• THE CALVARY MINISTRY โ€“ ONLINE

    THE CROSS OF CALVARY ๐Ÿฝ

    MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026

    TEXT: JOHN 18:1โ€“40

    KEY VERSE:

    ยซโ€œJesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.โ€ โ€” John 18:36 (KJV)ยป

    JESUS โ€” THE KING WHO STOOD FIRM

    John 18 takes us into the final hours before the Cross.

    Jesus enters the garden knowing exactly what awaits Him. He knows betrayal is coming. He knows arrest is coming. He knows suffering is coming. He knows Calvary is before Him.

    Yet Jesus does not run.

    He does not hide.

    He does not surrender His mission.

    He willingly stands firm because He came to accomplish the Father's will.

    THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 18

    JESUS WAS NOT A VICTIMโ€”HE WILLINGLY GAVE HIMSELF.

    When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them whom they sought.

    When they answered, Jesus said:

    ยซโ€œI am he.โ€ โ€” John 18:5ยป

    They went backward and fell to the ground.

    This moment reminds us that Jesus was not powerless.

    He could have escaped.

    He could have called for heavenly help.

    But He chose to remain.

    Why?

    Because He was committed to the Cross.

    His arrest was part of God's redemptive plan.

    Calvary was not an accident.

    Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.

    JESUS' KINGDOM IS GREATER THAN THIS WORLD.

    Pilate questioned Jesus about His kingship.

    Jesus answered:

    ยซโ€œMy kingdom is not of this world.โ€ โ€” John 18:36ยป

    The kingdoms of this world are temporary.

    Positions change.

    Money disappears.

    Human power fades.

    Fame does not last forever.

    But the Kingdom of Christ is eternal.

    Therefore, do not build your entire life around things that cannot last.

    Build your life around Christ.

    Seek His Kingdom.

    Obey His Word.

    Live for eternal things.

    Jesus is Kingโ€”not only over heaven, but Lord over our hearts.

    WE MUST STAND FOR TRUTH.

    Jesus said:

    ยซโ€œEvery one that is of the truth heareth my voice.โ€ โ€” John 18:37ยป

    Pilate responded:

    ยซโ€œWhat is truth?โ€ โ€” John 18:38ยป

    The world continues to ask that question.

    But for the believer, truth is not merely an idea.

    Truth is found in Christ and revealed through God's Word.

    In a world filled with compromise, confusion and changing opinions, followers of Jesus must remain anchored in truth.

    Do not compromise your faith because of pressure.

    Do not deny Christ to gain acceptance.

    Do not exchange holiness for popularity.

    Stand for Jesus, even when standing is costly.

    TODAY'S REFLECTION

    Jesus knew the Cross was ahead, yet He remained faithful.

    What about you?

    Will you remain faithful when obedience becomes difficult?

    Will you stand for Christ when people disagree with you?

    Will you choose holiness when temptation is strong?

    Will you choose truth when compromise seems easier?

    Jesus stood firm for you.

    He endured rejection for you.

    He accepted suffering for you.

    He walked toward Calvary for you.

    Therefore, stand firm for Him.

    Your faith may be tested.

    Your obedience may cost you something.

    People may misunderstand you.

    But remember:

    You are serving an eternal King.

    Do not allow temporary pressure to make you abandon eternal truth.

    ๐Ÿฝ PRAYER

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour.

    Thank You that He willingly stood firm and went toward the Cross for our salvation.

    Lord Jesus, give me the grace to remain faithful when my faith is tested.

    Help me not to compromise Your truth for acceptance, popularity, comfort or worldly gain.

    Give me courage to stand for righteousness.

    When I am afraid, strengthen me.

    When I am pressured, remind me of Your example.

    When temptation comes, help me remember the price You paid for me.

    Let my life demonstrate that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and King over my life.

    May I seek Your Kingdom above everything else and remain faithful until the end.

    In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. ๐Ÿฝ

    CALVARY BLESSING

    May the King of kings strengthen you today.

    May you remain firm when your faith is tested.

    May God's truth guide your decisions.

    May you never exchange eternal treasures for temporary pleasures.

    May courage rise within you to stand for Christ.

    And may your life continually declare:

    Jesus is my King.
    Jesus is my Lord.
    Jesus is my Truth.
    Jesus is my Saviour.

    STAND FIRM. THE KING IS COMING!

    THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS!

    By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah ๐Ÿฝ
    THE CALVARY MINISTRY โ€“ ONLINE โœ๏ธ THE CROSS OF CALVARY ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“… MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026 ๐Ÿ“œ TEXT: JOHN 18:1โ€“40 ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ”‘๐Ÿ“– KEY VERSE: ยซโ€œJesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.โ€ โ€” John 18:36 (KJV)ยป ๐Ÿ‘‘โœ๏ธ JESUS โ€” THE KING WHO STOOD FIRM John 18 takes us into the final hours before the Cross. Jesus enters the garden knowing exactly what awaits Him. He knows betrayal is coming. He knows arrest is coming. He knows suffering is coming. He knows Calvary is before Him. Yet Jesus does not run. He does not hide. He does not surrender His mission. He willingly stands firm because He came to accomplish the Father's will. โœ๏ธโค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ ๐Ÿ”ฅ THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 18 1๏ธโƒฃ JESUS WAS NOT A VICTIMโ€”HE WILLINGLY GAVE HIMSELF. โœ๏ธ When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them whom they sought. When they answered, Jesus said: ยซโ€œI am he.โ€ โ€” John 18:5ยป They went backward and fell to the ground. This moment reminds us that Jesus was not powerless. He could have escaped. He could have called for heavenly help. But He chose to remain. Why? Because He was committed to the Cross. His arrest was part of God's redemptive plan. Calvary was not an accident. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ 2๏ธโƒฃ JESUS' KINGDOM IS GREATER THAN THIS WORLD. ๐Ÿ‘‘ Pilate questioned Jesus about His kingship. Jesus answered: ยซโ€œMy kingdom is not of this world.โ€ โ€” John 18:36ยป The kingdoms of this world are temporary. Positions change. Money disappears. Human power fades. Fame does not last forever. But the Kingdom of Christ is eternal. Therefore, do not build your entire life around things that cannot last. Build your life around Christ. Seek His Kingdom. Obey His Word. Live for eternal things. Jesus is Kingโ€”not only over heaven, but Lord over our hearts. ๐Ÿ‘‘โœ๏ธ 3๏ธโƒฃ WE MUST STAND FOR TRUTH. ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ”ฅ Jesus said: ยซโ€œEvery one that is of the truth heareth my voice.โ€ โ€” John 18:37ยป Pilate responded: ยซโ€œWhat is truth?โ€ โ€” John 18:38ยป The world continues to ask that question. But for the believer, truth is not merely an idea. Truth is found in Christ and revealed through God's Word. In a world filled with compromise, confusion and changing opinions, followers of Jesus must remain anchored in truth. Do not compromise your faith because of pressure. Do not deny Christ to gain acceptance. Do not exchange holiness for popularity. Stand for Jesus, even when standing is costly. ๐Ÿ”ฅ ๐ŸŒฟ TODAY'S REFLECTION Jesus knew the Cross was ahead, yet He remained faithful. What about you? Will you remain faithful when obedience becomes difficult? Will you stand for Christ when people disagree with you? Will you choose holiness when temptation is strong? Will you choose truth when compromise seems easier? Jesus stood firm for you. He endured rejection for you. He accepted suffering for you. He walked toward Calvary for you. Therefore, stand firm for Him. Your faith may be tested. Your obedience may cost you something. People may misunderstand you. But remember: You are serving an eternal King. ๐Ÿ‘‘ Do not allow temporary pressure to make you abandon eternal truth. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour. Thank You that He willingly stood firm and went toward the Cross for our salvation. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to remain faithful when my faith is tested. Help me not to compromise Your truth for acceptance, popularity, comfort or worldly gain. Give me courage to stand for righteousness. When I am afraid, strengthen me. When I am pressured, remind me of Your example. When temptation comes, help me remember the price You paid for me. Let my life demonstrate that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and King over my life. May I seek Your Kingdom above everything else and remain faithful until the end. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝโœ๏ธ ๐ŸŒน CALVARY BLESSING May the King of kings strengthen you today. May you remain firm when your faith is tested. May God's truth guide your decisions. May you never exchange eternal treasures for temporary pleasures. May courage rise within you to stand for Christ. And may your life continually declare: Jesus is my King. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Truth. Jesus is my Saviour. ๐Ÿ‘‘โœ๏ธ STAND FIRM. THE KING IS COMING! ๐Ÿ”ฅ THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! ๐Ÿ”ฅ By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ
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  • Daily devotion for August 24th
    Real Heroes And Real Life
    These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua

    Nehemiah 12:1a
    This takes us back to the heroes of the past. Zerubbabel led the first return from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem in 538 BC, almost one hundred years earlier than Nehemiah's day. Nehemiah is looking back at these men who led that procession. Zerubbabel was a priest, and Jeshua was a Levite. They led a company of Israelites back to the city of Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Verse 7 says that they were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua.

    Verses 22-26 give the chronological time when the records that we have just looked at were recorded. The passage does not sound very interesting, but we are told that for the first group, the family heads of the Levites... were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. That meant that there was a time when their names were kept as temple records, but they were not actually recorded permanently until the days of Darius the Second. This would put that record somewhere between 423 and 404 BC, somewhat later than Nehemiah. Evidently some later hand added this so that we might know when it was written.

    Then there is another mention in verse 23 of the book of the annals, meaning the annals of the kings of Judah. One of them is especially mentioned in the reference to David, the man of God. What a remarkable influence David had! F. B. Meyer says, How long the influence of David has lingered over the world, like the afterglow of a sunset. Yet David had a terrible record of evil in his life. He fell into adultery with Bathsheba and was involved in the murder of her husband. Because his heart was set on God, however, and he took advantage of God's provision for forgiveness, David is known to history as the man after God's own heart.

    The passage teaches us that we must not forget past heroes, the men and women of fame and glory whom God has used in former days. I have been reading again the writings of some of my early spiritual heroes. I would urge you, on the basis of a passage like this, to read biography! It will bless you. It will challenge you and strengthen you to see how God has used men and women of the past to stand against the temptations and pressures of the world and accomplish much for His glory.

    This passage also teaches us that the deeds of God are part of the record of history. That is one of the great advantages of Christianity over all the other religions of the world. Most of them are religious philosophies or simply the musings of men meditating upon various aspects of life. Many of them are a record of visions and dreams of dubious origin. But when you come to the record of the Bible, it is based upon facts. It is not legend, myth, or fiction. It is not a record of philosophies or the inventions of humans. It is made up of historic facts. God grounds these great events in the history of the world itself.

    Lord thank You for the lessons I can learn from those who have served You in the past and for the very real facts of history, which teach me so much about You.
    Daily devotion for August 24th Real Heroes And Real Life These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua Nehemiah 12:1a This takes us back to the heroes of the past. Zerubbabel led the first return from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem in 538 BC, almost one hundred years earlier than Nehemiah's day. Nehemiah is looking back at these men who led that procession. Zerubbabel was a priest, and Jeshua was a Levite. They led a company of Israelites back to the city of Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Verse 7 says that they were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua. Verses 22-26 give the chronological time when the records that we have just looked at were recorded. The passage does not sound very interesting, but we are told that for the first group, the family heads of the Levites... were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. That meant that there was a time when their names were kept as temple records, but they were not actually recorded permanently until the days of Darius the Second. This would put that record somewhere between 423 and 404 BC, somewhat later than Nehemiah. Evidently some later hand added this so that we might know when it was written. Then there is another mention in verse 23 of the book of the annals, meaning the annals of the kings of Judah. One of them is especially mentioned in the reference to David, the man of God. What a remarkable influence David had! F. B. Meyer says, How long the influence of David has lingered over the world, like the afterglow of a sunset. Yet David had a terrible record of evil in his life. He fell into adultery with Bathsheba and was involved in the murder of her husband. Because his heart was set on God, however, and he took advantage of God's provision for forgiveness, David is known to history as the man after God's own heart. The passage teaches us that we must not forget past heroes, the men and women of fame and glory whom God has used in former days. I have been reading again the writings of some of my early spiritual heroes. I would urge you, on the basis of a passage like this, to read biography! It will bless you. It will challenge you and strengthen you to see how God has used men and women of the past to stand against the temptations and pressures of the world and accomplish much for His glory. This passage also teaches us that the deeds of God are part of the record of history. That is one of the great advantages of Christianity over all the other religions of the world. Most of them are religious philosophies or simply the musings of men meditating upon various aspects of life. Many of them are a record of visions and dreams of dubious origin. But when you come to the record of the Bible, it is based upon facts. It is not legend, myth, or fiction. It is not a record of philosophies or the inventions of humans. It is made up of historic facts. God grounds these great events in the history of the world itself. Lord thank You for the lessons I can learn from those who have served You in the past and for the very real facts of history, which teach me so much about You.
    Praying
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2O26.
    "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (3)"

    โ€˜โ€ฆAll these things I will give you...โ€™ Matthew 4:9 NKJV

    THE ATTACK over the cross. Letโ€™s look at the third temptation Jesus faced: โ€˜โ€ฆThe devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, โ€œAll these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship meโ€™โ€™โ€™ (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV). Satanโ€™s third attack was over a cross-less life. In essence, he told Jesus, โ€˜You donโ€™t have to carry the cross. Just bow to me and you can have it all.โ€™ Jesus said, โ€˜โ€ฆโ€œAway with you, satan!...โ€โ€™ (Matthew 4:10 NKJV). โ€˜Awayโ€™ with any teaching that says God is your porter and He has to wait on you! Or that Heโ€™s like a vending machine; all you have to do is put in a few coins and whatever you want will come out. Paul writes, โ€˜I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for meโ€™ (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). Has God promised to bless you? Absolutely! But that doesnโ€™t mean youโ€™ll never get hurt, or face lack, or fatigue, or be betrayed and disappointed by others. Jesus said, โ€˜โ€ฆunless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies [to self], it produces muchโ€ฆโ€™ (John 12:24 NKJV). Have you ever heard the expression, โ€˜Dead man walking?โ€™ To do Godโ€™s will, you have to die to your own will, and do it daily. But if youโ€™re willing to, God will take you to a new level of blessing.

    Bible In A Year: Amos 5:18 โ€“ 9:15, Matt 20:29-34, Ps 119:145-160, Pro 19:1-2. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing

    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY โ“‚ANNA*

    SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026

    *THE REWARD OF SACRIFICIAL DISCIPLESHIP*

    *Text:* Matthew 19:27โ€“30

    27. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
    28. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
    29. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
    30. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.


    *Timeless Truth:*
    _For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister"_ (Hebrews 6:10)

    *INTRODUCTION*

    During the Second World War, Desmond Doss, an American Army medic and committed Christian, served without carrying a weapon because of his convictions. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, he repeatedly entered a dangerous battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers. He is credited with saving approximately 75 men, lowering each wounded soldier to safety while under enemy fire. Doss later received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage.
    His story reminds us that genuine commitment often involves sacrifice. A person who is committed to a worthy cause may surrender comfort, safety and personal advantage because he believes the cause is greater than himself.
    Peter's question in Matthew 19:27 comes from this same concern. The disciples had left much to follow Jesus, and Peter asked, โ€œWhat shall we have therefore?โ€ Jesus did not condemn the question. Instead, He taught them that sacrifice for God's kingdom is never wasted.*For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.* (Hebrews 6:10).
    The passage teaches us that Christ calls His followers to sacrificial discipleship, promises them spiritual reward and warns them against measuring God's kingdom by worldly standards.
    Perhaps you have sacrificed time to serve God. Perhaps you have endured rejection because of your faith. Perhaps you have given financially when it was difficult. Perhaps you have chosen obedience over personal ambition. Perhaps you have remained faithful in a ministry where nobody seems to notice your work. Jesus' answer in this passage is an encouragement: God sees, God remembers and God rewards. But Christ also corrects our understanding of reward. The Christian life is not primarily about asking, โ€œWhat can I get from following Jesus?โ€ It is about asking, โ€œHow can I faithfully serve the One who gave everything for me?โ€
    The disciples left much, but Jesus promised that their sacrifice would not be wasted. There are three great challenges before us:
    (i) Surrender your life completely to Christ.
    (ii) Serve faithfully without demanding immediate recognition. *(iii)* Stand firm when sacrifice becomes difficult.
    The world may celebrate those who appear to be first. God's kingdom operates differently. The person who quietly serves, humbly gives, faithfully prays, patiently suffers and continues obeying Christ may be accomplishing something of far greater eternal value than the person receiving public applause.
    Therefore, do not give up because your service is unnoticed. Do not stop serving because your sacrifice is costly. Do not measure God's faithfulness by your immediate circumstances. Your labour for Christ is never wasted.
    *Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 15:58)
    One day, the Lord Himself will reveal what truly mattered. And on that day, the faithful servant will discover that nothing surrendered to Christ was ever truly lost.


    *1. The Surrender of Sacrificial Discipleship*

    a. Peter reminded Jesus that the disciples had left their possessions and livelihoods to follow Him. Following Christ involves surrender. Christianity is not merely receiving blessings; it is also yielding our lives to the Lord. We must ask whether Christ truly has first place in our lives. Following Him may require us to surrender habits, relationships, ambitions, possessions, or personal preferences that compete with His will.
    b. The disciples did not merely admire Jesus; they left their former way of life and continued with Him. Christian commitment is not measured by how enthusiastically we begin, but by how faithfully we continue.

    *Questions*

    (i) What am I unwilling to surrender to Christ?
    (ii) Does my daily lifestyle demonstrate that following Jesus is more important to me than personal comfort?


    *2. The Reward of Kingdom Service*

    a. Jesus assured His disciples that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed. Jesus spoke of the future when He would sit on His glorious throne and the disciples would share in His kingdom.
    Our present service must be viewed in light of eternity. What we sacrifice for Christ now has eternal significance.
    b. Jesus promised that those who had sacrificed houses, family relationships or possessions for His name would receive abundant blessings. This does not mean that discipleship is a scheme for material prosperity. Rather, Jesus assures His followers that nothing surrendered to Him is ultimately lost. Jesus concludes His promise with: *"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters... for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.โ€*

    *Questions*

    (i) Do I serve God for His glory or mainly for recognition and earthly rewards?
    (ii) When sacrifice becomes difficult, do I remember the eternal reward promised by Christ?


    *3. The Reversal of Kingdom Standards*

    a. Jesus concludes with a statement that challenges human ideas about success and reward.
    Human society often measures greatness through wealth, position, influence, education and recognition. But God's measurement is different. We should not measure our spiritual worth by comparing ourselves with other people.
    b. God values humble service rather than self-promotion. A disciple should be willing to serve even when nobody applauds, notices or rewards the work. The world's ranking system will not determine the final outcome. God will ultimately reveal the true value of every person's service.

    *Questions*

    (i) Do I become discouraged when others receive recognition while my service remains unnoticed?
    (ii) Am I willing to serve faithfully even when I receive no immediate reward?

    *Prayer Points*

    1. Lord Jesus, help me to surrender every area of my life completely to You and place Your kingdom above my personal interests.
    2. Father, give me grace to remain faithful in serving You even when the work is difficult or unnoticed.
    3. Lord, deliver me from comparing myself with others and help me to value eternal rewards above temporary recognition.
    4. Holy Spirit, remove pride and selfish ambition from my heart and make me a humble servant who seeks God's glory rather than human applause.


    *Hymn:* Take My Life and Let It Be

    *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 9-10
    [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026```


    *BEYOND HUMAN MEASURE* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝ

    ```TEXT:MATTHEW 19:27-30```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (MATTHEW 19:29, 30).*_

    *Brother Andrew, a humble Dutchman, began smuggling Bibles into communist countries during the _Cold War,_ risking his life to serve believers behind the Iron Curtain. He didn't seek fame; he just obeyed God's quiet call. That small, faithful beginning grew into _Open Doors,_ a global ministry that continues to help persecuted Christians today. Though little known on earth, Andrew is surely honoured in heaven.*

    *His story perfectly illustrates the timeless principle Jesus lays out in today's passage: that all faithful, sacrificial service done for Him, however hidden or risky, will attract heaven's reward. In the text, Apostle Peter poses a question many believers still echo today: "We have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" It is a question laced with hope but also with the subtle implication of comparison with others and transaction with God. Considering the context, Peter's question implies that if we have given up much for God, in contrast to the rich young ruler who didn't, surely we are due a proportionate reward. In His answer, Jesus affirms that sacrifice in His name is never forgotten. Certainly, we shall receive astounding rewards, yet He closes with a warning wrapped in a paradox: "But many _that are_ first shall be last; and the last _shall be_ first."*

    *This final line holds the key to understanding divine reward, not as a salary earned but as a gift bestowed in Sovereign wisdom. God's kingdom does not run on human logic or worldly meritocracy. Instead, it operates based on grace, faithfulness, and sincerity of heart. When we serve God with a mere transactional mind-set, doing in order to receive, we risk missing the heartbeat of discipleship. And to correct this misunderstanding, Jesus immediately follows His statement with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. There, those who worked a full day were shocked to receive the same wages as those hired last. Then Jesus concluded with the same warning: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen". The point is clear: God's rewards are not based on length of service or human measure, but on His gracious prerogative. Faithfulness, not fame, draws heaven's attention.*

    *This ought to challenge and comfort us. We are not in competition in God's kingdom. We are simply called to be faithful. Whatever the sacrifice our calling may demand, the measure of our reward is not in the scope of our task but in our fidelity to it. So, as the "prize-giving day" draws near, let us serve with joy, not calculation, remembering that the One who called us is no man's debtor but a just and faithful Rewarder.*

    โœ๐Ÿฝ```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*When you serve in silence, heaven echoes your labour with eternal applause.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 9-10*



    Beyond Human Measure
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 54: I AM READY FOR SERVICE; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON; AND GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna23rdAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    โœ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿปโ€ ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ›ฐ

    ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026```

    *ATTITUDE TO WORLD AFFAIRS* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ

    ```TEXT:1 JOHN 2:15-17```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 JOHN 2:15).*_

    *The hands of the clock has been used to describe three categories of believers. Twelve-o'clock-Christians are so heavenly conscious, but of no earthly use. Half-past-six-o'clock-Christians are buried in the world and have lost the vision of heaven. The six-o'clock-believers are Christians who are of significance on earth and are heavenly minded.*

    *The significance of salt as flavour is not felt when it is isolated from other ingredients. It is not eaten as food all on its own. The worth of salt is acknowledged when it is used as flavour. So are believers. We are the salt of the earth. While we insulate ourselves from the pollutions of the world and live with the consciousness of heaven, we should equally exact positive influence in the world.*

    *Christian youths can influence their world in various clubs in school - like the Press Club, Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists, Young Farmers Club, Red Cross Society - to shine the gospel light. Qualified youths should exercise their franchise during elections as responsible citizens. We should not contaminate ourselves with the evils of the society; instead, impact it positively.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Youths can influence their world.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't isolate but insulate against the world.*_

    ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝ ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to be a blessing to the world.*_



    Attitude To World Affairs
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    [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2โƒฃ0โƒฃ2โƒฃ)*_

    ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿผโ€โ€๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿผโ€

    ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026```

    *FIRST ON THE LIST* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ

    ```PSALM 103:1-5```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:3).*_



    A list always starts with number one (1). In most cases, the first thing is the most important. For example, in an examination result, the first position is given to the child that scores the highest mark. The first always opens the list for other items to follow.

    As shown in our Bible passage, the first opens the door for all other benefits to come through. The blessings of God seem to be arranged in a divine, logical order in the lives of God's children. We do not have to rush for the second if we have not yet received the first. Sins (iniquities) block our way to receiving God's many benefits or blessings.

    Sin must first be removed out of our lives if we want to have God's blessings. For, *"if I regard* (allow) *iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"* - and bless me (Psalm 66:18). In our Bible passage, the first benefit stated there is *"forgiveness of sin"*.

    It is after you have received this first benefit, by turning away from your bad ways, saying sorry to God, and making Jesus your Saviour and friend, that you are qualified to enjoy the other benefits like healing, deliverance, love and mercy of God, provision and long life.

    *If you desire God's blessings in your life, do the first thing first: repent and turn away from your sins, and the needed blessings will come into your life.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, I am sorry for every bad thing I have done. Forgive my sins, be merciful to me and bless me.*_ ๐Ÿฝ

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Psalm 32:1, 2*



    First On The List
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    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. โค Hebrews 10:22

    He who kneels the most, stands the best. โค D.L. Moody

    Most gracious God, in Your good providence You have allowed us to see the light of another Sundayโ€”draw near to us in mercy. May the Sun of righteousness arise upon us with healing in His wings. May our fellowship this day be with You, the Father, and with Your Son, Jesus Christ. May all unworthy thoughts be suppressed, and may our hearts be filled with holy desires. Be a guest in our home today. Abide with us and sanctify our home life.

    We ask You to bless all the gatherings of Your people who will worship today in any part of the world. May Your Spirit be with all who preach and teach in the name of Jesus, and with all who love You. May Your word have great power. May lost sinners be convicted and led to repentance. May Christians be strengthened and encouraged. May those who are sorrowful be comforted. May children and young people receive holy and heavenly guidance and be blessed. May this be a day of the power of the Most High, and may its influence be deep and lasting.

    We ask You, O God, to give us a good Sunday in our own home. Help us to remember the day and keep it in a way that pleases You and brings blessings into our lives. May our love for each other grow as we worship together. May Your love be poured out in our hearts more abundantly. May we stay close to Your heart all day. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒบ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŒน๐ŸŽ€ MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (3)" โ€˜โ€ฆAll these things I will give you...โ€™ Matthew 4:9 NKJV THE ATTACK over the cross. Letโ€™s look at the third temptation Jesus faced: โ€˜โ€ฆThe devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, โ€œAll these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship meโ€™โ€™โ€™ (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV). Satanโ€™s third attack was over a cross-less life. In essence, he told Jesus, โ€˜You donโ€™t have to carry the cross. Just bow to me and you can have it all.โ€™ Jesus said, โ€˜โ€ฆโ€œAway with you, satan!...โ€โ€™ (Matthew 4:10 NKJV). โ€˜Awayโ€™ with any teaching that says God is your porter and He has to wait on you! Or that Heโ€™s like a vending machine; all you have to do is put in a few coins and whatever you want will come out. Paul writes, โ€˜I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for meโ€™ (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). Has God promised to bless you? Absolutely! But that doesnโ€™t mean youโ€™ll never get hurt, or face lack, or fatigue, or be betrayed and disappointed by others. Jesus said, โ€˜โ€ฆunless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies [to self], it produces muchโ€ฆโ€™ (John 12:24 NKJV). Have you ever heard the expression, โ€˜Dead man walking?โ€™ To do Godโ€™s will, you have to die to your own will, and do it daily. But if youโ€™re willing to, God will take you to a new level of blessing. Bible In A Year: Amos 5:18 โ€“ 9:15, Matt 20:29-34, Ps 119:145-160, Pro 19:1-2. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ€ *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒท. MD.ii. [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY โ“‚ANNA* SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026 *THE REWARD OF SACRIFICIAL DISCIPLESHIP* *Text:* Matthew 19:27โ€“30 27. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. *Timeless Truth:* _For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister"_ (Hebrews 6:10) *INTRODUCTION* During the Second World War, Desmond Doss, an American Army medic and committed Christian, served without carrying a weapon because of his convictions. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, he repeatedly entered a dangerous battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers. He is credited with saving approximately 75 men, lowering each wounded soldier to safety while under enemy fire. Doss later received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage. His story reminds us that genuine commitment often involves sacrifice. A person who is committed to a worthy cause may surrender comfort, safety and personal advantage because he believes the cause is greater than himself. Peter's question in Matthew 19:27 comes from this same concern. The disciples had left much to follow Jesus, and Peter asked, โ€œWhat shall we have therefore?โ€ Jesus did not condemn the question. Instead, He taught them that sacrifice for God's kingdom is never wasted.*For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.* (Hebrews 6:10). The passage teaches us that Christ calls His followers to sacrificial discipleship, promises them spiritual reward and warns them against measuring God's kingdom by worldly standards. Perhaps you have sacrificed time to serve God. Perhaps you have endured rejection because of your faith. Perhaps you have given financially when it was difficult. Perhaps you have chosen obedience over personal ambition. Perhaps you have remained faithful in a ministry where nobody seems to notice your work. Jesus' answer in this passage is an encouragement: God sees, God remembers and God rewards. But Christ also corrects our understanding of reward. The Christian life is not primarily about asking, โ€œWhat can I get from following Jesus?โ€ It is about asking, โ€œHow can I faithfully serve the One who gave everything for me?โ€ The disciples left much, but Jesus promised that their sacrifice would not be wasted. There are three great challenges before us: (i) Surrender your life completely to Christ. (ii) Serve faithfully without demanding immediate recognition. *(iii)* Stand firm when sacrifice becomes difficult. The world may celebrate those who appear to be first. God's kingdom operates differently. The person who quietly serves, humbly gives, faithfully prays, patiently suffers and continues obeying Christ may be accomplishing something of far greater eternal value than the person receiving public applause. Therefore, do not give up because your service is unnoticed. Do not stop serving because your sacrifice is costly. Do not measure God's faithfulness by your immediate circumstances. Your labour for Christ is never wasted. *Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 15:58) One day, the Lord Himself will reveal what truly mattered. And on that day, the faithful servant will discover that nothing surrendered to Christ was ever truly lost. *1. The Surrender of Sacrificial Discipleship* a. Peter reminded Jesus that the disciples had left their possessions and livelihoods to follow Him. Following Christ involves surrender. Christianity is not merely receiving blessings; it is also yielding our lives to the Lord. We must ask whether Christ truly has first place in our lives. Following Him may require us to surrender habits, relationships, ambitions, possessions, or personal preferences that compete with His will. b. The disciples did not merely admire Jesus; they left their former way of life and continued with Him. Christian commitment is not measured by how enthusiastically we begin, but by how faithfully we continue. *Questions* (i) What am I unwilling to surrender to Christ? (ii) Does my daily lifestyle demonstrate that following Jesus is more important to me than personal comfort? *2. The Reward of Kingdom Service* a. Jesus assured His disciples that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed. Jesus spoke of the future when He would sit on His glorious throne and the disciples would share in His kingdom. Our present service must be viewed in light of eternity. What we sacrifice for Christ now has eternal significance. b. Jesus promised that those who had sacrificed houses, family relationships or possessions for His name would receive abundant blessings. This does not mean that discipleship is a scheme for material prosperity. Rather, Jesus assures His followers that nothing surrendered to Him is ultimately lost. Jesus concludes His promise with: *"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters... for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.โ€* *Questions* (i) Do I serve God for His glory or mainly for recognition and earthly rewards? (ii) When sacrifice becomes difficult, do I remember the eternal reward promised by Christ? *3. The Reversal of Kingdom Standards* a. Jesus concludes with a statement that challenges human ideas about success and reward. Human society often measures greatness through wealth, position, influence, education and recognition. But God's measurement is different. We should not measure our spiritual worth by comparing ourselves with other people. b. God values humble service rather than self-promotion. A disciple should be willing to serve even when nobody applauds, notices or rewards the work. The world's ranking system will not determine the final outcome. God will ultimately reveal the true value of every person's service. *Questions* (i) Do I become discouraged when others receive recognition while my service remains unnoticed? (ii) Am I willing to serve faithfully even when I receive no immediate reward? *Prayer Points* 1. Lord Jesus, help me to surrender every area of my life completely to You and place Your kingdom above my personal interests.๐Ÿ™ 2. Father, give me grace to remain faithful in serving You even when the work is difficult or unnoticed.๐Ÿ™ 3. Lord, deliver me from comparing myself with others and help me to value eternal rewards above temporary recognition.๐Ÿ™ 4. Holy Spirit, remove pride and selfish ambition from my heart and make me a humble servant who seeks God's glory rather than human applause.๐Ÿ™ *Hymn:* Take My Life and Let It Be *THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 9-10 [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY โ“‚๏ธANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *BEYOND HUMAN MEASURE* ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```TEXT:MATTHEW 19:27-30```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ”‘๐Ÿ“–```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (MATTHEW 19:29, 30).*_ *Brother Andrew, a humble Dutchman, began smuggling Bibles into communist countries during the _Cold War,_ risking his life to serve believers behind the Iron Curtain. He didn't seek fame; he just obeyed God's quiet call. That small, faithful beginning grew into _Open Doors,_ a global ministry that continues to help persecuted Christians today. Though little known on earth, Andrew is surely honoured in heaven.* *His story perfectly illustrates the timeless principle Jesus lays out in today's passage: that all faithful, sacrificial service done for Him, however hidden or risky, will attract heaven's reward. In the text, Apostle Peter poses a question many believers still echo today: "We have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" It is a question laced with hope but also with the subtle implication of comparison with others and transaction with God. Considering the context, Peter's question implies that if we have given up much for God, in contrast to the rich young ruler who didn't, surely we are due a proportionate reward. In His answer, Jesus affirms that sacrifice in His name is never forgotten. Certainly, we shall receive astounding rewards, yet He closes with a warning wrapped in a paradox: "But many _that are_ first shall be last; and the last _shall be_ first."* *This final line holds the key to understanding divine reward, not as a salary earned but as a gift bestowed in Sovereign wisdom. God's kingdom does not run on human logic or worldly meritocracy. Instead, it operates based on grace, faithfulness, and sincerity of heart. When we serve God with a mere transactional mind-set, doing in order to receive, we risk missing the heartbeat of discipleship. And to correct this misunderstanding, Jesus immediately follows His statement with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. There, those who worked a full day were shocked to receive the same wages as those hired last. Then Jesus concluded with the same warning: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen". The point is clear: God's rewards are not based on length of service or human measure, but on His gracious prerogative. Faithfulness, not fame, draws heaven's attention.* *This ought to challenge and comfort us. We are not in competition in God's kingdom. We are simply called to be faithful. Whatever the sacrifice our calling may demand, the measure of our reward is not in the scope of our task but in our fidelity to it. So, as the "prize-giving day" draws near, let us serve with joy, not calculation, remembering that the One who called us is no man's debtor but a just and faithful Rewarder.* โœ๐Ÿฝ```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*When you serve in silence, heaven echoes your labour with eternal applause.*_ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 9-10*๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ Beyond Human Measure https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 54: I AM READY FOR SERVICE; GHS 59: LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT; GHS 62: GO LABOUR ON; AND GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD๐Ÿ…ฐ๏ธY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ โœ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ผ๐ŸŒป ๐Ÿ‡๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ›ฐ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *ATTITUDE TO WORLD AFFAIRS* ๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธโค๏ธ๐ŸŒโŒ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```TEXT:1 JOHN 2:15-17```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ“–``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 JOHN 2:15).*_ *The hands of the clock has been used to describe three categories of believers. Twelve-o'clock-Christians are so heavenly conscious, but of no earthly use. Half-past-six-o'clock-Christians are buried in the world and have lost the vision of heaven. The six-o'clock-believers are Christians who are of significance on earth and are heavenly minded.* *The significance of salt as flavour is not felt when it is isolated from other ingredients. It is not eaten as food all on its own. The worth of salt is acknowledged when it is used as flavour. So are believers. We are the salt of the earth. While we insulate ourselves from the pollutions of the world and live with the consciousness of heaven, we should equally exact positive influence in the world.* *Christian youths can influence their world in various clubs in school - like the Press Club, Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists, Young Farmers Club, Red Cross Society - to shine the gospel light. Qualified youths should exercise their franchise during elections as responsible citizens. We should not contaminate ourselves with the evils of the society; instead, impact it positively.* ๐Ÿ’ฌ ```QUOTE:``` _*Youths can influence their world.*_ ๐Ÿ† ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't isolate but insulate against the world.*_ ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to be a blessing to the world.*_ Attitude To World Affairs https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [22/08, 8:22 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2โƒฃ0โƒฃ2โƒฃ6๏ธโƒฃ)*_ ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ ```SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026``` *FIRST ON THE LIST* ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธโœ๏ธ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿฉธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```PSALM 103:1-5```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ•”๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ๐Ÿšป๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŽผ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿชด๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ’ป ๐Ÿ”‘๐Ÿ“– ```Key Verse:``` _*"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:3).*_ ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“– A list always starts with number one (1). In most cases, the first thing is the most important. For example, in an examination result, the first position is given to the child that scores the highest mark. The first always opens the list for other items to follow. As shown in our Bible passage, the first opens the door for all other benefits to come through. The blessings of God seem to be arranged in a divine, logical order in the lives of God's children. We do not have to rush for the second if we have not yet received the first. Sins (iniquities) block our way to receiving God's many benefits or blessings. Sin must first be removed out of our lives if we want to have God's blessings. For, *"if I regard* (allow) *iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"* - and bless me (Psalm 66:18). In our Bible passage, the first benefit stated there is *"forgiveness of sin"*. It is after you have received this first benefit, by turning away from your bad ways, saying sorry to God, and making Jesus your Saviour and friend, that you are qualified to enjoy the other benefits like healing, deliverance, love and mercy of God, provision and long life. *If you desire God's blessings in your life, do the first thing first: repent and turn away from your sins, and the needed blessings will come into your life.* ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ ```๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธrayer:``` _*Lord, I am sorry for every bad thing I have done. Forgive my sins, be merciful to me and bless me.*_ ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ```๐Ÿ“– Further Reading:``` *Psalm 32:1, 2* First On The List https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk23rdAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. โค Hebrews 10:22 He who kneels the most, stands the best. โค D.L. Moody Most gracious God, in Your good providence You have allowed us to see the light of another Sundayโ€”draw near to us in mercy. May the Sun of righteousness arise upon us with healing in His wings. May our fellowship this day be with You, the Father, and with Your Son, Jesus Christ. May all unworthy thoughts be suppressed, and may our hearts be filled with holy desires. Be a guest in our home today. Abide with us and sanctify our home life. We ask You to bless all the gatherings of Your people who will worship today in any part of the world. May Your Spirit be with all who preach and teach in the name of Jesus, and with all who love You. May Your word have great power. May lost sinners be convicted and led to repentance. May Christians be strengthened and encouraged. May those who are sorrowful be comforted. May children and young people receive holy and heavenly guidance and be blessed. May this be a day of the power of the Most High, and may its influence be deep and lasting. We ask You, O God, to give us a good Sunday in our own home. Help us to remember the day and keep it in a way that pleases You and brings blessings into our lives. May our love for each other grow as we worship together. May Your love be poured out in our hearts more abundantly. May we stay close to Your heart all day. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Our hero makes a cup of Turkish coffee, gets his pack of cigarettes, and goes into his room, responding to some emails and messages, then goes to exercise in his home gym; the workout is the same with dumbbells, sometimes light barbell deadlifts, and simple moves with weights.
    He posts the workout live on YouTube; he has a YouTube channel, even though he does not know why he cares, but it gives him something to do when there is no work; it was a Monday; that's when he goes to church for bible study and a family prayer meeting.

    Being a Coptic Orthodox Christian is different; he loves the church, but he is always uneasy and confused and does not know where he stands about his faith; he believes in the creed.

    He was born on 9/9/1986; now he is 39 years old, has a lot more wisdom and knowledge about life and work, and he tries to follow Christ, but he always feels like he is not doing enough; being with mental illness determines what he can and cannot do, although he may pass as totally normal.

    It goes into his head: what is normal, who defines it, or how being normal can be defined; he is like 60% analytical, and the rest is just total and utterly unrealistic “he is out of his mind in the remaining 40%.”

    He comes back from church, takes his medication, and goes to sleep. He dreams of his father; they are having a conversation. Before he gets up, he tells his father I will talk to you when I get up, that is weird.
    :
    His father passed away like 10 years ago, and before that he had progressive supranuclear palsy and became paralyzed for the last 10 years of his life.

    This is the way with dreams, unrealistic and never complete, but sometimes his thinking is more unrealistic than his dreams.
    But if you ask him what his dreams are, he will not be able to answer; this is a question that he never had an answer to.

    Others dream of fame and fortune, but he thinks being unknown is amazing. Money for what? All lives start the same and end the same; money can buy luxuries that are unessential, and the most expensive foods, which go down the same.


    The world is fascinated with Alion Musk, President Trump and Mohamed Slah, without noticing the sacrifices they had to make, to live for their work and it only, they may look happy, they do what they love so they are happy, so do the work that makes you happy, but life and work is not that simple, young adults get married and within after 9 months their first born, they are not ready, but it is dictated by the community they live in, and it is a disaster not to have kids after 2 years of marriage, that is if the relationship happens in the context of marriage.

    This is thought that passed through his head, he realizes that he does not conform with his community and church, he grew up in a mix of ideas and beliefs, adding to that the tragedies that happened in his life, these morphed the person he is now, he believes in Christ, he loves others as he loves himself, but he knows that not one denomination has a monopoly on Christianity and that only God knows the hearts of his creation.

    But when he enters his church, he feels that God is truly present with him. When he listens to Christian songs that praise and glorify God, his spirit rejoices, and he feels a deep sense of peace and closeness to Him. He is also inspired by the way Catholics serve their communities, helping those in need and putting their faith into action through love, compassion, and service.

    But all these thoughts just hit a wall when he tries to articulate them to someone, specially to Orthodox and Catholics, he sees great understanding in Evangelicals.

    He realizes that those thoughts pop up because he has not gotten a project in a long time, but that is freelancing for you, he was unable to hold a steady paying job for more than 5 days, most of those was call center jobs, others were busboy jobs, he did not understand life as he does now.

    He works from home, but like all freelance jobs there is no steady salary, that is a problem for when and if the miracle happens and he finds a wife, it is not only the age and work it is also the medication he must take.

    May be deep down he think he does not deserve love; he cannot imagine his life with a wife and kids, how can he have children to face this life in this world, how can he repeat the cycle, and of course his feelings of impending doom and end, he is fascinated with Bible prophesy and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Today he has a confession, he goes in and tries his best, he confesses his hesitation in the Orthodox faith, and that he cannot fast and be ready for communion, with his condition and all.

    He is sure of one thing that gods answer his prayers all of them, something happens and he remembers he prayed for that a long time ago, some answers are in the way.

    The medication timing can make or break the patient’s life, taking a sedating medication in the morning is very counterproductive, and if psychiatrists have their way all patients will be walking zombies, he sees this happens.

    Talking about the hospital, anyone how goes there may see it as a horrible place, he sees it as therapeutic, when you see people who can’t walk or unable to take care of their basic needs you really thank God for everything you can do and have.

    He sometimes thinks of his father and the cross he caried, to be totally paralyzed for 9 years, unable to speak, unable to move, unable to eat sold food, his father was a good man, he has his downfalls, but he had a good heart.

    Our hero remembers his first day in university, he was young and outright weird, with his father in this condition, he was unable to adapt, this is when his illness started, he tried his best to study but after his father passed away, he left this university in his third year.

    At the beginning of his healing journey his psychologist and mother were trying to push him to have a social life, like going to church meetings and university and other social events, she is a virtuous woman but narrowminded.
    Our hero makes a cup of Turkish coffee, gets his pack of cigarettes, and goes into his room, responding to some emails and messages, then goes to exercise in his home gym; the workout is the same with dumbbells, sometimes light barbell deadlifts, and simple moves with weights. He posts the workout live on YouTube; he has a YouTube channel, even though he does not know why he cares, but it gives him something to do when there is no work; it was a Monday; that's when he goes to church for bible study and a family prayer meeting. Being a Coptic Orthodox Christian is different; he loves the church, but he is always uneasy and confused and does not know where he stands about his faith; he believes in the creed. He was born on 9/9/1986; now he is 39 years old, has a lot more wisdom and knowledge about life and work, and he tries to follow Christ, but he always feels like he is not doing enough; being with mental illness determines what he can and cannot do, although he may pass as totally normal. It goes into his head: what is normal, who defines it, or how being normal can be defined; he is like 60% analytical, and the rest is just total and utterly unrealistic “he is out of his mind in the remaining 40%.” He comes back from church, takes his medication, and goes to sleep. He dreams of his father; they are having a conversation. Before he gets up, he tells his father I will talk to you when I get up, that is weird. : His father passed away like 10 years ago, and before that he had progressive supranuclear palsy and became paralyzed for the last 10 years of his life. This is the way with dreams, unrealistic and never complete, but sometimes his thinking is more unrealistic than his dreams. But if you ask him what his dreams are, he will not be able to answer; this is a question that he never had an answer to. Others dream of fame and fortune, but he thinks being unknown is amazing. Money for what? All lives start the same and end the same; money can buy luxuries that are unessential, and the most expensive foods, which go down the same. The world is fascinated with Alion Musk, President Trump and Mohamed Slah, without noticing the sacrifices they had to make, to live for their work and it only, they may look happy, they do what they love so they are happy, so do the work that makes you happy, but life and work is not that simple, young adults get married and within after 9 months their first born, they are not ready, but it is dictated by the community they live in, and it is a disaster not to have kids after 2 years of marriage, that is if the relationship happens in the context of marriage. This is thought that passed through his head, he realizes that he does not conform with his community and church, he grew up in a mix of ideas and beliefs, adding to that the tragedies that happened in his life, these morphed the person he is now, he believes in Christ, he loves others as he loves himself, but he knows that not one denomination has a monopoly on Christianity and that only God knows the hearts of his creation. But when he enters his church, he feels that God is truly present with him. When he listens to Christian songs that praise and glorify God, his spirit rejoices, and he feels a deep sense of peace and closeness to Him. He is also inspired by the way Catholics serve their communities, helping those in need and putting their faith into action through love, compassion, and service. But all these thoughts just hit a wall when he tries to articulate them to someone, specially to Orthodox and Catholics, he sees great understanding in Evangelicals. He realizes that those thoughts pop up because he has not gotten a project in a long time, but that is freelancing for you, he was unable to hold a steady paying job for more than 5 days, most of those was call center jobs, others were busboy jobs, he did not understand life as he does now. He works from home, but like all freelance jobs there is no steady salary, that is a problem for when and if the miracle happens and he finds a wife, it is not only the age and work it is also the medication he must take. May be deep down he think he does not deserve love; he cannot imagine his life with a wife and kids, how can he have children to face this life in this world, how can he repeat the cycle, and of course his feelings of impending doom and end, he is fascinated with Bible prophesy and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Today he has a confession, he goes in and tries his best, he confesses his hesitation in the Orthodox faith, and that he cannot fast and be ready for communion, with his condition and all. He is sure of one thing that gods answer his prayers all of them, something happens and he remembers he prayed for that a long time ago, some answers are in the way. The medication timing can make or break the patient’s life, taking a sedating medication in the morning is very counterproductive, and if psychiatrists have their way all patients will be walking zombies, he sees this happens. Talking about the hospital, anyone how goes there may see it as a horrible place, he sees it as therapeutic, when you see people who can’t walk or unable to take care of their basic needs you really thank God for everything you can do and have. He sometimes thinks of his father and the cross he caried, to be totally paralyzed for 9 years, unable to speak, unable to move, unable to eat sold food, his father was a good man, he has his downfalls, but he had a good heart. Our hero remembers his first day in university, he was young and outright weird, with his father in this condition, he was unable to adapt, this is when his illness started, he tried his best to study but after his father passed away, he left this university in his third year. At the beginning of his healing journey his psychologist and mother were trying to push him to have a social life, like going to church meetings and university and other social events, she is a virtuous woman but narrowminded.
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  • MEANING OF SACKCLOTH AND ASHES.

    Sackcloth and ashes originates from biblical texts and is used to symbolize:
    MOURNING,(*Deep sorrow and grief)
    REPENTANCE, (*Desire to change)
    AND HUMILITY.(*Humbled to Father in shame)

    Wearing sackcloth, is uncomfortable and course fabric. Usually made from goats hair. Sitting in ashes were traditional practices during times of great spiritual and physical distress or showing their penance for sins.

    In the Bible, figures such as Job and the people of Israel used sackcloth and ashes to express their sorrow and seek forgiveness from Father. This showed a deep sense of remorse and the desire to turn away from their iniquity.

    These biblical stories of mourning, repentance, and humility show someone who is experiencing regret for transgressions by taking responsibility for their actions, and bowing down to the heavenly Father. Demonstrating the act of being nothing but dirty ashes. Burnt up and consumed with the trials and tribulation of this life.

    REPENTANCE OF NINEVEH
    (Jonah 3:5-6)
    When Jonah prophesies the destruction of Nineveh, the king and the people respond by donning sackcloth and sitting in ashes as a sign of repentance.

    THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH BELIEVE

    Jonah 3:5-10 KJV

    1 SO THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH
    Believed God,
    And proclaimed a fast,
    And put on SACKCLOTH,
    From the greatest of them
    Even to the least of them.

    6 FOR WORD CAME
    UNTO THE KING OF NINEVEH,
    And he arose from his throne,
    And he laid his robe from him,
    And covered him with SACKCLOTH,
    And sat in ASHES.

    7 AND HE CAUSED IT TO BE PROCLAIMED
    And published through Nineveh
    By the decree of the king and his nobles,
    Saying, Let neither man nor beast,
    Herd nor flock, taste any thing:
    Let them not feed, nor drink water:

    8 BUT LET MAN AND BEAST
    Be covered with SACKCLOTH,
    And cry mightily unto God:
    Yea, let them turn every one
    From his evil way, and from the violence
    That is in their hands.

    9 WHO CAN TELL IF GOD WILL TURN
    AND REPENT,
    And turn away from his fierce anger,
    That we perish not?

    10 AND GOD SAW THEIR WORKS,
    That they turned from their evil way;
    And God repented of the evil,
    That he had said
    That he would Do unto them;
    And he did it not.

    KING DAVID MOURNS
    (2 Samuel 12:16-17)
    After the death of his child, with Besthsheba, David fasts and mourns, emphasizing humility and sorrow. The child was born through adultery and murder. God did not let it live.

    THE DEATH OF DAVIDโ€™S SON

    2 Samuel 12:15-23 KJV

    15 AND NATHAN DEPARTED
    Unto his house.
    And the Lord struck the child
    That Uriah's wife bare unto David,
    And it was very sick.

    16 DAVID THEREFORE BESOUGHT GOD
    For the child;
    And David fasted,
    And went in,
    And lay all night upon the earth.

    17 AND THE ELDERS
    OF HIS HOUSE AROSE,
    And went to him,
    To raise him up from the earth:
    But he would not,
    Neither did he eat bread with them.

    18 AND IT CAME TO PASS
    On the seventh day,
    That the child died.
    And the servants of David
    Feared to tell him that the child was dead:
    For they said, Behold,
    While the child was yet alive,
    We spake unto him,
    And he would not hearken unto our voice:
    How will he then vex himself,
    If we tell him that the child is dead?

    19 BUT WHEN DAVID SAW
    That his servants whispered,
    David perceived that the child was dead:
    Therefore David said unto his servants,
    Is the child dead?
    And they said, He is dead.

    20 THEN DAVID AROSE FROM THE EARTH,
    And washed, and anointed himself,
    And changed his apparel,
    And came into the house of the Lord,
    And worshipped:
    Then he came to his own house;
    And when he required,
    They set bread before him,
    And he did eat.

    21 THEN SAID HIS SERVANTS UNTO HIM,
    What thing is this that thou hast done?
    Thou didst fast and weep for the child,
    While it was alive;
    But when the child was dead,
    Thou didst rise and eat bread.

    22 AND HE SAID,
    While the child was yet alive,
    I fasted and wept:
    For I said,
    Who can tell whether God
    Will be gracious to
    me, that the child may live?

    23 BUT NOW HE IS DEAD,
    Wherefore should I fast?
    Can I bring him back again?
    I shall go to him,
    But he shall not return to me.

    QUEEN ESTHER'S PLEA
    (Esther 4)
    Esther asks the Jews to fast and wear sackcloth as they seek deliverance from impending doom.

    ESTHER AGREES TO HELP THE JEWS

    Esther 4 KJV

    1 WHEN MORDECAI PERCEIVED
    All that was done,
    Mordecai rent his clothes,
    And put on sackcloth with ashes,
    And went out into the midst of the city,
    And cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

    2 AND CAME EVEN
    BEFORE THE KING'S GATE:
    For none might enter into the king's gate
    Clothed with sackcloth.

    3 AND IN EVERY PROVINCE,
    Whithersoever the king's commandment
    And his decree came,
    There was great mourning
    Among the Jews,
    And fasting,
    And weeping,
    And wailing;
    And many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

    4 SO ESTHER'S MAIDS
    And her chamberlains
    Came and told it her.
    Then was the queen exceedingly grieved;
    And she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai,
    And to take away his sackcloth from him:
    But he received it not.

    5 THEN CALLED ESTHER FOR HATACH,
    One of the king's chamberlains,
    Whom he had appointed
    To attend upon her,
    And gave him a commandment
    To Mordecai,
    To know what it was,
    And why it was.

    6 SO HATACH WENT FORTH
    TO MORDECAI
    Unto the street of the city,
    Which was before the king's gate.

    7 AND MORDECAI TOLD HIM OF ALL
    That had happened unto him,
    And of the sum of the money
    That Haman had promised
    To pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews,
    To destroy them.

    8 ALSO HE GAVE HIM THE COPY
    Of the writing of the decree
    That was given at Shushan
    To destroy them,
    To shew it unto Esther,
    And to declare it unto her,
    And to charge her that she should go
    In unto the king,
    To make supplication unto him,
    And to make request before him
    For her people.

    9 AND HATACH CAME
    And told Esther the words of Mordecai.

    10 AGAINST ESTHER
    SPAKE UNTO HATACH,
    And gave him commandment
    Unto Mordecai;

    11 ALL THE KING'S SERVANTS,
    And the people of the king's provinces,
    Do know, that whosoever,
    Whether man or women,
    Shall come unto the king
    Into the inner court,
    Who is not called,
    There is one law of his to put him to death,
    Except such to whom the king
    Shall hold out the golden sceptre,
    That he may live:
    But I have not been called to come in
    Unto the king these thirty days.

    12 AND THEY TOLD TO MORDECAI
    Esther's words.

    13 THEN MORDECAI COMMANDED
    To answer Esther,
    Think not with thyself
    That thou shalt escape
    In the king's house,
    More than all the Jews.

    14 FOR IF THOU ALTOGETHER
    Holdest thy peace at this time,
    Then shall there enlargement
    And deliverance
    Arise to the Jews from another place;
    But thou and thy father's house
    Shall be destroyed:
    And who knoweth whether thou art come
    To the kingdom for such a time as this?

    15 THEN ESTHER BADE THEM
    Return Mordecai this answer,

    16 GO, GATHER TOGETHER ALL THE JEWS
    That are present in Shushan,
    And fast ye for me,
    And neither eat nor drink three days,
    Night or day:
    I also and my maidens will fast likewise;
    And so will I go in unto the king,
    Which is not according to the law:
    And if I perish, I perish.

    17 SO MORDECAI WENT HIS WAY,
    And did according to all
    That Esther had commanded him.

    PROPHET JEREMIAH
    (Jeremiah 6:26)
    Jeremiah calls for mourning in Israel, invoking sackcloth as a sign of sorrow for sin.

    IMPENDING DESTRUCTION FROM THE NORTH

    Jeremiah 6:16-30 KJV

    16 THUS SAITH THE LORD,
    Stand ye in the ways, and see,
    And ask for the old paths,
    Where is the good way, and walk therein,
    And ye shall find rest for your souls.
    But they said,
    We will not walk therein.

    17 ALSO I SET WATCHMEN OVER YOU,
    Saying,
    Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.
    But they said,
    We will not hearken.

    18 THEREFORE HEAR,
    Ye nations, and know,
    O congregation,
    What is among them.

    19 HEARKEN, O EARTH:
    BEHOLD,
    I will bring evil upon this people,
    Even the fruit of their thoughts,
    Because they have not hearkened
    Unto my words, nor to my law,
    But rejected it.

    20 TO WHAT PURPOSE COMETH THERE
    To me incense from Sheba,
    And the sweet cane from a far country?
    Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,
    Nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

    21 THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD,
    BEHOLD,
    I will lay stumblingblocks
    Before this people,
    And the fathers and the sons together
    Shall fall upon them;
    The neighbour and his friend shall perish.

    22 THUS SAITH THE LORD,
    BEHOLD,
    A people cometh from the north country,
    And a great nation shall be raised
    From the sides of the earth.

    23 THEY SHALL LAY HOLD
    ON BOW AND SPEAR;
    They are cruel, and have no mercy;
    Their voice roareth like the sea;
    And they ride upon horses,
    Set in array as men for war against thee,
    O daughter of Zion.

    24 WE HAVE HEARD THE FAME THEREOF:
    Our hands wax feeble:
    Anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain,
    As of a woman in travail.

    25 GO NOT FORTH INTO THE FIELD,
    Nor walk by the way;
    For the sword of the enemy
    And fear is on every side.

    26 O DAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE,
    Gird thee with sackcloth,
    And wallow thyself in ashes:
    Make thee mourning, as for an only son,
    Most bitter lamentation:
    For the spoiler shall suddenly
    Come upon us.

    27 I HAVE SET THEE FOR A TOWER
    And a fortress among my people,
    That thou mayest know and try their way.

    28 THEY ARE ALL GRIEVOUS REVOLTERS,
    Walking with slanders:
    They are brass and iron;
    They are all corrupters.

    29 THE BELLOWS ARE BURNED,
    The lead is consumed of the fire;
    The founder melteth in vain:
    For the wicked are not plucked away.

    30 REPROBATE SILVER
    Shall men call them,
    Because the Lord hath rejected them.

    THE ISRAELITES
    (Isaiah 15:3, Micah 1:10)
    Throughout the books of the prophets, sackcloth is often mentioned as part of national mourning or individual repentance.

    JUDGMENT ON ISRAEL AND JUDAH

    Micah 1 KJV

    1 THE WORD OF THE LORD
    That came to Micah
    The Morasthite in the days of Jotham,
    Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah,
    Which he saw concerning Samaria
    And Jerusalem.

    2 HEAR, ALL YE PEOPLE;
    Hearken, O earth,
    And all that therein is:
    And let the Lord God
    Be witness against you,
    The Lord from his holy temple.

    3 FOR, BEHOLD
    The Lord cometh forth
    Out of His place,
    And will come down,
    And tread upon
    The high places of the earth.

    4 AND THE MOUNTAINS
    Shall be molten
    Under him,
    And the valleys shall be cleft,
    As wax before the fire,
    And as the waters that are poured down
    A steep place.

    5 FOR THE TRANSGRESSION
    Of Jacob is all this,
    And for the sins of the house of Israel.
    What is the transgression of Jacob?
    Is it not Samaria?
    And what are the high places of Judah?
    Are they not Jerusalem?

    6 THEREFORE I WILL MAKE SAMARIA
    As an heap of the field,
    And as plantings of a vineyard:
    And I will pour down
    The stones thereof into the valley,
    And I will discover the foundations thereof.

    7 AND ALL THE GRAVEN IMAGES
    THEREOF
    Shall be beaten to pieces,
    And all the hires thereof
    Shall be burned with the fire,
    And all the idols thereof will I lay desolate:
    For she gathered it of the hire of an harlot,
    And they shall return to
    THE HIRE OF AN HARLOT.

    8 THEREFORE I WILL WAIL AND HOWL,
    I will go stripped and naked:
    I will make a wailing like the dragons,
    And mourning as the owls.

    9 FOR HER WOUND IS INCURABLE;
    For it is come unto Judah;
    He is come unto the gate of my people,
    Even to Jerusalem.

    10 DECLARE YE IT NOT AT GATH,
    Weep ye not at all:
    In the house of Aphrah
    Roll thyself in the dust.

    11 PASS YE AWAY,
    Thou inhabitant of Saphir,
    Having thy shame naked:
    The inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth
    In the mourning of Bethezel;
    He shall receive of you his standing.

    12 FOR THE INHABITANT OF MAROTH
    Waited carefully for good:
    But evil came down from the Lord
    Unto the gate of Jerusalem.

    13 O THOU INHABITANT OF LACHISH,
    Vind the chariot to the swift beast:
    She is the beginning of the sin
    To the daughter of Zion:
    For the transgressions of Israel
    Were found in thee.

    14 THEREFORE SHALT THOU GIVE
    Presents to Moreshethgath:
    The houses of Achzib
    Shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.

    15 YET WILL I BRING AN HEIR UNTO THEE,
    O inhabitant of Mareshah:
    He shall come unto Adullam
    THE GLORY OF ISRAEL.

    16 MAKE THEE BALD,
    And poll thee for thy delicate children;
    Enlarge thy baldness as the eagle;
    For they are gone into captivity from thee.

    The significance of sackcloth and ashes in the Bible, demonstrates moments of deep emotional strive and the desire to reconcile with The Father.

    The 2 witnesses come teaching
    sackcloth and ashes.They are described as prophetic figures who proclaim God's message during the end times.

    The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
    As having the power to prophesy for 1,260 days while clothed in sackcloth.(*shortened by Christ in Matthew 24:22-24/ Revelation 9 to 150 days. The 7 years given to Satan was deduced to those 5 months/140 days.
    The 2 Witnesses time was given in days and when shortened to days they are given about a week longer to prepare and warn the house of Isreal.)

    THE TWO WITNESSES

    Revelation 11 KJV

    1 AND THERE WAS GIVEN ME A REED
    Like unto a rod: and the angel stood,
    Saying, Rise, and measure
    The temple of God,
    And the altar,
    And them that worship therein.

    2 BUT THE COURT
    Which is without the temple leave out,
    And measure it not;
    For it is given unto the Gentiles:
    And the holy city shall they tread
    Under foot forty and two months.

    (*Shortened by Christ, Matthew24, to 5 months of Revelation 9, for the elections sake, so they could stand.)

    3 AND I WILL GIVE POWER
    Unto my TWO witnesses,
    And they shall prophesy
    A thousand two hundred
    And threescore days,
    Clothed in sackcloth.(*Repentance)

    4 THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES,
    And the two candlesticks
    Standing before the God of the earth.

    5 AND IF ANY MAN WILL HURT THEM,
    Fire proceedeth out of their mouth,
    And devoureth their enemies:
    And if any man will hurt them,
    He must in this manner be killed.

    6 THESE HAVE POWER TO SHUT HEAVEN,
    That it rain not
    In the days of their prophecy:
    And have power over waters
    To turn them to blood,
    And to smite the earth with all plagues,
    As often as they will.

    THE WITNESSES KILLED

    7 AND WHEN THEY SHALL HAVE FINISHED
    Their testimony,
    The beast that ascendeth out
    Of the bottomless pit(*Abbadon, Appolyon)
    Shall make war against them,
    And shall overcome them,
    And kill them.

    8 AND THEIR DEAD BODIES
    Shall lie in the street of the great city,
    Which spiritually is called
    Sodom and Egypt,
    Where also our Lord was crucified.

    9 AND THEY OF THE PEOPLE
    And kindreds
    And tongues
    And nations shall see their dead bodies
    Three days and an half,
    And shall not suffer their dead bodies
    To be put in graves.

    10 AND THEY THAT DWELL
    UPON THE EARTH
    Shall rejoice over them,
    And make merry,
    And shall send gifts one to another;
    Because these TWO prophets
    Tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

    THE WITNESSES RESURRECTED

    11 AND AFTER THREE DAYS AND AN HALF
    The spirit of life from God
    Entered into them,
    And they stood upon their feet;
    And great fear fell upon them
    Which saw them.

    12 AND THEY HEARD A GREAT VOICE
    From heaven saying unto them,
    Come up hither.
    And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud;
    And their enemies beheld them.

    13 AND THE SAME HOUR WAS THERE
    A great earthquake,
    And the tenth part of the city fell,
    And in the earthquake
    Were slain of men SEVEN THOUSAND:
    And the remnant
    Were affrighted,
    And gave glory to the God of heaven.

    (*The 7000 fallen angels that take over the government's of the world with their new world order will die forever.)

    14 THE SECOND WOE IS PAST;
    And, behold,
    The third woe cometh quickly.

    Sackcloth is a symbol of humility and sorrow, indicating their role as prophets of repentance in a time of great tribulation of the apostasy of God's people. The sackcloth worn by the Two Witnesses provokes their somber mission, calling for the repentance of the nations and pointing out their eminent demise.

    The 2 serve as messengers of God's judgment, calling people to repentance. They are granted the power to perform miraculous signs, such as shutting the sky to prevent rain and turning waters into blood, emphasizing their authority as God's representatives.

    After their testimony, they are killed, signifying the rejection of their message. Like that of Jesus message they will lay in the street 3 days and half. They are later resurrected and taken up to heaven, symbolizing the ultimate vindication of God's
    MEANING OF SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. Sackcloth and ashes originates from biblical texts and is used to symbolize: MOURNING,(*Deep sorrow and grief) REPENTANCE, (*Desire to change) AND HUMILITY.(*Humbled to Father in shame) Wearing sackcloth, is uncomfortable and course fabric. Usually made from goats hair. Sitting in ashes were traditional practices during times of great spiritual and physical distress or showing their penance for sins. In the Bible, figures such as Job and the people of Israel used sackcloth and ashes to express their sorrow and seek forgiveness from Father. This showed a deep sense of remorse and the desire to turn away from their iniquity. These biblical stories of mourning, repentance, and humility show someone who is experiencing regret for transgressions by taking responsibility for their actions, and bowing down to the heavenly Father. Demonstrating the act of being nothing but dirty ashes. Burnt up and consumed with the trials and tribulation of this life. ๐Ÿ‘‰REPENTANCE OF NINEVEH (Jonah 3:5-6) When Jonah prophesies the destruction of Nineveh, the king and the people respond by donning sackcloth and sitting in ashes as a sign of repentance. ๐Ÿ“–THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH BELIEVE Jonah 3:5-10 KJV 1 SO THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH Believed God, And proclaimed a fast, And put on SACKCLOTH, From the greatest of them Even to the least of them. 6 FOR WORD CAME UNTO THE KING OF NINEVEH, And he arose from his throne, And he laid his robe from him, And covered him with SACKCLOTH, And sat in ASHES. 7 AND HE CAUSED IT TO BE PROCLAIMED And published through Nineveh By the decree of the king and his nobles, Saying, Let neither man nor beast, Herd nor flock, taste any thing: Let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 BUT LET MAN AND BEAST Be covered with SACKCLOTH, And cry mightily unto God: Yea, let them turn every one From his evil way, and from the violence That is in their hands. 9 WHO CAN TELL IF GOD WILL TURN AND REPENT, And turn away from his fierce anger, That we perish not? 10 AND GOD SAW THEIR WORKS, That they turned from their evil way; And God repented of the evil, That he had said That he would Do unto them; And he did it not. ๐Ÿ‘‰KING DAVID MOURNS (2 Samuel 12:16-17) After the death of his child, with Besthsheba, David fasts and mourns, emphasizing humility and sorrow. The child was born through adultery and murder. God did not let it live. THE DEATH OF DAVIDโ€™S SON 2 Samuel 12:15-23 KJV 15 AND NATHAN DEPARTED Unto his house. And the Lord struck the child That Uriah's wife bare unto David, And it was very sick. 16 DAVID THEREFORE BESOUGHT GOD For the child; And David fasted, And went in, And lay all night upon the earth. 17 AND THE ELDERS OF HIS HOUSE AROSE, And went to him, To raise him up from the earth: But he would not, Neither did he eat bread with them. 18 AND IT CAME TO PASS On the seventh day, That the child died. And the servants of David Feared to tell him that the child was dead: For they said, Behold, While the child was yet alive, We spake unto him, And he would not hearken unto our voice: How will he then vex himself, If we tell him that the child is dead? 19 BUT WHEN DAVID SAW That his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: Therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. 20 THEN DAVID AROSE FROM THE EARTH, And washed, and anointed himself, And changed his apparel, And came into the house of the Lord, And worshipped: Then he came to his own house; And when he required, They set bread before him, And he did eat. 21 THEN SAID HIS SERVANTS UNTO HIM, What thing is this that thou hast done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child, While it was alive; But when the child was dead, Thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 AND HE SAID, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: For I said, Who can tell whether God Will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23 BUT NOW HE IS DEAD, Wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, But he shall not return to me. ๐Ÿ‘‰QUEEN ESTHER'S PLEA (Esther 4) Esther asks the Jews to fast and wear sackcloth as they seek deliverance from impending doom. ESTHER AGREES TO HELP THE JEWS Esther 4 KJV 1 WHEN MORDECAI PERCEIVED All that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, And put on sackcloth with ashes, And went out into the midst of the city, And cried with a loud and a bitter cry; 2 AND CAME EVEN BEFORE THE KING'S GATE: For none might enter into the king's gate Clothed with sackcloth. 3 AND IN EVERY PROVINCE, Whithersoever the king's commandment And his decree came, There was great mourning Among the Jews, And fasting, And weeping, And wailing; And many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 SO ESTHER'S MAIDS And her chamberlains Came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; And she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, And to take away his sackcloth from him: But he received it not. 5 THEN CALLED ESTHER FOR HATACH, One of the king's chamberlains, Whom he had appointed To attend upon her, And gave him a commandment To Mordecai, To know what it was, And why it was. 6 SO HATACH WENT FORTH TO MORDECAI Unto the street of the city, Which was before the king's gate. 7 AND MORDECAI TOLD HIM OF ALL That had happened unto him, And of the sum of the money That Haman had promised To pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, To destroy them. 8 ALSO HE GAVE HIM THE COPY Of the writing of the decree That was given at Shushan To destroy them, To shew it unto Esther, And to declare it unto her, And to charge her that she should go In unto the king, To make supplication unto him, And to make request before him For her people.๐Ÿคฅโœก๏ธ 9 AND HATACH CAME And told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 AGAINST ESTHER SPAKE UNTO HATACH, And gave him commandment Unto Mordecai; 11 ALL THE KING'S SERVANTS, And the people of the king's provinces, Do know, that whosoever, Whether man or women, Shall come unto the king Into the inner court, Who is not called, There is one law of his to put him to death, Except such to whom the king Shall hold out the golden sceptre, That he may live: But I have not been called to come in Unto the king these thirty days. 12 AND THEY TOLD TO MORDECAI Esther's words. 13 THEN MORDECAI COMMANDED To answer Esther, Think not with thyself That thou shalt escape In the king's house, More than all the Jews. 14 FOR IF THOU ALTOGETHER Holdest thy peace at this time, Then shall there enlargement And deliverance Arise to the Jews from another place; But thou and thy father's house Shall be destroyed: And who knoweth whether thou art come To the kingdom for such a time as this? 15 THEN ESTHER BADE THEM Return Mordecai this answer, 16 GO, GATHER TOGETHER ALL THE JEWS That are present in Shushan, And fast ye for me, And neither eat nor drink three days, Night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; And so will I go in unto the king, Which is not according to the law: And if I perish, I perish. 17 SO MORDECAI WENT HIS WAY, And did according to all That Esther had commanded him. ๐Ÿ‘‰PROPHET JEREMIAH (Jeremiah 6:26) Jeremiah calls for mourning in Israel, invoking sackcloth as a sign of sorrow for sin. IMPENDING DESTRUCTION FROM THE NORTH Jeremiah 6:16-30 KJV 16 THUS SAITH THE LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, And ask for the old paths, Where is the good way, and walk therein, And ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. 17 ALSO I SET WATCHMEN OVER YOU, Saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. 18 THEREFORE HEAR, Ye nations, and know, O congregation, What is among them. 19 HEARKEN, O EARTH: BEHOLD, I will bring evil upon this people, Even the fruit of their thoughts, Because they have not hearkened Unto my words, nor to my law, But rejected it. 20 TO WHAT PURPOSE COMETH THERE To me incense from Sheba, And the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, Nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. 21 THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD, BEHOLD, I will lay stumblingblocks Before this people, And the fathers and the sons together Shall fall upon them; The neighbour and his friend shall perish. 22 THUS SAITH THE LORD, BEHOLD, A people cometh from the north country, And a great nation shall be raised From the sides of the earth. 23 THEY SHALL LAY HOLD ON BOW AND SPEAR; They are cruel, and have no mercy; Their voice roareth like the sea; And they ride upon horses, Set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. 24 WE HAVE HEARD THE FAME THEREOF: Our hands wax feeble: Anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, As of a woman in travail. 25 GO NOT FORTH INTO THE FIELD, Nor walk by the way; For the sword of the enemy And fear is on every side. 26 O DAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE, Gird thee with sackcloth, And wallow thyself in ashes: Make thee mourning, as for an only son, Most bitter lamentation: For the spoiler shall suddenly Come upon us. 27 I HAVE SET THEE FOR A TOWER And a fortress among my people, That thou mayest know and try their way. 28 THEY ARE ALL GRIEVOUS REVOLTERS, Walking with slanders: They are brass and iron; They are all corrupters. 29 THE BELLOWS ARE BURNED, The lead is consumed of the fire; The founder melteth in vain: For the wicked are not plucked away. 30 REPROBATE SILVER Shall men call them, Because the Lord hath rejected them. ๐Ÿ‘‰THE ISRAELITES (Isaiah 15:3, Micah 1:10) Throughout the books of the prophets, sackcloth is often mentioned as part of national mourning or individual repentance. JUDGMENT ON ISRAEL AND JUDAH Micah 1 KJV 1 THE WORD OF THE LORD That came to Micah The Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, Which he saw concerning Samaria And Jerusalem. 2 HEAR, ALL YE PEOPLE; Hearken, O earth, And all that therein is: And let the Lord God Be witness against you, The Lord from his holy temple. 3 FOR, BEHOLD The Lord cometh forth Out of His place, And will come down, And tread upon The high places of the earth. 4 AND THE MOUNTAINS Shall be molten Under him, And the valleys shall be cleft, As wax before the fire, And as the waters that are poured down A steep place. 5 FOR THE TRANSGRESSION Of Jacob is all this, And for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem? 6 THEREFORE I WILL MAKE SAMARIA As an heap of the field, And as plantings of a vineyard: And I will pour down The stones thereof into the valley, And I will discover the foundations thereof. 7 AND ALL THE GRAVEN IMAGES THEREOF Shall be beaten to pieces, And all the hires thereof Shall be burned with the fire, And all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: For she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, And they shall return to THE HIRE OF AN HARLOT. 8 THEREFORE I WILL WAIL AND HOWL, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, And mourning as the owls. 9 FOR HER WOUND IS INCURABLE; For it is come unto Judah; He is come unto the gate of my people, Even to Jerusalem. 10 DECLARE YE IT NOT AT GATH, Weep ye not at all: In the house of Aphrah Roll thyself in the dust. 11 PASS YE AWAY, Thou inhabitant of Saphir, Having thy shame naked: The inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth In the mourning of Bethezel; He shall receive of you his standing. 12 FOR THE INHABITANT OF MAROTH Waited carefully for good: But evil came down from the Lord Unto the gate of Jerusalem. 13 O THOU INHABITANT OF LACHISH, Vind the chariot to the swift beast: She is the beginning of the sin To the daughter of Zion: For the transgressions of Israel Were found in thee. 14 THEREFORE SHALT THOU GIVE Presents to Moreshethgath: The houses of Achzib Shall be a lie to the kings of Israel. 15 YET WILL I BRING AN HEIR UNTO THEE, O inhabitant of Mareshah: He shall come unto Adullam THE GLORY OF ISRAEL. 16 MAKE THEE BALD, And poll thee for thy delicate children; Enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; For they are gone into captivity from thee. ๐Ÿ”ฅThe significance of sackcloth and ashes in the Bible, demonstrates moments of deep emotional strive and the desire to reconcile with The Father. ๐Ÿ‘‰The 2 witnesses come teaching sackcloth and ashes.They are described as prophetic figures who proclaim God's message during the end times. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6) As having the power to prophesy for 1,260 days while clothed in sackcloth.(*shortened by Christ in Matthew 24:22-24/ Revelation 9 to 150 days. The 7 years given to Satan was deduced to those 5 months/140 days. The 2 Witnesses time was given in days and when shortened to days they are given about a week longer to prepare and warn the house of Isreal.) THE TWO WITNESSES Revelation 11 KJV 1 AND THERE WAS GIVEN ME A REED Like unto a rod: and the angel stood, Saying, Rise, and measure The temple of God, And the altar, And them that worship therein. 2 BUT THE COURT Which is without the temple leave out, And measure it not; For it is given unto the Gentiles: And the holy city shall they tread Under foot forty and two months. (*Shortened by Christ, Matthew24, to 5 months of Revelation 9, for the elections sake, so they could stand.) 3 AND I WILL GIVE POWER Unto my TWO witnesses, And they shall prophesy A thousand two hundred And threescore days, Clothed in sackcloth.(*Repentance) 4 THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES, And the two candlesticks Standing before the God of the earth. 5 AND IF ANY MAN WILL HURT THEM, Fire proceedeth out of their mouth, And devoureth their enemies: And if any man will hurt them, He must in this manner be killed. 6 THESE HAVE POWER TO SHUT HEAVEN, That it rain not In the days of their prophecy: And have power over waters To turn them to blood, And to smite the earth with all plagues, As often as they will. THE WITNESSES KILLED 7 AND WHEN THEY SHALL HAVE FINISHED Their testimony, The beast that ascendeth out Of the bottomless pit(*Abbadon, Appolyon) Shall make war against them, And shall overcome them, And kill them. 8 AND THEIR DEAD BODIES Shall lie in the street of the great city, Which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, Where also our Lord was crucified. 9 AND THEY OF THE PEOPLE And kindreds And tongues And nations shall see their dead bodies Three days and an half, And shall not suffer their dead bodies To be put in graves. 10 AND THEY THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH Shall rejoice over them, And make merry, And shall send gifts one to another; Because these TWO prophets Tormented them that dwelt on the earth. THE WITNESSES RESURRECTED 11 AND AFTER THREE DAYS AND AN HALF The spirit of life from God Entered into them, And they stood upon their feet; And great fear fell upon them Which saw them. 12 AND THEY HEARD A GREAT VOICE From heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; And their enemies beheld them. 13 AND THE SAME HOUR WAS THERE A great earthquake, And the tenth part of the city fell, And in the earthquake Were slain of men SEVEN THOUSAND: And the remnant Were affrighted, And gave glory to the God of heaven. (*The 7000 fallen angels that take over the government's of the world with their new world order will die forever.) 14 THE SECOND WOE IS PAST; And, behold, The third woe cometh quickly. ๐Ÿ‘‰Sackcloth is a symbol of humility and sorrow, indicating their role as prophets of repentance in a time of great tribulation of the apostasy of God's people. The sackcloth worn by the Two Witnesses provokes their somber mission, calling for the repentance of the nations and pointing out their eminent demise. The 2 serve as messengers of God's judgment, calling people to repentance. They are granted the power to perform miraculous signs, such as shutting the sky to prevent rain and turning waters into blood, emphasizing their authority as God's representatives. After their testimony, they are killed, signifying the rejection of their message. Like that of Jesus message they will lay in the street 3 days and half. They are later resurrected and taken up to heaven, symbolizing the ultimate vindication of God's
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  • Daily Devotional
    Have an understanding heart.

    I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3:12

    Solomon in his youth made Davidโ€™s choice his own. Above every earthly good he asked of God a wise and understanding heart.... The power of his understanding, the extent of his knowledge, the glory of his reign, became the wonder of the world.

    The name of Jehovah was greatly honored during the first part of Solomonโ€™s reign. The wisdom and righteousness revealed by the king bore witness to all nations of the excellency of the attributes of the God whom he served. For a time Israel was as the light of the world, showing forth the greatness of Jehovah. Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomonโ€™s early reign; but in the honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts of Heaven.

    As the years went by and Solomonโ€™s fame increased, he sought to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength and by continuing to impart to others the blessings he received. None understood better than he that it was through the favor of Jehovah that he had come into possession of power and wisdom and understanding, and that these gifts were bestowed that he might give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings.

    As the man is converted by the truth, the work of transformation of character goes on. He has an increased measure of understanding, in becoming a man of obedience to God. The mind and will of God become His will, and by constantly looking to God for counsel, he becomes a man of increased understanding. There is a general development of the mind that is unreservedly placed under the guidance of the Spirit of God. [237]
    Daily Devotional Have an understanding heart. I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3:12 Solomon in his youth made Davidโ€™s choice his own. Above every earthly good he asked of God a wise and understanding heart.... The power of his understanding, the extent of his knowledge, the glory of his reign, became the wonder of the world. The name of Jehovah was greatly honored during the first part of Solomonโ€™s reign. The wisdom and righteousness revealed by the king bore witness to all nations of the excellency of the attributes of the God whom he served. For a time Israel was as the light of the world, showing forth the greatness of Jehovah. Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomonโ€™s early reign; but in the honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts of Heaven. As the years went by and Solomonโ€™s fame increased, he sought to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength and by continuing to impart to others the blessings he received. None understood better than he that it was through the favor of Jehovah that he had come into possession of power and wisdom and understanding, and that these gifts were bestowed that he might give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings. As the man is converted by the truth, the work of transformation of character goes on. He has an increased measure of understanding, in becoming a man of obedience to God. The mind and will of God become His will, and by constantly looking to God for counsel, he becomes a man of increased understanding. There is a general development of the mind that is unreservedly placed under the guidance of the Spirit of God. [237]
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

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

    โ€˜โ€ฆHelp us for the glory of your nameโ€ฆโ€™ Psalms 79:9 NLT

    FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of โ€˜Setting Captives Free,โ€™ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him โ€˜until there wasnโ€™t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.โ€™ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that โ€˜โ€ฆdeliverance belong(s) to the Lordโ€™ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mikeโ€™s old motivations for getting cleanโ€”โ€˜saving my marriage for my kidsโ€™ sake; Iโ€™m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacherโ€™โ€”were full of โ€˜loopholes and escape clausesโ€™ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, โ€˜For the glory of Phillip Kotze name.โ€™ When Mike learned, โ€˜โ€ฆwhatever you do, do it all for the glory of Godโ€™ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too.

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

    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY โ“‚ANNA*

    THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *FROM FAME TO SHAME*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6.

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

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

    *INTRODUCTION*

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

    *1. Stealing Cursed Properties*

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

    *Question*

    Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to Godโ€™s command?

    *2. Self-Confidence and Pride*

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

    *Question*

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

    *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat*

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

    *Question*

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

    *Prayer Points*

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

    *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation

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

    THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```


    *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ

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

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

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

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

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

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

    โœ๐Ÿฝ```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_

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


    Underestimating Sin's Deadliness
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE*
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    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    โœ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿปโ€ ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ›ฐ

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

    *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝ ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_


    Christian Cleansing
    https://dailymanna.app//

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

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2โƒฃ0โƒฃ2โƒฃ)*_

    ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿผโ€โ€๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿผโ€

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

    *REASONABLE SERVICE* ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿฝ

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



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



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

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

    *(ii) Living a holy life.*

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

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

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



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ ๐Ÿฝ

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



    Reasonable Service
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    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. ๐Ÿ˜€๐ŸŒน๐ŸŽ€๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒบ MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" โ€˜โ€ฆHelp us for the glory of your nameโ€ฆโ€™ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of โ€˜Setting Captives Free,โ€™ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him โ€˜until there wasnโ€™t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.โ€™ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that โ€˜โ€ฆdeliverance belong(s) to the Lordโ€™ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mikeโ€™s old motivations for getting cleanโ€”โ€˜saving my marriage for my kidsโ€™ sake; Iโ€™m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacherโ€™โ€”were full of โ€˜loopholes and escape clausesโ€™ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, โ€˜For the glory of [His] name.โ€™ When Mike learned, โ€˜โ€ฆwhatever you do, do it all for the glory of Godโ€™ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 โ€“ 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ€ *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒท๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ’. MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY โ“‚ANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7ย But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of theย LORDย was kindled against the children of Israel. 2ย And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3ย And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4ย So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5ย And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6ย And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of theย LORDย until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshuaโ€™s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterdayโ€™s victory does not guarantee todayโ€™s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *โ€œthe anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.โ€* b. Achanโ€™s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to Godโ€™s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factorโ€”the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israelโ€™s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule ๐Ÿ™. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength ๐Ÿ™. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision ๐Ÿ™. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory ๐Ÿ™. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY โ“‚๏ธANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ–คโš ๏ธโ€ผ๏ธ๐Ÿ›‘โŒโš–๏ธ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ”‘๐Ÿ“–```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* โœ๐Ÿฝ```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD๐Ÿ…ฐ๏ธY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ โœ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ผ๐ŸŒป ๐Ÿ‡๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ›ฐ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* ๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿฉธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿฅผ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ“–``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* ๐Ÿ’ฌ ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ ๐Ÿ† ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2โƒฃ0โƒฃ2โƒฃ6๏ธโƒฃ)*_ ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™‡โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* ๐Ÿ““๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŽš๏ธ๐Ÿซต๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝ๐ŸงŽ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ```ROMANS 12:1-3```๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ“œ ๐Ÿ•”๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ๐Ÿšป๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŽผ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿชด๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ’ป ๐Ÿ”‘๐Ÿ“– ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ“– A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ ```๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธrayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ ```๐Ÿ“– Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. โค Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. โค F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. Weโ€™ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Fatherโ€™s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Fatherโ€™s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • This is Ezekiel 34:2-4 season.

    Here is DAILY BREAD FOR THE LAST DAYS :

    TODAY'S WORD
    Text: Jeremiah 23:1-2
    โ€œWoe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord... You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.โ€
    Also: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 โ€œFor the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions...โ€

    MESSAGE: SHEPHERDS, RETURN TO THE HEART OF GOD
    The Lord is crying over His sheep in these last days.

    1. THE WARNING TO SHEPHERDS
    God says โ€œWoeโ€ to shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock.
    When a shepherd chases the world and its things - money, fame, titles - he leaves the sheep hungry.
    When he preaches prosperity gospel but not holiness gospel, he trades eternal gifts for temporary bread.
    John 10:12 โ€œThe hireling... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.โ€
    A flock that is not sanctified is a flock that will be lost. Because โ€œwithout holiness no one will see the Lordโ€ Hebrews 12:14

    2. THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH
    Saved church, wake up!
    Jealousy, hatred, gossip, disobedience to the Word... this is not the garment of Christ Colossians 3:8-10.
    When we cling to itching ears and reject sound doctrine, we become easy prey.
    Godโ€™s will is not just prosperity in the pocket. It is sanctification of the soul 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
    Jesus did not die to make us rich. He died to make us HOLY.

    3. STRENGTHENING & ENCOURAGEMENT
    But there is hope. 1 Peter 5:4 โ€œAnd when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.โ€
    To every faithful shepherd: Keep feeding the Word. Keep calling to repentance.
    To every sheep: Return to the Word. Love holiness more than miracles. Love Jesus more than blessings.

    PRAYER:
    Father, raise up shepherds after Your own heart Jeremiah 3:15. Purify the pulpit. Purify the pew. Let us not trade eternity for earth. Sanctify us by Your truth. In Jesusโ€™ name. Amen.

    ACTION TODAY:
    For Shepherds/Teachers: Check your message. Is it pointing people to Jesus and holiness, or just to prosperity?
    For All: Forgive anyone you have bitterness toward today. Gossip and hatred grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.
    This is Ezekiel 34:2-4 season. Here is DAILY BREAD FOR THE LAST DAYS : TODAY'S WORD Text: Jeremiah 23:1-2 โ€œWoe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord... You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.โ€ Also: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 โ€œFor the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions...โ€ MESSAGE: SHEPHERDS, RETURN TO THE HEART OF GOD The Lord is crying over His sheep in these last days. 1. THE WARNING TO SHEPHERDS God says โ€œWoeโ€ to shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock. When a shepherd chases the world and its things - money, fame, titles - he leaves the sheep hungry. When he preaches prosperity gospel but not holiness gospel, he trades eternal gifts for temporary bread. John 10:12 โ€œThe hireling... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.โ€ A flock that is not sanctified is a flock that will be lost. Because โ€œwithout holiness no one will see the Lordโ€ Hebrews 12:14 2. THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH Saved church, wake up! Jealousy, hatred, gossip, disobedience to the Word... this is not the garment of Christ Colossians 3:8-10. When we cling to itching ears and reject sound doctrine, we become easy prey. Godโ€™s will is not just prosperity in the pocket. It is sanctification of the soul 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Jesus did not die to make us rich. He died to make us HOLY. 3. STRENGTHENING & ENCOURAGEMENT But there is hope. 1 Peter 5:4 โ€œAnd when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.โ€ To every faithful shepherd: Keep feeding the Word. Keep calling to repentance. To every sheep: Return to the Word. Love holiness more than miracles. Love Jesus more than blessings. PRAYER: Father, raise up shepherds after Your own heart Jeremiah 3:15. Purify the pulpit. Purify the pew. Let us not trade eternity for earth. Sanctify us by Your truth. In Jesusโ€™ name. Amen. ACTION TODAY: For Shepherds/Teachers: Check your message. Is it pointing people to Jesus and holiness, or just to prosperity? For All: Forgive anyone you have bitterness toward today. Gossip and hatred grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.
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  • Lifeline Today
    Tuesday August 18
    The Benefit of Curiosity
    "The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, and she travelled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions." 1 Kings 10:1 (GNB)

    The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. She was curious when she heard of the fame of Solomon. Creativity is always born out of curiosity. Curiosity is a holy pursuit that transforms a stagnant faith into an active journey. It moves a person past routine compliance and into a vibrant, deeper relationship with God.

    Curiosity means being adventurous, living your life outside of the box; not being satisfied with things as they are, but eager to enter true reality. It demands high level of sensitivity and alertness. It is a constant journey of discovery that triggers a new desire for greater accomplishment. Get more curious and you get more creative making you highly productive and a celebrated highflyer! This is your day.

    Wisdom Fountain: โ€œThe important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existenceโ€
    Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for a fresh, holy curiosity about the life assignment You have designed specifically for me. I receive freedom from routine, a curious mind that is eager to learn, and the humility to ask honest questions. Help me seek understanding like hidden treasure every single day in Jesusโ€™ name.
    Lifeline Today Tuesday August 18 The Benefit of Curiosity "The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, and she travelled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions." 1 Kings 10:1 (GNB) The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. She was curious when she heard of the fame of Solomon. Creativity is always born out of curiosity. Curiosity is a holy pursuit that transforms a stagnant faith into an active journey. It moves a person past routine compliance and into a vibrant, deeper relationship with God. Curiosity means being adventurous, living your life outside of the box; not being satisfied with things as they are, but eager to enter true reality. It demands high level of sensitivity and alertness. It is a constant journey of discovery that triggers a new desire for greater accomplishment. Get more curious and you get more creative making you highly productive and a celebrated highflyer! This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: โ€œThe important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existenceโ€ Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for a fresh, holy curiosity about the life assignment You have designed specifically for me. I receive freedom from routine, a curious mind that is eager to learn, and the humility to ask honest questions. Help me seek understanding like hidden treasure every single day in Jesusโ€™ name.
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  • ๐†๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐š๐ง๐ญ
    “๐˜•๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ—
    ๐˜‰๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ต’๐˜ด ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ด ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ.”

    Someone says, “๐˜ž๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฃ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜บ.” Society urges us to climb higher, gain more followers, and build our fame. But as Christians, true greatness is measured by service. Whether tempted to rise or called to kneel, the real question isn’t about power—it’s whether we will faithfully carry our great responsibility.

    Jesus declared in ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ“, “๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜บ.” The disciples had been arguing over who would be the greatest, but Christ redefined greatness. The King of kings did not come demanding a throne—He came carrying a towel, serving others, and ultimately giving His life as the ransom for sinners.

    A fruitful tree does not exist for itself. Its branches bend under the weight of fruit so that others may be nourished. In the same way, spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we receive but by how willingly we serve. The closer we walk with Christ, the more our lives become a blessing to those around us.

    Scripture calls us to Christlike service. We are to “๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘), and to be “๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ” (๐„๐ฉ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ). “๐˜ž๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ, ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ‘). Ministry is not about being noticed—it is about making Christ known.

    The servant's heart is revealed long before the spotlight arrives. “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜บ” (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ‘). Don't seek to elevate your platform, chase lost people for God to transform. We are not called to impress people with our importance but to bless them with Christ's humility.

    Before Christ called us to serve, He first served us selflessly. He left the glory of heaven, humbled Himself, became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ–). Through His sacrifice and victorious resurrection (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), He paid the ransom our sins deserved. We do not serve to earn His love—we serve because His love has already transformed our hearts.

    Are you seeking recognition more than opportunities to serve? Whose burden will you bear? Whose souls will you lead to the Lord? You don't need Christ merely to give you a ministry—you need Him because He is the perfect Servant who teaches your imperfect hearts to serve. Don't chase a crown while refusing a towel. The path to true greatness still begins at the feet of Jesus.

    ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who came not to be served but to serve. Forgive us for seeking recognition instead of devotion. Give us the heart of Christ, willing hands to serve, and joyful obedience in every opportunity You place before us. May our lives reflect the Greatest Servant. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

    Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day!
    ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐...
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    ๐†๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐š๐ง๐ญ โœ๏ธ “๐˜•๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ค๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ— ๐˜‰๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ต’๐˜ด ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ด ๐˜๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ.” Someone says, “๐˜ž๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฃ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜บ.” Society urges us to climb higher, gain more followers, and build our fame. But as Christians, true greatness is measured by service. Whether tempted to rise or called to kneel, the real question isn’t about power—it’s whether we will faithfully carry our great responsibility. Jesus declared in ๐Ÿ•ฎ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ“, “๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜จ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜บ.” The disciples had been arguing over who would be the greatest, but Christ redefined greatness. The King of kings did not come demanding a throne—He came carrying a towel, serving others, and ultimately giving His life as the ransom for sinners. A fruitful tree does not exist for itself. Its branches bend under the weight of fruit so that others may be nourished. In the same way, spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we receive but by how willingly we serve. The closer we walk with Christ, the more our lives become a blessing to those around us. Scripture calls us to Christlike service. We are to “๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐†๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‘), and to be “๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ, ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ” (๐„๐ฉ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ). “๐˜ž๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฐ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ, ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ” (๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ:๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ‘). Ministry is not about being noticed—it is about making Christ known. The servant's heart is revealed long before the spotlight arrives. “๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ต ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜บ” (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ‘). Don't seek to elevate your platform, chase lost people for God to transform. We are not called to impress people with our importance but to bless them with Christ's humility. Before Christ called us to serve, He first served us selflessly. He left the glory of heaven, humbled Himself, became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross (๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ:๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ–). Through His sacrifice and victorious resurrection (๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“:๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ’), He paid the ransom our sins deserved. We do not serve to earn His love—we serve because His love has already transformed our hearts. Are you seeking recognition more than opportunities to serve? Whose burden will you bear? Whose souls will you lead to the Lord? You don't need Christ merely to give you a ministry—you need Him because He is the perfect Servant who teaches your imperfect hearts to serve. Don't chase a crown while refusing a towel. The path to true greatness still begins at the feet of Jesus. ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who came not to be served but to serve. Forgive us for seeking recognition instead of devotion. Give us the heart of Christ, willing hands to serve, and joyful obedience in every opportunity You place before us. May our lives reflect the Greatest Servant. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! ๐€๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐†๐จ๐... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: ๐Ÿ‘‰ FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html ๐Ÿ“š Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) โœจ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…
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