My God, I did not thank You because I have so much,
but because so much of what I have has become ordinary to me,
and still, You have not taken it away.

I thank You for the things I no longer ask for,
because I have grown accustomed to finding them
whenever I open my eyes each morning.

For a home I return to,
until I began to believe that returning was something I was entitled to.

For a body that carries me through every day,
until I forgot to thank You simply because it does not hurt.

For faces I love, still where they have always been.
For voices I can still hear,
until I forgot that somewhere, someone is longing
to hear just one more word from a voice they have lost.

How many blessings do we never thank You for
simply because they never changed?

We mistake stability for something ordinary,
protection for something passing,
peace for something we deserve,
and the people we love for a permanent part of life.

Until one of them is gone.

And only then do we realize, too late,
that it was never ordinary at all.

My God, teach me not to wait for loss
to understand the value of what You have given me.

Not to wait for sickness
to understand the gift of health.

Not to wait for loneliness
to understand the blessing of companionship.

Not to wait for fear
to understand the meaning of safety.

Teach me to see the blessing while it is still here,
and to thank You for what I have stopped noticing.

Not because I am afraid of losing it,
but because I finally understand
that its staying was never something ordinary.

Perhaps the greatest of Your blessings
are the ones we do not even have the courage to call blessings,

because we have grown so accustomed to their presence
that we began to believe they were ours by right.

And how much of what we called our right
was, in truth…

mercy.

Thank you for watching. Children's homes play an important role in helping children and families in need. Today Chris Doughtie of Tennessee Children’s Home to discuss the need for these homes and the services they offer.

https://www.youtube.com/live/ullBwRarn9M?si=sXKGc3KIj4Y3Ux_e

A Christian home is a home that chooses God.

#HeartForGod #FaithOverRoutine #SpiritualRenewal #JesusFirst #BackToGod #FaithJourney #LordsbookApp

Pilgrims of God

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

By Clifton Wagner
Gospel Poetry Foundation

After a hard shift, it is tempting to retreat. It’s easy to sit silently in the garage, scroll through the phone, turn on the television, sleep excessively, or find some other way to avoid engagement.

https://www.thethinbluelife.com/articles/marriage-as-a-cop/after-the-shift-the-courage-to-come-back-home/

#lawenforcement #police #propolice #supportthepolice #backtheblue #thinbluelife #thethinbluelife

The Advent Truth.
The devil wants you to believe you’ve gone too far. Jesus says, “Come unto Me.”

Maybe you’ve fallen. Maybe you’ve stumbled again. Maybe you’re tired of fighting the same battle. But hear this: the very fact that you’re still fighting is evidence that the Holy Spirit hasn’t given up on you.

Jesus is still your High Priest. He still presents His blood before the Father on behalf of those who come to Him in repentance (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2). As long as there’s breath in your lungs, there’s still an invitation to receive His grace.

Yes, we’re living in serious times. Prophecy is being fulfilled. The world is growing darker. But if all you do is stare at the storm, fear will consume you. Keep your eyes on the One who walks on the water.

Revelation repeatedly says, “To him who overcomes…” The Greek idea isn’t describing someone who never falls. It’s describing the one who keeps overcoming—the one who refuses to quit. Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” The righteous are not those who never fall; they’re the ones who, by God’s grace, keep getting back up.

So when Satan whispers, “Stay down. God is finished with you,” answer him with the promises of Christ. Repent. Get back up. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep surrendering.

Victory isn’t found in your strength. It’s found in abiding in Jesus.

If you need prayer, you’re welcome to leave a comment (keeping in mind it’s a public forum), or send me a private message or email instead.

Don’t quit now. We’re almost home.

Daily Devotional
Save myself, by Saving other's

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:16

I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter’s day through deep drifts of snow, became benumbed by the cold, which was almost imperceptibly freezing his vital powers. He was nearly chilled to death, and was about to give up the struggle for life, when he heard the moans of a fellow traveler who was also perishing with cold. His sympathy was aroused, and he determined to rescue him. He chafed the ice-cold limbs of the unfortunate man, and after considerable effort raised him to his feet. As the sufferer could not stand, he bore him in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could never get through alone.

When he had carried his fellow traveler to a place of safety, the truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had also saved himself. His earnest efforts to help another had quickened the blood that was freezing in his own veins and sent a healthy warmth to the extremities of his body.

The lesson that in helping others we ourselves receive help must be urged upon young believers continually, by precept and example, that in their Christian experience they may gain the best results. Let the desponding ones, those disposed to think that the way to eternal life is trying and difficult, go to work to help others. Such efforts, united with prayer for divine light, will cause their own hearts to throb with the quickening influence of the grace of God, their own affections to glow with more divine fervor. Their whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.... The testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath services will be filled with power. With joy they will bear witness to the preciousness of the experience they have gained in working for others. [235]

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY!

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy.
Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24.
Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family.
Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6.
HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
You know every diagnosis.
You know every symptom.
You know every pain.
You know every sleepless night.
You know every private struggle.
You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others.
Father, touch them right now.
Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14.
Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
Where there is sickness, bring healing.
Where there is pain, bring relief.
Where there is weakness, bring strength.
Where there is fear, bring faith.
Where there is confusion, bring clarity.
Where there is discouragement, restore hope.
Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace.
You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand.
Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3.
So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed.
Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time.
SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ.
We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ.
Draw them by Your Spirit.
Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You.
Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You.
Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name.
Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
And let the answer ring clearly:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31.
Father, let salvation come into our households!
Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13.
And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6.
Lord, let our children know Jesus.
Let our grandchildren know Jesus.
Let husbands and wives know Jesus.
Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus.
Let our extended families know Jesus.
Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love.
May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!”
PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment.
You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back.
Open the right doors.
Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated.
For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way.
Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7.
Bless the work of our hands, Lord.
Let integrity speak for us.
Let excellence distinguish us.
Let favor surround us.
And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door.
PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY
Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure.
Some are trying to stretch a paycheck.
Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments.
Some are facing medical bills.
Some are dealing with debt.
Some need groceries.
Some are facing unexpected expenses.
Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Father, You are our Source.
Provide what our families need.
Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards.
Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors.
Where there has been lack, provide.
Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom.
Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline.
Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action.
Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY
Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them.
Protect those driving to work.
Protect those traveling.
Protect our children and grandchildren.
Protect those working long hours.
Protect those caring for loved ones.
Protect those going to medical appointments.
Protect our homes while we are away.
Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11.
Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming.
Bring everyone safely home.
STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY
Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another.
Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37.
Lord, You come first.
Before our plans—You.
Before our ambitions—You.
Before our possessions—You.
Before everything else—You.
And because we love You, teach us how to love one another.
Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11.
Heal broken relationships within our family.
Remove bitterness.
Destroy unforgiveness.
Break down walls caused by pride.
Help us apologize when we are wrong.
Help us forgive when we have been hurt.
Help us communicate with grace.
Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation.
Let husbands and wives love one another.
Let parents and children understand one another.
Let brothers and sisters support one another.
Let generations respect and learn from one another.
Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered.

OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
This Tuesday morning, we declare:
Our family belongs to God!
We declare healing over our sick.
We declare peace over troubled minds.
We declare deliverance for those who are bound.
We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus.
We declare employment for those seeking jobs.
We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement.
We declare provision for those struggling financially.
We declare restoration over broken relationships.
We declare protection over our homes and families.
We declare love where there has been division.
And above everything else, we declare:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15.

Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands.
Therefore, we trust You.
Order our steps.
Guard our hearts.
Renew our minds.
Strengthen our bodies.
Provide for our needs.
Protect our families.
Save our loved ones.
Restore our relationships.
And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name.
We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
We believe You can do it.
We believe You are working even when we cannot see it.
And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family!
In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026

Topic: Do Not Let One Failure Define You

Bible Reference

“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)

A Short Story

David had failed an important examination. He had studied, but not as much as he should have. When the result came out, the score was far below what he expected.

He stared at the result for several minutes. He felt ashamed. Some of his friends had done well, and he could not stop comparing himself with them.

When he got home, he threw his school bag on the floor and sat quietly. His mother noticed that something was wrong, but David did not want to talk.

That night, he began thinking about himself differently. He started telling himself that perhaps he was not intelligent enough. Maybe he would always struggle. Maybe success was simply not meant for him.

The failure had lasted only one examination, but David had allowed it to become a description of his entire life.

The following morning, his youth leader called him.

David explained what had happened. After listening to him, the youth leader said, “You failed an examination. You are not a failure.”

Those words stayed with David.

He went back to his books. This time, he changed his study habits. He asked questions when he did not understand something and stopped pretending that he understood what he did not.

Months later, he sat for another examination. His result was much better.

David learned something important. Falling was not the end of his story. Refusing to rise would have been.

Today's Message

Failure can make you question yourself. One mistake can make you believe that you are incapable of succeeding.

But your failure is an event, not your identity.

The Bible says that a righteous person may fall and still rise again. Notice that the scripture does not say the righteous never fall. It says they rise.

God is not looking for people who have never made mistakes. He is looking for people who are willing to learn, repent when necessary, grow, and continue walking with Him.

You may have failed in school, business, ministry, a relationship, or an important decision. You may have disappointed yourself. But do not allow one bad season to convince you that your entire future is ruined.

Learn from what happened. Correct what needs to be corrected. Ask God for wisdom, and get up again.

Your story is not over because you fell.

What To Do Today

1. Identify what your failure taught you instead of only thinking about what you lost.

2. Correct one mistake that contributed to the failure.

3. Stop calling yourself what God has not called you.

4. Take another step instead of remaining discouraged.

Prayer

Lord, give me the strength to rise whenever I fall. Help me to learn from my mistakes without allowing them to destroy my confidence. Give me wisdom to do better and grace to keep moving forward. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Challenge

Think about one failure that has been discouraging you. Write down one lesson it taught you and one thing you can do differently from today.

Anthony Ijere
Christian Author and Revivalist

Please pray for our family! President Trump has paused immigrant visas for Ethiopians, and the pause is currently set to be permanent. Pray with us that this delay is immediately lifted so we can go home and build our family, home, and ministry together. We know this is in God's will!

We praise God for blessing us with marriage and a daughter. As missionaries—an American husband and an Ethiopian wife—we've seen God guide us through every step of the immigration process. Our daughter has her US passport and my wife's marriage visa is approved. Now we just need the path cleared so we can all return to the USA together. God bless all who pray for us in Jesus' name! Amen!