When a calling feels overwhelming and the pressure begins to rise, it’s easy to question whether you’re enough. Drawing from Acts 13 and Paul, this devotional reminds us that God initiates the calling and sustains the work. Find peace in knowing the results are in His hands and discover the strength that comes from obedience.

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?

When we receive God’s gift of salvation, He begins His work of transformation in us. He does this through the Bible, God’s wisdom to us: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we learn about Him and what it means to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Through prayer, we come to Him for strength and guidance. And, as believers in Jesus, the Holy Spirit living inside us “will guide us into all the truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit helps us to understand and live out the gospel and to “shine” in this dark world by our words and actions, drawing others to Christ, the source of Light.

WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 Topic: Protect Your Heart Bible Reference “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) A Short Story Ruth began talking to someone she met online. At first, their conversations were simple. They talked about school, work, family, and their plans for the future. He always seemed to know what to say, especially when she was having a difficult day. After some time, Ruth became emotionally attached to him. She began checking her phone constantly, waiting for his messages. When he did not reply, her mood changed. When he was happy with her, she felt happy too. Her prayer life slowly began to suffer. She spent more time talking to him than talking to God. She started hiding some of their conversations because she knew her parents and trusted spiritual leaders would not be comfortable with what was happening. One evening, after an argument between them, Ruth sat on her bed and cried. She suddenly realized how much control the relationship had gained over her heart. She remembered something her mother had told her months earlier: “Not everyone who gains access to your heart has the right to remain there.” Ruth picked up her Bible and began to pray. She understood that protecting her heart did not mean refusing to love people. It meant being careful about who she allowed to influence her emotions, decisions, values, and relationship with God. It was difficult, but Ruth decided to create boundaries and step away from the relationship. Today's Message Your heart is valuable. What you repeatedly allow into it will eventually influence how you think, what you desire, and the decisions you make. This is why Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts with diligence. You cannot allow everyone to have unrestricted access to your emotions and expect your spiritual life to remain unaffected. This applies to friendships, relationships, social media, entertainment, conversations, and even the thoughts you repeatedly entertain. Someone may make you feel good and still be taking you away from God's purpose for your life. Something may be popular and still be harmful to your spirit. Guarding your heart is not weakness. It is wisdom. Ask yourself regularly, “What is this relationship, habit, conversation, or content producing in me?” If it is consistently drawing you away from God, you need the courage to create boundaries. What To Do Today 1. Examine the people and influences that have the strongest effect on your decisions. 2. Set boundaries where necessary. 3. Stop entertaining anything that repeatedly weakens your relationship with God. 4. Choose friends who encourage you to become better, not those who constantly pull you backward. Prayer Lord, help me to guard my heart wisely. Give me discernment to recognize influences that are not good for me. Help me to establish healthy boundaries and keep my heart focused on You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Examine one relationship or influence in your life today and honestly ask yourself whether it is drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0 https://t.me/anthonyijere

“Every day is a new opportunity to draw closer to Jesus.” Every day, we are running after many things work, family, responsibilities, and the future. But every new day is the greatest opportunity God gives us: an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Yesterday, we may not have sought God. We may have grown weary in prayer or made mistakes. But today is a new day. Yesterday’s failures do not have to prevent us from experiencing God’s love today. We can once again sit at His feet, seek His Word, and listen to His voice. The Bible says: > “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 Drawing closer to God is not something we do only once; it is a decision we need to make every day. When we take one step toward Him, He never leaves us or turns away from us. So, don’t look at today as just another day. See it as a new opportunity God has given you—to know Jesus more deeply, love Him more dearly, and walk more closely with Him. “Today, I will walk closer to Jesus than I did yesterday.” Hepsi Sam ✍️

The Fleshy Word. 2 The Kitchen by Omodolapo Ogunye What does it really mean to know Jesus Christ? This episode of The Kitchen takes that question beyond the familiar language of Scripture, doctrine and biblical stories and introduces a profound premise: Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, and the Body of the Word is the detailed revelation of who He is. Drawing from Revelation 1, Colossians 2:9 and other Scriptures, the episode explores the descriptions of Christ's head, eyes, face, hands, feet and voice. These are presented as revelations that help us understand the Person of the Word. The central challenge of the episode is compelling: if we want a fuller knowledge of Christ, we must learn to see and understand His Body. Each member carries its own description, function and value, and together they reveal more of the Person of the Word. This makes The Fleshy Word. 2 an important continuation of the journey into The Body of the Word. It invites the listener to read Scripture differently—not merely looking for verses to quote, but looking for the detailed revelation of the Person whom the Scriptures reveal. I recommend this episode to anyone who wants to go deeper in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Listen carefully, particularly to the way the episode connects the different members of the Body with the identity and attributes of the Word. 🎧 Listen to “The Fleshy Word. 2” on The Kitchen Available on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music • Audible • Deezer Listen to The Kitchen on Acast The Kitchen by Omodolapo Ogunye Celebrating The Body of the Word.

17-08-2026 One Spirit With Him Scripture — 1 Corinthians 6:17 (AMP) “But the one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” What an incredible truth: when you belong to Christ, you are not walking through life alone. You are united with Him. The world often tells us to find our identity in what we accomplish, what people think of us, our past, or our circumstances. But God invites us into something far deeper. Through faith in Jesus, we are joined to Him. His presence is not simply something we visit during prayer or church—it is a reality we carry with us every day. Being “one spirit with Him” means your relationship with Jesus affects the way you think, speak, choose, love, and live. When you are tempted, He is with you. When you are discouraged, He is with you. When you don't know which way to go, you can turn to Him. You don't have to live as though you are separated from God, trying to figure everything out by your own strength. His Spirit is with you, guiding you and drawing you closer to Him. Today, remember that your life belongs to Christ. Your body, your mind, your choices, your dreams, and your future can all be surrendered to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live from your union with Jesus rather than from fear, pressure, or insecurity. Prayer Father, thank You that through Jesus I am united with You. Help me to remember that I am never alone. Let Your Spirit guide my thoughts, my words, and my decisions today. Teach me to live in a way that honors You and reflects Your love. When I feel weak, remind me that Your presence is with me. I surrender every part of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today’s Reminder I am not alone. I belong to Christ, and I am one spirit with Him. His presence goes with me wherever I go. 🙏✨

We are living in a time of tremendous technological advancement, specially in A.I., Data-Centres & Flock-Cameras. Hence the message is titled: "A.I. is far more dangerous than you think". Is this something to be frightened of, no certainly not: "When we see all these things happening, rejoice, look up, your redemption is drawing near. Technology can be used to spread the Gospel & Bible teaching fast & effectively, but this message is a warning against the spiritual dangers of A.I. So we can use it wisely but we need to be very discerning & wise & know when to not rely on this. Making sure that this reliance, does not become dependence, leading to be an idol that is giving us false information. https://youtu.be/MaQ8R5GJ4DU Teaching slides can be viewed on: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1526020529565547&set=pcb.1526046002896333

Daily Devotional. Work for the needy. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 What a busy life Christ led! Day by day He might be seen entering the humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking hope to the downcast and peace to the distressed. The poor and suffering received the greatest share of His attention. Children loved Him. They were drawn to Him by His ready sympathy. By His simple, loving words He settled many a difficulty arising among them. Often He took them on His knee and talked with them in a way that won their hearts.... Humble, gracious, tenderhearted, pitiful, He went about doing good, feeding the hungry, lifting up the bowed down, comforting the sorrowing. None who came to Him for aid went away unrelieved. Not a thread of selfishness was woven into the pattern He has left for His children to follow. He lived the life that He would have all live who believe on Him. It was His meat and drink to do the will of His Father. To all who came to Him for help He brought faith and hope and life. Wherever He went He carried blessing. The tender sympathies of our Saviour were aroused for fallen and suffering humanity. If you would be His followers, you must cultivate compassion and sympathy. Indifference to human woes must give place to lively interest in the sufferings of others. The widow, the orphan, the sick and the dying, will always need help. Here is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel—to hold up Jesus, the hope and consolation of all men. When the suffering body has been relieved, and you have shown a lively interest in the afflicted, the heart is opened, and you can pour in the heavenly balm. If you are looking to Jesus, and drawing from Him knowledge and strength and grace, you can impart His consolation to others, because the Comforter is with you. [231]

Lifeline Today Friday August 14 Draw Near They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:7 (NKJV) Keeping distance from God weakens a believer. It is nearness to Him that increases the strength you need for your life journey. Nearness is a spiritual state of close and personal fellowship with the Almighty; not a physical location, but an intimate connection built on faith, prayer, and trust. You need more strength constantly for various reasons. The ability you used to solve yesterday’s problem may not be adequate for tomorrow’s challenge. Your responsibility will always look bigger than your ability. The task before you will always look more enormous than the time and opportunity available to you. There are things you must go through always before you break through. As you draw near, you know more of God, and you draw more of His power and anointing to prevail and be in constant dominion. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: "Drawing near to the source of your strength is the quickest way to renew it." Prayer: : Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. Thank You because You are never far away; You are in me. Strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being. When I am weak, let Your infinite might take over. Give me courage for the tasks ahead and peace that quiets my anxious thoughts. Help me to walk closely with You always, taking one step at a time in total reliance on Your love for me in Jesus’ name.