PROPHETIC DECREES 1. I decree that this Monday, the Lord is shifting things in my favor. Situations that have remained stubborn shall begin to respond to divine intervention, in Jesus' name. 2. I decree that no blessing prepared for me this week shall pass me by. I receive the wisdom to recognize my opportunities and the courage to walk through every right door, in Jesus' name. 3. I decree that every cycle of near-success, repeated disappointment, and unnecessary delay is broken over my life. I enter a season where my efforts produce tangible results, in Jesus' name. 4. I decree that my name shall be mentioned in rooms of opportunity, influence, and favor. I shall receive recommendations and invitations that move me forward, in Jesus' name. 5. I decree that God is turning ordinary encounters into extraordinary opportunities. One conversation, one connection, or one decision this week shall become a doorway to greater things, in Jesus' name. 6. I decree that every confusion concerning my next step is replaced with clarity. I shall know what to pursue, what to avoid, and when to move, in Jesus' name. 7. I decree that the work of my hands shall not be wasted. Every genuine effort I make this week shall carry measurable fruit, and my labor shall speak for me, in Jesus' name. 8. I decree that every good thing that appeared impossible is coming under the power of God's possibility. I refuse to measure my future by my present circumstances, in Jesus' name. 9. I decree that unexpected good news shall locate me this week. I shall receive reasons to smile, celebrate, and give thanks for the faithfulness of God, in Jesus' name. 10. I decree that this week shall not end the way it began. By the time these seven days are complete, I shall have visible evidence of progress, answered prayers, divine favor, and fresh testimonies, in Jesus' name.

SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: When You Feel Like Giving Up Bible Reference “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) A Short Story Prince had completed his university education, but life after graduation did not look anything like he had imagined. He had expected that his certificate would open doors, but months passed without a meaningful opportunity. His phone rarely rang, and whenever it did, the call was often from someone asking for something he could not provide. His graduation certificate remained in his drawer, looking more like a reminder of disappointment than a symbol of achievement. One evening, Prince stood by his window and watched people moving through the street. Everything outside seemed normal. Children were playing, traders were going about their business, and vehicles moved along the road, but inside him was a deep sense of emptiness. He wondered whether his life would ever become what he had hoped it would be. He was tired of waiting. He was tired of unanswered prayers. He was tired of feeling as though everyone else was moving forward while he remained in the same place. In that moment, giving up seemed easier than continuing to hope. But instead of allowing his disappointment to consume him, Prince entered his room, took his Bible, and decided to seek God. He did not have a perfect prayer. He did not even know exactly what to say. He simply knew that he needed Jesus. Even then, distractions came. His former girlfriend suddenly appeared at his door. His landlord called about his overdue rent. Messages began arriving on his phone. Everything seemed to compete for his attention at the exact moment he had decided to seek God. Prince could have abandoned the moment and returned to his worries, but he chose to continue. He turned off his phone, returned to prayer, and remained in the presence of God despite the distractions and the heaviness in his heart. Eventually, the noise within him began to settle. He experienced a deep sense of peace, and in that quiet moment, he sensed a simple instruction in his spirit: Continue. * This story is adapted from Twelve Hours: A Christian Novel on Encounters by Anthony Ijere. Today's Message There are moments when giving up feels easier than continuing. You may have prayed for something for a long time and still see no answer. You may have worked hard without seeing the results you expected. You may be serving God while secretly wondering whether your efforts are making any difference. The danger is that prolonged disappointment can make you interpret a temporary season as a permanent condition. You may begin to believe that because things have not changed yet, they will never change. But Galatians 6:9 tells us not to become weary in doing good because there is a harvest connected to perseverance. The verse does not deny that weariness will come. It simply warns us not to allow weariness to make us abandon what God has called us to do. Sometimes, the instruction from God is not complicated. It is simply, Continue. Continue praying when you have not seen the answer. Continue studying when your results have not yet improved. Continue building when the business is still small. Continue serving when nobody seems to notice. Continue walking in purity when temptation keeps returning. Continue trusting God when your circumstances are telling you to quit. You may not see the harvest today, but that does not mean your labour is wasted. God may be working on your character while you are waiting for Him to change your circumstances. Do not make a permanent decision because of a temporary season. You may be closer to your breakthrough, growth, answer, or encounter than you realize. What To Do Today 1. Identify the area of your life where you have been most tempted to give up. 2. Bring your disappointment honestly before God instead of hiding it. 3. Remove one distraction that has been weakening your focus and consistency. 4. Take one more step toward what God has placed in your heart, even if the step seems small. Prayer Lord, strengthen me when I become weary. When disappointment makes me want to give up, remind me that my season is not my entire story. Give me grace to continue praying, continue believing, continue working, and continue following You until Your purpose for my life is fulfilled. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Think about one good thing you have almost given up on. Take one practical step toward it today. Before you sleep, spend at least ten quiet minutes with God and tell Him honestly how you feel. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist Telegram Channel https://t.me/anthonyijere Whatsapp Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

From the viewpoint of God’s eternal purpose, the church exists to be • the incarnation and manifestation of the ultimate passion of God • the organic expression and physical extension of the Trinitarian Community • the corporate image-bearer of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth • the family of God • the divine building whereby every living stone is being transformed, reshaped, and fitted together to form the Lord’s temple • the colonial outpost of the coming kingdom • the masterpiece of God • the spiritual “Bethany” where Jesus of Nazareth is received, obeyed, and adored in the midst of a rejecting world • the vessel in which the power of Christ’s resurrection life is visibly displayed • the object of God’s supreme affection and delight • the willing vehicle for Christ’s manifested presence • the torchbearer of the testimony of Jesus • the “one new man”—the new species—the “third race” • the fiancée of Jesus Christ—His very body, His very bride • the new humanity marked out in the Son of God before time and brought into existence by His cross • the Christian’s native habitat • the spiritual environment where face-to-face encounters between the bride and Bridegroom take place • the living witness to the fullness and headship of God’s Son • the colony from heaven that bears the image of its Ruler

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: WHEN TRUTH MEETS GRACE. Main Text: John 1:14, 17 «“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us... full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14» «“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17» TWO SIDES OF THE CROSS. There are two dangerous extremes in Christianity. One says, “Tell people the truth, no matter how you hurt them.” The other says, “Just show them love; don't confront anything.” But Jesus did something greater. Jesus was full of grace AND truth. Truth without grace can become harshness. Grace without truth can become compromise. Truth tells us what is wrong. Grace shows us that we can be made right. Truth exposes the wound; grace brings healing to the wound. Truth says, “You have sinned.” Grace says, “There is forgiveness.” Truth says, “You must change.” Grace says, “God will help you change.” Truth reveals our condition. Grace reveals God's compassion. That is what happens when truth meets grace. 1. TRUTH REVEALS WHAT GRACE COMES TO HEAL John 8:32 — “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary. A doctor cannot treat a sickness that the patient refuses to acknowledge. In the same way, we cannot experience spiritual transformation while continually denying our spiritual condition. The Word of God tells us: - If we are living in sin, truth calls it sin. - If we are walking in bitterness, truth exposes it. - If pride is controlling us, truth confronts it. - If unforgiveness has taken root, truth reveals it. But God does not reveal our condition to destroy us. He reveals it so that His grace can transform us. Spiritual Insight Conviction is not rejection. When the Holy Spirit shows you something that needs to change, He is not saying, “I have abandoned you.” He is saying, “I love you too much to leave you like this.” 2. GRACE DOES NOT CANCEL TRUTH. One of the greatest misunderstandings about grace is that grace means God does not care about our behavior. That is not biblical. Romans 6:1–2 asks: «“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”» Grace does not give us permission to remain in sin. Grace gives us power to overcome sin. A person who truly encounters grace does not say: «“Because God forgives me, I can do whatever I want.”» Instead, he says: «“Because God has forgiven me, I want to live differently.”» Grace does not lower God's standard. Grace gives us the strength to pursue God's standard. 3. TRUTH WITHOUT LOVE CAN PUSH PEOPLE AWAY Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to speak the truth in love. Notice that Scripture does not say: “Speak truth anyhow.” It says: “Speak the truth in love.” There are people who are correct in what they say but wrong in how they say it. You can win an argument and lose a soul. You can prove someone wrong and still fail to show them Christ. Jesus never compromised truth, but He also never treated broken people as worthless. Biblical Example: The Woman Caught in Adultery Read John 8:1–11. The religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. They wanted judgment. Jesus gave her something greater than condemnation—an opportunity for transformation. He did not say: «“What you did doesn't matter.”» Neither did He say: «“You are hopeless.”» Jesus told her: “Go, and sin no more.” That is truth and grace working together. Grace did not approve her sin. Grace gave her a future beyond her sin. 4. JESUS IS THE PERFECT MEETING POINT OF TRUTH AND GRACE John 1:14 says Jesus was: «“full of grace and truth.”» Not half grace and half truth. Full of grace. Full of truth. Jesus could look at Zacchaeus and say, “Come down.” Then He could enter his house and bring salvation. Jesus could confront Peter's failure and still restore Peter to ministry. Jesus could confront Thomas's doubt and still invite him closer. Jesus could confront Saul's persecution of the Church and transform him into Paul, a powerful apostle. This is the Gospel: God does not ignore our brokenness, but neither does He abandon us because of it. At the cross, truth and grace met. Truth declared: Sin must be judged. Grace declared: God Himself will provide the sacrifice. And Jesus became that sacrifice. 5. WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH BOTH TRUTH AND GRACE As Christians, we must become people who carry both. In our homes Tell your children the truth, but correct them with love. In the church Teach holiness, but never make struggling people feel that restoration is impossible. In relationships Be honest, but do not use honesty as an excuse for cruelty. On social media Stand for biblical truth, but do not become known for insulting people. In evangelism Tell people about sin, judgment, repentance and holiness—but also tell them about the mercy, forgiveness and salvation found in Jesus Christ. The goal is not merely to expose people. The goal is to lead people to Christ. REAL-LIFE PICTURE: THE MIRROR AND THE SOAP Imagine someone standing before a mirror with a dirty face. The mirror shows the dirt. But the mirror cannot wash the face. That is what truth does. Truth shows us who we are and where we have fallen. But then grace comes like water and soap. Grace says: “You don't have to remain this way.” The mirror is necessary. The washing is necessary. Truth and grace belong together. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Truth without grace produces condemnation. People may know they are wrong but believe they are beyond redemption. 2. Grace without truth produces deception. People may feel comfortable while continuing in destructive patterns. 3. Truth brings conviction; grace brings restoration. The Holy Spirit exposes sin so that Christ can restore the sinner. 4. Grace is not God's approval of our past. Grace is God's invitation into a transformed future. 5. Mature Christianity knows how to confront without destroying. Spiritual maturity is not merely knowing Scripture. It is knowing how to apply Scripture with the character of Christ. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS This week: 1. Allow God's truth to examine you. Read Psalm 139:23–24 and ask God to reveal areas that need correction. 2. Stop using grace as an excuse. Identify one habit or attitude that God is calling you to surrender. 3. Correct someone with love. If confrontation is necessary, pray first. Speak truth without humiliation. 4. Forgive someone who has failed you. Remember the grace you have received from God. 5. Share the Gospel with someone. Tell them both the truth about sin and the good news of salvation through Christ. 6. Examine your social media behavior. Before posting or commenting, ask: “Am I representing Christ, or am I merely trying to win an argument?” QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Do I usually emphasize truth while neglecting grace? 2. Do I use grace as an excuse to tolerate sin? 3. Can people see the character of Christ in the way I correct them? 4. Is there an area of my life where God is asking me to change? 5. Have I received God's grace personally, or am I only talking about it? 6. Who needs truth from me today? 7. Who needs grace from me today? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the courage to accept Your truth, even when it confronts me. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from every attitude that uses grace as an excuse for sin. 3. Holy Spirit, teach me to speak the truth in love. 4. Father, heal every area of my life that Your truth has exposed. 5. Lord, give me grace to forgive those who have hurt me. 6. Father, remove pride, bitterness, hypocrisy and self-righteousness from my heart. 7. Lord Jesus, make my life a testimony of both holiness and compassion. 8. Let everyone who encounters me encounter something of the character of Christ. 9. Father, give me wisdom to know when to confront, when to correct, when to forgive and when to remain silent. 10. Lord, let Your truth set me free and let Your grace transform me completely. COME TO JESUS Perhaps truth has exposed something in your life today. Do not run from it. Run to Jesus. Maybe you have failed. Grace is still available. Maybe you have wandered away. Grace is calling you home. Maybe you have been hiding behind religious activity while your heart is far from God. Truth is calling you back. Maybe you have been using grace to justify what God has asked you to surrender. Truth is calling you to repentance. And perhaps you have been condemning yourself because of your past. Grace is telling you that your story is not over. At Calvary, truth and grace met. Your sin was serious enough to require the cross. But God's love was great enough to provide the cross. So today, do not choose between truth and grace. Receive both. Let truth correct you. Let grace restore you. Let truth make you honest. Let grace make you humble. Let truth lead you to repentance. Let grace lead you into restoration. And above everything else— LET JESUS CHRIST BE THE PLACE WHERE TRUTH AND GRACE MEET IN YOUR LIFE. FINAL DECLARATION “I will not run from God's truth, and I will not abuse God's grace. I will walk in truth, live by grace, speak the truth in love, and become more like Jesus every day. Amen!” If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com Join our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1HZA5cQsuy/

Life is cheap among the masses of reincarnationists. Reincarnation pushes people into psychic encounters with demonic forces. Reincarnation presents the false hope of a second chance. Reincarnation is just one of the old beliefs that the New Spirituality is rejuvenating. It is joined by other fellow travelers in the subversion. - DAVID JEREMIAH

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SUNDAY, 16TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MIGHTY ACTS.* *(11th Sunday after Trinity)* 📖 Scripture: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.” — Psalm 150:1–2 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Let Everything Within You Praise the Lord.* Psalm 150 is a powerful call to wholehearted worship. The Psalmist does not merely tell us to praise God; he tells us why we should praise Him: because of His mighty acts and His excellent greatness. Today, as we celebrate the 11th Sunday after Trinity, we are reminded that praise should not depend on our circumstances. God deserves our worship because of who He is and because of what He has done. There are blessings we can see and others we may never know about. There are prayers God has already answered and others for which we are still waiting. Yet, through every season, God's greatness remains unchanged. When we praise God, we acknowledge His sovereignty, celebrate His faithfulness, and declare our confidence in His power. Praise shifts our attention from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my life shall continually be an instrument of praise to Almighty God. I will praise Him in good times and difficult seasons, in abundance and in times of waiting, because He is always worthy of my worship. I declare that I will not allow temporary challenges to silence my praise. My circumstances may change, but my God does not change. His faithfulness remains constant, His mercy endures forever, and His greatness is beyond measure. Today, I praise God for His mighty acts in my life. I praise Him for the battles He has fought, the dangers He has prevented, the doors He has opened, the prayers He has answered, and the blessings He has given me. I declare that every spirit of discouragement, heaviness, fear, and hopelessness shall lose its influence over me. The garment of praise shall replace every garment of heaviness, and joy shall rise within my heart. I proclaim God's greatness over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. The Lord shall continue to demonstrate His mighty power in every area of my life according to His perfect will. I declare that where I see limitations, I shall remember God's greatness. Where I see impossibilities, I shall remember His mighty acts. Where I face uncertainty, I shall remember His faithfulness. Today, I receive fresh grace to worship God wholeheartedly. My mouth shall testify of His goodness, my heart shall overflow with gratitude, and my life shall demonstrate His love. I declare that the Lord shall put a new song in my mouth. He shall turn my mourning into dancing, my sorrow into joy, my trials into testimonies, and my waiting into opportunities to experience His faithfulness. I proclaim that my testimony shall encourage others to trust in God. Through my words, worship, conduct, and service, people shall see evidence of God's goodness and be drawn closer to Him. Today, I choose praise over complaint, faith over fear, gratitude over murmuring, and worship over worry. I will praise the Lord for His mighty acts. I will praise Him for His excellent greatness. I will praise Him because He is good. I will praise Him because He is faithful. I will praise Him because He alone is worthy! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🙌 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with praise: Before making your requests this morning, spend time thanking God for who He is. 2️⃣ Read Psalm 150: Meditate on God's greatness and His mighty acts. 3️⃣ Declare: “I will praise the Lord for His mighty acts and according to His excellent greatness.” 4️⃣ Count your blessings: Mention at least five things for which you are grateful to God. 5️⃣ Turn your concern into praise: Whatever challenge you are facing, commit it to God and worship Him while trusting His power. 6️⃣ Be a source of encouragement: Share a testimony, Scripture, or encouraging message with someone today. 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Before going to bed, remember God's faithfulness throughout the day and give Him all the glory. 🔥*Prayer:* Almighty and Everlasting God, I praise You because You are great, mighty, faithful, holy, and worthy of all praise. Thank You for Your countless blessings and for the mighty acts You have performed in my life. Forgive me for every time I have allowed my circumstances to become greater in my eyes than Your greatness. Give me a heart that continually remembers Your goodness. Put a new song in my mouth. Let praise rise from my heart even when I am waiting for answers. Turn every difficult season into a testimony of Your faithfulness. Lord, manifest Your mighty power in my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of my life. Establish the work of my hands and let everything concerning me bring glory to Your holy name. Make my life a living testimony of Your excellent greatness. Let my worship encourage others, my testimony strengthen the weak, and my service advance Your Kingdom. I will praise You, Lord, for Your mighty acts. I will praise You according to Your excellent greatness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Sunday Blessing:* May the Lord fill your heart with an unquenchable spirit of praise today. May He give you countless reasons to rejoice and continually remind you of His mighty acts. May every difficult situation become a testimony, every season of waiting produce deeper faith, and every blessing become a reason to give God glory. May the Lord bless your family, strengthen your ministry, establish the work of your hands, guide your steps, and surround you with His favor. May your mouth never lack a testimony and your heart never lack a reason to praise God. 🙌 Praise Him for His mighty acts! 🔥 Praise Him for His excellent greatness! ❤️ Praise Him for His unfailing love! 🎶 Praise Him because He alone is worthy! 🌟 Good morning beloved and Happy 11th Sunday after Trinity and 3rd Sunday in August! 🌟 May your Sunday be filled with worship, joy, divine encounters, thanksgiving, and glorious testimonies. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! 🙏🙌🔥 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

*THE PEOPLE WHO ALMOST FOLLOWED JESUS · PART 01* > The Rich Young Ruler — When One Thing Is Too Much to Surrender > Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”” He ran to Jesus. He knelt before Jesus. He asked Jesus about eternal life. And then he walked away. That may be one of the most sobering encounters in the Gospels. The rich young ruler did not mock Jesus. He did not argue with Jesus. He did not reject Jesus from a distance. He ran to Him. He knelt before Him. He called Him “Good Teacher.” And he asked one of the most important questions anyone could ever ask: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”, Mark 10:17 Everything about the encounter looked promising. This man seemed ready to become a disciple. Until Jesus touched the one thing he was unwilling to surrender. Jesus Put His Finger on the Rival Jesus told him: > ”Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor… and come, follow me.”, Mark 10:21 WEB Jesus was not merely asking for a donation. He was exposing a throne. Something possessed this man more deeply than he possessed it. His wealth had become the place where he found security, identity, comfort, and control. Then came the moment of decision. Jesus said: Follow Me. And the man had to decide which treasure he wanted more. Mark tells us: > “But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.”, Mark 10:22 WEB He came running. He left grieving. He wanted eternal life. He wanted Jesus. But apparently, he wanted his possessions more. Almost a Disciple Think about how close he came. He stood face-to-face with Jesus. Jesus personally invited him to follow. Mark even tells us something remarkable: Jesus looked at him and loved him. This was not rejection from Jesus. It was an invitation from Jesus. But love did not remove the cost of discipleship. Jesus loved him enough to confront the very thing keeping him from wholehearted surrender. And the man walked away. What Is Your “One Thing”? It is easy to read this story and think only about money. But the deeper question is much more dangerous. What would Jesus have to touch in your life before you began reconsidering whether you really wanted to follow Him? Your money? Your career? Your comfort? Your reputation? A relationship? Your plans for retirement? Your possessions? Your political identity? Your right to control your own future? Your unwillingness to forgive? Your unwillingness to go where Jesus sends you? We can sing, pray, attend church, read Scripture, give offerings, and speak passionately about Jesus, until Jesus asks for the one thing we have quietly decided He cannot have. And then we discover who is really Lord. Following Jesus Means an Open Hand The issue is not whether every Christian must sell everything. The issue is whether Jesus could ask anything of us and still receive our yes. A disciple does not hand Jesus a contract filled with exceptions. “Jesus, I will follow You, but not there.” “I will obey You, but not with my money.” “I will serve You, but don't interfere with my comfort.” “I will make disciples, but don't ask me to rearrange my life.” “I surrender everything, except this.” That is exactly where this story confronts us. The rich young ruler did not reject religion. He rejected surrender. And Jesus allowed him to walk away. The Question We Cannot Avoid Throughout this series, we will meet people who came astonishingly close to following Jesus, but something stopped them. For this man, it was possessions. For someone else, it will be fear. For another, reputation. For another, delay. For another, the approval of people. But every story forces us to ask the same question: What kept them from fully following Jesus, and could the same thing be keeping us? Today, make it even more personal: What would make you walk away if Jesus asked for it? And perhaps the harder question: Is there anything in your life you have already decided Jesus cannot have? Because the thing you refuse to surrender may reveal the thing you are actually following. Jesus is still saying: “Come, follow me.” The question is not whether we admire Him. The question is whether we will surrender everything to follow Him.

The Joy of Meeting Your Legend and Your Savior There is a special kind of joy that comes when you finally meet someone you have admired, respected, and looked up to for a long time. Meeting your legend can leave you excited and inspired because you have encountered someone whose life, achievements, or character has motivated you. But there is a greater joy—the joy of knowing and meeting Jesus Christ, your Savior. Earthly legends may inspire you for a season, but Jesus gives you hope, salvation, peace, purpose, and eternal life. A legend may influence your journey, but Jesus can completely transform your life. So, never lose hope because of where you are today. Keep walking with God, keep believing, keep praying, and keep pressing forward. The same God who has brought you this far is able to take you to places you never imagined. Your present situation is not the final chapter of your story. Your testimony is still being written! 🔥 Prophetic Declaration I declare over your life today: May you experience the joy of divine encounters. May God connect you with people who will inspire, encourage, and elevate you into His purpose for your life. May every closed door standing between you and your destiny be opened. May your dreams receive divine direction, and may your efforts produce beautiful results. I declare that you will not die without fulfilling your God-given purpose. You will meet the right people, enter the right places, receive the right opportunities, and experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Above all, may your relationship with Jesus Christ grow deeper every day. May you know Him, love Him, serve Him, and one day rejoice in His presence forever. Your best days are not behind you. By the grace of God, greater days are ahead! In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🔥 📖 Jeremiah 29:11 — “For i know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 📖 Psalm 27:13 — “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” May you encounter your earthly inspirations, but above all, may you encounter Jesus—the greatest treasure of all. 🙏❤️ #Bethel✅

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2026 THE CALL TO EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION A WORD FROM THE WORD: "The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time - twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD. So Samuel said to all the Israelites, 'If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.' So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only." 1 Samuel 7:2-4 NIV By natural inclination, the mortal man has the tendency to walk contrary to God and His ordained ways for him, only to remember Him whenever he encounters turbulent crisis. This is one of the major reasons you should readily accept God's call to translate us from the kingdom of darkness into His marvellous Light. Anyone who desires to please God and be a recipient of His ordained protection, deliverance and blessings, must as a matter of necessity put away every form of idolatry, and a stop to compromising God's righteous requirements for their life, this is because God demands exclusivity. People on regular basis like to receive the manifold blessings of God without caring or giving a hoot for the prerequisites, which could be deduced from the following: 1). Recourse To The LORD. This should be without any reservation whatsoever, half measures will not take anyone all the way on the journey of declared intention of walking with Him 2). Jettison Strange Gods. Anything or character trait that is contrary to God is a strange god and must be done away with, these includes and not limited to pride, immorality of any kind, bitterness, rancour, anger etc 3). Serve Only God. God is the only One deserving the lifting up of our hands and hearts in worship. We should serve Him willingly. He is the God of standards, and has set them forth in His Word. We can know surely that we have recoursed to Him when we take heed to His Word in obedience. PRAYER BULLETS: ABBA Father, as I return to You, enable and help me to serve you acceptably in Jesus precious name I pray. FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 20:1-4; Joshua 1:6-9; Romans 12:1-2. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2026 THE CALL TO EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION A WORD FROM THE WORD: "The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time - twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD. So Samuel said to all the Israelites, 'If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.' So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only." 1 Samuel 7:2-4 NIV By natural inclination, the mortal man has the tendency to walk contrary to God and His ordained ways for him, only to remember Him whenever he encounters turbulent crisis. This is one of the major reasons you should readily accept God's call to translate us from the kingdom of darkness into His marvellous Light. Anyone who desires to please God and be a recipient of His ordained protection, deliverance and blessings, must as a matter of necessity put away every form of idolatry, and a stop to compromising God's righteous requirements for their life, this is because God demands exclusivity. People on regular basis like to receive the manifold blessings of God without caring or giving a hoot for the prerequisites, which could be deduced from the following: 1). Recourse To The LORD. This should be without any reservation whatsoever, half measures will not take anyone all the way on the journey of declared intention of walking with Him 2). Jettison Strange Gods. Anything or character trait that is contrary to God is a strange god and must be done away with, these includes and not limited to pride, immorality of any kind, bitterness, rancour, anger etc 3). Serve Only God. God is the only One deserving the lifting up of our hands and hearts in worship. We should serve Him willingly. He is the God of standards, and has set them forth in His Word. We can know surely that we have recoursed to Him when we take heed to His Word in obedience. PRAYER BULLETS: ABBA Father, as I return to You, enable and help me to serve you acceptably in Jesus precious name I pray. FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 20:1-4; Joshua 1:6-9; Romans 12:1-2. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.