Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *TEXT:* TITUS 2:12–13 12 It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age Eph 1:4 Col 1:22 2Ti 1:9 1Jn 2:16 13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 1Co 1:7 Phi 3:20 *TOPIC:* EMPOWERED FOR UPRIGHT LIVING. *THE MESSAGE:* Upright living refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commandments. God created us to live extraordinary lives without struggle - a life above the power of sin, a product of grace. Man failed by disobeying and could not live an upright life. The salvation Jesus wrought restored man to the life he was expected to live. As recipients of God’s grace, we are empowered to live in a new way. Have you received the power to live this new life, or are you still entangled by sexual immorality, lying, and deception? The grace of God is potent to train you to renounce impiety and worldly passions. You must lean on Jesus to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age. *REFLECTION:* You are empowered to live an upright life. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to display this enabling grace daily. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 7-11. ED.ii. LOT'S FATAL DECISIONS "Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land." - Genesis 19:24-25 Abraham was blessed by God and because his nephew Lot was with him, Lot was also blessed. Both had large flocks. At one point the shepherds of both flocks started to fight because there was not enough space. Abraham then let Lot choose to go either to the left or to the right. Lot saw that the Jordan area was good and made his first fatal choice. Lot chose the best for himself. It was his first step towards Sodom. It did not occur to him to consult the Lord first. So many Christians today do the same and make their own choices based on what they see, instead of asking for the Lord's guidance. Many follow the money. The evil one mainly whispers to young people: 'If you go for the money, you can achieve everything.' However, God's way is always the best way. Lot's second fatal decision is to pitch his tents nearby Sodom. 'Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord' (Genesis 13:13). Once you take one step in the wrong direction, it will not be long before you are completely on the wrong track. Lot's third fatal step is in Genesis 14:12, it says that 'he was living in Sodom.' So, it did not take long before Lot lived in the city of Sodom. God had to destroy Sodom because of the wickedness. It was because of Abraham's prayer for Lot and his family that God gave them an opportunity to flee the city. Dear reader, one day God will destroy this world as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not make fatal choices. Do not join the sinful practices of this world. Always choose to go the way of Jesus. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ⏤ Psalm 103:17 There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom We come with grateful hearts to You, O God, our Father. We will praise You as long as we live. We call on our souls and all that is within us to bless Your holy name and never forget Your blessings. You forgive all our sins. You heal all our diseases. You redeem our lives from destruction. You crown us with love and compassion. You satisfy our needs with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. You, Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and full of mercy. You won’t stay angry forever, nor will You hold our sins against us forever. You have not treated us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your mercy toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You. For You know how we are formed; You remember that we are dust. Our days are like grass; we flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But Your mercy, O Lord, is from everlasting to everlasting. We rejoice in Your eternity. We rest in it, knowing that our trust in You will never be shaken. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but Your kindness will never depart from us, nor will Your covenant of peace be removed. Grant us Your peace now, our Father, and keep us safe in the secret place of Your presence throughout the night. Bless us with Your tender love, we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Amazing Facts Daily Devotionals A Taste for Something Good. August 18th, 2026 Humans have about 10,000 taste buds on their tongues, yet insects have the most highly developed sense of taste—using their feet and antennae. Have you ever taken a bite of some food and suddenly tasted something bitter? (At one potluck, I put some peanut butter on my desert only to discover it was actually vegan cheese spread. Not pretty!) Your first response is to spit it out. Of the five senses of the tongue, bitterness is the most sensitive at picking up something that tastes disagreeable. Perhaps that was God’s intention, as many toxic plants have naturally bitter compounds. The taste threshold of bitterness is measured in relationship to quinine, which is given a reference index of 1. In 1958, scientists discovered a chemical called denatonium, the bitterest substance ever found. It has a threshold of 1,000! This aversive agent is added to poisonous matter to prevent people from accidentally swallowing something that might harm them. Researchers have also discovered a couple of substances that are extremely bitter to some people but are virtually tasteless to others. Evidently, the genes of some people make them “supertasters” when it comes to identifying certain bitter compounds. Solomon gives strong medicine to his son in Proverbs 5, urging him to shun immorality at all costs. He speaks from personal experience. It’s odd that the wisest man who ever lived made some of the most foolish choices in the area of lust. To all men he warns that what might seem sweet in the beginning ends up being bitter in the end. He illustrates the remorse and disastrous consequences of breaking the seventh commandment with a perennial plant that grows in the temperate parts of Northern Africa called artemesia. The shrub was used as an ingredient in flavoring some alcoholic drinks and in some spices, but the strong bitter juice of the plant is unfit to eat in your typical lunch salad. God wants us to be supertasters at sensing the poisonous temptations of Satan. Through Solomon’s example, the Lord calls to us to “pay attention!” We can learn from Solomon’s experiences and be saved from a taste of bitter grief. Lord, I make a promise to keep my eyes on you today and to keep my thoughts pure. I choose to turn from every polluted pathway. Additional reading: Proverbs 5:1–14 Key Bible Texts My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: (Proverbs 5:1 KJV)

Daily devotion for August 18th Where To Begin Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. Nehemiah 9:5b This prayer in the book of Nehemiah is a great model that will teach us much for our own prayer life. It begins with a great section of praise. First, God is praised as the Creator and Maker of everything. Beginning with the life He gave you is a great place to start when you are praising God. It seems strange to me that people who are dependent every moment on God to give them life allow themselves so easily to forget that fact. God sustains us moment by moment. We ought to be grateful for that. Let us never forget that our very breath comes from Him. The next section praises God as the caller and chooser of people. He is the one who gives undeserved blessings to those He chooses. God is the keeper of promises. Not one of us would be here today if it were not for that merciful, sovereign call of God. Jesus said, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (John 6:44). We are here today because the Spirit of God in wondrous grace has drawn us to Himself. Then the people praise God as the deliverer from sin and its enslavement. They retell the history of this nation, beginning with the call of Abraham and their deliverance from Egypt. Some of us have forgotten the lessons God has taught us and have returned to the same sins, plunging ourselves once more into rebellion and slavery. Let us never forget that we have been wonderfully, even miraculously, delivered by the great hand of God. Praise for God as the great provider of wisdom and the necessities of life follows. Here is God's providential care of His own. He taught this people how to live in the midst of great wickedness. He knew he was sending them into a land inhabited by tribes who were morally degraded to a degree that is appalling to us today. They offered their children to the god Molech by throwing them alive into a furnace of fire. It was among these people that the Israelites had to live. Yet God taught them how to avoid defilement from those things. He taught them how to be friends with these people but not be destroyed by their immorality. It is exactly the situation we are called to live in today. God has given us this wonderful book that teaches us the rules of life, health, salvation, and deliverance and the inner strength that can resist the temptations that abound all around us. To neglect it is folly. God also supplied their needs. He gave them bread to eat when there was none. He gave them water from the rock in the middle of the desert. That is not only an account of meeting physical needs, but it describes the meeting of spiritual needs as well. The New Testament tells us these are pictures of Christ: He is the bread of life; He is the water of life. As the Israelites learned the meaning of these symbols, they began to understand that there was One coming who would fully meet the need of the human heart. Father, I praise and worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as the One who has chosen me and drawn me to Yourself and the One who provides all that I need

Need to know. CAN A CHRISTIAN LISTEN TO WORLDLY SECULAR MUSIC? THE SHOCKING TRUTH MANY BELIEVERS ARE AFRAID TO DISCUSS Child of God, this is one of the most debated questions in Christianity today. Some believers say, "Music is just entertainment." Others believe anything outside worship is dangerous. But the real question is this: What is your music feeding? Your flesh or your spirit? Music is never just background noise. It shapes emotions, influences thoughts, creates atmospheres, and affects your spiritual sensitivity. Many people judge music by the beat while ignoring the message it carries. The Bible shows that music has spiritual influence. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's harp brought relief to Saul as the evil spirit departed. If godly music can usher in peace, worship, and God's presence, shouldn't we also consider what ungodly music may be inviting into our hearts? This is why discernment matters. Not every secular song is evil, but neither is every song spiritually safe. The issue isn't simply the rhythm—it's the message, the values it celebrates, and the fruit it produces in your life. Much of today's music glorifies lust, immorality, pride, violence, greed, drunkenness, revenge, and rebellion against God's ways. Ask yourself honestly: • If I spend hours every day feeding on messages that oppose God's Word, how will that shape my heart? Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Music enters through emotion and repetition. What you repeatedly listen to eventually shapes your desires, attitudes, and spiritual appetite. It is no surprise that many believers know every lyric of a worldly song but struggle to remember Scripture or spend time in prayer. At the same time, avoid legalism. Not every secular song promotes sin. Some simply tell stories about life, family, or human experiences. That's why believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not blanket condemnation. Instead, ask these questions: • Does this music glorify sin? • Does it stir ungodly desires? • Does it weaken or strengthen my relationship with Christ? Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on whatever is true, pure, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The truth is simple: • Not everything lawful is beneficial. • Not everything popular is healthy. • Not everything entertaining is harmless. Guard your heart. Protect your spiritual atmosphere. Let the Holy Spirit shape what fills your mind, because what fills your heart will eventually shape your life. What do you think? Can Christians listen to secular music? Have you seen music affect your walk with God?

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE. Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 «“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”» A Christian woman is not called to fit into the world; she is called to shine in the world without becoming part of its darkness. There will be pressure to compromise your convictions for a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, fashion, popularity, or social media approval. But remember this: What you compromise to gain today may become the very thing that destroys your testimony tomorrow. You can lose money and recover it. You can lose an opportunity and find another. You can lose popularity and still be fulfilled. But when you lose your character, convictions, and fellowship with God, the cost can be far greater. A godly woman must learn to say: “I would rather disappoint people than disappoint God.” 1. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matthew 6:33 «“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”» Before you are a wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur, student, minister, or friend, you are first a woman created by God. Your relationship with God must not become secondary because life becomes busy. Do not abandon prayer because you have entered a relationship. Do not abandon the Word because you have become successful. Do not stop attending fellowship because you have become comfortable. Do not allow a relationship to replace your relationship with Christ. Deep Spiritual Insight Anything that takes God's rightful place in your heart eventually becomes an idol. A Christian woman must be able to say: “God is not part of my life; God is the foundation of my life.” Practical Action - Maintain a consistent prayer life. - Study God's Word. - Fellowship with other believers. - Guard your spiritual environment. - Put God first in your decisions. 2. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURITY AND CHARACTER 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 «“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”» The world may tell you that purity is outdated. It is not. Holiness is not old-fashioned. Holiness is still God's standard. Your body is not merely an instrument for attracting attention. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. Therefore, do not allow desperation for marriage, money, attention, or acceptance to push you into sexual immorality or compromising situations. A woman of God must understand: Your value is not determined by who desires you. Your value is determined by the God who created you. Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph was tempted privately when nobody appeared to be watching. But Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9» Notice what Joseph considered most important. He did not say, “What will people say?” He said, “I cannot sin against God.” That must also be the conviction of every Christian woman. 3. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY AND GOD-GIVEN VALUE Psalm 139:14 «“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”» Social media can make women compare themselves with other women. One woman looks more beautiful. Another appears richer. Another has a successful marriage. Another has thousands of followers. Another seems to have everything together. But remember: Comparison can make you despise what God created. You don't have to become somebody else to become valuable. God created you intentionally. Your identity should not be built on: - Physical appearance - Relationship status - Wealth - Social media validation - People's opinions - Titles - Material possessions Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 You are part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Therefore, don't sell your identity cheaply for acceptance. You are God's workmanship before you are anybody's girlfriend, wife, employee, friend, or follower. 4. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES FOR MONEY OR SUCCESS Proverbs 11:1 «“A false balance is abomination to the LORD…”» There is nothing wrong with wanting success. There is nothing wrong with building a business. There is nothing wrong with becoming financially independent. But success without integrity is failure wearing expensive clothes. Never lie to make money. Never cheat to get ahead. Never sleep with someone to secure an opportunity. Never participate in corruption because “everybody is doing it.” Never allow financial pressure to destroy your principles. Biblical Example: The Virtuous Woman Proverbs 31:25 «“Strength and honour are her clothing…”» The woman described in Proverbs 31 was productive, hardworking, intelligent, business-minded, generous, and responsible. She was not weak. She was a woman of strength and honour. God does not require Christian women to be unsuccessful. He requires them to be faithful while pursuing success. 5. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURPOSE AND GODLY INFLUENCE Esther 4:14 «“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”» Esther was positioned in the palace for a purpose. Her position was not merely for comfort. It was an opportunity to influence history. Every Christian woman has influence somewhere. You may influence: - Your children - Your husband - Your workplace - Your church - Your community - Your generation - Your social media audience - Young people watching your life Never underestimate your influence. Titus 2:3-5 Older Christian women are instructed to teach and guide younger women. This means Christian women are not merely recipients of spiritual knowledge. They are also carriers and transmitters of godly wisdom. Your life is preaching something even when your mouth is closed. The question is: What is your life preaching? BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah experienced deep emotional pain because she had no child. She was mocked and misunderstood. Yet she took her pain to God. She did not allow her disappointment to destroy her faith. She prayed. She waited. She trusted. And eventually, God answered her with Samuel. Lesson for Christian Women Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter. You may be waiting for: - Marriage - Children - Financial breakthrough - Career advancement - Healing - Ministry growth - Restoration But don't compromise while waiting. Never exchange your destiny for temporary relief. Hannah waited before God, and her story changed. 5 QUESTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD ASK HERSELF 1. What am I tempted to compromise because I desperately want something? 2. Has any relationship become more important to me than God? 3. Does my private life agree with my public Christian testimony? 4. Am I allowing society or social media to determine my value? 5. If Jesus examined my decisions today, would I be proud of them? PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish non-negotiable convictions. Decide beforehand what you will and will not compromise. 2. Choose relationships wisely. Anyone who constantly pushes you away from God is not helping your destiny. 3. Protect your private life. Character is revealed by what you do when nobody is watching. 4. Build your identity in Christ. Know God's Word concerning who you are. 5. Find godly women to learn from. Don't walk alone. Learn from mature Christian women who have walked with God through different seasons of life. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to love You above everything else, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, strengthen me to stand for righteousness when I am under pressure to compromise. 3. Father, protect my heart, mind, body, and destiny from ungodly influences. 4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, insecurity, and the need for human approval. 5. Father, give me wisdom to recognize relationships and opportunities that are not from You. 6. Lord, help me to pursue success without sacrificing my integrity. 7. Father, let my life become a godly example to the generation coming after me. 8. Lord, restore every woman who has fallen through compromise and give her the grace to rise again. CALL TO ACTION Dear woman of God, you don't have to compromise to be accepted. You don't have to compromise to get married. You don't have to compromise to become successful. You don't have to compromise to become beautiful. You don't have to compromise to become influential. You don't have to compromise to survive. God is able to bless you without destroying you. The world may tell you: “Everybody is doing it.” But you must say: “I am not everybody. I belong to Christ.” When everybody is bowing, stand. When everybody is compromising, stand. When everybody is pursuing popularity, pursue holiness. When everybody is choosing temporary pleasure, choose eternal purpose. Your beauty will fade. Your possessions will pass away. Your popularity may disappear. But a life that honours God will leave an eternal testimony. Final Declaration I will not compromise my faith. I will not compromise my purity. I will not compromise my identity. I will not compromise my integrity. I will not compromise my purpose. I am a woman of God. I belong to Christ. My life has purpose. My body is God's temple. My character is my treasure. My faith is my foundation. And by the grace of God, I will stand! “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 Stand firm, woman of God. Your generation needs the woman God has called you to become. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* BE SANCTIFIED. *TEXT:* 1 THESSALONIANS 4:4-5. 4 Each of you must know how to control his own body in a holy and honorable manner, 5 not with passion and lust like the gentiles who do not know God. 1Co 15:34 Eph 4:18 [Col 3:5] *TOPIC:* BE SANCTIFIED. *THE MESSAGE:* To be sanctified means to be set apart for God's purpose. God is holy (Lev. 20:7), so He calls His people to live in holiness, especially the way they control their bodies. In our reading, believers are urged to practice self-discipline, avoid sexual immorality, live honourably, and not be driven by lust like unbelievers. Sadly, many youths today compromise their sanctification through exposure to immoral content, substance abuse, and other defiling influences. Unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and eloping marriages are rampant. These affect the Christian testimony adversely. God desires pure vessels for His glory. Are you trapped in such vices? Do not give up; God is the God of second chances. Come to Him in repentance and be cleansed. *REFLECTION:* Sanctification is not optional. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to set myself aside for Your use. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* LAMENTATIONS 1-5. ED.ii. THE STRUGGLE TO PRAY "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me." - Romans 7:21-23 Many people find it difficult to pray because they are struggling. You want to pray, read the Bible and go to the church meeting. You want to obey God and follow Him. But it seems like a battle has started in you. It seems as if there is an inner struggle between the light and the darkness and you do not know what to do. You had such a need to do the abovementioned, but it is as if the evil one is whispering all kinds of wrong things to you. You got up in the morning with the best intentions but a few hours later they are all gone. The struggle between two natures There was a time when the great apostle Paul was also bothered by this: 'For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing' (Romans 7:19). There is a law of the flesh which pulls you down and a law of the Spirit which pulls you up. This means that there are still two natures working in your life. It means that the 'old man' has not died yet. It means that the process to Calvary has not yet taken place in you. The 'old man' is still too strong. This struggle must end in your life and Jesus wants to help you with that. You have to go from Romans 7 to Romans 8, which starts with: 'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' Only people who desire to live in this new and redeemed life of Romans 8 are able to be real intercessors and prayer warriors. Allow that 'old man' to die like the seed must die first before it bears fruit. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. ⏤ Psalm 91:1-2 God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them. ⏤ Augustine of Hippo O God, our Father in Heaven, You have kept us through another week, and now we come to You seeking an evening blessing. We thank You for all that this week has been to us. Your goodness and mercy have been with us every day and every night. You have provided for us daily, just as You provided manna for Your people in the wilderness. You have blessed us with health, with friends, with the comforts of home, and with all the good things You have given us this week. But we haven’t been as faithful in our part. We’ve been forgetful and careless. We haven’t fulfilled all our duties to each other and to our neighbors. We’ve left many things undone that we should have done. Please forgive us and help us to learn from our failures so that we can live holier lives in the coming week. We leave all our work in Your hands. We look forward to Sunday with hope and longing, as we desire to come again to Your house of worship. Our souls thirst for You like dry, barren land thirsts for rain. Please prepare us for Sunday, so that when it comes, we may be ready to receive rich blessings. Keep us through the night. Protect us from all harm. Preserve our bodies from sickness and accidents, and our souls from all kinds of evil. May we rest in peaceful sleep and wake up refreshed. We ask for special protection for our home from fire and any other dangers. We also remember our friends. Please give them a Saturday evening blessing. Hear our evening prayers, bless us, comfort us, strengthen us, and keep us. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/41/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Need to know. 5 DANGEROUS WAYS YOU OPEN DOORS TO THE ENEMY, WITHOUT REALIZING IT. WARNING! THIS IS A BIBLICAL TEACHING. The Bible warns believers to be spiritually alert because we are in a spiritual battle. «"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." — 1 Peter 5:8» Satan cannot force anyone to sin, but he tempts people into habits that can pull them away from God and harden their hearts. 1. INTOXICATION Anything that takes away your self-control can make you spiritually vulnerable. Whether it's alcohol or drugs, intoxication clouds judgment and can lead to other sins. «"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." — Ephesians 5:18» «"Be sober-minded; be watchful." — 1 Peter 5:8» God calls His people to live with clear minds and self-control. 2. SEXUAL IMMORALITY God designed sex for marriage. Sexual sin damages our relationship with Him and affects both body and soul. «"Flee from sexual immorality." — 1 Corinthians 6:18» «"The two shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24» The enemy often uses lust to trap people in guilt, shame, and brokenness, but Christ offers forgiveness and freedom to those who repent. 3. UNWHOLESOME WORDS Your tongue has power. Constant insults, gossip, lies, and curses can wound others and reflect what is in the heart. «"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21» «"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up." — Ephesians 4:29» As followers of Christ, our words should bring truth, grace, and encouragement. 4. UNCONTROLLED ANGER Anger itself is not always sin, but uncontrolled anger can lead to hatred, violence, and bitterness. «"Be angry, and do not sin... do not give the devil a foothold." — Ephesians 4:26–27» Forgiveness and humility close the doors that bitterness tries to open. 5. UNREPENTANT SIN When people continually reject God's correction and refuse to repent, their hearts become hardened. «"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9» Jesus didn't come to condemn us but to save us. No matter how far you've fallen, His mercy is greater than your past. «"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." — James 4:7» The answer is not fear—it's repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, prayer, reading God's Word, fellowship with other believers, and daily obedience to the Holy Spirit. May God strengthen everyone struggling with temptation, addiction, anger, or sexual sin. May the Lord Jesus Christ break every chain, restore every broken heart, and fill you with His peace, holiness, and power. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

*Be Strong and Courageous* When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church, he was writing to believers experiencing intense division. Power and politics within the church community were causing Christians to stray from Jesus’ teachings and compete with each other. Because of this, the poor were suffering, people were confused about theology, and immorality was being tolerated. After calling out their mistakes and showing them how to live Spirit-filled lives, Paul summarized his desire for the Corinthians with these words…  *Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14* Be on guard… Paul uses this phrase to remind his friends to keep watch over their lives, their community, and their choices. He knew that if they didn’t stay aware and awake, they wouldn’t notice the lies, tricks, or deceptions the devil was using to infiltrate their community. Stand firm… Immorality was a major issue in the Corinthian church. But instead of addressing this problem, Corinthian Christians were tolerating it. So Paul reminded them that they are one body. If one person was allowed to disrespect God, then they were all part of the problem. They needed to learn how to stand firm in their faith so that their ultimate desire would be to please God, not people. *Be courageous. Be strong…* In order to resist spiritual attacks, the Corinthians needed to stand strong together. They needed to courageously use their gifts and talents to strengthen their church community and help it grow—even when it seemed counter-cultural and uncomfortable.   And do everything with love... In *1 Corinthians 13,* Paul writes that if he could be perfect, do everything right, never sin, and always keep God’s commands—but he didn’t have love, it would mean nothing. Strength, courage, and commitment—none of it matters if God’s love isn’t at the center of everything we think and do.   If God’s love doesn’t define us, standing firm can become self-righteousness, strength can turn into stubbornness, and courage can become arrogance.   So, what steps can we take to stand firm in what we believe with strength and courage? As we determine what choices we need to make, let's remember that God fights for us, and His Spirit is with us. He can empower us to boldly share His love. *Help Us Stay On Guard* Father God, we need You. You've given us everything we need to live a godly life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Help us to not waiver in faith. Help us to be on guard against any attacks or lies from the devil. Give us the courage to be strong and stand firm in belief in You, and to live for You daily. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Matthew 19:1-12 Remember that every time the Pharisees test Jesus with a question, it wasn't because they wanted the answer, it was to test Him. So the question they ask is purposely a binary choice. A question with intentionally so, only two possible answers, yes or No. In Jesus’ day there were two schools of thought on the subject of divorce. The liberal school taught that divorce was permitted if your wife burned breakfast. Yeah, literally that's in the language of the scholarly books. The conservative school taught that divorce was not permitted, at all in any way but only permitted in cases where the spouse was unfaithful, so it was two extremes on opposite ends. So the Jews test Him, because either answer isolates half of the population. So Jesus answers the fundamental issue under the question will God allow divorce? And Jesus's answer is very firm, at marriage, two bodies are joined into one flesh. And God considers the marriage indelible, permanent from the beginning. The truth is no, God doesn't want divorce for his people. God never intended divorce to exist. He allowed it to exist because of the hardness of the hearts of the people. However this does not say that an abused spouse must stay in such a relationship because to divorce would be a sin. It does not suggest anything close to that. If a spouse or child is being abused for that there is no good excuse. But Moses gave the Israelites an out. If your husband is unfaithful, a divorce frees the wife to remarry. And vice versa with the wife being unfaithful. Remember too that in cases where someone commits adultery there is likely a death penalty coming. So a divorce may not be called for simply because the guilty party is taking a dirt nap after being rocked to sleep. How serious is Jesus's advice? He's telling the men that the question of marriage being permanent is truth and as God intended. So they say, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” And they were right. Then Jesus contemplates eunuchs. Eunuchs were men who were so dedicated to God that they had their sexual organs removed, and anesthesia had not been invented yet. And please understand that Jesus isn't advocating for sexual organs being removed He is saying, “men, if you can't resist the urge to commit adultery, you're better off not having it.” In other words, get a grip on yourself if you can't resist temptation, learn to control yourself as a single or as a married man. And yes, there are some people who God gifted with the talent and personality to remain single. Sadly, sometimes those people marry anyway in defiance of God's plans. And the beginning of trouble in their life occurs when they realize their mistakes. There are others who feel they are on the opposite end of that position, people who feel incomplete or lost if they aren't in a relationship. These people hop from partner to partner looking for the “one“ but never actually finding them. Then you have the partners that are never satisfied with their partner. Nothing is ever enough for them. Wives who would sacrifice their family for their own happiness while their man will sacrifice his happiness for his family. This seems to be a trend of modern women for whom the end goal in life is their happiness. Jesus Is saying that divorce is a horrible thing that was never supposed to exist. That for some it is better to castrate themselves than to marry. It should serve as a reminder that the decision to marry should not be taken lightly. [1] When Jesus had finished these words, He left Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; [2] and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. [3] Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” [4] And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, [5] and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? [6] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.” [7] They *said to Him, “Why, then, did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?” [8] He *said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. [9] And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” [10] The disciples *said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” [11] But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. [12] For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 2026 THEME: UNDERSTANDING COVENANTS AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;" Deuteronomy 7:9 READ: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. MESSAGE: To understand what a covenant is, it is helpful first to understand what a contract is, as it is a more familiar concept. A contract is a written and signed agreement between two or more parties which outlines the expectations and responsibilities of all the parties involved in an interaction. The moment a contract is signed, all parties involved are bound by it, and typically, the contract will outline the consequences of what will happen if any party breaches the agreement. Such consequences may include penalties, damages, and other similar outcomes. A covenant is also a contract, but one that is signed with body fluids, mostly blood. This means that when body fluids, especially blood, are involved in a contract, a covenant has been established. For example, in Genesis 17:1-14, God entered into a covenant with Abraham, and to sign that covenant, every male that was born into Abraham's household was to be circumcised, beginning with Abraham himself, even though he was almost 100 years old at the time. A covenant is no joking matter, primarily because the penalty for breaking it is usually death. This is why today's teaching is very important. When a man and a woman come together to exchange body fluids, particularly through sex, they are entering into a covenant. They may not know it, but they have become bonded with each other. This is why it is important for a husband and a wife to only have sexual relationships with each other, because the devil usually takes advantage of extramarital sexual intercourse to pass on demons between those who indulge in it. Many years ago, a boy was barking like a dog and was brought to me for deliverance. When I investigated the matter, I discovered that he had been sleeping with a dog in his house. In other words, he had entered into a covenant with that dog, and the devil had obviously attacked him through that. In the same vein, when a fellow sleeps with someone who is not his or her spouse, certain things will be passed from that fellow to them, and you can be sure that they are not good things because the act that was committed was contrary to God's will. Beloved, do not neglect the Almighty God's instructions about keeping yourself sexually pure. Do not allow the devil access into your life by engaging in illicit sexual acts. I pray that the Lord will continually empower you to overcome all forms of sexual temptation, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Illicit sexual relations establish covenants that the devil can exploit. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 31-32 HYMN 31: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION 1 Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin; Each vict’ry will help you some other to win; Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue; Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. Refrain: Ask the Saviour to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through. 2 Shun evil companions, bad language disdain, God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain; Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true; Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. Chorus 3 To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown, Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down; He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew; Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL Thursday 13th August 2026 UNDERSTANDING COVENANTS ‎PRAYER POINTS 1.Father, I worship You, The covenant keeping God. Thank You for Your covenant of mercy from generation to generation to them that loves You. 2.Father, thank You for destroying the power of sin over my soul. Thank You for breaking me free from the covenant of death into the covenant of life sealed by the blood of Jesus. 3.Father, thank You for the blood of Jesus that speaks better things than the blood of animals. Thank You for the atonement of the blood of Jesus for my cleansing and healings, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, now that I'm joined in the new covenant by the blood of Jesus, please help me to be faithful in keeping my own part of the covenant, to keep myself holy in all manner, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help all Christian couples to be faithful to each other and their marital vows, in keeping themselves sexually pure, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please save the homes of all Your children from sexual immorality and deliver any couple that are under the control of demons, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please deliver all our youths from sexual immorality and perversion. Uproot everything You have not planted in them, and separate them from every unholy relationship, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me not to neglect Your instructions on sexual purity. Help me not to join myself with immorality at any point of my walk with You, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please help me never to allow the devil access to my life through illicit sexual acts, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please empower me to overcome all forms of sexual temptations, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to remain committed to purity in all areas of his life, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.