, *"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men"* (Proverbs 18:16). It is not how much that is affordable, but the heart of love and reconciliation that is behind it. Jacob insisted that the gift should be taken though Esau himself was well to do. *"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it"*. Look at the choice of words of wisdom and humility of Jacob. He was not using words that will fuel the ember of hatred, but words that will calm down nerves. *"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1). Apart from exchanging and acceptance of gifts and visits, true reconciliation will also be manifested by willingness to walk together and experience godly partnership. *"And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go"*. *Question* How genuine was your previous reconciliation with others? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, examine my heart, expose and remove all tendencies in me contrary to abiding in love and unity 🙏. 2.Lord, give me a definite life changing encounter like Jacob that will make me full of grace to initiate and advance peace and love in my family, church and community 🙏. 3.Make me a peacemaker and promoter of reconciliation among people 🙏. 4.Lord, visit all families with broken relationships and help all to open up to true communication and reconciliations 🙏. *HYMN:* Let love be among us *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ENDURING RECONCILIATION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥🫂🤝🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GENESIS 33:5-15```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant" (GENESIS 33:5).*_ *After the horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda focused heavily on national reconciliation. The Gacaca Courts, a system of community-based justice, allowed perpetrators of the genocide to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness, while victims could voice their suffering. The emphasis on unity and a shared vision for rebuilding the country contributed to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and the avoidance of further ethnic conflict. Although there are ongoing challenges, the national narrative of "unity and reconciliation" has continued to play a central role in Rwanda's politics and society.* *Jacob had lived for years under the shadow of a broken relationship with his brother, Esau. Their past was filled with deceit, betrayal, and conflict. Having stolen Esau's birth right and blessing, the resultant rift was so deep that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. After years of separation, Jacob now had to face Esau, but with trepidation and fear of retribution. However, what ensued was a stunning picture of grace and a lasting reconciliation, with no record of relapse into hostilities.* *Their reconciliation must have been mutual. That "... Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept" showed his willingness to forgive Jacob and let go of his anger and bitterness, and the pain of the past - a rare display of grace. On the other hand, Jacob exemplifies a posture of humility. His bowing before Esau, offering gifts of homage, and acknowledging his wrongs demonstrate the humility required for true reconciliation.* *We are called to the same grace and reconciliation that Jacob and Esau experienced. Perhaps there are areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. We are called to extend grace, even when the hurt is deep.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Reconciliation draws the curtain on a dark past and opens a door for a brighter future.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 39-42*📜📜 Enduring Reconciliation https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 232: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS; GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; AND GHS 75: THE CHURCH'S IS ONE FOUNDATION* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SNUB SATAN* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿👺❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 4:4-8```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (JAMES 4:7).*_ *The end of all things draws nearer and nearer every day. This should make us think deeply about the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the impending punishment that would be unleashed on sinners who have chosen to remain adamant and unrepentant now.* *The signs of the last days are visible - increased wickedness all over the world, surging compromise of faith among believers, and so on. The devil is out there like a roaring lion looking for those he could devour. Would you snub him or fall into his snares?* *Beloved, the time we are in now calls for patience and perseverance. Some have given up already because they have fallen into the hands of the devil by believing it is impossible to maintain their faith considering the pressure associated with this perilous time.* *Friend, please hold on to the faith, snub the devil, and keep marching forward. Remember that Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity because she could not snub Satan and resist the temptation of looking back. On the other hand, the young Joseph snubbed Satan by resisting Potiphar's wife's invitation to sin.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Stand firm and snub the devil.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to the faith.*_ Snub Satan https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JOHN'S TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🗣️📢📣🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```JOHN 1:29-34```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The Bible refers to John the Baptist as the forerunner who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Though John was born before Jesus, he was not greater than Jesus. In fact, John himself declared that someone greater than him would come after, and he was not even qualified to untie his shoe latchet. This is to show the high esteem in which John rightly placed Jesus. John proclaimed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. He told the people that Jesus was before him, meaning that Jesus had been before the time of creation. John was baptizing people in River Jordan, and it was he who also baptized Jesus Christ. John did not know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit descended and stayed on Christ at His baptism. He diverted attention away from himself, and made men to see Jesus Christ as *"...the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."* *Do you know Jesus? Can you point to Him that He is your Friend, Saviour and Lord? If your answer is No, then surrender your life to Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you all your sins. Tell Him to be your Friend and tell others about Him everywhere you go.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord Jesus, please take away my sins and make me Your friend today.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Matthew 3:1-12* John's Testimony About Jesus https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14 Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God. As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Doing the Proverbs 4 Walk We make multiple decisions each day, and that's why we need to learn to do the Proverbs 4 Walk. "We're always making a decision to give up something that we value less for something we value more." Paul Richard, President, Consumer Financial Education Institute Have you noticed grocery stores put staples like milk and eggs at the back so we have to go through the store to get them? To avoid temptation, we can go prepared with a list and keep our eyes straight ahead instead of glancing at the aisles of temptation along the way. Satan employs this tactic too. He lines our life path with costly choices and distractions: immoral sex, selfishness, fear, anger, resentment, envy, etc. He'd like to divert, delay, or derail us, making us spend all we have before we reach YHWH's goals for our lives. To avoid temptation, we can do the Proverbs 4 walk: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet.…" Proverbs 4:25-26 What are some practical ways you walk in the Proverbs 4 path? Some helpful truths about temptation: YHWH always provides a way out. Let’s take it! 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And YHWH is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." It’s all a matter of whom we submit to, YHWH or Satan. James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to YHWH. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." When we give in to temptation, we have no one to blame but ourselves. James 1:14: "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."

Pilgrims of God I was wandering the desert Lost without hope for now I roam Crushed beneath the pressure Wanting a place I could call home I was drowning in my sorrow Up to my kneck in sin Looking for somebody Who I respect- a friend I was desperate for a treasure Never bought and can't be sold But stuck inside a prison And the devil had a hold I couldn't see my way out And I was just about to fold Till then heard of a savior Who purchased every soul He promised life in heaven I knew I could not say no Many of us were called there Only a few of us would go I left behind the old life And stepped into the light The darkness wasnt happy so it scuffled and tried to fight I held onto the rugged cross Grappled to it with all my might Took a little bit of time And the darkness left my sight I passed up all the lost souls I tried to grab them if I could I talked about the gospel As I knew a Christian should I saw them as did Jesus In the valley on a slope Up top of God's mountain I tossed down to them a rope The flames of hell roared higher Nearly devoured some to nought I rejoiced to all the heavens About the few of them I caught The angels played a trumpet A couple instruments with strings I heard the choir bellow Out a hymnal they did sing See heaven is the treasure The Holy Ghost bestow a ring Some claimed to know all mysteries yet still slow to know a thing And didnt know the calling So quickly fell from Grace Dont buy into this life of sin Nor after riches niether chase Dont forfeit to hell your precious soul For if so your life you waste Just call out now to Jesus Bow your head and seek his face He loves you very much This world is but a bitter taste see Jesus is enough He knows your every hurt.... And carries all your sorrow Ask for His safety here and now For you may not see tomorrow Listen to the preachers words Of life beyond the veil Take heed to travel down this path Forsake the broken trail And you will live in glory of the Father you should know That Jesus has a plan for you And your eternal soul By Clifton Wagner Gospel Poetry Foundation

The Advent Truth. The devil wants you to believe you’ve gone too far. Jesus says, “Come unto Me.” Maybe you’ve fallen. Maybe you’ve stumbled again. Maybe you’re tired of fighting the same battle. But hear this: the very fact that you’re still fighting is evidence that the Holy Spirit hasn’t given up on you. Jesus is still your High Priest. He still presents His blood before the Father on behalf of those who come to Him in repentance (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2). As long as there’s breath in your lungs, there’s still an invitation to receive His grace. Yes, we’re living in serious times. Prophecy is being fulfilled. The world is growing darker. But if all you do is stare at the storm, fear will consume you. Keep your eyes on the One who walks on the water. Revelation repeatedly says, “To him who overcomes…” The Greek idea isn’t describing someone who never falls. It’s describing the one who keeps overcoming—the one who refuses to quit. Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” The righteous are not those who never fall; they’re the ones who, by God’s grace, keep getting back up. So when Satan whispers, “Stay down. God is finished with you,” answer him with the promises of Christ. Repent. Get back up. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep surrendering. Victory isn’t found in your strength. It’s found in abiding in Jesus. If you need prayer, you’re welcome to leave a comment (keeping in mind it’s a public forum), or send me a private message or email instead. Don’t quit now. We’re almost home.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. 1. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST 18, 2O26. "DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (3)" ‘…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ Ephesians 6:4 NIV WHEN ASKED, ‘How do you suggest parents handle their children’s activities on web sites like Facebook and Twitter?’ Dr. Dobson gave this advice: ‘Parents have to know what technology their kids are using. Sexting is a terrible thing. (‘Sexting’ is the new term for children exposing themselves to one another online, thinking they are safe because they are in the sanctuary of their own home.) Pornography is pervasive, and parents need to keep up with changes in technology and protect their kids. That’s a tough assignment, because kids are ahead of them. Parents often have extremely demanding careers and when they come home they have nothing left to give, so the culture will often take your kids to hell.’ One night a father and his daughter were out on a lake when their small boat was caught in a storm. As he rowed, Dad kept saying to his daughter, ‘Can you see the shore? Can you see the shore?’ After a terrifying hour the little girl pointed over her dad’s shoulder and said, ‘Yes, I see the light. Mum said if we were out after dark she would hang a light in the window.’ When they finally got home a tearful mother hugged her husband and daughter, and thanked God for their safe return. Looking at her, the little girl said, ‘Mum, you never had to worry. We steered by your light!’ Parent, your children are being caught in life’s storms. They are rowing in the dark with no sense of direction. Live for God, and give them a light they can steer by! Bible In A Year: Gen 6:9 – 8:4, Matt 24:37-51. 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. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026. *THIRSTING AFTER GOD* *TEXT:* PSALM 42:1-5. 1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. *Timeless Truth:*_"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"_ Psalm 63:1). *INTRODUCTION* When a man ceases to experience thirst, he is as good as dead. The same is true in the spiritual. In fact, one of the first experiences of a converted man is thirst for God and spiritual things. Spiritual thirst is a deep longing for God and His presence. Just as the body cannot survive without water, the soul cannot flourish without God. The psalmist expresses an intense desire for the living God despite the pain, tears, discouragement and difficult circumstances surrounding him. His experience teaches us that genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; rather, it means learning to seek God even in the midst of trouble. When everything else fails, God remains the only lasting satisfaction for the thirsty soul. *1. Thirsting After God Like a Hart* a. The psalmist declares, *“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”* A thirsty hart desperately seeks water because its survival depends upon it. Many are thirsty for wealth, pleasure, popularity, power and pride of life among others. The thirst makes them pay a heavy price to get what they are looking for. At times they pay the ultimate price. True thirst will always be demonstrated by desperate seeking for how to satisfy and quench the thirst. In the same vein, many commonly seek God's blessings without seeking for the God of the blessings. The psalmist case was different. *"So panteth my soul after thee"*. Who and what you are passionately and desperately seeking for is a reflection of the state of your heart. In the same manner, the believer should have an earnest and persistent longing for God. The psalmist does not merely desire God's gifts; he desires God Himself. b. His greatest hunger is to *“appear before God.”* He was thirsty to become closer to God. Jesus also echoed this when He said, *"seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness"*. Our ultimate purpose for seeking God was to see His glory, be conformed to His image and be always ready for the kingdom of God. Jesus further assured that *"all other things shall be added unto you"*. The psalmist demonstrated his thirst for God when he decided, *"early will I seek thee...to see thy power and thy glory as I have seen thee in the sanctuary"* (Psalm 63:1,2). Our spiritual lives become weak when our desire for God is replaced by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, possessions, recognition or human approval. Genuine revival begins when the soul cries out for God's presence, His Word, His holiness and fellowship with Him. *Question* Is my desire for God as deep and urgent as the thirst of a hart for water? *2. Tearful Afflictions Giving Loss of Hope* a. Incidentally, the psalmist did not prioritize seeking for heavenly blessings above seeking for God just because everything was going well with him. In fact, the psalmist's circumstances have become so painful that his tears have been his food day and night. He was not finding it rosy in life at that time. One would have expected him, as many worshippers do today, to concentrate on seeking God for release from pains and troubles as priority. Worse still, people around him mockingly asked, directly and indirectly, *“Where is thy God?”.* His memories of former worship and joyful fellowship with God's people intensify his present sorrow. Yet that did not distract his affections towards God. b. At times, affliction can attack not only our circumstances, but also our emotions and confidence. Yet the psalmist's tears reveal that God's children may experience seasons of deep discouragement without being abandoned by God. His pain was real, but it did not have the final word. Even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, faith must continue to look toward Him. Seeking God and His righteousness, above all else, should not be diminished as a result of our pains, problems, persecutions and poverty among others. Whatever be our situations, the promises of God that *"all other blessings shall be added"* still stand as long as we keep seeking the face and the glory of God to be reflected in our lives above all else. We must have grace to be tougher than our tough challenges. It is our attitude and the content of our prayers in the time of distress and difficulties that reflect the genuineness of our love for God. Jesus Christ, while on the cross and under intense pains, was still consecrated to soulwinning and intercessory prayers for the sinners and the lost. The will of God and the glory of God was His priority. He has given us examples to follow. *Question* Am I consecrated to seek God and His glory as priority when affliction and tears surround me? *3. Trust in Abiding Grace with a Life of Holiness* When passing through tough times, we must maintain trust in God's abundant grace and continue to live the life that God approves. There is no challenge we pass through that God has not allowed and if God allowed it, then He will see us through as children. The act of faith is in mocking those challenges and still continues seeking the glory of God and heavenly readiness. We must learn how to feed our frustrations and fruitlessness with the word of hope and promises given by God. The psalmist speaks directly to his troubled soul: *“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God.”* He refuses to surrender permanently to despair. Instead, he deliberately redirects his heart toward God. Trusting God's abiding grace means choosing hope when feelings say there is no hope. It also means continuing to live faithfully, before God while waiting for His intervention. A thirsty soul must not only seek God's presence, but also remain committed to a holy life. God's grace sustains us, restores our joy and enables us to praise Him even before our circumstances change. For a child of God, no bad situation is permanent, but temporary and for a moment. *"weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning"*. *Question* Am I deliberately trusting God's abiding grace and maintaining a holy life even when my circumstances are discouraging? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, create within me an unquenchable thirst for Your presence and Your Word 🙏. 2.Lord, strengthen me when tears, afflictions and discouragement threaten my faith 🙏. 3.Father, make me tougher than my challenges and keep me on being engaged in Your service 🙏. 4.Lord, visit and help those brethren who are carrying heavy loads and sustain them by Your grace 🙏. *HYMN:* More of Jesus would I know *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 35-38. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *DOUSING DESPONDENCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😩😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 42:1-5```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (PSALM 42:5).*_ *As German bombs fell on England during _World War II,_ the situation became desperate. Hearts were filled with discouragement and thoughts of defeat. Then Winston Churchill's voice echoed over the radio. It inspired the nation and boosted morale among a people on the verge of giving up. On a spiritual level, believers find hope in God too, as they hear the voice that resonates through the pages of His Word. In moments of discouragement, Christians serve as a testimony to those who have never met God or heard His voice.* *David exemplifies this in our devotional text as he expresses acute hunger and "thirst for God, the living God". In his hopelessness, he recalled the exhilarating moments he had in God's house and presence. Reminiscences of the voice of joy and praise filled his soul. Awakened by the testimonies of God's faithfulness and the certainty of blessedness that flows from trust in God, he gladly addresses his soul and jerks back from the abyss of despondency.* *Are you troubled about any ugly situation or setback? Cheer up and look up! Here are gems and clues for you as a Christian pilgrim, who could, at times, be discouraged and cast down. Don't stay down. David didn't. He queried and counselled his soul. First is to know that neither discouragement nor despondency is a sign of weakness. Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. In our times of discouragement, suicide is no option; it only leads to a more serious, endless and interminable suffering in hell. The present challenge or problem has not diminished God's love for us. He desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of His power!* *The time to exit the discouragement mode is now! Take the verifiable steps that effectively log you out, which include a deep, interminable longing for God. This is what Isaiah calls "waiting upon the Lord". Second, you will do well to consciously recall and delight in God's past acts of mercy, divine interventions, and faithfulness. Finally, you must deliberately seek the remedy of praise to uplift your downcast, crestfallen, and discouraged heart. Beloved, don't give in to despair! God will certainly lead you in paths of love, light and joy, where you will find new hope.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*God always opens the window of hope for His own in the darkest of times.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 35-38*📜📜 Dousing Despondency https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 3: IMPATIENT HEART, BE STILL; GHS 4: LEAVE IT THERE; GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; AND GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *STAND IN CHRIST'S LIBERTY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 5:1-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (GALATIANS 5:13).*_ *The Christian liberty is the freedom Christ has purchased for the children of God through His death on the Cross of Calvary. The devil fights this liberty in diverse ways. When young Christians fail to understand their liberty in Christ, the devil keeps reminding them about their past sins to create major stumbling blocks to their prayers.* *It is a common strategy of the devil to manipulate them and push them back into their shells. Once you are born again through genuine repentance, you have the liberty to serve God in truth and in Spirit because God does not give us the spirit of fear but He gives us the Spirit of power and of a sound mind.* *When God has forgiven you, you are justified by faith and no longer bound to the yoke of sin. However, this liberty is not a guarantee to continue in sins, believing the erroneous doctrine of eternal security. Apostle Paul warns: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You have the liberty.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't use the Christian liberty to sin.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to understand and enjoy my liberty in Christ.*_ Stand In Christ's Liberty https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS - 3* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```MATTHEW 4:8-11```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jesus has power and authority over Satan, and He always uses them at the appropriate time. In this situation, Jesus did not hesitate to command Satan to get behind Him. Satan knew that Jesus is over and above him, yet he tempted Christ to bow down in worship to him. Can the master bow to worship his servant? No! Jesus cannot, will not, and did not bow to Satan. As a friend of Jesus, you must know who you are in Christ. You are a joint-heir with Christ. What Jesus has is what you have because of the privilege of sonship. Do not throw your costly apparels (Christian experiences) to the dogs. The things of this world as stated in 1 John 2:15-17 will pass away. Let the love of God and the things of eternal value be uppermost in your heart. Do not yield to the enticement and allurement that your friends are using to deceive you. The fashions of the world may look attractive, but they will soon pass away. Do not follow them. Do not seek to please the world. Strive to please only God. *Jesus has set the example of refusing to bow to Satan in order to show us that we can be victorious. You can do likewise. Become His friend if you are not, follow Him faithfully and consistently, and He will give you the grace to overcome Satan.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, please help me to obey You only and not yield to pressure to obey, worship or serve Satan.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 4:1-13* The Temptation Of Jesus - 3 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence. ⏤ St. Augustine Father, days come and go, bringing change and decay, but You remain the same forever. A thousand years in Your sight are like a single day. With You, there is no past or future; all time is present to You. Yet in our small lives, we need daily blessings. The memories of our past sorrows cast shadows on our present, and our fears for the future often cast shadows on our path. We are grateful that You see and know everything—past, present, and future—and that we can safely leave it all in Your hands. Help us to live faithfully in this little day that is ours, leaving the past and future with You, without worrying. So, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, enabling us to be true and faithful in all our duties. We ask You, O Lord, to give us the strength and wisdom we need for today’s responsibilities and experiences. Let nothing surprise or dishearten us. Hold our hand through every situation. Give us wisdom to answer every question and make every decision in a way that pleases You. Strengthen us to resist temptation, no matter how subtly it approaches. Increase Your love within us so that we may be patient with everyone we meet, compassionate toward those who are sorrowful, cheerful with those who are discouraged, and helpful to those who are weak. Send us out to do Your work so that everything we do today is for You. Breathe upon us as we wait here in Your presence and give us Your blessing as our Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Resist the Devil and He Will Flee In Greek, "Resist" means to set oneself against, to actively oppose, to stand against. This is not passive avoidance; it is active, deliberate opposition. Resisting the devil is not pretending he does not exist or hoping he goes away. It is confronting his advances with the authority of Christ, the power of the blood, and the bold declaration of the Word of God. "He will flee", this is the guarantee. The enemy does not stand and fight against a fully submitted, actively resisting believer. He flees. The one who runs is not the believer; it is the enemy. Press forward knowing that the enemy you resist in submission to God will not stand his ground but will flee. PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, let my submission to You be the foundation of every act of spiritual resistance. I resist the enemy in Your name and by Your authority. As he flees, I press forward. In Jesus' name! Hallelujah! Amen!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GOD’S COVENANT OF PROMOTION MEMORIZE: "But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil." Psalm 92:10 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 75:6-7 6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. MESSAGE: The devil often uses the promise of promotion to lure people into making covenants with him. For example, I have heard of cases where those in authority would ask someone due for a promotion at work to enter into an evil covenant by joining a secret cult before the promotion is granted. Beloved, if you ever find yourself in such an ordeal, I urge you never to enter into such covenants. Today’s Bible reading tells us that promotion comes from God. When He says yes, nobody can say no. When God decides to promote you, it doesn’t matter what anybody may try because you will reach the position that He intends. He controls the heart of kings; therefore, if anyone in authority threatens you, saying, “You will not be promoted unless you join us,” take your stand as a child of God, and never give in. Just hold on to God, and in the end, you will emerge victorious. Sometime ago, one of my spiritual sons came to me and said, “Daddy, I am tired of being in one spot for so long; I want to move forward. I have an interview tomorrow, please pray for me.” I replied, “Let us pray,” and he said, “No! Just speak a word.” Then I told him that the interview would be successful. He went for the interview and came back beaming with joy. He said, “Daddy, I prepared hard for the interview, but they only asked me three questions: What is your name? Which post did you apply for? When do you want to start?” | congratulated him, and he said, “Daddy, please speak another word.” I obliged and responded, “Your promotion will be rapid.” The next day, He came back dancing for joy. He said, “When I resumed this morning, I was asked to go to the boardroom. The people who interviewed me the previous day were seated there, and they said, ‘Our Managing Director resigned yesterday. Are you ready to take on the post?’ I replied, “Congratulations, that’s a rapid promotion.” He told me to speak another word, and I said that God would complete the good work He had started in him. The next day, he came back to me almost speechless as his salary had been doubled! Then he said I should speak another word, and I jokingly responded, “Do you want to collect the company from the owners?” Beloved, I pray that my Father will surprise you with rapid promotions, in Jesus’ name. KEY POINT: Nothing and no one can limit a man whom God has decided to promote. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 47-48 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 20 - I'M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY 1. I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining everyday; Still praying as I onward bound "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." CHORUS: Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven's table-land; Where love, and joy, and light abound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. 2. My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise, and fears dismay; though some may dwell where these abound, My constant aim is higher ground. CHORUS: 3. Beyond the mist I fain would rise, to rest beneath unclouded skies, above earth's turmoil peace is found By those who dwell on higher ground. CHORUS: 4. I long to scale the utmost height, Though rough the way, and hard the fight, My song, while climbing, shall resound Lord, lead me on to higher ground. CHORUS: 5. Lord, lead me up the mountain side I dare not climb without my Guide; And, heaven gained, I'll gaze around, With grateful heart from higher ground. CHORUS: PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL Tuesday 18th August 2026 GOD'S COVENANT OF PROMOTION ‎ ‎PRAYER POINTS 1.Father, I praise You for promotion comes from You, and this is an assurance that nothing and no one can stop my lifting from you. 2.Father, thank You for Your covenant to make me the head and never the tail. Thank You for choosing me to prosper and and to be in good health. 3.Father, please help me to stand in the assurance of Your covenant with me. Help me to trust You with all my heart and to wait on the fulfillment of Your promises for my life, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me never to compromise my faith in You. Help me to be faithful at the level I am now so I can attain the greater heights You have prepared for me, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me to take my stand as Your child, and never to give in to the deceits of the devil so I can emerge victorious everyday of my life, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please speak a word into my life and terminate every form of stagnation in every area of my endeavors, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please show me Your mercy and let Your covenant of promotion be activated on me, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please keep me in Your covenant and let me begin to enjoy rapid promotions, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please establish me and my household in Your covenant of promotion so we can have access to Your immeasurable blessings and benefits, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of promotion, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎13.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎14.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ ‎#Godblessournation ‎These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

if Jesus is your root, no devil can uproot you. stand firm on the rock. Let prayer be your daily meal. #Lorsdbook #ChristianLiving #FaithinChrist

BEHIND JESUS TEXT: Acts 18:28 SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3 OBJECTIVES At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to: 1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. 2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh. 3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man. 4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture. INTRODUCTION Acts 18:28 (KJV): “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is. The Bible teaches that God is Spirit: John 4:24 (KJV): “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is also love: 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real. QUESTION Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit? Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (KJV): “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him. John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16: “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love. 2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God. Isaiah 2:22: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” James 4:14: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal. 3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God. John 1:4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…” 1 John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ. 4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour. Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself. 5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD God is holy, righteous, loving and good. Psalm 100:5: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 145:9: “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity. Acts 10:38: “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” 6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man. Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves. THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH 1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM God became visible through Jesus Christ. John 14:9: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” 2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM John testified that Jesus was physically real. 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…” The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ. 3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people. 1 John 1:3: “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples. Matthew 26:30: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them. 4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority. John 2:11: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…” Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…” His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God. 5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…” Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…” He understands what humanity experiences. 6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption. Matthew 26:28: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” 1 Peter 1:18–19: “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…” Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined. In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is. Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Behind the soil, there may be gold. Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God. Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” John 20:28: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed. ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation. 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…” Jesus truly came in the flesh. He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine. WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT Acts 18:28: “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come. Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal. John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world…” Luke 1:32–33: “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…” Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel. Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character. But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus. We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings. Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him. They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace. But the Gospel points us back to Jesus. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD Jesus made this clear: John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter also declared: Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other…” Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way. His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity. Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS? Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…” And then: John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God…” The fullness of God dwells in Him. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He existed before Abraham. John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is one with the Father. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Thomas called Him God. John 20:28: “My Lord and my God.” And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son: Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father. And in Him is eternal life. FINAL CHALLENGE Do not stop at what you see on the surface. Look behind Jesus. Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures. John 20:31: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.