Need to know. THE GRANDEST INVITATION "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." — Revelation 19:7 In our world, wedding invitations carry weight. We check our calendars, coordinate attire, and prepare gifts to honor the couple. Yet the most magnificent celebration in human history—the Marriage Supper of the Lamb—requires a far different kind of preparation. Revelation 19 shifts the cosmic scene from the fall of earthly empires to an outburst of unhindered praise. The long-awaited climax of history arrives not as a political conquest, but as a wedding feast. Jesus, the Lamb who was slain to purchase humanity with His blood, is revealed as the Bridegroom. The Church—every believer across time—is His bride. This short verse carries three deep spiritual movements for your day: Rejoice and Be Glad: True Christian joy is grounded in an unshakable future. Whatever hardship or disappointment you face today, it is not the final chapter of your story. The end of history is a feast, not a famine. Give Him Glory: Salvation is entirely God’s initiative. We do not earn our place at this table; we are invited by grace. Make Yourself Ready: The bride's readiness is both a gift and a pursuit. In the very next verse, Revelation notes that her fine linen is given to her, representing the righteous acts of God's holy people. To be ready for the Bridegroom means living today in light of eternity. It means letting love, purity, and devotion shape how you treat others, manage your time, and guard your heart. You are not waiting aimlessly; you are preparing for a wedding. Take time today to consider what temporary worry or distraction is currently competing for the joy that belongs to your eternal future, and how you can actively make yourself ready in your daily decisions and relationships. Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to Your eternal feast through Jesus Christ, the Lamb. When the cares of this world feel heavy, lift my eyes to the joy that awaits me. Purify my heart today, align my desires with Your kingdom, and help me live with expectant hope. Let my life reflect the grace and righteousness You have so generously given me. Amen.

From Death to Life Many of us unfortunately know what it feels like to lose a loved one. And we've longed to have just a few more hours with them here on earth. John 11 tells the story of Lazarus—a man who died but, by the power of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, was brought back to life four days later. It was a miracle. What was dead became alive again! And yet, we only know that Lazarus’ physical body was resurrected. In this passage from Romans, Paul writes about a different type of resurrection—the best kind of resurrection. Unlike Lazarus, Jesus' resurrection wasn't merely physical, but also one of the Spirit. It wasn't temporary, but permanent. But before Jesus’ resurrection, he willingly faced a painful, slow, emotional death. Jesus died that death for you. He suffered on the cross for you. He bore the weight of all sin and affliction so that you might live with Him forever. The Bible tells us how this story ends, but on the day that Jesus died, the people who loved Him did not know its end. They mourned, they grieved, they wept. Jesus' death felt final, but it wasn't. You might have a friend or family member who’s far from God, who doesn’t know the good news that comes after mourning. Or you might be in that same period of uncertainty—feeling like you don’t know the rest of the story.  When you've been united with Jesus by accepting the truth that He died in your place, as well as His free gift of grace, you can know that you have passed from death to life—forever! Your eternity is secure with Him. You can have joy and hope, and you can share it with others.

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT JESUS` SACRIFICE He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’” —Mark 14:34 Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever felt as though your friends and family had abandoned you? Have you ever felt like you were misunderstood? Have you ever had a hard time understanding or submitting to the will of God for your life? If so, then you have an idea of what the Lord Jesus went through when He agonized at Gethsemane.  book of Hebrews tells us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (4:15–16 NLT).  Book of Isaiah tells us that Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (53:3 NLT). But the sorrow He experienced in Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion seemed to be the culmination of all the sorrow He had ever known and would accelerate to a climax the following day. The ultimate triumph that was to take place at Calvary was first accomplished beneath the gnarled, old olive trees of Gethsemane. Jesus shared His agony with His disciples. “He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’” (Mark 14:34 NLT It’s interesting that the very word Gethsemane means “olive press.” Olives were pressed there to make oil, and truly, Jesus was being pressed from all sides that He might bring life to us. I don’t think we can even begin to fathom what He was going through. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (NLT). That’s the hard truth of our salvation: Jesus had to suffer and die in our place. He had to endure the punishment that we deserved. He was crushed and beaten for our sake. He could have walked away, but He submitted to His Father’s will so that the plan of salvation could be accomplished.  His crushing and beating brought about your salvation and mine. Because of what Jesus went through at Gethsemane and ultimately at the cross, we can call on His name. Though His suffering and death were unfathomably excruciating, they were necessary for God’s ultimate goal.  Maybe you’re at a crisis point in your life right now—a personal Gethsemane, if you will. You know what you want, yet you can sense that God’s will is different. Would you let the Lord choose for you? Would you be willing to say, “Lord, I am submitting my will to Yours. Not my will, but Yours be done”? You will never regret making that decision.  God bless you!

Be a Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) We live in a world where conflict is everywhere. Arguments happen in families. Friendships break over misunderstandings. People fight over opinions. Social media turns disagreements into battles. Sometimes, even Christians can become so focused on proving themselves right that they forget to show the character of Christ. But Jesus gives us a different calling: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Notice that Jesus didn't say, “Blessed are the people who win every argument.” He said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Being a peacemaker doesn't mean avoiding every difficult conversation. It doesn't mean pretending that wrong is right. It doesn't mean allowing people to mistreat you. And it doesn't mean remaining silent when something needs to be addressed. Being a peacemaker means choosing a response that seeks reconciliation rather than revenge. Sometimes peace begins with listening. Before responding in anger, listen. Before assuming someone's intentions, ask questions. Before posting something hurtful, pause. Before repeating someone's mistake to others, consider whether your words will help or destroy. The Bible reminds us that a gentle answer can turn away anger. Your words have power. You can use them to heal or to wound. To build or to tear down. To reconcile or to divide. Think about your relationships today. Is there someone you're angry with? Someone you haven't spoken to? Someone you need to forgive? Someone you need to apologize to? Maybe you've been waiting for the other person to make the first move. But sometimes following Jesus means having the courage to take the first step. Say: “I'm sorry.” Say: “Can we talk?” Say: “I forgive you.” Say: “Let's work this out.” Those words don't make you weak. They can demonstrate the strength of Christ working in you. Jesus Himself is our greatest example. He came to reconcile sinful humanity to God. The cross shows us that God doesn't simply ignore broken relationships. He made a way for reconciliation. And if we have received God's grace, we should become people who extend grace to others. So don't be the person who adds fuel to every argument. Don't spread gossip. Don't celebrate someone else's failure. Don't use social media to attack people. Don't allow pride to destroy relationships that could be restored. Instead, be the person who brings calm into chaotic situations. Be the person who listens. Be the person who encourages forgiveness. Be the person who speaks truth with love. Be the person who points people toward Christ. And remember: You cannot control how everyone responds to you. Your responsibility is to control your own response and pursue peace wherever it is possible. As Romans 12:18 teaches, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes peace will require boundaries. Sometimes it will require distance. Sometimes reconciliation won't be possible immediately. But even then, you can refuse to allow hatred to control your heart. Pray for those who hurt you. Give the situation to God. Choose grace over revenge. Choose wisdom over anger. Choose peace over pride. In a world that is quick to fight, be someone who brings the peace of Christ. Is there a relationship or conflict where you can take one step toward peace today? #BeAPeacemaker #Matthew59 #Peace #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #Forgiveness #LoveLikeJesus #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM # KNKA

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. 1. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST 18, 2O26. "DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (3)" ‘…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ Ephesians 6:4 NIV WHEN ASKED, ‘How do you suggest parents handle their children’s activities on web sites like Facebook and Twitter?’ Dr. Dobson gave this advice: ‘Parents have to know what technology their kids are using. Sexting is a terrible thing. (‘Sexting’ is the new term for children exposing themselves to one another online, thinking they are safe because they are in the sanctuary of their own home.) Pornography is pervasive, and parents need to keep up with changes in technology and protect their kids. That’s a tough assignment, because kids are ahead of them. Parents often have extremely demanding careers and when they come home they have nothing left to give, so the culture will often take your kids to hell.’ One night a father and his daughter were out on a lake when their small boat was caught in a storm. As he rowed, Dad kept saying to his daughter, ‘Can you see the shore? Can you see the shore?’ After a terrifying hour the little girl pointed over her dad’s shoulder and said, ‘Yes, I see the light. Mum said if we were out after dark she would hang a light in the window.’ When they finally got home a tearful mother hugged her husband and daughter, and thanked God for their safe return. Looking at her, the little girl said, ‘Mum, you never had to worry. We steered by your light!’ Parent, your children are being caught in life’s storms. They are rowing in the dark with no sense of direction. Live for God, and give them a light they can steer by! Bible In A Year: Gen 6:9 – 8:4, Matt 24:37-51. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026. *THIRSTING AFTER GOD* *TEXT:* PSALM 42:1-5. 1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. *Timeless Truth:*_"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"_ Psalm 63:1). *INTRODUCTION* When a man ceases to experience thirst, he is as good as dead. The same is true in the spiritual. In fact, one of the first experiences of a converted man is thirst for God and spiritual things. Spiritual thirst is a deep longing for God and His presence. Just as the body cannot survive without water, the soul cannot flourish without God. The psalmist expresses an intense desire for the living God despite the pain, tears, discouragement and difficult circumstances surrounding him. His experience teaches us that genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; rather, it means learning to seek God even in the midst of trouble. When everything else fails, God remains the only lasting satisfaction for the thirsty soul. *1. Thirsting After God Like a Hart* a. The psalmist declares, *“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”* A thirsty hart desperately seeks water because its survival depends upon it. Many are thirsty for wealth, pleasure, popularity, power and pride of life among others. The thirst makes them pay a heavy price to get what they are looking for. At times they pay the ultimate price. True thirst will always be demonstrated by desperate seeking for how to satisfy and quench the thirst. In the same vein, many commonly seek God's blessings without seeking for the God of the blessings. The psalmist case was different. *"So panteth my soul after thee"*. Who and what you are passionately and desperately seeking for is a reflection of the state of your heart. In the same manner, the believer should have an earnest and persistent longing for God. The psalmist does not merely desire God's gifts; he desires God Himself. b. His greatest hunger is to *“appear before God.”* He was thirsty to become closer to God. Jesus also echoed this when He said, *"seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness"*. Our ultimate purpose for seeking God was to see His glory, be conformed to His image and be always ready for the kingdom of God. Jesus further assured that *"all other things shall be added unto you"*. The psalmist demonstrated his thirst for God when he decided, *"early will I seek thee...to see thy power and thy glory as I have seen thee in the sanctuary"* (Psalm 63:1,2). Our spiritual lives become weak when our desire for God is replaced by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, possessions, recognition or human approval. Genuine revival begins when the soul cries out for God's presence, His Word, His holiness and fellowship with Him. *Question* Is my desire for God as deep and urgent as the thirst of a hart for water? *2. Tearful Afflictions Giving Loss of Hope* a. Incidentally, the psalmist did not prioritize seeking for heavenly blessings above seeking for God just because everything was going well with him. In fact, the psalmist's circumstances have become so painful that his tears have been his food day and night. He was not finding it rosy in life at that time. One would have expected him, as many worshippers do today, to concentrate on seeking God for release from pains and troubles as priority. Worse still, people around him mockingly asked, directly and indirectly, *“Where is thy God?”.* His memories of former worship and joyful fellowship with God's people intensify his present sorrow. Yet that did not distract his affections towards God. b. At times, affliction can attack not only our circumstances, but also our emotions and confidence. Yet the psalmist's tears reveal that God's children may experience seasons of deep discouragement without being abandoned by God. His pain was real, but it did not have the final word. Even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, faith must continue to look toward Him. Seeking God and His righteousness, above all else, should not be diminished as a result of our pains, problems, persecutions and poverty among others. Whatever be our situations, the promises of God that *"all other blessings shall be added"* still stand as long as we keep seeking the face and the glory of God to be reflected in our lives above all else. We must have grace to be tougher than our tough challenges. It is our attitude and the content of our prayers in the time of distress and difficulties that reflect the genuineness of our love for God. Jesus Christ, while on the cross and under intense pains, was still consecrated to soulwinning and intercessory prayers for the sinners and the lost. The will of God and the glory of God was His priority. He has given us examples to follow. *Question* Am I consecrated to seek God and His glory as priority when affliction and tears surround me? *3. Trust in Abiding Grace with a Life of Holiness* When passing through tough times, we must maintain trust in God's abundant grace and continue to live the life that God approves. There is no challenge we pass through that God has not allowed and if God allowed it, then He will see us through as children. The act of faith is in mocking those challenges and still continues seeking the glory of God and heavenly readiness. We must learn how to feed our frustrations and fruitlessness with the word of hope and promises given by God. The psalmist speaks directly to his troubled soul: *“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God.”* He refuses to surrender permanently to despair. Instead, he deliberately redirects his heart toward God. Trusting God's abiding grace means choosing hope when feelings say there is no hope. It also means continuing to live faithfully, before God while waiting for His intervention. A thirsty soul must not only seek God's presence, but also remain committed to a holy life. God's grace sustains us, restores our joy and enables us to praise Him even before our circumstances change. For a child of God, no bad situation is permanent, but temporary and for a moment. *"weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning"*. *Question* Am I deliberately trusting God's abiding grace and maintaining a holy life even when my circumstances are discouraging? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, create within me an unquenchable thirst for Your presence and Your Word 🙏. 2.Lord, strengthen me when tears, afflictions and discouragement threaten my faith 🙏. 3.Father, make me tougher than my challenges and keep me on being engaged in Your service 🙏. 4.Lord, visit and help those brethren who are carrying heavy loads and sustain them by Your grace 🙏. *HYMN:* More of Jesus would I know *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 35-38. [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *DOUSING DESPONDENCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😩😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 42:1-5```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (PSALM 42:5).*_ *As German bombs fell on England during _World War II,_ the situation became desperate. Hearts were filled with discouragement and thoughts of defeat. Then Winston Churchill's voice echoed over the radio. It inspired the nation and boosted morale among a people on the verge of giving up. On a spiritual level, believers find hope in God too, as they hear the voice that resonates through the pages of His Word. In moments of discouragement, Christians serve as a testimony to those who have never met God or heard His voice.* *David exemplifies this in our devotional text as he expresses acute hunger and "thirst for God, the living God". In his hopelessness, he recalled the exhilarating moments he had in God's house and presence. Reminiscences of the voice of joy and praise filled his soul. Awakened by the testimonies of God's faithfulness and the certainty of blessedness that flows from trust in God, he gladly addresses his soul and jerks back from the abyss of despondency.* *Are you troubled about any ugly situation or setback? Cheer up and look up! Here are gems and clues for you as a Christian pilgrim, who could, at times, be discouraged and cast down. Don't stay down. David didn't. He queried and counselled his soul. First is to know that neither discouragement nor despondency is a sign of weakness. Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. In our times of discouragement, suicide is no option; it only leads to a more serious, endless and interminable suffering in hell. The present challenge or problem has not diminished God's love for us. He desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of His power!* *The time to exit the discouragement mode is now! Take the verifiable steps that effectively log you out, which include a deep, interminable longing for God. This is what Isaiah calls "waiting upon the Lord". Second, you will do well to consciously recall and delight in God's past acts of mercy, divine interventions, and faithfulness. Finally, you must deliberately seek the remedy of praise to uplift your downcast, crestfallen, and discouraged heart. Beloved, don't give in to despair! God will certainly lead you in paths of love, light and joy, where you will find new hope.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*God always opens the window of hope for His own in the darkest of times.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 35-38*📜📜 Dousing Despondency https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 1: ALL YOUR ANXIETY; GHS 3: IMPATIENT HEART, BE STILL; GHS 4: LEAVE IT THERE; GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; AND GHS 7: TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *STAND IN CHRIST'S LIBERTY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GALATIANS 5:1-13```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (GALATIANS 5:13).*_ *The Christian liberty is the freedom Christ has purchased for the children of God through His death on the Cross of Calvary. The devil fights this liberty in diverse ways. When young Christians fail to understand their liberty in Christ, the devil keeps reminding them about their past sins to create major stumbling blocks to their prayers.* *It is a common strategy of the devil to manipulate them and push them back into their shells. Once you are born again through genuine repentance, you have the liberty to serve God in truth and in Spirit because God does not give us the spirit of fear but He gives us the Spirit of power and of a sound mind.* *When God has forgiven you, you are justified by faith and no longer bound to the yoke of sin. However, this liberty is not a guarantee to continue in sins, believing the erroneous doctrine of eternal security. Apostle Paul warns: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You have the liberty.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Don't use the Christian liberty to sin.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to understand and enjoy my liberty in Christ.*_ Stand In Christ's Liberty https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [17/08, 9:11 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2026``` *THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS - 3* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```MATTHEW 4:8-11```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Jesus has power and authority over Satan, and He always uses them at the appropriate time. In this situation, Jesus did not hesitate to command Satan to get behind Him. Satan knew that Jesus is over and above him, yet he tempted Christ to bow down in worship to him. Can the master bow to worship his servant? No! Jesus cannot, will not, and did not bow to Satan. As a friend of Jesus, you must know who you are in Christ. You are a joint-heir with Christ. What Jesus has is what you have because of the privilege of sonship. Do not throw your costly apparels (Christian experiences) to the dogs. The things of this world as stated in 1 John 2:15-17 will pass away. Let the love of God and the things of eternal value be uppermost in your heart. Do not yield to the enticement and allurement that your friends are using to deceive you. The fashions of the world may look attractive, but they will soon pass away. Do not follow them. Do not seek to please the world. Strive to please only God. *Jesus has set the example of refusing to bow to Satan in order to show us that we can be victorious. You can do likewise. Become His friend if you are not, follow Him faithfully and consistently, and He will give you the grace to overcome Satan.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, please help me to obey You only and not yield to pressure to obey, worship or serve Satan.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Luke 4:1-13* The Temptation Of Jesus - 3 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk18thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ⏤ Isaiah 26:3 Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence. ⏤ St. Augustine Father, days come and go, bringing change and decay, but You remain the same forever. A thousand years in Your sight are like a single day. With You, there is no past or future; all time is present to You. Yet in our small lives, we need daily blessings. The memories of our past sorrows cast shadows on our present, and our fears for the future often cast shadows on our path. We are grateful that You see and know everything—past, present, and future—and that we can safely leave it all in Your hands. Help us to live faithfully in this little day that is ours, leaving the past and future with You, without worrying. So, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, enabling us to be true and faithful in all our duties. We ask You, O Lord, to give us the strength and wisdom we need for today’s responsibilities and experiences. Let nothing surprise or dishearten us. Hold our hand through every situation. Give us wisdom to answer every question and make every decision in a way that pleases You. Strengthen us to resist temptation, no matter how subtly it approaches. Increase Your love within us so that we may be patient with everyone we meet, compassionate toward those who are sorrowful, cheerful with those who are discouraged, and helpful to those who are weak. Send us out to do Your work so that everything we do today is for You. Breathe upon us as we wait here in Your presence and give us Your blessing as our Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/44/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 230 DATE: 18TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: EMBRACING UNIQUENESS BRINGS ORDER ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26, 33 (NLT) Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.33-“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” Devotional message Yesterday, we saw the importance of embracing the uniqueness God has placed in each of us. Today, we discover that when we embrace our uniqueness and honour the contribution of others, we create room for divine order in the house of God. The Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ should function. One may lead in praise and worship, while others support with sincerity and purity of heart. Another may teach while others listen, learn, and take notes. Another may bring a prophetic revelation, while others listen carefully and examine it according to the Word of God. Others may serve through playing instruments, administration, hospitality, prayer, or other gifts. None of these functions should compete with another because every gift has a place in God's purpose. Competition creates confusion because people begin trying to occupy positions God never assigned to them. However, when we recognize that our different gifts complement one another, we begin to experience the beauty of God's design. The worshipper should not compete with the preacher. The preacher should not compete with the instrumentalist. The prophet should not compete with the teacher. The person serving behind the scenes should not feel inferior to the person standing before the congregation. Every genuine contribution matters when it is offered to God. Paul says, “But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” This means our gifts are not primarily given for personal recognition; they are given for the edification of the body of Christ. When we honour one another's uniqueness, peace replaces competition, order replaces confusion, and cooperation replaces division. This creates an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can work freely and the Church can fulfil her assignment effectively. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. Therefore, wherever there is constant competition, jealousy, disorder, and the desire to outshine others, we must examine our hearts and return to God's pattern. Child of God, you do not have to become another person to become valuable. Be faithful with what God has entrusted to you. Honour the grace upon others while developing the grace upon your own life. The body of Christ becomes stronger when every member functions according to the grace God has given them. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the unique grace, gifts, talents, and abilities You have placed within each of us.Teach us to honour the gifts of others and faithfully steward what You have entrusted to us. Let Your order, peace, unity, and holiness prevail in Your Church, and may everything we do strengthen the body of Christ and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading: Phil 4:7,Col 3:15,Heb 10:24_25 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

*Learning to Live Humbly* Have you ever met an angry Christian? You may have come across Christians who seem to grumble, complain, or even speak harshly about other people. Maybe we’ve even been that person at times in our own life. If we're not careful, we can easily become self-righteous within Christianity. After all, we know the truth and others may not. We might see how tempting it can be to look down on others, demean them, or consider them as worse off than ourselves. But this misses the point of the Gospel of Jesus. The Gospel tells us that all of us begin at the same starting point. And it’s only by Grace through faith that we come to Salvation and learn the truth about God’s love for us. That doesn’t make us any better than other Christians! In fact, as Paul says in *Ephesians 4:2,* we should actually be humble and gentle with others, rather than harsh and critical. He says we are to be patient with one another, helping each other in every way possible so we can all grow together. These ideas aren’t original to Paul. They actually came from how Jesus lived His life. As followers of Jesus, we too should strive to be gentle, humble, and patient with everyone in our lives. Regardless of whether they look or think a different way, every person deserves dignity, patience, and love. Let's take some time today to consider a few ways that we can grow in patience, humility, and love with others. It could be slowing down long enough for people to know we care, saying something encouraging to someone, or admitting that we’ve made a mistake. Let's make the decision today to live in humility and grace with others. *Prayer For Love* Father God, Your Word inspires us to be humble and gentle; to lead with patience and unconditional love. But we can't live that way without Your help. Teach us how to extend grace and forgiveness to those around us. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 ✍️ “𝘕𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯— 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯.” We often compare ourselves with others—wishing we had their talent, their platform, their influence, or their opportunities. Yet comparison can make us overlook what God has already placed in our hands. Whether our gift seems impressive or ordinary, the question is not whether we have ability—but whether we are faithfully using what God has entrusted to us. Peter writes in 🕮 𝟏 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒:𝟏𝟎, “𝘈𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥.” Spiritual gifts are not trophies for personal recognition but expressions of God’s grace, entrusted to us for the service and strengthening of His people. Grace gives the gift—and grace calls us to use it faithfully. The word “𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥” 𝘪mplies management, not ownership. Our gifts aren’t possessions; they’re meant to build each other up. Like a toolbox, value lies not in impressive tools but in purpose. A hammer can’t replace a screwdriver. Likewise, God equips each of us uniquely. We don’t need another’s gift to fulfill our calling—only faithfulness in stewarding with the gift God gave us. Scripture shows the body of Christ has many members, each with unique roles. “𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮” (𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟔). Some teach, serve, give, lead, or show mercy, “𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵... 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺” (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟒; 𝟏𝟒). Different gifts don’t mean different worth. We are not all the same, but we are all called to serve. The danger isn’t just wasting gifts but using them selfishly. Without humility, ministry becomes pride’s stage. Scripture commands, “𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯” (𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟑:𝟐𝟑). Peter urges, “𝘐𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺” (𝟏 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒:𝟏𝟏). Don’t turn God’s gift into a platform; we serve not to be seen, but because we have been saved. Before calling us to serve, Christ served us first: “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟓). He humbled Himself, “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴” (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟕–𝟖). Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He secured our redemption (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒). Now, the risen Lord sends us as stewards—not to hoard grace, but to spread it. Christ gave Himself for us; now we give ourselves in service to Him. What has God placed in your hands that you have been overlooking, comparing, or withholding? Are you using His gift for His glory or your recognition? You don't need Christ merely to discover your gift—you need Him to surrender every gift to His service. The gift is God's. The opportunity is His. The glory must be His. Don't turn God's gift into your glory when He gave it to you for His ministry. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You have entrusted to us. Forgive us for comparing ourselves with others or seeking recognition through what You have given. Teach us to serve faithfully, humbly, and joyfully, using every gift for the blessing of others and the glory of Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

Laura Perry Smalts says she spent nearly a decade living as a transgender man named Jake before ultimately leaving that identity and returning to her Christian faith. Her story began with years of confusion about her identity, followed by hormone treatments and surgeries as she attempted to live as a man. But Laura says those changes did not bring the peace and fulfillment she was searching for. Eventually, she returned to Scripture and began seeking God in a completely different way. She says encountering the love of Christ changed the direction of her life. Today, Laura shares her testimony through churches, conferences, interviews, and her ministry with her husband, seeking to help others who are struggling with questions of identity and faith. Her testimony points to a central message of the Gospel. Our deepest identity isn’t something we have to manufacture. It is found in the One who created us.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* MONDAY 17TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS. *TEXT:* GENESIS 39:11-14. 11. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 13. When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, 14. she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. *TOPIC:* OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS. *THE MESSAGE:* Temptation is a common test that comes in various forms and from different sources. Joseph faced a powerful and subtle temptation from Potiphar's wife, yet he refused to yield, relying on God's help. Though his resistance was reciprocated with harsh punishment, he remained faithful. Many young people, though called by God, have fallen into temptation and lost their voices and vitality. Today, many innocent young men and ladies have fallen victims of rape, sexual harassment in places of work or sex for good grades. Some church workers are not exempted from this awful sin. Have you harass or have been harassed sexually? Do not give the enemy a foothold. God's grace is available to all who desire victory. You can overcome temptation and live in freedom through His grace and word. *REFLECTION:* No temptation will pass your ability to resist. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to resist and flee temptation. 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 4-6. ED.ii. GOD'S COVENANT WITH MAN "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man: You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." - Genesis 2:15-17 God's covenant or agreement with man was: 1) God said that man should cultivate the garden; 2) God said he had to take care of the garden. Adam's position as the ruler of the garden had to be preserved; 3) God said they could freely eat from all trees except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If they ate from it, they would certainly die. The consequence of the fall But Adam and Eve broke this agreement. They believed the evil one and preferred to follow him, that creature who had disobeyed God, opposed God and was therefore thrown out of heaven. When this sin occurred, everything seemed lost. God made everything so beautiful and appointed Adam as ruler over this. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, Adam lost his position as ruler. They both became slaves to sin. God's rescue plan However, no one but God knew that He already had an escape route for man so man could regain his previous position. The Lamb of God, He was chosen before the creation of the world (see 1 Peter 1:20). This plan to save mankind was there before the world was created. The reason God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross was because He wanted to give back to man the position he once had. Now man was able to rule over sin, over the evil one and over this earth. He could walk with God again and come into His presence. The human being is allowed to reign together with God as a Royal child. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler. ⏤ Psalm 91:4 God does not want us to worry about the future. He wants us to trust Him today. ⏤ Corrie ten Boom Father, we are like little children in this vast world and cannot take care of ourselves. But we are so grateful that we are Your children and that You are our Father. We trust in Your eternal care. We know that You will never let us fall out of Your love and protection. As night falls again, we come close to You. We hide ourselves in the secret place of Your love and protection. We ask You to forgive all the sins we’ve committed against You today. Renew our hearts more deeply, so that we may keep Your commandments and live in harmony with Your will in both our thoughts and actions. Tonight, Father, we also remember Your other children around us. Some of them are happy; may they not forget You in their joy. Bless all pure happiness and let it lead to a closer relationship with You. Some of Your children are facing challenges. Some are struggling to find their daily bread. Some have sickness in their homes. Others have loved ones who are not living as they should, who do not love You or walk in Your ways, and their hearts are heavy with concern. Some have lost dear ones and are grieving deeply. For all these neighbors, we pray tonight. Bless them all. Give them the grace they need. Send relief and comfort in the way You know is best. And give us the grace to do our part in helping them in Your name, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/43/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.