📘 Daily Devotion — August 21 | Acts 20:2 (NKJV) 💯 The Ministry of Encouragement As Paul continued his missionary journey, he traveled through the regions where churches had already been established. Rather than simply passing through, he intentionally spent time encouraging the believers. Paul understood that following Christ was not always easy, and God's people needed continual strengthening through biblical teaching, loving fellowship, and reminders of God's faithfulness. Paul's ministry demonstrates that encouragement is an essential part of Christian service. His words helped believers remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and challenges. He invested in people, knowing that strong disciples would continue the work of spreading the gospel. For believers today, this verse reminds us that God calls us to encourage one another. A kind word, a sincere prayer, a Scripture shared at the right moment, or simply being present with someone can strengthen their faith. God often uses ordinary acts of encouragement to accomplish extraordinary work in the lives of His people. Reflection Questions 1. Who has encouraged me in my walk with Christ? 2. Who can I encourage this week? 3. Am I intentionally helping others grow stronger in their faith? Prayer Lord God, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to encourage me. Help me to be an encouragement to others through my words, actions, and prayers. Use me to strengthen fellow believers and to reflect Your love each day. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Reach out to encourage someone with a Bible verse or prayer. ● Speak words that build others up rather than tear them down. ● Look for opportunities to strengthen another believer's faith. Takeaway Thought God often strengthens His people through the encouragement of faithful believers. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August21 #Acts202 #EncourageOneAnother #StrengthInFaith #ChristianEncouragement #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

THIS IS BAPHOMET This lesson will be a little different as we will address the urgency of this topic. Baphomet was one of the early child sacrificing gods of the Bible days. But here is the issue. The worship of Baphomet continues to this day. It is Satanism pure and simple. Worship entailed having sexual intercourse with temple priests and prostitutes. Baphomet is a creature with both male and female genitalia. Female breasts with male arms and legs. Baphomet worship is a fulfillment of base sexual desires and deviance. It is foundational homosexuality from the source that inspires homosexuality, Satan. It is necessary as a follower of Baphomet to sacrifice your children to him. In Bible days, that meant placing your infant to one year old child into the white-hot metal arms of a Baphomet idol and worshipping as your child writhes in excruciating pain before dying. Yes, to this day there are Captains of industry, government leaders and Hollywood elites who gather to offer the life of their children to Baphomet. Today's worship of Baphomet still accepts the human sacrifices, but an additional provision was added. “Sacrificing your child” could mean doing so and devoting their continued life in service as a priest of Baphomet. What did that entail? It required the forced removal of a male's sexual organs. The new “priest” would live out his remaining days as a neutered sex object accepting the offerings of others. Do you understand that the push for accepting homosexuality in this country was always headed here? That it wasn't tolerance they wanted, or acceptance. Do you understand now why so many on the left have transgendered children? How the transgendered lunacy has resulted in government leaders too afraid to even define the word, “woman”. Within the past decade there has been another shift in culture to demonize Biblical stances and adults nowadays refuse to define the word, ‘woman’ because to do so would go counter to their agenda. So the madness that it is allowing men into locker rooms or women's bathrooms, and insisting against all science that they are a different kind of woman is not a mental deficiency, it is part and parcel of their Satanic agenda. Does it begin to make more sense that liberal women now stand supporting a mentally ill woman who strangled her 3 children? Anything to support victimizing the innocent is front and center in todays world as a great thing. Statistically speaking transgendered individuals make up 1% of a population of 3 to 5% of homosexuals but celebrities have 4 children, all of whom are transgendered now. This is a combination of mental illness and a demonic intent. They cannot be reasoned with, they will not apply the simplest of logic or understand reality because they can't. Why? They told us. Earlier last year a parade of homosexuals marched through the streets chanting, “We're here. We're queer. And we're coming for your children. “ But to share the video or comment on it was somehow “phobic”. So they can openly admit to wanting to rape your children, but for us to point it out becomes problematic. And we look around now and what used to be considered common sense is now considered bigotry. The absolute hatred that is displayed against anyone calling into question allowing a male to compete unfairly against women in sports isn't about acceptance, or equality it is rooted in the worship of Satan. Look at the rage on the videos of the mentally ill men online screaming “It's she, I'm a she.” Or, “It's ma'am.” That is not rational. It is not natural, it is demonic. This is not political, the leftist devotion to all things anti-god has been an issue for decades. But when adults in a school charged with keeping our kids safe covers up a trans student raping a girl in the bathroom, transferring him to another school where it happens again, you know there's an evil behind it. They would rather girls get raped than to possibly offend a homosexual and will go to great lengths not only to cover it up, but to allow it to happen again. No, what we see with Britney Griner and Lea Thompson is lackluster mediocre male athletes who aren't capable of competing against men now “declaring themselves female” so they can steal scholarships and positions from females. These men are doing this out of greed and indifference but the people defending them have a clear Satanic agenda. Even though the individuals themselves may not be aware, this is not a rights issue, it started as and continues as pagan worship. It is a demonic stance that God has made clear He hates. When you realize that the whole effort to deny the most basic biological fact that there are only 2 genders is not about rights, not about acceptance, it is clear that any organization or church supporting this is of a Satanic origin. They've said as much. So when you see celebrities with multiple children who they've adopted and then altered to become transgendered ministers of Baphomet, now you understand. They've surrendered the future to Satan creating a generation of infertile devotees to a blood cult. They must be removed from power and influence but they won't be because this is where we were always headed with the issue of homosexuality. To a culture that is either too afraid to speak up when children are being cut from the womb to be eaten by Baphomet fanatics, or they will follow cultural norms and will do nothing to stop it. Pray, brothers and sisters in Christ. Because Jesus is coming to His own and these unbelievers will be tossed unceremoniously into the pit of eternal fire to suffer eternally. Along with every lukewarm Christian who didn't want to make a stand out of fear of consequences. Now is the time to make a stand.

The Story Behind the Hymns THE STORY BEHIND " WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? " “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?” is a stirring Christian hymn written by Frances Ridley Havergal, the English poet, hymn writer and devotional author whose words often called believers to deeper commitment and wholehearted service to Christ. The hymn was written in 1877, during a period when Havergal was deeply involved in Christian ministry and devotional writing. Its central question is direct and searching: “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Rather than simply asking believers to identify themselves as Christians, the hymn challenges them to consider whether they are truly willing to stand with Christ and serve Him. The hymn’s inspiration is closely connected with the biblical language of choosing whom one will serve. Its message echoes Joshua’s declaration in Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” while also drawing on the New Testament call to follow Christ faithfully. Each verse develops the theme of surrender and allegiance. Havergal speaks of giving oneself fully to the Lord, following His leadership, enduring hardship and remaining faithful to His cause. The hymn therefore moves beyond a declaration of faith to a call for action, courage and consecration. The familiar opening asks: “Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?” The “King” is Christ, and the question is presented as an invitation to make a deliberate choice. The hymn reminds worshippers that Christian discipleship involves more than words; it calls for a life placed at the service of God. Havergal became known for hymns that expressed personal devotion, consecration and commitment to Christ. Among her other well-known hymns are “Take My Life, and Let It Be” and “Like a River Glorious.” Her writings continue to be sung and read by Christians around the world. “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?” has endured because of its timeless challenge. Generations of Christians have sung it as a hymn of dedication, especially in worship services where believers are encouraged to renew their commitment to Christ and His work. More than a century after it was written, its question remains just as powerful: when the call to serve the King comes, where do we stand?

🌅 FRIDAY MORNING DEVOTION ✝️ JESUS CHRIST DIDN’T COME FOR THE RIGHTEOUS ONES 📖 Scripture: Luke 5:32 «“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”» ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💡 THE STORY OF THE TAX COLLECTOR Zacchaeus was a tax collector — a man many people disliked and considered a sinner. But when Jesus passed by, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. Jesus saw him, called him, and went to his house. That encounter with Jesus changed Zacchaeus. He did not remain the same person he was before meeting Christ. 📖 Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus responded by deciding to make things right and give back to those he had wronged. ❤️ Jesus did not reject him because of his past. Jesus reached him because He saw what grace could do in his life. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌱 THE APPLICATION TO OUR LIVES 1️⃣ YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO COME TO JESUS. Jesus meets us in our brokenness, failures, and struggles. 2️⃣ NEVER ALLOW YOUR PAST TO KEEP YOU FROM CHRIST. Your past may explain where you have been, but it does not have to determine where you are going. 3️⃣ A TRUE ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS BRINGS CHANGE. Grace does not give us permission to remain the same. It gives us strength to become different. 4️⃣ JESUS STILL SEEKS THE LOST TODAY. The person you think is too far gone may be the very person Jesus is calling. 5️⃣ LET YOUR LIFE BECOME A TESTIMONY. When Christ changes you, let others see His love, mercy, forgiveness, and transformation through your life. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🙏 FRIDAY MORNING PRAYER Lord Jesus, Thank You for coming not because we were perfect, but because we needed You. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Help us never to allow our past mistakes, failures, or weaknesses to separate us from You. Give us a humble heart like Zacchaeus — a heart that is willing to repent, change, make things right, and follow You. Help us also to look at others through Your eyes and not judge them by their past. May our lives become a testimony of Your transforming love. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 🙏 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✨ REMEMBER THIS FRIDAY: “NO ONE IS TOO LOST FOR JESUS TO FIND. NO ONE IS TOO BROKEN FOR JESUS TO RESTORE. NO ONE IS TOO FAR FOR JESUS TO REACH.” ❤️ COME TO JESUS JUST AS YOU ARE. LET HIM CHANGE YOU INTO WHO HE CREATED YOU TO BE. 🌅 HAVE A BLESSED FRIDAY. Walk with Jesus. Live by faith. Share His love.

Friday, 21st August, 2026 TITLE: "A HEART AFTER GOD: LIVING WITH A CLEAN HEART" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Acts 13:22 (KJV) "And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." Psalm 51:10 (KJV) "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "God is more interested in the condition of your heart than the appearance of your life." DAY'S REFLECTION God looks beyond outward appearance and examines the heart. Acts 13:22 records God's testimony concerning David: "a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." David was not a perfect man. He made serious mistakes and experienced painful failures. Yet he repeatedly turned back to God with humility, repentance, and a desire to obey Him. To be "after God's own heart" does not mean being sinless. It means having a heart that genuinely desires God, responds to His correction, loves His ways, and seeks to fulfil His will. David's life teaches us that God can use imperfect people who are willing to surrender themselves to Him. Psalm 51:10 reveals David's prayer after his failure: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." The word "create" is significant. David understood that he needed more than outward correction. He needed God to work deeply within him. A clean heart speaks of inner purity—our motives, desires, attitudes, thoughts, and intentions. A right spirit speaks of an inner disposition that is steadfast, faithful, and aligned with God. We can sometimes correct our outward behaviour while leaving the heart unchanged, but genuine transformation begins inside. Life experience teaches us that people can appear successful, religious, or respectable outwardly while struggling with hidden attitudes such as pride, bitterness, jealousy, unforgiveness, dishonesty, or selfishness. God, however, sees what others cannot see. Therefore, we should regularly invite God to examine and transform our hearts. When He reveals something wrong, we should not defend it; we should repent and ask Him for cleansing and renewal. A heart after God is not a heart that never fails—it is a heart that returns to God when it fails. It is willing to learn, change, forgive, obey, and pursue God's purpose. Today, do not focus only on how others see you. Ask God to examine who you are on the inside. Let your private life agree with your public testimony. Lord, create in me a clean heart and give me a spirit that desires to fulfil Your will. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God looks at the heart, not merely outward appearance. 2. A heart after God desires to know, love, and obey Him. 3. Failure does not have to be the end when genuine repentance follows. 4. Inner transformation is more important than outward appearance. 5. We must continually guard our hearts against attitudes that separate us from God's will. 6. God can use imperfect people who sincerely surrender themselves to Him. EVERYDAY ACTION Examine your heart today, quickly repent of anything displeasing to God, and choose one action that reflects His character. PRAYER Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Remove everything that displeases You and help me live wholeheartedly according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I have a heart that seeks after God. My thoughts, motives, words, and actions will honour Him. I will walk in repentance, obedience, purity, and humility, and my life will fulfil God's purpose. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 233 DATE: 21ST AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: RELY ON THE LORD ANCHOR SCRIPTURE2 Chronicles 13:18 (NKJV) “Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers.” Devotional message: Scripture is filled with testimonies of men and women who placed their confidence entirely in God and experienced victory. Their strength was not in their human ability, resources, experience, or influence; their confidence was in the Lord. Our anchor Scripture gives us a powerful explanation for Judah's victory: “They prevailed because they relied on the LORD.” Their victory was connected to their dependence upon God. Consider Jehoshaphat. When three nations came against Judah and the situation appeared impossible, he did not place his confidence in military strength. He sought the Lord. As Judah worshipped, God intervened and caused their enemies to fight against one another. What Judah could not accomplish through human strength, God accomplished through His divine intervention. We also see this principle in the battle against Amalek. Moses stood on the mountain with the rod of God, while Joshua fought below. As Moses lifted his hands, Israel prevailed; when his hands became heavy and came down, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur therefore supported his hands until victory was secured. There are battles where our greatest strength is not what we can do, but our posture of dependence upon God. David lived by this principle. Before many battles, he inquired of the Lord. Even when he encountered Goliath, his confidence was not in his previous victories, weapons, or military experience. David understood that the size of the enemy could never be greater than the power of the God he trusted. Child of God, where is your confidence today?Perhaps you are facing an examination, a business challenge, difficulties in your marriage, a ministry assignment, financial pressure, opposition, or a situation that appears beyond your ability. Do not make yourself your ultimate source.Your education is valuable, but it is not your ultimate source.Your experience is valuable, but it is not your ultimate source.Your connections are valuable, but they are not your ultimate source.Your resources are valuable, but they are not your ultimate source. The Lord is your source.This does not mean that we abandon preparation, wisdom, diligence, planning, or responsible action. Rather, it means that we do all these things while depending upon God instead of depending upon ourselves. Our confidence is ultimately in Christ, who has already overcome the world.Therefore, when you rely upon the Lord, you do not enter your battles as someone fighting for victory—you enter knowing that Christ has already overcome. Make the Lord your King. Make Him your confidence. Seek Him before you move. Depend upon Him while you work. Give Him the glory when victory comes. And when you rely upon Him, you can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that the God who was faithful to your fathers is still faithful today. PRAYER Heavenly Father,I choose today to rely upon You. Be my King, my Lord, and my source. May every victory I experience bring glory to Your name.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING 2 Chr 13:1–18;20:1–23,Ex 17:8–13,1 Sam 17:32–47,John 15:1–5,1 John 4:4 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

Daily devotion for August 21st The Need For A Sacrifice We assume the responsibility. For the holy offerings; for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel; and for all the duties of the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:32-33 The people recognized the need for offerings and sacrifices. The history of Israel clearly reveals that this nation emphasized shedding the blood of animals and offering up their crops and grain to God. By so doing they were never allowed to forget the cost of redemption. Blood shed means a death has occurred. God is teaching His people that their problem with sin within is of such a serious nature it cannot be solved by merely instructing the mind. Only death can cure it. These bloody offerings prepared the way for the death of Jesus and even our remembrance of that death at the Lord's table. We ought to meditate on this every day. We should never allow ourselves to forget the cost of our redemption. It took all that God had to open a door that we might return to Him. As Peter put it, For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:18-19). Very closely related to the blood offerings was the promise of these people to bring the firstfruits of their crops, herds, flocks, and even their sons to God. What they were doing was recognizing the ownership and rights of God in their lives. A corresponding truth for us today is, You are not your own; you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a). God owns us. We do not own ourselves. The world says, You are your own. If you are pregnant and you do not want the baby, you can kill it, because you have a right to do what you please with your own body. But the Bible says, No, you are not your own. You do not have a right to do anything you like with the body God gave you. This is true in other aspects of life as well. We are not our own. We have no right to determine what we are going to do with our lives or even whom we are going to marry, apart from God's limitations. We have certain choices granted to us, but not all choices. One of the important aspects of becoming a Christian is to recognize the rights of God and to live our lives within the limits He establishes. This is what this great passage is teaching. It is the way by which Israel recognized frequently and continually that their lives were not their own. They too were bought with a price. They belonged to God. He has the right to direct their affairs and make many choices for them. Thank You, Lord, for this reminder that I am not my own; I have been bought with a price. I surrender my life to You, knowing that You have redeemed me with the precious blood of Christ

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)" ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one: The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. 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.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026. *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22. 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20). *INTRODUCTION* In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11). Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction. *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception* a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations. b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly. *Question* Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them? *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession* a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer. *Question* Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance? *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization* When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming. *Question* Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments 🙏. 2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will 🙏. 3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word 🙏. 4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only 🙏. *HYMN:* Lord speak to me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_ *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.* *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."* *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*📜📜 Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👶🏽👦🏽👨🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_ *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.* *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.* *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.* *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_ A Child With A Difference https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 23:25-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below: *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).* *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).* *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).* *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).* *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).* *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).* *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).* *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4* Profitable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You. We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways. Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us. Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful. O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT *TEXT:* EPHESIANS 5:8-13 8. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9. for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth 10. and find out what pleases the Lord. 11. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. *TOPIC:* YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT *THE MESSAGE:* Jesus made it clear that He is the light of the world, and whoever following Him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (Jn. 8:12). Darkness is often synonymous with sin and wickedness. In this text, Paul makes it clear that believers were once in darkness but are now in the light of the Lord. He urges them to live as children of the light and have nothing to do with darkness. Instead, expose it through righteous and truthful deeds that pleases the Lord. Christians are living amidst ungodly people whose behaviours and priorities conflict with the word of God. Will you compromise to belong or stand out as light? As a youth, your life must radiate the light of Christ wherever you are - in school, at work, in business, and in search of a job or a life partner. Is your light shinning? If not, fan it into flame. *REFLECTION:* Let your light so shine. *PRAYER:* Father, help me not to hide my light in Jesus' name. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 16-19. ED.i. TO SAFE HARBOR "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away." - Acts 27:31-32 Paul said this when they were in a big storm on a ship at sea. This shipwreck story is often preached; however, we do not often hear about the lifeboat which belonged to the ship. The workers on the ship wanted to use this boat to secretly get away. They knew that if the ship was tossed against the rocks, they would all perish. Moreover, there were 276 people on board. How do you get them all in one lifeboat? They were cowards and wanted to leave the ship to save their own skin. Paul warned the captain and said: 'If they do not stay on board, you will not be saved.' Jesus Christ, the only Lifeboat The lifeboat would not offer any chance to survive on the stormy sea where they had been floating for two weeks. Paul knew this. I do not know much about ships, but one thing is certain: when there is a chance for shipwreck, the first question is: 'where is the lifeboat?' I have an important question: do we all understand the meaning and importance of a lifeboat when it comes to the salvation of our souls? When your soul is in great need, do you have a lifeboat? Today I want to ask you to investigate the lifeboat before your soul venture on board. For many people their lifeboat is their 'good works.' However, you will not get to heaven with these. There are many leaky lifeboats and people think these will save their souls. I would like to convince people through the Holy Spirit to step into the only safe lifeboat which will bring you to heaven. That lifeboat cannot be smashed. The wood comes from the cross on Calvary. Throughout the ages, this Lifeboat brings shipwrecks into safe harbor day and night. This Lifeboat never fails and is big enough for everyone. The only lifeboat that can save your soul is Jesus Christ. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Good evening prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Come unto me, all [ye] that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ⏤ Matthew 11:28 Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. ⏤ Oswald Chambers O God, You have taught us in Your holy word to cast our burdens upon You, promising that You will sustain us. We come to You this evening with our burdens. You’ve given them to us as gifts, so we know there must be a blessing hidden within each one. Help us to accept our burdens and receive the gifts they carry. Let us not complain or grumble under them, lest we miss the blessings You’ve prepared for us. You haven’t promised to take our burdens away, for that would rob us of the blessings You’ve lovingly prepared. But You have promised to sustain us and give us the strength to bear them. So our prayer is that You would give us the grace to accept whatever burdens You’ve placed upon us, to carry whatever crosses You’ve given us, and to bear them after our Savior, trusting in quiet faith. At the close of this day, we bring You our sincere gratitude and praise for Your goodness. Your love never tires, Your patience never runs out, Your grace never fails. We grieve You with our many sins, our unbelief, and our complaining. Have mercy on us and forgive us for Jesus’ sake. Grant us an evening blessing from Your hand. Give us Your peace, strengthen us with Your might, and prepare us for any duty or struggle that lies ahead. Crush Satan under our feet. Jesus, You have overcome the world, and in Your victory, You are our defense and refuge. So we hide in You, as in the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Bless us for Your name’s sake. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Daily Prayer from the devotion at teens4jesus.org, FB, IG, X, Bluesky, Lordsbook, Pinterest, Discord, or Instagram. #TEENS4JESUS #dailyprayer #christianteens #Christianlife #christiangrowth