Sunday 16 August 2026 Portland Metro Church Assembly of God Church Services Notes: The is no excuse By Pastor Jon H. ( king James version) Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 1. There is no excuse for not believing in God. Romans 1:18-20- See about for verses; Job 12:7-9 -But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? Psalm 19:1- The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2. The kind of God that creation reveals. Romans 8:19-22 See about for verses; Revelation 22:3- And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 3. The downward spiral of rejecting God. 4. The sin of idol worship. Romans 1:21 – 23 See about for verses; Exodus 20:3-6- Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 5. The spiritual Warfare of idol worship. 6. The strange Culture we are called to serve. 7. Stay grounded

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 228 DATE: 16TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PERSECUTION IS PART OF THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 10:22 (NKJV) “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Devotional message: Jesus never deceived His disciples concerning the cost of following Him. He did not promise them a life without opposition, rejection, hatred, suffering, or persecution. Instead, He prepared them beforehand so that when these things came, they would not abandon their faith. If our Master was rejected and opposed, we should not be surprised when those who faithfully represent Him experience similar opposition. Following Christ does not mean that everyone will celebrate you, understand you, or agree with your convictions. There will be moments when standing for righteousness will cost you relationships. There will be moments when refusing to compromise will make you unpopular. There may even be seasons when people misunderstand, reject, mock, or oppose you simply because you have chosen to remain faithful to Christ. But persecution does not mean that God has abandoned you. The presence of opposition does not mean the absence of God. In fact, Scripture gives us numerous examples of God's people experiencing persecution while simultaneously experiencing His presence. God promised through Isaiah:Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Notice that God did not say, “You will never pass through the waters.” He said, “I will be with you.” He did not say that His people would never encounter fire; He promised His presence in the fire. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced this reality. They refused to bow to the golden image even though they knew their decision could cost them their lives. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. The king eventually saw a fourth man walking with them in the fire.The fire did not destroy them because God's presence was with them. Child of God, do not interpret persecution as a signal to abandon your testimony. If you are suffering because you have chosen righteousness, remain faithful. If people reject you because you refuse to compromise your convictions, continue standing. If your commitment to Christ costs you something, remember that Christ is worth more than whatever you may lose. Our calling is not merely to begin well but to endure to the end.Paul declared that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). That should also be our determination. The world may hate us because we belong to Christ, but we must never allow the hatred of men to make us lose our love for God. We must continue preaching Christ, living righteously, loving people, and faithfully representing the Kingdom. Persecution may test your faith, but it does not have to terminate your faith. The same God who was with the three Hebrew men in the furnace is with you today. The same Christ who strengthened the apostles to endure persecution is still able to strengthen His Church. PRAYER Heavenly Father,Thank You for the privilege of following Jesus Christ. Give me grace to remain faithful even when I encounter rejection, hatred, opposition, or persecution because of Your name.In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏 DAILY BIBLE READING Matt 10:16–33,Isai 43:1–3,Dan 3:13–30,John 15:18–21,2 Timothy 4:6–8 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

No matter how complex life or your calling becomes. Never forget, this is the foundation. I tried to do that for all my characters. I made a list of things that the enemy could throw at a person of faith, and tried to imagine the impact emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, and on all those around them.... then wrote it.... then God gave me more and more. But underlying it all, is who they find they REALLY are, their callings and tasks, and the determination to accomplish them. And who they are, will surprise you. I know it did me. God forget to give me a heads up on where it was all going, when he called me to start writing the story. That comes out, and God's hand upon their lives and family lines becomes even MORE evident.... and infuriates their unseen enemy... Alert: book one e-book for free got messed up. I fixed it yesterday, and it looks like its back ready today. I badly need reviews, for Amazon to show the series to a broader audience. If you'll help, please comment below, and show Amazon Christian books are still popular by getting it today, and leaving a review ASAP. I've love for at least 1,000 people to download it today. Free books go with my money management tips too. How much better is it on your budget, to have hours of free entertainment? In the meantime, I'm going to work on building a different webpage where I can sell them there. Who's onboard to help? It's a great saga of the human spirit sold out to God, and how those who fell truly hate us. Will you join me today to make it happen? And ask all your friends too? If so, just put yes in the comment. Then go find your bible and a puppy. When God pours His love into you, it'll give you a place to pass it on. I know. Even as I type, Emma, my chihuahua, is begging to go out. Only love keeps up with her constant demands... lol...

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 2 Samuel 15:10 Absalom hired men as spies who he sent to all tribes of Israel to incite the people to hate and rebel against the king, his father David because he wanted to become the next king. Even David's major advisor Ahithophel, ministers and many of his army where bought over and began to conspire against David. There are people who take delight in inciting people against others. They speak what will make people to hate others. Absalom is a son that incites people against even his father. Absalom is a believer that speaks words that would make people to hate others in the church, and leave the church. Absalom is always buying people to himself by making himself look better than others while making them hate others. Absalom incites people to rebel against their leaders. Don't be an Absalom and don't allow an Absalom make you hate others, rebel against your leader, or hate those that you once loved. SHALOM YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER

DAY 215 of 365 Reasons in 365 Days Why You Should try Jesus Try Jesus Because You Cannot Serve Two Masters Forever 📖 Bible Verse — Matthew 6:24 (KJV) “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” “Eventually, something will sit on the throne of your heart—make sure it is Jesus.” Quote: “Whatever controls your heart controls your direction.” 🙏 Prayer: Lord Jesus, take first place in every area of my life in Jesus name. Amen. #jesus #eveeyone #highlight #friends #love #savebygrace #salvation #christiancontent #christianreels #fry

❤️🔥 LOVE LIKE JESUS. 🔥❤️ Not just when it’s easy. Not just when they agree with you. Not just when they love you back. Love the overlooked. Love the hurting. Love the broken. Love the difficult. ✝️ Jesus didn’t tell us to love only the people who deserve it—He showed us a love filled with grace, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. 🙌 This world has enough hate, judgment, and division. 💥 BE DIFFERENT. LOVE LIKE JESUS. You never know when the love you show someone could be exactly what they needed to keep going. ❤️‍🔥 If you believe this world needs more of the love of Jesus, drop a ❤️ below! 👉 Follow FoxxFusion Ministries for more faith, hope, encouragement, testimony, and JESUS! ✝️🔥 #LoveLikeJesus #JesusChangesLives #ChooseLove #Faith #FoxxFusionMinistries

Good day. Thought of the day 🤔🗯️ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 KJV We face a lot of challenges in life, and one of them is resentment. We are either hated or envied. Jesus set us a example, he loved those who hated him. Let us do the same. Pray for them that hate us, even those that say they won't forgive us and leave it all to God. . To God be the Glory 🙏🤗

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2O26. "RESPONDING TO FAILURE" ‘A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again...’ Proverbs 24:16 GWT YOU CAN tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: ‘Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is the first-runner-up in a beauty contest, some say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ at college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened during the term I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health centre with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I have a friend who was made redundant…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. “I tended to be full of pride,” she says. “I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’’’ Bible In A Year: Judg 9:34 – 11:40, Matt 17:1-13, Ps 119:73-80, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4-6. 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. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026. *A MORE DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN* *TEXT:* REVELATION 21:1-8. 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. *Timeless Truth:*_"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"_ (Hebrews 11:10). *INTRODUCTION* When Garden Eden was created, it was the most beautiful place Adam could ever conceive of, with all the beautiful birds, animals, plants and cool weather. However, nobody needed to tell Adam that there must be a better place because the God that used to commune with him in *"the cool of the day"* was not living in Eden. He must be dwelling in a better place. This faith was carried on from generations to generations until the time of Abraham, who in spite of all the wealth promised him, his affection was focused on the better city. *"For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God"*. Nobody was given a better revelation of heaven than Apostle John. Enoch and Elijah were said to be translated to heaven. How heaven looked like was left to human imaginations. Jesus Christ also mentioned heaven as the abode of the Triune God. He only told us it has many mansions. At the mount of transfiguration was revealed the glory of heaven and how the inhabitants will look like. Nothing more was revealed. Stephen saw heaven at the point of death but just faintly (Acts 7:55-56). Paul the apostle was taken to heaven which he called the third heaven, but he said he was not permitted to reveal what he saw to any except that he exposed that it has many foundations (Acts 11:10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The text shows us the climax of God's revelation about heaven. Yet the Bible writers were short of words to describe heaven except that it is the place where God dwells from eternity, with all His created angels and saints. *"How beautiful heaven must be"*. *1. Prepared Heaven* a. Those who doubt the testimony of Apostle John must be ready to doubt his gospel and epistles that have transformed lives and brought supernatural comforts and revelation of Jesus Christ to mankind for centuries. *"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth"*. He was not told or heard from a third party. He saw it himself. It was not a remodelled new heaven and earth, but a totally new heaven and a new earth. *"And there was no more sea"*. There are three types of heaven mentioned in the Bible. There is the atmospheric heaven where the rain comes from (Deuteronomy 11:11). There is the second heaven called heavenlies where we have the galaxies including the primary domain of demonic forces and angelic conflicts (Ephesians 6:12). Then we have the third heaven or paradise where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2). *"For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away"*. The first two heavens were passed away except the third heaven. 2 Peter 3:12, 13 reveals how this will happen. *"….. wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "*. The earth and the heavens will be destroyed through fervent heat. Jesus Himself confirmed that heaven and earth with all their structures, beauties, learnings and philosophies shall all pass away except the Word of God (Matthew 5:18, 24:35). In fact, all the human bodies will give way to eternal and indestructible bodies. Thus, what Apostle John saw was the giving away of all things that are visible and temporary for things that are eternal. b. *"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven"*. The earthly Jerusalem was referred to as the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2, Matthew 5:35). This is referring to the Millennium holy Jerusalem from where Jesus will rule the whole world physically. John the apostle said that Jerusalem ceased to exist, but gave way to a completely New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem was seen coming *"out of heaven"*. Obviously, it is seen coming from the third heaven which is the eternal throne of God. He used the imagery of the beauty of a bride coming to meet the husband to describe the beauty of heaven. This is the best description human language can give. *Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"*. He then heard the voice of God announcing the plan of God right from eternity. What was that plan? That God will physically, live among men as King over loving subjects; as Father over His children in a happy family set up and as God over His redeemed and people. *"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"*. This is the beginning of heaven, happy and holy eternity. *Question* Are you getting prepared for heaven in the practical sense of it? If Not, then you don't actually, believe in heaven. *2. Pacification with Happiness* a. The Apostle further gave a glimpse of how we will feel in heaven. *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"*. Tears of sorrow, anguish, lost loved ones, physical and psychological pains, etc.will all be forgotten. This is difficult to imagine for man. It is like imagining how God promised that *"your sins and iniquities will I remember no more"*. We don't have a problem with God forgiving our sins, but God forgetting our sins will be difficult to imagine. We will all forget the painful past as we will be overwhelmed with the glory of God for eternity. *"There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"*. The pains and the tears, called *"light afflictions"* will be for a moment. They will not survive the joy of eternity. b. For those who have difficulty with believing, *"he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful"*. Heaven is prepared already. When Jesus Christ was about going to heaven, He assured the disciples of going to build mansions for them. About 60 years later, when John saw the revelation, he was told by the Lord that it was done. It means it is a settled and concluded matter. *"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end"*. In heaven there will not be any heat or tension, but total refreshments and happiness. *"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"*. Everything God has will be totally ours. All the gifts of God, physical or spiritual, will belong to us as possessions. Nothing needed or useful will be denied. We suffer different lacks while on earth. Heaven will be the opposite. *"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"*. Are you an overcomer over sin, Satan and all his temptations? *Question* What are the things you are suffering on earth? Do you see them as temporary? *3. Punishment of Hell* What are the things that will disqualify any from entering heaven? What would be the abode of those who will miss heaven? The answer is fearful. *"But the fearful, and unbelieving"*. Every evil action stems from fear and unbelief. Unbelief of what God has spoken and the consequences of disobedience, fear of man and what man can do are terrible paralysing feelings that draw men to perdition. *"And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars"*. Notice that all those sins are now also found inside the Church among professing saints. So there will be eternal surprises when those who profess that heaven is their home find themselves in a totally different place called hell. They *"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone*. *Question* Are you transparently free from all sins? *Prayer Points* 1.Give praises to God that you are in that number saved by grace 🙏. 2.Ask God to search your life, expose, purge and cleanse you from all disqualifying habits 🙏. 3.Pray that the vision of heaven will get brighter and brighter to you and your mind and affections will be focused on heavenly things 🙏. 4.Pray that all believers will be delivered from all forms of self deception and will take entering heaven more seriously 🙏. *HYMN:* How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 16-18. [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SHORT SHELF-LIFE OF PAIN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😢😭🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:REVELATION 21:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (REVELATION 21:4).*_ *John Harper, a Scottish Baptist pastor and evangelist, died on the _RMS Titanic_ in 1912. His last words, as testified by survivors, were "I have seen heaven, and it is beautiful" and "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Despite his death, Harper used his final moments to preach the gospel, expressing his deep assurance that beyond death lay a place of eternal peace. A rescued survivor testified that Harper, clinging to the wreckage, asked if he was saved and urged him to believe in Jesus Christ. The survivor later accepted Christ and called himself "the last convert of John Harper."* *Today's passage paints a breath-taking vision of the new heaven and new earth. John sees the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, adorned like a bride. A powerful voice declares that God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. The former things will pass away, and everything will be made new. God, the Alpha and Omega, promises the water of life to those who thirst. But He also warns that those who reject Him (those living in sin, fear, unbelief) will face eternal separation in the lake of fire.* *In this world, we experience suffering in many forms such as loss, illness, disappointment, pain and injustice. But for those who belong to Christ, these trials are temporary. Christ assures us that a glorious future awaits us, one where God Himself will comfort us, and all suffering will cease. This hope should encourage believers to endure hardships with faith, knowing that one day, we will step into a place where joy is endless and pain is no more. It also calls us to live righteously, rejecting sin and embracing the promise of eternity with God.* *No matter what trials you face today, hold unto the hope of heaven. Let this promise strengthen your faith, drive you to share the gospel, and encourage you to live in readiness for Christ's return. A day is coming when all suffering will cease and there will be no more tears, pain or death. Get ready to be part of this eternally glorious moment.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Nobody gets to heaven by accident.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 16-18*📜📜 Short Shelf-Life Of Pain https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 5: NEVER GIVE UP; GHS 58: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY; GHS 147: SWEET BY AND BY; AND GHS 175: HE IS COMING AGAIN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JESUS SETS FREE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⛓️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽⛓️‍💥🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOHN 8:28-36```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (JOHN 8:36).*_ *A song writer wrote:* _*"There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the blood of the Lamb;*_ _*There's power, power, wonder-working power*_ _*In the precious blood of the Lamb."*_ *The words of this song reminds us of the power that is resident in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the anointed One, the Messiah. Those who accept His lordship can experience His free gift of salvation.* *Note that though Christ has the power to save. He does not force His salvation on anyone because human beings are free moral agents and are made to be accountable for their choices.* *A lot of youths need freedom from bondage to sin and the devil. They need to acknowledge their sins and accept Christ as the only Saviour that can set free. Some are under slavery to fornication, masturbation, cultism, internet fraud, and so on.* *Friend, are you one of those lost in sin and in bondage to the devil? Get rid of your dirty deeds and believe that Jesus can set free, and He will set you free.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Jesus is the anointed One.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Jesus can set you free indeed.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, have mercy on me and set me free.*_ Jesus Sets Free https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [12/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS IN CHARGE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🗣️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 35:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Nancy was sent to a supermarket to get some food items for the family. Unknown to her, the shop was under attack by armed robbers. She went in, and she was kidnapped! While being abducted, she remembered the Bible verses that her grandma had taught her. She rehearsed it aloud to the confusion of her abductors, and attracted helpers nearby. God heard her confession of faith and saved her. She was rescued. In times like these, when the society seems insecure; neither rich nor poor are free from the troubles in the world - kidnapping, cyber bullying, famine, climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and instability. *Children of God need not fear. God is in charge of all situations. The word of God is not just a shield for all those who believe, it is a formidable weapon that no force can withstand. Read, believe, confess and have faith in God's Word as you move through the days and months of the year.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, let your word dwell in me richly, and teach me to know that you are in charge of my life.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Ephesians 6:11-18* God Is In Charge https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk13thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer 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 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. ⏤ G.K. Chesterton O God, who has redeemed us by the precious blood of the Lamb, help us to live for Your praise and glory in all that we do. Since Jesus Christ has died for us and we are not our own, we want to live lives worthy of Your holiness. We confess and renounce all our sins. Teach us to hate sin and give us the grace to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to the glory of Your holy name. We ask You to reveal Yourself to us this morning as we go forth and to give us the assurance of Your presence. You have promised that as our days are, so shall our strength be, and that Your grace will always be sufficient for us. We cling to these promises as we enter a new day whose experiences we cannot predict. We do not know what dangers we will encounter, what burdens will be placed on us, what temptations will whisper in our ears, what pitfalls will lie in our path, or what insidious influences will threaten the purity of our souls. So we hide ourselves in You and trust You to keep us safe all day. We desire to be useful and helpful to others. Save us from selfishness and self-centeredness. Teach us the great lesson of service. May we have the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. May we serve one another in love. May we live to help others and do good. Help us to see the needs we can meet, to perceive the ways we can serve, and then give us the true spirit of ministry so that we may do the things that will bless others. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may be like You. We ask all this in the name of our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

tired of everything...putting my trust in God to see if my life will change no matter how small.. its not easy living in a world where most people just choose to hate you even when you mind your own business

Daily Bible Lesson. THE MARK OF THE BEAST: THE FINAL TEST OF WORSHIP—TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE! THE GREAT CONTROVERSY IS ULTIMATELY ABOUT WORSHIP The mark of the beast is not merely about politics, economics, or technology. At its deepest level, it is about worship, loyalty, obedience, and allegiance. The final question will be: Whom will we worship? Whom will we obey? Whose authority will we recognize? “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 Truth leads us to Christ. Falsehood leads us into deception. Apostasy leads people away from God's Word. And in the final crisis, every person will face a decision concerning worship and allegiance. 1. REVELATION 13 WARNS OF A FINAL CRISIS Some Christians are uncomfortable discussing the prophecy of Revelation 13. But ignoring prophecy does not make it disappear. Revelation 13:1–3, 15–17 describes a powerful system that receives worldwide influence and causes people to worship the beast and its image. It also describes economic pressure connected with the mark: “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” — Revelation 13:17 This is a solemn prophecy. It points to a final conflict involving: Worship Authority Obedience Religious freedom Economic pressure Allegiance to God versus allegiance to the beast Daniel 12:1 also speaks of a coming time of trouble unlike anything previously experienced. The final crisis will not be a small matter. But God's people do not need to live in fear. Our confidence is not in human governments, political systems, or earthly institutions. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ. 2. THE FINAL BATTLE CENTERS ON WORSHIP The first angel's message declares: “Fear God, and give glory to Him… and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” — Revelation 14:7 Notice the central issue: WORSHIP THE CREATOR. Revelation 14 presents God's final message to the world, calling people to: Worship the true God. Give Him glory. Reject Babylon's deception. Refuse the mark of the beast. Keep “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:6–12 The final controversy is therefore not simply about which church we attend. It is about whom we worship and whose authority we accept. 3. TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE—BUT TRUTH MUST BE OBEYED Jesus said: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 Truth is not merely information. Truth calls for a response. When God reveals truth to us, we must decide whether we will: Accept it. Believe it. Follow it. Obey it. The Bible warns against apostasy and spiritual deception. “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” — Romans 3:4 Our protection in the final crisis will not be simply knowing prophecy. It will be having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and being firmly grounded in His Word. Know Jesus. Know His Word. Follow His Spirit. Stand for truth. Obey God rather than human pressure. 4. OUR ONLY SURE PROTECTION IS JESUS CHRIST The greatest preparation for the final crisis is not fear. It is surrender. Our only sure protection is to give our lives completely to Jesus. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37 When we truly love God, we will desire to: Please Him. Honor Him. Obey Him. Love others. Stand for truth. Remain faithful under pressure. The final crisis will reveal where our loyalty truly lies. If Jesus is first in our hearts today, we will be better prepared to stand with Him tomorrow. 5. GOD'S FINAL WARNING WILL REACH THE WHOLE WORLD It may seem difficult to understand how someone could be lost for choosing deception. But Scripture teaches that God's final message will be proclaimed to the world. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16:15 “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” — John 1:9 And Revelation 14:6 describes the first angel's message as the everlasting gospel going to: “Every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” God does not want anyone to be lost. He warns before judgment. He sends light before darkness. He sends truth before deception. He sends a message before the final crisis. The three angels' messages of Revelation 14:6–12 are therefore a solemn call to the world. The issue is not whether God has provided enough light. The question is: What will we do with the light God has given us? 6. THE SABBATH AND THE FINAL QUESTION OF WORSHIP The Sabbath is deeply connected with the worship of the Creator. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8 “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is.” — Exodus 20:11 Revelation 14:7 echoes this creation language: “Worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” For Seventh-day Adventists, this connection highlights the Sabbath as a central issue of worship and allegiance in the final conflict. The final crisis will involve a conflict between: God's authority and human authority. Biblical truth and human tradition. True worship and counterfeit worship. Obedience to God and obedience to human commands. However, we must be careful not to claim that every person who worships on Sunday today already has the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast is connected to the final crisis and enforcement described in Revelation 13. The Bible's warning concerns a future, deliberate choice of allegiance in opposition to God's revealed truth. Revelation 13:16–17 Today is the time to study, learn, pray, and follow Jesus—not to condemn sincere people who may not yet understand these truths. 7. DON'T WAIT FOR THE FINAL CRISIS TO DECIDE WHO YOU WILL SERVE The greatest mistake would be waiting until the crisis arrives before developing a relationship with Jesus. Character is being formed today. Every choice matters. What we watch. How we speak. How we treat others. What controls our appetites. How we use our resources. Whether we obey God's Word. Whether we pray. Whether we respond to the Holy Spirit. The final crisis will reveal what has already been developing in the heart. Joshua declared: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” — Joshua 24:15 The decision is personal. The decision is urgent. The decision is eternal. 8. COME OUT OF BABYLON—COME INTO THE LIGHT OF TRUTH God gives a final call: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.” — Revelation 18:4 This is not a call to hate people. It is not a call to attack sincere Christians. It is a call to leave error and embrace truth. Leave deception. Leave compromise. Leave spiritual confusion. Leave cherished sin. Leave every teaching that contradicts God's Word. And come fully to: Jesus Christ. His Word. His truth. His grace. His commandments. His righteousness. 9. THE ARK IS STILL OPEN—WILL YOU ENTER? In Noah's day, God provided an ark. Only those who entered were saved from the Flood. “Come thou and all thy house into the ark.” — Genesis 7:1 Today, Jesus is still calling people to salvation. The greatest Ark of safety is Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is our refuge. Jesus is our salvation. Jesus is our righteousness. Jesus is our only hope. We should never present any earthly church as if it can replace Christ as the Savior. The church has a mission. The remnant has a message. But Jesus alone saves. The safest place in the final crisis will be the place where your heart is fully surrendered to Christ and your life is firmly anchored in God's Word. THE FINAL QUESTION IS SIMPLE: WHOM WILL YOU WORSHIP? The mark of the beast is ultimately about allegiance. The seal of God represents God's ownership and authority. The final conflict will expose the difference between: Truth and error. Faithfulness and apostasy. Obedience and rebellion. True worship and counterfeit worship. God's authority and human authority. But remember: Jesus is calling you now. Truth is still available. Mercy is still extended. The Holy Spirit is still pleading. The door of salvation is still open. Do not wait for the final crisis to decide. Choose Jesus today. Study His Word today. Obey His voice today. Love Him today. Stand for truth today. WHEN THE FINAL TEST OF WORSHIP COMES, MAY WE BE FOUND STANDING WITH JESUS. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12 A FINAL APPEAL Lord Jesus, Give us discernment to recognize truth. Give us courage to reject deception. Give us humility to receive correction. Give us wisdom to understand prophecy. Give us love for those who do not yet understand. Give us strength to stand when the world pressures us to compromise. And above all, give us the faith of Jesus—a faith that trusts You completely, loves You supremely, and remains faithful to Your Word. May we never receive any mark of allegiance to a system opposed to You. May our loyalty belong entirely to Christ. May we stand with the faithful in the final conflict and proclaim with courage: “WE WILL WORSHIP THE CREATOR!” “WE WILL FOLLOW JESUS!” “WE WILL STAND ON THE WORD OF GOD!”