Mateo may be the hero of the story. But none of his journeys would happen without Verbum Aeternum. It rests inside an abandoned church in the mountains of Nicaragua. Father Tomás watches over it. Doña Rosa knows about it. And both seem to understand far more than they're willing to tell Mateo. At first, Verbum appears to be an enormous, ancient Bible. But is it? In today's Behind the Story, we meet the mystery at the heart of Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word. Who Is Verbum Aeternum? 👉 Read the new post on my blog: https://www.steverhartwigauthor.com/blog #ChristianMiddleGrade #BiblicalFiction #ChristianFiction #KidsAdventureBooks

I N V I T A T I O N Dear Brothers and Sisters, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394

I N V I T A T I O N Dear Brothers and Sisters, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394

MORNING DEVOTION | 27 AUGUST 2026 COMMIT YOUR PLANS TO GOD “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 Every morning is a new opportunity. We may have plans, responsibilities, businesses, families, and challenges ahead, but we don't have to carry everything by our own strength. Before you begin today, place your plans in God's hands. Ask Him for wisdom, direction, protection, and strength. Sometimes God may not give us exactly what we planned, but He can lead us toward something better than what we could see for ourselves. TODAY'S PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me another beautiful day. I commit my plans, work, family, decisions, and future into Your hands. Give me wisdom to make the right choices and courage to face every challenge. Bless the work of my hands and let everything I do bring glory to Your name. Guide my steps and keep me close to You. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. Have a blessed and productive day. Walk with God. Work faithfully. Trust His direction. If this devotion blessed you, share it with someone who needs encouragement this morning.

Look Up It’s normal, as well as understandable, to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. Sometimes we're preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something beyond our five senses. But in his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As you think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider: - First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King. - Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed. - Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever. - Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s sovereign plan. So when you’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at yourself, look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.

Colossians 3:1 NLT [1] Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.1.NLT

DAY 27 - Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow. 🌅 Reflection Protect Your Marriage from Comparison Good morning, Social media can make another person's marriage look perfect. You see the anniversary photograph. The beautiful dinner. The holiday. The new car. The romantic message. But you don't see the conversation that happened after the camera was switched off. Comparison can make you despise the blessings already sitting in your own home. Your marriage has its own story. Don't measure your chapter against someone else's highlight reel. 📖 God's Word "Let us not become conceited or provoke one another, envying each other." — Galatians 5:26 ❤️ Today's Love Action Tell your spouse one thing about your marriage that you are grateful for. 💬 Let's Talk How can comparison quietly damage a marriage? 🙏 Prayer Lord, teach us contentment. Help us celebrate our own journey without envying another couple's journey. Amen. 🌿 From The Counselor's Chair Comparison often makes us blind to blessings because we are too busy measuring what we have against what someone else appears to have. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Don't compare your real marriage with someone else's edited picture." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Look Up It’s normal, as well as understandable, to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. Sometimes we're preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something beyond our five senses. But in his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ As you think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider: - First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King. - Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed. - Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever. - Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s sovereign plan. So when you’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at yourself, look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD, PART 1 MEMORIZE: "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Hebrews 12:24 (KJV) BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 17:11, MATTHEW 26:27-29 LEVITICUS 17:11 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. MATTHEW 26:27-29 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. MESSAGE: God created man such that he would constantly need refuelling. That is why He made sure that every day would be followed by a night so that, if you have worked very hard during the day, you can sleep and refuel your energy at night. Also, after you have eaten breakfast and worked for some time, you are expected to take a break for lunch to refuel. The Almighty God created hunger to remind you that you are running low on energy, so you can go ahead and recharge by eating. In the same way batteries must be recharged from time to time so they can remain effective, you must constantly recharge yourself spiritually so that you will not become spiritually ineffective. Whenever you begin to run low on spiritual energy, there will be a hunger in your spirit, and you will feel the need to refill. When that hunger comes, please don't ignore it. Start fasting and praying immediately to recharge your spiritual energy. If you allow the hunger to persist, you will become weak, and this may cause you to faint in the day of adversity (Proverbs 24:10). God, in His infinite mercy, has also provided the Holy Communion as a very effective way for Christians to refuel spiritually. The wine of the Holy Communion represents the blood of Jesus, and since the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), then the life of Jesus is in His blood. You cannot drink the blood of Jesus worthily and remain weak. People who belong to occult groups understand the power of blood. When members of the occult want to receive more power, they are asked to make sacrifices that involve blood. The greater the power they seek, the greater the sacrifices required. In most cases, those who rise to the highest levels of such groups are asked to drink the blood of their victims for quicker and greater empowerment. As children of God, when we partake of the Holy Communion, we partake of the blood of our risen Lord. Today's memory verse tells us that the blood of Jesus speaks better things than that of Abel. When you are weak, the blood of Jesus will speak strength and might into you. Beloved, never wait until you are completely drained of your spiritual strength. Whenever you find yourself getting weak spiritually, partake of the Holy Communion to recharge yourself, and you will receive fresh energy from the endless life of Christ. KEY POINT: Partaking of the Holy Communion will refuel your spiritual energy. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 13 - 15 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. CHORUS: I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, stay thou near by; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. CHORUS: 3. I need thee every hour in joy or pain; come quickly and abide or life is vain. CHORUS: 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. CHORUS: 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! CHORUS: ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026 REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD I Prayer Point ‎ 1.Father, thank You for giving us the day, to work, and the night, for rest. Thank You for providing food and water to satisfy our hunger and thirst. 2.Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our weakness, and to fill us when we feel empty. 3.Father, please help me to constantly recharge myself spiritually, so I won't become spiritually ineffective, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me never to ignore the need to refill when I'm running low on spiritual energy, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me constantly recharge my spiritual batteries through regular fasting and prayers, in Jesus' name. 6.Holy Spirit, refuel my spiritual tank, and satisfy my hunger and thirst so I won't become weak and faint in the day of adversity, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, thank You for the power in the Holy Communion to refuel us spiritually; thank You for the life transforming power in the blood of Jesus, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me to constantly drink the blood of Jesus worthily, so I won't remain weak, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, by the reason of the blood of Jesus which is the greatest sacrifice, I receive power to rise to the very highest level of greater spiritual empowerment and exploit, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as I partake of the Holy Communion, let the blood of Jesus speak strength and might into me, in Jesus'name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Please grant him grace to remain spiritually refueled, recharged and reloaded for Your use, 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) #GodBlessOurNation These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Daily devotion for August 27th Drastic Action I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. Nehemiah 13:8-9 The high priest had allowed his grandson to marry the daughter of Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, who was an ally of Tobiah the Ammonite. Both of these were vitriolic, bitter enemies of Nehemiah. This cozy alliance led to an invitation to Tobiah to actually move into the temple itself. To make room for him, the high priest took over the storeroom that was set apart for the grain, oil, and incense used by the Levites in their purification and ritual ceremonies. So there were two wrongs involved. An Ammonite and his family were actually living in the temple, contrary to the Law of Moses; and, they had deliberately defrauded the Levites of their rights of storage. When Nehemiah returned he went into prompt and passionate action. He threw the baggage out, fumigated the room, and returned the oil, grain, and incense to their proper place. Many people feel that he overreacted. Today we do not get upset by the presence of evil and think it strange that a man should act like Nehemiah did. We have lost to a great degree our ability to express outrage and public indignation over things that are wrong. We must remember, however, that this is similar to the incident in the New Testament when Jesus came into the temple and found it filled with moneychangers. Jesus reacted in a way similar to Nehemiah. He made a whip and went around the temple, upsetting tables and driving the moneychangers out. It indicates that there is a time for strong stands against the evils that others have indifferently accepted. Evil invades us quietly. Before we are aware of it, we have compromised and gone along with standards widely accepted. We find the people of God have often been corrupted by this kind of thing. When it comes down to individuals, this is a picture of our struggle with our flesh. We must be prepared to be drastic and take often painful action to clear up the things that are wrong in our own affairs. Many Christians allow evil to take root in their own lives. This story pictures the way these false forces can invade our lives and take up rooms in the very temple of our spirit, polluting and destroying us in the process. Take action. Do not allow these evil things to remain. Even if it takes painful effort to do so, end it! That is what this great story teaches us. Lord, forgive me for the ways in which I allow subtle compromises to creep into my thinking and my choices. Help me to be as ruthless in judging and dealing with my own sin.