*Looking 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*
As we 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 we’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at ourselves, let's look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.

*A Prayer of Thanks for Eternal Life*
Father God, we realize that eternal life began the moment we accepted Your free gifts of Grace and Salvation. As we follow You, help us to always remember to look up—to have an eternal mindset. Give us the wisdom to be mindful of heaven as we are living here on earth. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Gideon threshed wheat … And the Lᴏʀᴅ said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” Then he said to Him … “Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.” And He said, “I will wait until you come back.” So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat, and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour.

Judges 6:11, 16–19 ɴᴋᴊᴠ

As we consider the story of Gideon we marvel again and again at the patience of God! The Angel of the Lord comes and sits under a tree on the property of Joash the Abiezrite of the tribe of Manasseh. He watches Gideon threshing wheat in the winepress—a difficult task, for this task was ordinarily and most easily done openly on a hilltop. He proceeds to greet Gideon, saying, “The Lᴏʀᴅ is with you, you mighty man of valor!” He takes time to talk with Gideon, answering his objections and questions.

Gideon wants a sign—we see this repeatedly in his history—that this is the Angel of the Lord. He asks his Visitor to wait until he will come back with an offering to set before Him. Amazing! His Visitor agrees to wait. How long? Until Gideon has butchered and stewed a young goat and has made unleavened bread of more than half a bushel (22 liters) of flour! How long does this take? Several hours at least! The Angel of the Lord patiently waits.

When Gideon finally brings out his offering, he brings the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot. This was absolutely contrary to God’s commands. Offerings were not to be boiled. The broth was clear evidence that the meat had been boiled. The Angel of the Lord tells Gideon to put the bread and the meat on a rock and pour out the broth. He then touches the meat and bread with His staff and fire rises out of the rock and consumes them! How patient our God is! He often waits for us for many years!

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.


https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-27

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
PRIORITISE MISSION.

*TEXTS:*
MATTHEW 24:14; MARK 13:10.
*MATTHEW 24:14.*
14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
*MARK 13:10.*
10. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.

*TOPIC:*
PRIORITISE MISSION.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Jesus made it clear that the gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed to all nations before His return. The ultimate goal of missions is to establish the Lordship of Christ across the earth, not through force, but through the willing submission of hearts to His saving grace. Only through faith in Christ and His redemptive work can humanity be delivered from the bondage of sin, self, and Satan to serve God truly. As recipients of God's mercy and grace, we cannot remain silent about it. The good news is too powerful to be kept to ourselves. Like the young Karl Kumm of blessed memory, mission must be our priority. Be actively engaged through proclamation, prayers, and giving. Take the gospel to the dark corners of your world - home, neighbourhood, school, and workplace.

*REFLECTION:*
This gospel of the kingdom must be preached.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, revive my passion for lost souls. 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:*
EZEKIEL 37-39.

ED.ii. DAVID AND MEPHIBOSHETH

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah." - Revelation 11:15

When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, was told to come to king David's palace, he must have trembled all over his body. He must have thought David wanted revenge on him for what his grandfather Saul had done to him. When Mephibosheth entered the palace, he fell before king David's feet and exclaimed: 'What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?'

We will also have a heavenly palace where the living God is. There are many people, including Christians, who tremble in fear of the King, the living God, they fear to stand before His throne. They are afraid of what God will do to them. Will He be angry because of the sins they have committed? This is how they think, because they believe that God is an angry and stern God.

Do not be afraid for God

Today I want to tell you that God is a God of love and grace. He does not want anyone to perish. He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

You do not have to be afraid if you know that you are a child of God. When the time comes and the Lord calls you to come to His palace, do not be afraid to let go of the earth and courageously enter your King's palace. When you enter as Mephibosheth did, Jesus Christ will be standing there. Throw yourself at His feet, this is all you have to do and He will do the rest! He is a good God.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. ⏤ Philippians 4:11

Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God. ⏤ Arthur Pink

Almighty God, who has ordered our lives and appointed the place where we live—grant us the grace to accept cheerfully and to occupy contentedly the station in life that You, in Your providence, have assigned to us. Help us to see its sacredness because it is Your fatherly choice for us and Your gift to us.

Surely, the place You have prepared for us, and where You have set us, must be the best place for us—the place where we can best grow as Christians, where the atmosphere is most healthy for us, and where the experiences are best suited to develop our character. It must also be the place where we can do the best service for You. Help us to accept it with confidence and to live in it without discontent.

Sometimes we are tempted to complain. We think others are more favored, have easier lives, less care and toil, and more ease and comfort. We imagine that if we could trade places with others, we could live more sweetly and make more of our lives.

Forgive us for this sin of discontentment with our place in life. You know what is best for us. You know where we can be of the most use to You and others, where the work is that You have for us to do.

So, we earnestly pray, our Father, for the spirit of cheerful acceptance of Your plan and Your way for us. Help us to accept Your guidance and to do the things that come to us day by day from Your hand. Then, at the end, we can rejoice in the blessing of those who have done Your will and served our generation. We ask all this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
PRIORITISE MISSION.

*TEXTS:*
MATTHEW 24:14; MARK 13:10.
*MATTHEW 24:14.*
14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
*MARK 13:10.*
10. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.

*TOPIC:*
PRIORITISE MISSION.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Jesus made it clear that the gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed to all nations before His return. The ultimate goal of missions is to establish the Lordship of Christ across the earth, not through force, but through the willing submission of hearts to His saving grace. Only through faith in Christ and His redemptive work can humanity be delivered from the bondage of sin, self, and Satan to serve God truly. As recipients of God's mercy and grace, we cannot remain silent about it. The good news is too powerful to be kept to ourselves. Like the young Karl Kumm of blessed memory, mission must be our priority. Be actively engaged through proclamation, prayers, and giving. Take the gospel to the dark corners of your world - home, neighbourhood, school, and workplace.

*REFLECTION:*
This gospel of the kingdom must be preached.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, revive my passion for lost souls. 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:*
EZEKIEL 37-39.

ED.ii. DAVID AND MEPHIBOSHETH

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah." - Revelation 11:15

When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, was told to come to king David's palace, he must have trembled all over his body. He must have thought David wanted revenge on him for what his grandfather Saul had done to him. When Mephibosheth entered the palace, he fell before king David's feet and exclaimed: 'What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?'

We will also have a heavenly palace where the living God is. There are many people, including Christians, who tremble in fear of the King, the living God, they fear to stand before His throne. They are afraid of what God will do to them. Will He be angry because of the sins they have committed? This is how they think, because they believe that God is an angry and stern God.

Do not be afraid for God

Today I want to tell you that God is a God of love and grace. He does not want anyone to perish. He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

You do not have to be afraid if you know that you are a child of God. When the time comes and the Lord calls you to come to His palace, do not be afraid to let go of the earth and courageously enter your King's palace. When you enter as Mephibosheth did, Jesus Christ will be standing there. Throw yourself at His feet, this is all you have to do and He will do the rest! He is a good God.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. ⏤ Philippians 4:11

Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God. ⏤ Arthur Pink

Almighty God, who has ordered our lives and appointed the place where we live—grant us the grace to accept cheerfully and to occupy contentedly the station in life that You, in Your providence, have assigned to us. Help us to see its sacredness because it is Your fatherly choice for us and Your gift to us.

Surely, the place You have prepared for us, and where You have set us, must be the best place for us—the place where we can best grow as Christians, where the atmosphere is most healthy for us, and where the experiences are best suited to develop our character. It must also be the place where we can do the best service for You. Help us to accept it with confidence and to live in it without discontent.

Sometimes we are tempted to complain. We think others are more favored, have easier lives, less care and toil, and more ease and comfort. We imagine that if we could trade places with others, we could live more sweetly and make more of our lives.

Forgive us for this sin of discontentment with our place in life. You know what is best for us. You know where we can be of the most use to You and others, where the work is that You have for us to do.

So, we earnestly pray, our Father, for the spirit of cheerful acceptance of Your plan and Your way for us. Help us to accept Your guidance and to do the things that come to us day by day from Your hand. Then, at the end, we can rejoice in the blessing of those who have done Your will and served our generation. We ask all this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

“Don’t let yesterday’s burden become today’s barrier to tomorrow’s miracle.”

Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us…”

This verse tells us not only to lay aside sin, but also to lay aside “every weight.” Because burdens can become a definite hindrance to reaching the purpose and destiny God has set before us.

If we continue carrying the wounds, disappointments, rejection, failures, guilt, bitterness, worries, and the inability to forgive others from our past, we cannot run with complete faith on the new path God has placed before us.

God brought Lot and his family out of destruction. As they left Sodom, God clearly commanded them not to look back.

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
(Genesis 19:26)

Her feet were moving forward, but her heart was being pulled backward.

This is also a warning for us.

God may have brought you out of an old situation. But if you continue carrying old wounds and memories, your body may move forward while your heart remains stuck in the past.

Run away from sin.
Lay your burdens before God.
Stop constantly dwelling on the past, and run toward the future God has prepared for you.

Your past does not have to become the verdict of your future. God still has a path for you; there is still a race to run, a goal to reach, and a miracle ahead of you.

Don’t carry yesterday’s burden while running toward tomorrow’s miracle. Lay it at the feet of God and run!

When the burden becomes lighter, the race becomes faster.
When the heart is set free, faith becomes stronger.

The moment you surrender your burden to God can become the beginning of your new race!

Hepsi Sam

You’re Always on His Mind

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

No one cares about your life more than YHWH does. In fact, he cares about your life more than you do.

There’s an old Willie Nelson song, “You Were Always on My Mind.” But the idea behind that song just isn’t true. No matter how much you love someone, they can’t be on your mind all the time.

But I want to tell you this: You are always on YHWH’s mind. He is never not thinking about you. He’s thinking about you right now.

The Scriptures teach this over and over.

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. And 1 Peter 5:7 says…

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Whatever concerns you concerns YHWH - all the things you’re worried about or afraid about. There is nothing in your life you’re concerned about that YHWH isn’t concerned about, because you are always on his mind.

Because you’re always on YHWH’s mind, he’s always looking out for you. And that means you can always trust his plan for your life.

Before Messiah was born, Mary accepted YHWH’s destiny for her life because she knew YHWH was always looking out for her. After the angel told her that YHWH had chosen her as the mother of his Son, she said the following…

Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

What does “mindful” mean? That means YHWH is alert. He’s attentive. He’s aware. He’s focused. He’s paying attention. When nobody else is paying attention to you, YHWH’s paying attention to you. He notices everything. In fact, Messiah said this about your life…

Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

I like the cross reference for that scripture…

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before YHWH? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You don’t know the number of hairs on your head—but YHWH does. That’s how much attention he pays to your life!

YHWH’s mindfulness—his attention, his concern—made Mary trust YHWH with her destiny. Will you trust him with your destiny too?

He cared for the disciples when the where in the boat and it was about to sink…

Mark 4:38-39 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Rabbi, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Psalms 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Job 7:17 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Psalms 144:3 YHWH, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Psalms 115:12 YHWH hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet YHWH thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my Elohim.

Psalms 31:7-8 (7) I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; (8) And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Think about this…

Psalms 139:7-16 (7) Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (9) If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (10) Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (11) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. (12) Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. (13) For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic.

Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light.

As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today.

When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest.

Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory.

When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice.

I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left.

Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day.

Be blessed.

**Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS!
Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line!

Scripture :
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2
Thought Of The Day...
There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question:
What am I carrying that God never told me to carry?
Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus.
The writer says:
“Let us lay aside every weight…”
Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin.
Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively.
Some weights are fear.
Some weights are disappointment.
Some weights are unforgiveness.
Some weights are people’s opinions.
Some weights are past failures.
Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit.
Some weights are worry about things you cannot control.
And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying:
“I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!”
First Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time.
Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus.
LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU
Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says:
“…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away.
David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…”
We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender.
We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward.
Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say:
“Lord, show me ME.”
Not my neighbor.
Not my spouse.
Not my family.
Not the people at church.
ME!
Show me what needs to change.
Show me what needs to go.
Show me what I need to surrender.
Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me.
RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU
The Scripture says:
“…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Notice it says “the race that is set before us.”
You don't have to run somebody else's race.
You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling.
You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty.
Galatians 6:4 says:
“But let every man prove his own work…”
God has given you a race.
Your assignment may be different.
Your journey may be different.
Your timing may be different.
Your obstacles may be different.
And your testimony may be different.
Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life.
YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY!
RUN WITH PATIENCE
This may be one of the hardest parts.
“…run with patience…”
We want God to do it now.
We want the prayer answered now.
We want the door opened now.
We want the healing now.
We want the breakthrough now.
We want the situation changed now.
But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us.
Isaiah 40:31 declares:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”
Patience does not mean you have stopped believing.
Patience means:
“God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.”
When you're tired—keep running.
When you're disappointed—keep running.
When people misunderstand you—keep running.
When prayers seem unanswered—keep running.
When you cannot see the finish line—keep running.
Why?
Because God never promised that the race would always be easy.
But He promised that He would be with you.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret:
“Looking unto Jesus…”
Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem.
Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people.
Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances.
LOOK TO JESUS!
Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water.
Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink.
The storm was already there when Peter stepped out.
The difference was where Peter was looking.
As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him.
But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over.
And somebody needs to hear this today:
DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU!
JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER
Hebrews calls Jesus:
“…the author and finisher of our faith.”
If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story.
If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends.
Philippians 1:6 says:
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race.
There are still chapters God is writing.
There are still prayers God is answering.
There are still doors God can open.
There are still people God wants you to impact.
There is still purpose in you.
So don't quit because you're tired.
Don't quit because it became difficult.
Don't quit because somebody walked away.
Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable.
LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT.
TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN.
STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE.
RUN WITH PATIENCE.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
And when your strength gets low, remember:
THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT!


PRAYER...
Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone.
Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry.
Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience.
When we become tired, strengthen us.
When we become discouraged, encourage us.
When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus.
When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway.
Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us.
We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit.
Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith!
Give us grace to run.
Give us patience to endure.
Give us strength to continue.
And give us faith to finish.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
TODAY I DECLARE:
I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God.
I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will.
I will not compare my race with anyone else's race.
I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult.
I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing.
I will keep moving when I feel tired.
I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough.
MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS!
He is the Author of my faith.
He is the Finisher of my faith.
What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete!
I WILL NOT QUIT!
I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
I WILL RUN MY RACE!
I WILL KEEP THE FAITH!
AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG!
In Jesus’ name—Amen!

GOD’S BLESSINGS IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
When God Brings Blessings to You from the Most Surprising Corners
Key Scriptures: Genesis 50:20; 1 Kings 17:8–16; Ruth 2:2–12; Psalm 23:5–6
There are times when God surprises us with blessings in the most unlikely places. We often think that our breakthroughs will come through specific people, opportunities, or plans we have in mind. But God isn’t confined by our expectations. As Psalm 23:5 reminds us, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” God can set a feast for us even in the wilderness, provide for us through unexpected sources, and open doors in places we never thought to look.
Take Elijah, for example. During a terrible famine, God could have directed him to a rich household, but instead, He led him to a widow in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16). From that unlikely situation came miraculous provision. Similarly, Ruth went out to gather leftover grain, but God guided her steps to Boaz’s field, where she found favor, sustenance, and a new beginning (Ruth 2:2–12; 4:13–17). What may seem like a mundane task could actually be a divine setup. The place you think is insignificant might just be where God plans to unveil your next blessing.
Joseph’s journey also illustrates how God can transform unexpected places into stepping stones for our destiny. The prison may have seemed like a place of despair, but God turned it into a space for preparation and connection (Genesis 39:20–23; 41:1–14). What Joseph perceived as a setback became the very path to his elevation. So, don’t overlook your current situation or season. God can shower you with blessings in the wilderness, lift you up in obscurity, grant you favor among strangers, and create opportunities where you only see obstacles. Be mindful not to get so caught up in how you think God should bless you that you overlook the blessings that come in unexpected ways. Stay prayerful, obedient, humble, and open to divine opportunities. Your blessing might show up through someone you didn’t see coming, in a place that feels unfamiliar, as a small chance, or through a door you nearly passed by. While God’s ways can be surprising, His faithfulness is unwavering. The spot you least anticipate could very well be where your testimony begins.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being beyond the limits of human expectations and circumstances. We trust You to guide us to the places You’ve prepared for us.
Lord, please open our spiritual eyes so we can spot divine opportunities. Lead us to places filled with favor, provision, purpose, and destiny. May unexpected doors swing open, surprising helpers come forth, and blessings find us according to Your perfect will.
Father, grant us the wisdom to appreciate small beginnings and not overlook ordinary chances. Like Ruth, help us to be in the right field at the right moment. Like Elijah, help us to see Your provision, even when it comes from an unexpected source.
We declare that our blessings will not pass us by. What You have set aside for us will find us, even in places we never imagined. Transform our wilderness into a land of provision, our obscurity into a realm of favor, and our everyday steps into divine appointments. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Daily devotion for August 26th
Giving Cheerfully
From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites.

Nehemiah 12:44b
Those offerings and contributions were given with pleasure. The Scriptures carefully inform us that offerings mean nothing if they are not given cheerfully. If you are not giving with pleasure, God does not want your gift. He does not care how big or small it is. If all you are after is to make an impression on others by the size of your gift, God is not interested in that. Jesus told of a widow who put two tiny pieces of money into the treasury, saying that she had given more than all that the rich people had cast in that day. God would pick up that insignificant amount and use it more mightily than He would the larger gifts of the wealthy. What God looks for always is a note of pleasure, of delight, of cheerfully returning funds to him out of a thankful heart.

Dr. H. A. Ironside used to tell the story of an old Scotsman who inadvertently dropped a gold sovereign in the collection bag at a church service. In Scotland, when the ushers take up the offering, they use a long pole with a bag on the end of it, which they pass among the pews. This old Scotsman put in a gold sovereign by mistake when he meant to put in only a shilling. As soon as he realized his mistake, he tried to retrieve his sovereign. But the usher pulled the bag back and said, Nah, once in, always in! The old man said, Ah well, I'll get credit for it in glory. The usher replied, Nah, you'll get credit for the shilling! That is all the old man intended to give. So we are to give as God has given, freely and gladly.

The closing sentence of this paragraph says, They also set aside the portion for the other Levites. They were careful to take care of others who were not able to be there or who were busy performing and therefore did not have opportunity to share in the offerings. This is a beautiful picture of the oneness of the nation of Israel. God was constantly seeking to teach these people that they belonged to each other. They were not individualists, doing their own thing, but they were workers together with God. I do not know any truth that is more important in the body of Christ than to recognize that God uses people different from us. We must recognize that our way of serving God is not the only way but that we belong to and need one another.

Father, thank You that out of the abundance of what You have given to me, I can give to others, knowing that You will continue to provide for my needs.