We serve the living God

A Nugget of Truth. GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST? “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20 God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment. He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor. The greatest danger is not an empty account. It is a heart emptied of Christ. Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess. --- ① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY Speculation whispers: “One more gain—then I will have enough.” But covetousness never says, “Enough.” “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9 When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security— Christ is no longer treated as sufficient. --- ② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT Faith asks: “Lord, what is Your will?” Greed asks: “How quickly can this multiply?” Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture. Prayer becomes hurried. Family worship weakens. Mission is postponed. “Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17 Satan need not make us openly deny Christ— only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him. --- ③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY Everything belongs to Christ. We are stewards—not owners. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given. Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?” Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?” Every peso carries a responsibility. --- ④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope— then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses. Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin. Failure can empty the pocket. Success can enthrone greed. The worst bankruptcy is not financial. It is spiritual. --- ⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable. Truth may be softened. Dishonesty may be excused. Giving may feel like loss. The Sabbath may become inconvenient. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24 Money is a useful servant— but a merciless master. A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 --- ⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER God’s path is not reckless haste, but: honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence. “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11 Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation— the reward without discipline, the crown without the cross. But God is preparing more than our finances. He is preparing our characters for eternity. --- CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE Jesus did not grasp for gain. He surrendered everything to save us. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9 He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty— and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life. No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ. Therefore: Work honestly. Plan wisely. Reject greed-driven risk. Live within your means. Give generously. Seek Christ first. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20 The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return. It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment. Beloved, before asking, “How much can I earn?” Ask: “Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?” A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

A Nugget of Truth. GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST? “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20 God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment. He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor. The greatest danger is not an empty account. It is a heart emptied of Christ. Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess. --- ① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY Speculation whispers: “One more gain—then I will have enough.” But covetousness never says, “Enough.” “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9 When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security— Christ is no longer treated as sufficient. --- ② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT Faith asks: “Lord, what is Your will?” Greed asks: “How quickly can this multiply?” Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture. Prayer becomes hurried. Family worship weakens. Mission is postponed. “Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17 Satan need not make us openly deny Christ— only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him. --- ③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY Everything belongs to Christ. We are stewards—not owners. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given. Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?” Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?” Every peso carries a responsibility. --- ④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope— then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses. Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin. Failure can empty the pocket. Success can enthrone greed. The worst bankruptcy is not financial. It is spiritual. --- ⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable. Truth may be softened. Dishonesty may be excused. Giving may feel like loss. The Sabbath may become inconvenient. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24 Money is a useful servant— but a merciless master. A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 --- ⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER God’s path is not reckless haste, but: honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence. “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11 Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation— the reward without discipline, the crown without the cross. But God is preparing more than our finances. He is preparing our characters for eternity. --- CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE Jesus did not grasp for gain. He surrendered everything to save us. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9 He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty— and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life. No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ. Therefore: Work honestly. Plan wisely. Reject greed-driven risk. Live within your means. Give generously. Seek Christ first. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20 The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return. It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment. Beloved, before asking, “How much can I earn?” Ask: “Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?” A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

August 17th, 2026 Read; Psalm 139: 13-14 Our Creator intimately formed us, possessing our innermost being and covering us in our mother's womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, a testament to His marvelous works, and our souls know this truth well. Before anyone knew of our coming, He had divine plans for us. When we consider all God has done, we see His hand in our unique creation, His faithful care for our lives, and His powerful ability to heal. He is not only our Maker but also our constant Sustainer, demonstrating His infinite love through His works. Prayer God Almighty, my Savior and Redeemer, thank You for knowing me before I could know myself and for giving me life. I receive the abilities, limitations, history, and relationships You have entrusted to me as part of Your wise care. Keep me from turning my particular gifts into pride or comparing my life with another's. Teach me to steward what You have given with courage and gratitude, honoring the body You formed and using my gifts to love You and serve others. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Conflict and Courage. Isaiah 6:1-10 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15. In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord.... In beholding his God, the prophet ... had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness; there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ... The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease.... The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. “Fear thou not,” He bids them; “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” ... Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? ... Return to your Father's house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live.” 25Prophets and Kings, 314-320.

The Kitchen Newsletter Good day, Welcome to The Kitchen, where we explore, prepare and serve the contents in the Body of the Word as the delicacies of God—to create the form of the Father on the earth, to make the earth in His likeness, and to take charge of the economic destinies of nations for God. Relax, and let's journey through the scriptures to see the Body of the Word. What if the descriptions of the body of Jesus Christ in Scripture are not merely descriptions of what John or Ezekiel saw—but windows into the invisible God? John was on Patmos when he heard a voice behind him. He turned, and what he saw was extraordinary: a figure like the Son of Man, standing among seven golden lampstands. His hair was white like wool, His eyes were like blazing fire, His feet like bronze glowing in a furnace, His voice like rushing waters, and His face like the sun in all its brilliance. John did not encounter an idea. He encountered a Person. He encountered Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, in the appearance of a man and with a body (Revelation 1:1–2, 12–17; Ezekiel 1:26). This gives us a remarkable way of reading Scripture: the Body of the Word is a revelation of the invisible God. Hebrews 1:3 calls Christ “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Paul similarly speaks of “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Therefore, when Scripture describes the eyes, face, feet, voice, garments, or other details of the Word, these descriptions are not empty imagery. They invite us to inquire into the Person they reveal. Consider the eyes. John says: “His eyes were like blazing fire.” — Revelation 1:14 Why blazing fire? Hebrews 12:29 tells us, “Our God is a consuming fire.” The image therefore takes us beyond the physical description of eyes. It begins to tell us something about the nature, passion, desire and activity of God. The Body of the Word becomes a language through which the invisible God makes Himself known. And this is where the subject becomes particularly provocative. The Father has a hunger. We often speak about our hunger for God. But what if Scripture also teaches us to consider the hunger of God? Isaiah speaks of the tongue of the Lord as a consuming fire (Isaiah 30:27). Jesus declares: “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” — John 6:33 And: “I am the bread of life.” — John 6:35 Then He makes the statement even more striking: “This bread is my flesh.” — John 6:51 The bread placed continually before God in the tabernacle was called the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30). So the Body of the Word is not merely something we study. In this revelation, the Body of the Word is the food of God—the object of the Father’s intense desire. The dining table becomes a powerful picture. Song of Solomon 7:2 speaks of a rounded goblet, blended wine and a mound of wheat. The imagery presents the Body as a place of nourishment and abundance. What if our understanding of the Body of the Word is itself part of the Father’s desire? What if the question is not merely, “How much do I know about God?” But: “What does God desire to find in me?” This takes us directly to the image of the blazing eyes. The eye is described by Jesus as the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22). The blazing eyes of the Word therefore present another dimension of the Body: the lamp of God. A lamp searches. A lamp illuminates. A lamp reveals what is hidden. Psalm 11:5 says that the Lord examines the righteous, while Psalm 14:2 says that He looks down from heaven to see whether there is anyone who understands and seeks Him. Notice the connection. The blazing eyes are not merely looking at us. They are looking for something in us. They are looking for understanding. The Father is looking for the knowledge of the Body of the Word in the hearts and minds of His people. That changes the way we think about revelation. Psalm 119:130 says: “The unfolding of your words gives light and understanding to the simple.” The Word contains depths that must be unfolded. And when the details of the Body of the Word are unfolded, they bring light—the revelation knowledge of the Father (Psalm 119:130; 2 Corinthians 4:6). This is also why Jesus said: “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” — John 5:39 The Scriptures are not merely information about religious subjects. They testify about a Person. The descriptions of the Body of the Word therefore become places of investigation. The eyes speak. The face speaks. The feet speak. The garments speak. The voice speaks. And through these descriptions, we begin to encounter dimensions of the Person of the Word—and consequently dimensions of the Father. The emotions of God are also revealed. Isaiah 59:17 describes God clothing Himself with zeal “as a cloak.” A garment covers and expresses the person wearing it. If the garments of God are described through Scripture, and Scripture testifies about the Word, then the imagery of God's garments becomes another doorway into understanding His Person. The Body of the Word, therefore, becomes a profound vocabulary for understanding the emotions of God. His zeal. His longing. His desire. His hunger. His compassion. His grief. His expectation. His pleasure. His intensity. These are not abstract theological categories. They are dimensions of the Person of God that Scripture progressively reveals. And who searches these depths for us? The Holy Spirit. Jesus says in John 16:13–15 that the Spirit of truth will take what belongs to Christ and make it known to us. Paul adds: “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:10 The Body of the Word is therefore not a closed mystery. It is a treasury to be searched. The Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God and unfolds them so that we can know the Father more precisely. This is why revelation is more than acquiring information. Revelation is discovering what is already contained in the Person of the Word. And perhaps this explains one of the great spiritual questions of our time: Why does God seem to be searching the hearts of His people? Because the Father is looking for a place where the Body of theWord can be understood. He is looking for hearts that can become tables upon which His food is received. He is looking for minds that can accommodate the revelation of His Son. He is looking for people who will not merely quote Scripture, but will allow Scripture to reveal the Person of Christ. The blazing eyes of the Word are still searching. And the question is: What are they looking for in us? Perhaps the answer is simpler—and more demanding—than we imagined: Understanding. An understanding of the Body of the Word. An understanding of the Father. An understanding deep enough to shape how we live, how we build, how we govern, how we work, and ultimately how we participate in the economic destinies of nations. The Father wants His form reproduced on the earth through people who have seen, understood and received the revelation of the Body of the Word. This is why we must return to Scripture—not merely to read it, but to unfold it. Because somewhere within the details is light. And somewhere within the light is the knowledge of the Father. And somewhere within that knowledge is the revelation of the Person of the Word. I am Omodolapo Ogunye. Listen to The Kitchen Podcast by Omodolapo Ogunye on Audible, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. Please share and spread the Revelation Knowledge of the Body of the Word. celebrating the Body of the Word #foodmoneyshow #bodyoftheword #marketplace #moneymindset #money #worldwide

MONDAY MORNING PRAYER “BUT IF NOT!” A Faith That Trusts God Regardless of the Outcome! Scripture: Daniel 3:17–18 (KJV) “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods...” Heavenly Father, we come before You this Monday morning with hearts still overflowing from the awesome service we experienced yesterday. Thank You for Your presence, Your Word, Your power, and the reminder that You are still God—even when life doesn't turn out the way we expected. Lord, as we begin this new week, give us the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They stood before a fiery furnace knowing You were able to deliver them, but their faith wasn't dependent upon whether You did. Their declaration was simple but powerful: “Our God is able... BUT IF NOT, we still won't bow!” Father, give us that kind of faith! When the prayer hasn't been answered yet—we will still worship You. When the healing hasn't manifested yet—we will still trust You. When the financial breakthrough hasn't come yet—we will still praise You. When the family situation hasn't changed—we will still believe You. When the door doesn't open—we will still serve You. When we don't understand what You're doing—we will still declare that You are good! Lord, teach us that real faith doesn't say, “I'll trust You if You do what I want.” Real faith says, “God, I know You are able, but even if You choose another way, I will not bow, I will not quit, and I will not turn away from You!” Father, some of us may walk into a furnace this week—a difficult conversation, an unexpected problem, pressure on the job, financial concerns, family struggles, disappointment, or circumstances beyond our control. But remind us that the furnace does not mean You have abandoned us! Daniel 3:25 declares, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire... and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” God, meet us in the fire! If You don't keep us from it, walk through it with us. If You don't immediately remove it, give us strength to endure it. If You don't change the situation today, change us while we're standing in it. And when we come out, let us come out like those three Hebrew men—not destroyed, not defeated, and not smelling like what we've been through! Your Word says in Daniel 3:27 that “the smell of fire had not passed on them.” So Father, don't let yesterday's fire contaminate today's attitude. Don't let past disappointments determine this week's expectations. Don't allow bitterness, fear, frustration, or discouragement to follow us into this new day. We declare: THE FIRE WILL NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD! We may be tested, but we will not bow. We may be pressured, but we will not compromise. We may be surrounded by flames, but we are not alone. We may not understand God's plan, but we trust God's heart. Father, cover our families today. Cover our homes, marriages, children, grandchildren, loved ones, churches, pastors, leaders, workplaces, businesses, finances, and every concern we're carrying. Go before us on the highways and byways. Protect us from dangers seen and unseen. Give us wisdom in every decision, grace in every conversation, patience in every challenge, and strength for every assignment. And Lord, when the enemy whispers, “What if God doesn't do it?” Give us enough faith to answer: “BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST HIM!” Because our faith isn't merely in what God can give us—our faith is in who God is! You are still Jehovah Jireh—our Provider. You are still Jehovah Rapha—our Healer. You are still Jehovah Shalom—our Peace. You are still our Deliverer, our Keeper, our Refuge, and our Strength! So we enter this Monday declaring: OUR GOD IS ABLE! But even if He doesn't do it the way we expected... WE WILL STILL WORSHIP! WE WILL STILL SERVE! WE WILL STILL PRAISE! WE WILL STILL BELIEVE! WE WILL STILL STAND! Because whether God delivers us from the fire or meets us in the fire, we know one thing for certain: WE WILL NEVER WALK THROUGH THE FIRE ALONE! Father, let the Word we received yesterday live in us throughout this entire week. “BUT IF NOT!” Our circumstances will not determine our worship. Our disappointments will not destroy our faith. Our trials will not make us bow. GOD IS ABLE—AND GOD IS STILL GOD! In the mighty, matchless, and victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN! MONDAY Morning Declaration... My God is able! But if He chooses another way, I will still trust Him. I will not bow to fear, pressure, doubt, or discouragement. If I have to walk through the fire, I know I will not walk alone. God is with me, God is for me, and my faith will remain standing. BUT IF NOT—I STILL TRUST GOD!

Your Identity Is in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) Who are you? It sounds like a simple question. But for many people, the answer is shaped by what they have achieved, what others think about them, where they come from, how much money they have, how many followers they have, or even the mistakes they have made. We live in a world that constantly tells us to build an identity around something. Your career. Your appearance. Your relationship status. Your education. Your possessions. Your popularity. Your success. But all of these things can change. So what happens when you lose the job? When the relationship ends? When the opportunity disappears? When people stop applauding? When you fail? If your identity is built entirely on those things, your sense of worth can collapse with them. But God offers you something deeper. The Bible says: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When you place your faith in Jesus, your past no longer has the final word about who you are. You are not simply your mistakes. You are not your failures. You are not the rejection you experienced. You are not what someone said about you. You are not your worst day. In Christ, you are made new. This doesn't mean your past never happened. It means your past doesn't have to control your future. Jesus offers forgiveness. He offers restoration. He offers a new identity. And He gives you a new reason to live. Maybe you've been comparing yourself to other people. Someone seems more successful. Someone looks happier. Someone has more opportunities. Someone has a bigger platform. But comparison can make you forget something important: God did not create you to become someone else. You don't have to copy another person's journey to have value. You don't need everyone's approval to be significant. Your worth comes from God. And when you understand that, you can stop living desperately for people's applause. You can celebrate other people's success without feeling threatened. You can accept correction without believing you are worthless. You can experience failure without believing your life is over. You can walk away from unhealthy relationships without believing you have lost your identity. And you can pursue your dreams without making those dreams your god. Your career is part of your life. Your education is part of your life. Your relationships are part of your life. Your achievements are part of your story. But none of them should become your identity. Jesus should. If you belong to Christ, your identity begins with Him. You are someone who has been offered grace. Someone who can receive forgiveness. Someone who can grow. Someone who can serve. Someone who can love. Someone who can start again. Someone whose life can be used by God. And if you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, you can begin today. You don't have to clean yourself up first. Come to Him honestly. Confess your sins. Trust Him. Receive His grace. And begin walking with Him. The world may label you by your past. Jesus sees what His grace can make you become. So stop asking only: “What do people think about me?” Start asking: “Who does God say I am?” Let His Word answer that question. And let your identity in Christ become stronger than every label the world puts on you. You are more than your achievements, more than your failures, and more than people's opinions. In Christ, you can become a new creation. What label or past experience do you need to stop allowing to define you? #IdentityInChrist #2Corinthians517 #NewCreation #WhoYouAreInChrist #GodsGrace #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2026 TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT I AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." Deuteronomy 29:9 BIBLE READING: DEUTERONOMY 28:1-14 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. MESSAGE: In Proverbs 31:1-9, one of the things King Lemuel's mother taught him was that there were certain things that kings should not do. She told him that kings should not give their strength to women, nor should they follow the ways that destroy kings, nor should they drink wine or strong drink. If a fellow does the things that kings shouldn't do, it is expected that such a person would either never become a king or would be dethroned if he or she is already a king. To fully enjoy the gains of any covenant with God, you must be ready to fulfil its terms and conditions by surrendering totally to Him and obeying all His instructions. Once you decide to serve God with all your life and do whatever He says, sooner or later, people will come to you and say, "Tell us your secret; how are you flourishing in every area of your life?!" Many people attribute the remarkable progress of RCCG to my academic background; however, they are unaware that we are reaping the benefits of the founder's covenant with God. God called the founder of the church, Pa Josiah Akindayomi, a man who never attended school, and told him that if he could meet certain conditions, He would establish a church through him that would spread around the world. God helped Pa Akindayomi, and before his death, he fulfilled all the conditions that God gave him. Today, the RCCG is present in over 195 nations worldwide. The church is where it is today because of God's covenant with my Father in the Lord. God cannot be mocked. Anyone who obeys the terms of His covenant will reap its gains. In today's memory verse, Moses told the Israelites that if they kept God's commandments, they would prosper in all that they did. Prosperity is a major gain that those who keep God's covenant will enjoy. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all enjoyed abundant prosperity as a result of God's covenant with Abraham. Father Abraham was described as a man who was blessed in all things (Genesis 24:1), Isaac was described as being very great (Genesis 26:13), and Jacob was described as a prosperous man (Genesis 30:43). Beloved, God has given His children all things to enjoy richly (1 Timothy 6:17). However, you must fulfil the terms and conditions of God's covenant with His children to truly enjoy prosperity in all areas of your life. May your life reflect the gains of God's covenant abundantly, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Anyone who obeys the terms of God's covenant wil reap its gains. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 40-43 HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smiles quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. 3 Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly Repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and Obey. 4 But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favour He shows, For the joy He bestows, Are for them, Who will trust and obey. 5 Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side In the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey..

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2026 TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT I AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." Deuteronomy 29:9 BIBLE READING: DEUTERONOMY 28:1-14 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. MESSAGE: In Proverbs 31:1-9, one of the things King Lemuel's mother taught him was that there were certain things that kings should not do. She told him that kings should not give their strength to women, nor should they follow the ways that destroy kings, nor should they drink wine or strong drink. If a fellow does the things that kings shouldn't do, it is expected that such a person would either never become a king or would be dethroned if he or she is already a king. To fully enjoy the gains of any covenant with God, you must be ready to fulfil its terms and conditions by surrendering totally to Him and obeying all His instructions. Once you decide to serve God with all your life and do whatever He says, sooner or later, people will come to you and say, "Tell us your secret; how are you flourishing in every area of your life?!" Many people attribute the remarkable progress of RCCG to my academic background; however, they are unaware that we are reaping the benefits of the founder's covenant with God. God called the founder of the church, Pa Josiah Akindayomi, a man who never attended school, and told him that if he could meet certain conditions, He would establish a church through him that would spread around the world. God helped Pa Akindayomi, and before his death, he fulfilled all the conditions that God gave him. Today, the RCCG is present in over 195 nations worldwide. The church is where it is today because of God's covenant with my Father in the Lord. God cannot be mocked. Anyone who obeys the terms of His covenant will reap its gains. In today's memory verse, Moses told the Israelites that if they kept God's commandments, they would prosper in all that they did. Prosperity is a major gain that those who keep God's covenant will enjoy. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all enjoyed abundant prosperity as a result of God's covenant with Abraham. Father Abraham was described as a man who was blessed in all things (Genesis 24:1), Isaac was described as being very great (Genesis 26:13), and Jacob was described as a prosperous man (Genesis 30:43). Beloved, God has given His children all things to enjoy richly (1 Timothy 6:17). However, you must fulfil the terms and conditions of God's covenant with His children to truly enjoy prosperity in all areas of your life. May your life reflect the gains of God's covenant abundantly, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Anyone who obeys the terms of God's covenant wil reap its gains. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 40-43 HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smiles quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. 3 Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly Repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and Obey. 4 But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favour He shows, For the joy He bestows, Are for them, Who will trust and obey. 5 Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side In the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey..