📘 Daily Devotion — August 17 | Acts 18:28 (NKJV) 💯 Pointing Others to Jesus Through Scripture Acts 18 introduces Apollos, a gifted speaker who loved God's Word. After receiving further instruction from Priscilla and Aquila, he boldly proclaimed the gospel with greater understanding. Using the Scriptures, Apollos demonstrated that Jesus is the promised Messiah, helping many people place their faith in Christ. Apollos did not depend merely on eloquence or personal opinions. His confidence rested in the truth of God's Word. By faithfully explaining the Scriptures, he showed that God's promises were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His ministry reminds us that the Bible is our greatest tool for sharing the gospel and defending the truth. For believers today, this passage encourages us to know God's Word well so we can lovingly and confidently point others to Jesus. As we grow in biblical understanding, God equips us to answer questions, strengthen fellow believers, and share the hope of the gospel with those who are searching. Reflection Questions 1. Am I growing in my knowledge of God's Word? 2. How can I use Scripture to encourage someone this week? 3. Is Jesus the center of my conversations about faith? Prayer Lord God, thank You for giving me Your Word to guide my life and reveal Jesus Christ. Help me to study the Scriptures faithfully and give me wisdom and courage to share the truth with love. May my life always point others to my Savior. In Jesus name Amen. Practical Application ● Spend time studying Scripture with the goal of knowing Christ better. ● Share a Bible verse that has encouraged you with someone this week. ● Be prepared to explain the hope you have in Jesus with gentleness and respect. Takeaway Thought God's Word faithfully points every seeking heart to Jesus Christ. #LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August17 #Acts1828 #JesusIsTheChrist #PowerOfScripture #BoldFaith #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

THE CALVARY MINISTRY – ONLINE ✝️ THE CROSS OF CALVARY 🙏🏽 📅 MONDAY, 17TH AUGUST, 2026 📜 TEXT: JOHN 7:37–39 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” — John 7:37 (KJV)» 💧 THE LIVING WATER THAT FLOWS FROM CHRIST The Cross of Calvary reveals the depth of God's love, but the message of Christ does not end at the Cross. Jesus calls every thirsty soul to come to Him and receive the living water that only He can give. ✝️💧 There is a thirst in every human heart that money cannot satisfy, success cannot quench, relationships cannot completely fill, and worldly pleasures cannot permanently silence. Jesus stands as the answer to that deepest thirst. He does not merely offer us something to drink—He offers us Himself. ❤️‍🔥 🔥 THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 7 1️⃣ JESUS INVITES THE THIRSTY. 💧 «“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” — John 7:37» Notice the words: “If any man.” The invitation is open to everyone. It does not matter how broken your past has been. It does not matter how far you have wandered. It does not matter how empty your heart feels. Jesus says: COME. Come with your weakness. Come with your questions. Come with your failures. Come with your burdens. Come with your thirst. The answer is found in Christ. 2️⃣ CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE SATISFACTION. ❤️ The world constantly offers temporary solutions to spiritual hunger and thirst. It tells us to pursue possessions, pleasure, recognition and human approval. But everything the world offers eventually leaves us wanting more. Jesus offers something different. He gives living water—the life, presence and work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. When Christ becomes the centre of your life, you no longer have to depend on the world to define your worth or satisfy your soul. Jesus is enough. 🙏🏽 3️⃣ THE HOLY SPIRIT FLOWS THROUGH THE BELIEVER. 🔥💧 «“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” — John 7:38» Jesus does not intend for us to keep His life within ourselves. The living water is meant to flow. What God pours into you should become a blessing to others. Your testimony can encourage someone. Your prayers can strengthen someone. Your kindness can restore someone. Your witness can lead someone to Christ. A believer should not be a spiritual reservoir that only receives. We are called to become channels through which God's grace flows. ❤️‍🔥 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION What are you truly thirsty for? Are you thirsty for God—or are you constantly trying to satisfy your heart with the things of this world? Jesus is still calling: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Do not run to the world when your soul is thirsty. Run to Jesus. When you are empty—come to Jesus. When you are discouraged—come to Jesus. When you are spiritually dry—come to Jesus. When you need direction—come to Jesus. When you need peace—come to Jesus. The world may offer temporary refreshment, but Christ gives living water. And when you have received His living water, allow it to flow through your life and touch others. 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Jesus Christ, the source of living water. Thank You that through Him we can receive true spiritual life and satisfaction. Lord Jesus, I come to You today with every thirst, every burden and every emptiness in my heart. Fill me with Your presence. Let the Holy Spirit refresh my soul and strengthen my faith. Remove every desire that has taken Your place in my heart. Teach me to seek You above everything else. Let the living water within me flow into my family, my relationships, my church, my workplace and everyone I encounter. Make my life a vessel through which Your love, grace and truth can reach others. May I never try to satisfy my soul with what can only leave me empty. Jesus, You are enough for me. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽✝️ 🌹 CALVARY BLESSING May the Lord satisfy every spiritual thirst within you. 💧 May the Holy Spirit refresh your soul. May God's presence strengthen you when you are weak. May His Word guide you when you are confused. May rivers of living water flow through your life and become a blessing to others. May your heart always hunger for God and your spirit continually thirst for His presence. Come to Christ. Drink deeply from His presence. Walk in the Spirit. Let His life flow through you. 💧✝️ JESUS IS THE LIVING WATER! 🔥 THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! 🔥 By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah 🙏🏽

The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND "ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING" “All Creatures of Our God and King” traces its roots to one of the most beautiful expressions of praise in Christian history: the Canticle of the Sun, written by St. Francis of Assisi around 1224. St. Francis composed the canticle near the end of his life, during a period of physical suffering. Rather than allowing his circumstances to silence his faith, he looked at creation and saw it as a reflection of God’s glory. The sun, moon, wind, water, fire and earth became, in his poetic prayer, fellow worshippers joining humanity in praising their Creator. Centuries later, the English clergyman William Henry Draper brought this ancient prayer into the world of congregational hymn singing. Draper translated and adapted portions of St. Francis’ canticle into English, creating the hymn now known as “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Draper prepared the hymn for a children’s Whitsuntide celebration in Leeds, England. His version was subsequently published in the early 20th century and became widely used in churches, particularly in Britain and other English-speaking Christian communities. The familiar melody adds another layer of history. The tune, commonly known as “Lasst uns erfreuen,” originated in Germany and appeared in a Catholic hymnal in 1623. Centuries later, it was arranged and popularised in the English-speaking church, notably through the work of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the English Hymnal. The hymn’s message is simple yet profound: all creation belongs to God and is called to praise Him. Its repeated invitation to “O praise Him” turns the song into a celebration of worship that reaches beyond humanity to the entire created world. From a prayer written by a 13th-century saint to an English adaptation sung in churches centuries later, “All Creatures of Our God and King” has endured because of its timeless reminder that creation itself points toward the greatness, goodness and glory of its Creator.

August 17 🌿 “WHO GOD SAYS I AM” I AM BEING MADE NEW EVERY DAY 📖 2 Corinthians 4:16 (LLV) — “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Time leaves its marks upon all of us. Bodies grow tired. Strength changes. Faces show the years we have lived. Things we once did without thinking may someday require more effort. Paul knew this reality well. His body carried the scars of hardship. He had endured beatings, imprisonment, hunger, weariness, and suffering. Yet he wrote: “We do not lose heart.” Why? Because Paul was looking at something the mirror could not show him. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” There is a work God is doing within us that time cannot undo. The body may grow older, but faith can grow stronger. Our steps may become slower, but our walk with God can become deeper. The world may measure life by what we can still do. God sees what we are becoming. More patient. More compassionate. More trusting. More aware of His presence. More like Christ. And notice Paul's words: “Day by day.” God's renewal is not reserved for dramatic spiritual moments. It happens today. And tomorrow. And the day after that. Through prayer. Through Scripture. Through hardship. Through joy. Through ordinary faithfulness. God continues His work within us. There may come a season when the outward life seems to contain more losses than gains. But for the person who belongs to Christ, there is never a day when God has nothing more to do. Until the day we see Him face to face, He is still making us new. A new beginning can happen every morning: whatever yesterday took from me, God is still renewing something within me today. Reflection: Instead of concentrating only on what time has changed or taken away, can I recognize something God has been quietly renewing within me? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your work within me continues through every season of life. When I become discouraged by the changes I can see, help me remember the work that cannot be seen. Renew my faith, deepen my love, strengthen my hope, and continue forming Christ within me day by day. May I never lose heart, because You are never finished with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, 17th August, 2026 TITLE: "STRENGTHENED BY GOD'S SPIRIT, NOT BY HUMAN POWER" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Ephesians 3:16 (KJV) "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;" Zechariah 4:6 (KJV) "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "What human strength cannot accomplish, God's Spirit can." DAY'S REFLECTION Every journey has moments when our natural strength feels insufficient. We may have responsibilities to carry, challenges to overcome, or assignments that seem greater than our ability. At such times, God reminds us that we were never meant to depend entirely on ourselves. Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:16 that believers would be "strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." The inner man refers to our spiritual life—our heart, faith, character, and relationship with God. God does not only strengthen us outwardly; He strengthens us from within so that we can remain faithful even when circumstances are difficult. To be strengthened means to receive divine ability, courage, endurance, and spiritual stability. Sometimes God changes the situation; at other times, He strengthens us to stand firmly in the situation until His purpose is accomplished. Zechariah 4:6 gives us the same principle: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." Human might can represent resources, influence, position, or physical strength, while power can represent human ability and effort. These things have their place, but they are not the ultimate source of spiritual victory. God was teaching Zerubbabel that the work before him would be accomplished through dependence on the Holy Spirit. Likewise, some assignments in our lives cannot be completed successfully through human effort alone. We need God's direction, strength, wisdom, and enabling grace. Life experience teaches us that determination can take us far, but there are situations where determination alone is not enough. When our strength is exhausted, God's strength remains available. When our resources are limited, God's resources are unlimited. Therefore, do not face today's responsibilities saying, "I cannot do this." Instead, say, "Lord, strengthen me by Your Spirit." Depend on Him in prayer, surrender your plans to Him, and allow His Spirit to empower you. Your victory does not depend solely on how strong you are. It depends on the God who strengthens you. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 40:29 (KJV) "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God strengthens us from the inside through His Spirit. 2. Human ability has limits, but God's power has no limits. 3. Spiritual victory comes through dependence on God, not self-reliance. 4. Weakness can become an opportunity to experience God's strength. 5. Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit are essential for fulfilling God's purposes. EVERYDAY ACTION Begin today by surrendering your plans to God and asking His Spirit to strengthen and guide you. PRAYER Heavenly Father, strengthen me by Your Spirit in my inner man. Help me not to depend on human strength alone, but to trust Your power and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am strengthened by the Spirit of God. I will not depend on human power alone. The Lord gives me strength, wisdom, courage, and grace to fulfil His purpose for my life. Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Monday, August 17 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 18 — The Danites and Micah's Idol ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 2 PETER 2 — Warning Against False Teachers 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 28 — The Cornerstone of Zion 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 18 The Danites take Micah's idols and establish their own form of worship. The chapter shows the danger of spiritual compromise and reminds us that God's people must not replace His truth with what simply seems right in their own eyes. ✝️ 2 Peter 2 Peter gives a strong warning about false teachers who distort the truth and lead others into sin. Believers are called to remain grounded in God's Word, recognize deception, and pursue holy living. 🌿 Isaiah 28 Isaiah confronts the pride and false security of Israel's leaders, but also points to God's sure foundation: the precious cornerstone laid by God in Zion. Our confidence should rest on God's truth rather than human wisdom or temporary security. ✨ KEY VERSE "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation." — Isaiah 28:16 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, establish our lives firmly upon Your truth. Give us discernment to recognize false teaching and the courage to reject anything that draws us away from You. Keep us humble, faithful, and rooted in Christ, our sure foundation. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Check your foundation today. Let God's Word—not popular opinion, feelings, or human wisdom—guide your decisions, beliefs, and actions.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - MONDAY, 17TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*I WILL WAIT FOR MY CHANGE TO COME*🌟 📖 Scripture: “If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” — Job 14:14 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Your Waiting Season Is Not Your Final Season:* Job 14:14 expresses the heart of someone passing through a difficult season but refusing to give up hope. Job understood that life has appointed seasons, and he chose to wait for his change. There are moments when we pray and do not immediately see the answer. There are seasons when progress appears slow, doors seem closed, and circumstances do not look the way we expected. But delay does not mean denial, and a difficult season does not mean that God has abandoned us. Today, God is reminding you that your present condition is not necessarily your final destination. Continue to trust Him. Continue to pray. Continue to work faithfully. Continue to believe. Your appointed time is in God's hands, and He is able to bring change when the time is right. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my waiting shall not be wasted. I will wait upon the Lord with faith, patience, and confidence, knowing that He is working even when I cannot see what He is doing. I declare that my change shall come. Every season of stagnation, delay, disappointment, limitation, and frustration shall give way to a new season according to God's perfect purpose for my life. Today, I receive grace to remain faithful while I wait. I shall not abandon my faith because of temporary difficulties. I shall not allow disappointment to make me forget God's promises. I declare that the Lord is preparing me for the next chapter of my life. He is developing my character, strengthening my faith, increasing my wisdom, and preparing me for opportunities that are aligned with His purpose. I proclaim a new season over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May God bring renewal wherever there has been weariness, restoration wherever there has been loss, and progress wherever there has been stagnation. I declare that every legitimate prayer I have committed into God's hands shall receive His perfect response. Where God says yes, may the door open. Where He says wait, may I receive grace to wait. Where He says no, may I have the wisdom to trust His better plan. Today, I refuse to be defined by my past. My previous failures shall not determine my future. My disappointments shall not cancel my destiny. My mistakes shall not prevent God from accomplishing His purpose in my life. I declare that new opportunities shall arise according to God's will. New strength shall come upon me. New ideas shall flow. New doors shall open. New testimonies shall emerge. I proclaim that my hope in God shall remain alive. Like Job, I shall continue to trust the Lord even in difficult seasons. My faith shall survive the waiting period, and my testimony shall glorify God. My waiting has a purpose. My season will change. My hope is alive. My God is faithful. My change shall come! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with thanksgiving: Thank God for sustaining you through every season of your life. 2️⃣ Read Job 14:1–14: Reflect on Job's perseverance and his decision to wait on God. 3️⃣ Declare: “I will wait for my appointed time; my change shall come according to God's perfect will.” 4️⃣ Surrender your timeline: Give God your expectations, deadlines, and unanswered prayers. 5️⃣ Keep working faithfully: Do not allow waiting to become an excuse for inactivity. Continue doing what God has placed in your hands. 6️⃣ Encourage someone: Remind someone who is going through a difficult season that their present situation is not the end of their story. 7️⃣ End with praise: Thank God in advance for the change, restoration, and testimony He is preparing. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You because You are the God who holds my times and seasons in Your hands. Thank You for sustaining me through every difficult and uncertain season. Lord, give me grace to wait patiently for my appointed time. When I become tired, strengthen me. When I become discouraged, renew my hope. When I cannot understand what You are doing, help me to trust Your wisdom. Bring change into every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Bring restoration where there has been loss, progress where there has been stagnation, healing where there has been brokenness, and renewed strength where there has been weariness. Bless my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. Let Your perfect will be accomplished in every area of my life. Help me not to compare my journey with the journey of others. Teach me to trust Your timing and remain faithful to You while I wait. I believe that my story is not over. My season will change. My hope is in You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord strengthen you in every waiting season. May He give you patience without frustration, faith without fear, and hope without disappointment. May every season of delay turn into a season of divine fulfillment. May the Lord renew your strength, restore your joy, establish your plans according to His will, and bring beautiful changes into every area of your life. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and destiny experience fresh grace and divine advancement (Amen).🙏 The season may be challenging, but God is still faithful. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep believing. 🌱 Your waiting has a purpose. 🔥 Your faith will not fail. 🌟 Your season will change. 🙌 Your testimony shall come. “I WILL WAIT... TILL MY CHANGE COME.” — JOB 14:14 Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, hopeful, and testimony-filled new week! 🙏🔥 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

God Is Moved by a Repentant Heart Scripture Judges 10:16 (NKJV) So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel Repentance That Brings God’s Compassion Judges chapter 10 describes Israel sinking deeper into idolatry and suffering the consequences of turning away from the Lord. Once again they cry out for help but this time God confronts them more directly. Their repentance could not remain only words. It had to be proven by action. Verse 16 marks a powerful turning point. Israel removes the foreign gods and returns to serving the Lord. This repentance is not partial or emotional only. It is visible and costly. They abandon what had replaced God in their hearts and lives. The response of God is striking. Scripture says His soul could no longer endure their misery. This reveals the compassion of God. Though Israel’s suffering was the result of their choices God’s heart was still moved by genuine repentance. Discipline had a purpose and restoration followed humility. For believers today Judges 10 reminds us that God responds to sincere repentance. God is not looking for excuses but for hearts willing to change direction. When repentance is real God’s mercy is near. He does not delight in suffering but in restoration. Reflection Questions 1. Is my repentance expressed through action or only words 2. Have I removed anything that competes with God in my life 3. Do I trust that God is compassionate when I turn back to Him Prayer Lord God search my heart and show me anything that has taken Your place. I choose to turn fully back to You and serve You alone. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Restore me and lead me forward in obedience and trust. In Jesus name Amen.

Verse for Monday, August 17 1 Corinthians 13:12 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Day 16 - Evening Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage 🌙 Reflection Think about the promises you make. Good evening, Are your words becoming more dependable or less dependable? 📖 God's Word "The integrity of the upright guides them." — Proverbs 11:3 🌙 Heart Check Can my spouse safely depend on my word? 🙏 Prayer Lord, strengthen our integrity and make our marriage a safe place for trust. Amen. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Trust grows quietly through consistent faithfulness." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.