Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026. "TRUST YOUR BIBLE, IT'S TRUE!" ‘…that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled...’ Matthew 26:56 NIV THE DEATH, burial and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled no less than twenty-nine different Old Testament prophecies. The odds of that happening are virtually impossible! Mathematician Peter Stoner explains it this way: ‘If you were to cover the state of Texas two feet deep in pound coins, then on one, place a mark. What is the probability that a blindfolded person could, on their first attempt, select that coin? That’s the likelihood of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one lifetime. And Jesus fulfilled twenty-nine of them in one day!’ Let’s look at some of the prophecies He fulfilled: 1) ‘…They pierced My hands and… feet’ (Psalms 22:16 NKJV). 2) ‘They divide my garments…and…cast lots’ (Psalms 22:18 NKJV). 3) ‘…in that day…I will make the sun go down at noon, and…darken the earth in…daylight’ (Amos 8:9 NKJV). Jesus predicted both His death and His resurrection. He told His critics, ‘…“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”…the temple he had spoken of was his body’ (John 2:19-21 NIV). Jesus orchestrated every event, including Judas’ betrayal, the high priest’s hypocrisy, and Peter’s denial. Why? ‘That the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ So you can trust your Bible because it’s true. And something else is true too. God is ‘…able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). Note the words ‘immeasurably more.’ What seems impossible to you at the moment, is all in a day’s work for Him. So start trusting Him to work on your behalf. Bible In A Year: Gal 4-6, Matt 19:1-14, Ps 119:113-120, Pro 18:10-12. 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. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE PRICE OF DWELLING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND UNITY* *TEXT:* GENESIS 33:5-15. 5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. 6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. 8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. 9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. 10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. 11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. 12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee. 13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. 14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. 15 And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. *Timeless Truth:* _"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"_ (Psalm 133:1). *INTRODUCTION* Love and unity are the indispensable catalysts of human relationships that make life worthwhile. Without these two graces, life ceases to have meaning and will breed heartaches, emotional troubles, bitter enmity and rivalries, anguish of the soul and all sorts of relational problems. The fulfilment and joy of natural and spiritual families, communities, nations etc rest on love and unity. *"Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"*. Satan's delight is to fuel relational problems and thereby make the earth another hell for relations. When the foundation of happy relationship and co-existence is destroyed, what shall the righteous do? The foundation of a happy and united family life of Isaac was broken and it had its toll on the children. Parental disunity and favoritism led to bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob. The result was not a sweet experience for each member of the family. After 20 years of separation between the children, the need for peace and unity, so as to end the ugly experience became imperative. They must be commended that they did not die in that situation. They allowed God and let go of their differences. What can we learn from them about how to build the broken walls and foundation of life and unity among brethren? Read on. *1. Bridge the Communication Gap* a. The main reason Jesus came to pay the ultimate price of redemption is to break the communication barrier between man and God due to sin. Once that barrier is broken, it will be possible to break the communication barrier among fellow brethren. The fact that Jesus paid this price underscores the importance of love and unity among brethren. No man can claim to be godly without conscious and deliberate commitment to living in peace and love with fellow brethren and neighbours. A graceless person will be content with disunity and loveless relationships while true grace makes true reconciliation possible. Jacob initiated it and this shows he had grace. He first settled the problem in the spiritual realm by wrestling with God on a lonely night at Jabbok. His personal encounter with God first changed his life, blew his ego to the wind of heaven, brought a deep transformation into his life and melted his hardened heart of deception. The change must start with you. The godly who desires to live at peace and pleases God must be ready to pray through until his heart is melted with the grace to forgive, forget and fall into the love of God. Ego or self is often the main problem that must bow in order to live at peace and unity. b. For the first time after 20 years, Jacob opted to take the lead by asking for a face to face meeting with his estranged brother and bridge the communication gap. *"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee?"*. Take the godly initiative and step: bridge the Communication Gap. Sink all your pride, anger, hatred, bitterness and desire for revenge at the cross and take the initiative. Unknown to him, Esau, though a violent man, secretly desired peace too. It only takes one to bell the cat. Surprisingly, the God of peace that had broken Jacob at the altar of prayer and grace had also dealt with Esau too. Broken communication became mended. *"And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant"*. In bringing peace to a troubled or broken relationship, there may be the need to bring a third party that is respected by both sides and has the wisdom and grace to mend relationships. *Question* Are you willing to please and bridge the communication gap with someone? How do you want to demonstrate your willingness? *2. Bind Your Character with Grace* a. Jacob had trained all his wives and children on how to show respect and give honour to the one who had been hurt and might be breathing out revenge and anger. It was not the time prove who was wrong or right. In reconciliation, self defence is minimized. *"Why do ye not rather accept wrong? Why not rather let yourselves suffer wrong and be deprived of what is your due? Why do you not rather take wrong?"* (1Corinthians 6:7). The crucified saint will be willing to accept blame even when he is not convinced that he is wrong for the sake of peace. This is where grace is also needed. *"Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves"*. All the people with Jacob went humbly and bowed to their Daddy's brother. Jacob had depoisoned the hearts of his people so that they could sincerely give the needed and expected honour to Esau. The peaceful person will not be a hypocritical person who will pretend to seek for peace and unity and privately he will be poisoning the hearts of others. b. Humility is an essential part of living in love and unity and building again love and unity in a broken relationship. Many apologies, though may be simple, have a way of healing hurt hearts and broken bones and barriers in relationships. It takes humility to bend when the other person is standing on his points which may even be wrong and unacceptable altogether. *"The fruit of peace is shown by them which make peace"*. *"Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of GOD"*. *Question* Are you willing to pay the price of love and unity so that your life receives the immeasurable blessings of obedience to God or you still want to stick to your gun and end up in perdition? *3. Bless Your Companion With Gifts* God paid the price of reconciliation with man by giving us the gift of Jesus Christ and all other spiritual and earthly gifts and blessings. True reconciliation must also be sealed up with exchange and acceptance of godly and helpful gifts. Jacob was smart to have prepared gifts for Esau ahead of their encounter. In fact, at first, Esau wanted to wisely reject the gifts. If he had refused, then know that the problem was only solved superficially. *"And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord"*. The Scripture says, *"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men"* (Proverbs 18:16). It is not how much that is affordable, but the heart of love and reconciliation that is behind it. Jacob insisted that the gift should be taken though Esau himself was well to do. *"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it"*. Look at the choice of words of wisdom and humility of Jacob. He was not using words that will fuel the ember of hatred, but words that will calm down nerves. *"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1). Apart from exchanging and acceptance of gifts and visits, true reconciliation will also be manifested by willingness to walk together and experience godly partnership. *"And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go"*. *Question* How genuine was your previous reconciliation with others? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, examine my heart, expose and remove all tendencies in me contrary to abiding in love and unity 🙏. 2.Lord, give me a definite life changing encounter like Jacob that will make me full of grace to initiate and advance peace and love in my family, church and community 🙏. 3.Make me a peacemaker and promoter of reconciliation among people 🙏. 4.Lord, visit all families with broken relationships and help all to open up to true communication and reconciliations 🙏. *HYMN:* Let love be among us *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ENDURING RECONCILIATION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥🫂🤝🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GENESIS 33:5-15```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant" (GENESIS 33:5).*_ *After the horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda focused heavily on national reconciliation. The Gacaca Courts, a system of community-based justice, allowed perpetrators of the genocide to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness, while victims could voice their suffering. The emphasis on unity and a shared vision for rebuilding the country contributed to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and the avoidance of further ethnic conflict. Although there are ongoing challenges, the national narrative of "unity and reconciliation" has continued to play a central role in Rwanda's politics and society.* *Jacob had lived for years under the shadow of a broken relationship with his brother, Esau. Their past was filled with deceit, betrayal, and conflict. Having stolen Esau's birth right and blessing, the resultant rift was so deep that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. After years of separation, Jacob now had to face Esau, but with trepidation and fear of retribution. However, what ensued was a stunning picture of grace and a lasting reconciliation, with no record of relapse into hostilities.* *Their reconciliation must have been mutual. That "... Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept" showed his willingness to forgive Jacob and let go of his anger and bitterness, and the pain of the past - a rare display of grace. On the other hand, Jacob exemplifies a posture of humility. His bowing before Esau, offering gifts of homage, and acknowledging his wrongs demonstrate the humility required for true reconciliation.* *We are called to the same grace and reconciliation that Jacob and Esau experienced. Perhaps there are areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. We are called to extend grace, even when the hurt is deep.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Reconciliation draws the curtain on a dark past and opens a door for a brighter future.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 39-42*📜📜 Enduring Reconciliation https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 232: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS; GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; AND GHS 75: THE CHURCH'S IS ONE FOUNDATION* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SNUB SATAN* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿👺❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 4:4-8```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (JAMES 4:7).*_ *The end of all things draws nearer and nearer every day. This should make us think deeply about the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the impending punishment that would be unleashed on sinners who have chosen to remain adamant and unrepentant now.* *The signs of the last days are visible - increased wickedness all over the world, surging compromise of faith among believers, and so on. The devil is out there like a roaring lion looking for those he could devour. Would you snub him or fall into his snares?* *Beloved, the time we are in now calls for patience and perseverance. Some have given up already because they have fallen into the hands of the devil by believing it is impossible to maintain their faith considering the pressure associated with this perilous time.* *Friend, please hold on to the faith, snub the devil, and keep marching forward. Remember that Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity because she could not snub Satan and resist the temptation of looking back. On the other hand, the young Joseph snubbed Satan by resisting Potiphar's wife's invitation to sin.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Stand firm and snub the devil.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to the faith.*_ Snub Satan https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JOHN'S TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🗣️📢📣🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```JOHN 1:29-34```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The Bible refers to John the Baptist as the forerunner who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Though John was born before Jesus, he was not greater than Jesus. In fact, John himself declared that someone greater than him would come after, and he was not even qualified to untie his shoe latchet. This is to show the high esteem in which John rightly placed Jesus. John proclaimed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. He told the people that Jesus was before him, meaning that Jesus had been before the time of creation. John was baptizing people in River Jordan, and it was he who also baptized Jesus Christ. John did not know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit descended and stayed on Christ at His baptism. He diverted attention away from himself, and made men to see Jesus Christ as *"...the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."* *Do you know Jesus? Can you point to Him that He is your Friend, Saviour and Lord? If your answer is No, then surrender your life to Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you all your sins. Tell Him to be your Friend and tell others about Him everywhere you go.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord Jesus, please take away my sins and make me Your friend today.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Matthew 3:1-12* John's Testimony About Jesus https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14 Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God. As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22 ɴᴋᴊᴠ The Son of God begins His public ministry by teaching the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues. One example is in Nazareth. When He preaches there, the people are at first amazed at His wisdom and the words of grace He speaks to them. But it only takes a few minutes before the mood changes and they start to get angry with Him. Why? Because His words are not only pleasant but also seasoned with salt. That is why they suddenly say, “‘Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?’ So they were offended at Him” (Mk. 6:3). How does He deal with the fact that people think so disdainfully of Him and see in Him nothing more than a common carpenter? Is He upset by their behavior? Not at all. Instead, He calmly presents to them a sad but true principle: it is written that Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house” (Mk. 6:4). He does not threaten them with judgment or rebuke them harshly. Instead, He accepts with meekness from the hand of God the rejection He experiences from these people, before whose eyes He had lived for so long. With this attitude of heart, He simply moves on through the surrounding villages and continues His ministry. Even today, it is not uncommon for a servant of the Lord to be more appreciated in another place and country than at home, where they have been known from an early age and where they may be misjudged or met with envy and jealousy. Philip Svetlik Mighty King, with glory crowned, Rightful Heir and Lord of all:Once rejected, scorned, disowned, E’en by those Thou cam’st to call. Richard Holden https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-19

Dear Father, In discussing the life of Jesus, I am first occupied with His purpose on earth and then with the miracles He performed. It is so easy to sum up His entire life in redemption and the working of miracles while not paying attention to His heart. Jesus was perhaps the Man who experienced the greatest disappointment in His dealings with people, yet because of His divinity, we often pay less attention to His humanity. Perhaps the deepest hurt is borne by the strongest hearts and still goes unnoticed. After all, no one goes seeking the weakness in strength. When Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went with the high priest and soldiers to betray Jesus, the Scripture says, “Judas came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Jesus knew He was being betrayed, yet He called him “friend.” If it were not Jesus, I would assume it was a sarcastic word. But it wasn’t. In one word, Jesus revealed the state of His own heart, creating a new pattern for friendship: "Your act of betrayal may have changed you, but it hasn’t changed me." This is very profound because I respond to changing times in my relationships, not just outwardly, but also inwardly. I get hurt, I withdraw myself, I experience disgust, and one thing I would never do is call a betrayer a friend! But perhaps Jesus teaches us to guard our hearts. Perhaps because disappointments may change a man faster than resolutions. Perhaps this is His way of saying, “You can be hurt and still not be changed.” But how many of us bear so much hurt that we do not even recognize ourselves anymore? Father, what is the state of our hearts? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #friendship #hurts #weakness #disciplesofJesus

Dear Father, In discussing the life of Jesus, I am first occupied with His purpose on earth and then with the miracles He performed. It is so easy to sum up His entire life in redemption and the working of miracles while not paying attention to His heart. Jesus was perhaps the Man who experienced the greatest disappointment in His dealings with people, yet because of His divinity, we often pay less attention to His humanity. Perhaps the deepest hurt is borne by the strongest hearts and still goes unnoticed. After all, no one goes seeking the weakness in strength. When Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, went with the high priest and soldiers to betray Jesus, the Scripture says, “Judas came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Jesus knew He was being betrayed, yet He called him “friend.” If it were not Jesus, I would assume it was a sarcastic word. But it wasn’t. In one word, Jesus revealed the state of His own heart, creating a new pattern for friendship: "Your act of betrayal may have changed you, but it hasn’t changed me." This is very profound because I respond to changing times in my relationships, not just outwardly, but also inwardly. I get hurt, I withdraw myself, I experience disgust, and one thing I would never do is call a betrayer a friend! But perhaps Jesus teaches us to guard our hearts. Perhaps because disappointments may change a man faster than resolutions. Perhaps this is His way of saying, “You can be hurt and still not be changed.” But how many of us bear so much hurt that we do not even recognize ourselves anymore? Father, what is the state of our hearts? Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #friendship #hurts #weakness #disciplesofJesus

Amazing Facts Daily Devotionals Once you are saved, can you ever lose your salvation? Pt. 1 August 13th, 2026 There are many examples in the Bible of people who had a saving relationship with God and were filled with the Spirit, but then they turned away … such as King Saul and Judas. Jesus will never let go of us, but we can let go of Him. We always have that freedom. The concept that once you are saved you can never be lost is unbiblical. People sometimes turn from God after following Him for a time. Peter puts it like this: “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire’ ” (2 Peter 2:22). On the other extreme, some people believe that you need to walk every day in doubt of your relationship with the Lord. Yet the Bible is clear that we can walk in assurance. Paul writes, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Another verse says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). According to the Bible, the notion that once a person is saved he cannot be lost is just not true. One of the clearest verses in Scripture states: “When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die” (Ezekiel 18:24). In other words, a person who was righteous can turn away from God and be lost. If a person is saved and cannot lose his salvation, why would he need to “hold fast” and not waver according to Hebrews 10:23? Because God has given people the freedom of choice. Key Bible Texts Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Hebrews 10:23 KJV)

Need to know. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: GOD'S STANDARD OF JUDGMENT FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION. "And God spake all these words, saying..." (Exodus 20:1, KJV) Many people claim that God's law has been abolished. Yet from Genesis to Revelation, God judges sin according to the very principles found in the Ten Commandments. Before Sinai, people were already held accountable because God's moral law reflected His holy character (Romans 2:14–15). The Bible is clear: «"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." — Ecclesiastes 8:11 (KJV)» God's judgment may not always come immediately, but no sin goes unnoticed, and no sin will ultimately go unpunished unless it is repented of and forgiven through Christ (Acts 17:30–31; Romans 6:23). 1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) God has always judged idolatry. Israel worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32:1–35). About 3,000 people died, and the Lord sent a plague upon the people. King Solomon turned to other gods (1 Kings 11:1–13). God declared that the kingdom would be torn from his son. Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and set up a golden image for worship (Daniel 3). God humbled his kingdom, and later, because of his pride, he lived like a beast until he acknowledged the Most High (Daniel 4:28–37). Lesson: God alone deserves worship. 2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." (Exodus 20:4–6) God condemns image worship. The golden calf brought immediate judgment (Exodus 32). Jeroboam's golden calves led Israel into sin, bringing God's judgment upon his house (1 Kings 12:26–33; 1 Kings 13:33–34; 1 Kings 14:7–16). Lesson: Worship belongs to the Creator, not created things. 3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain." (Exodus 20:7) God holds His name sacred. A man blasphemed God's name and was put to death by God's command (Leviticus 24:10–16, 23). Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, treated God's worship with contempt and dishonored His name through their wickedness. God judged them, and both died on the same day (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25, 34; 1 Samuel 4:11). Lesson: God's name must never be treated lightly. 4. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8–11) God blesses obedience and judges deliberate rebellion. A man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was judged according to God's command and stoned (Numbers 15:32–36). God warned Israel that Sabbath-breaking would bring national judgment (Jeremiah 17:21–27). The Babylonian captivity came in part because Israel neglected God's Sabbaths (2 Chronicles 36:20–21). Lesson: The Sabbath is holy because God made it holy. 5. "Honour thy father and thy mother." (Exodus 20:12) God blesses honor and judges rebellion. Absalom rebelled against his father David and died tragically (2 Samuel 15–18). Children mocked Elisha, saying, "Go up, thou bald head." Two she-bears came out of the woods, and forty-two youths were mauled (2 Kings 2:23–24). Lesson: God expects respect for parents and those He has appointed. 6. "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13) God judges murder. Cain murdered Abel, and God cursed him and drove him from the ground (Genesis 4:8–12). David arranged Uriah's death. Though forgiven, he suffered severe consequences in his household (2 Samuel 11–12). Lesson: Human life is sacred because it bears God's image. 7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14) God judges sexual immorality. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and the child died. The sword never departed from David's house (2 Samuel 11–12). Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38). Judah acknowledged, "She hath been more righteous than I." His sin was exposed publicly. Scripture records the shame of his actions, though it does not say he was judged for "ten generations." Lesson: Sin may be forgiven, but it often carries painful consequences. 8. "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15) God judges theft. Achan stole what God had devoted to destruction. Israel was defeated at Ai, and Achan and his household were judged (Joshua 7:1–26). Gehazi deceitfully took gifts from Naaman and was struck with leprosy (2 Kings 5:20–27). Lesson: Nothing can be hidden from God. 9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness." (Exodus 20:16) God judges lying. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and died immediately (Acts 5:1–11). Jezebel arranged false witnesses against Naboth, bringing God's judgment upon her and Ahab's house (1 Kings 21). Lesson: God is a God of truth. 10. "Thou shalt not covet." (Exodus 20:17) Coveting leads to destruction. Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard, resulting in murder and God's judgment (1 Kings 21). Judas Iscariot's love of money led him to betray Christ and perish (Matthew 26:14–16; Acts 1:18–20). Lesson: Coveting begins in the heart but produces deadly fruit. The Ten Commandments in the Final Judgment The Bible ends where it began: God's law remains His standard of righteousness. Romans 2:12–16 — God will judge the secrets of men. James 2:10–12 — We shall be judged by the "law of liberty." Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 — "Fear God, and keep his commandments... For God shall bring every work into judgment." Revelation 20:12–13 — The dead are judged according to their works. Revelation 22:14 (KJV) — "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life..." Conclusion From Genesis to Revelation, God has never treated sin lightly. Every violation of His holy law brings guilt, and every act is recorded in heaven. Some judgments come immediately, while others are reserved for the final judgment. Yet God's mercy is available to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. The cross did not abolish God's law—it revealed how holy it is. Christ died because the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Through Him we receive forgiveness, and through His grace He writes His law in our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." — Ecclesiastes 8:11 Do not mistake God's patience for approval. His mercy invites repentance, but His judgment is certain. Therefore, let us fear God, trust in Christ, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). Amazing Love

The Advent Truth. Church membership is a blessing—but it has never been the same thing as salvation. The Bible repeatedly shows that there are people who outwardly belong to God’s visible people while inwardly remaining unchanged. Israel had Korah. The disciples had Judas. The early church had Ananias and Sapphira. Even the ten virgins all looked the same until the crisis revealed who was truly prepared. Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). He also said many will be shocked in the judgment because they assumed that religious activity guaranteed acceptance with God. Being baptized won’t save you if your heart has never been surrendered. Holding church office won’t save you. Having your name on the membership roll won’t save you. Knowing the truth intellectually won’t save you. Even defending sound doctrine isn’t enough if Christ has not transformed the life. The question isn’t merely, “Am I in the church?” The question is, “Am I in Christ?” One day the church books will no longer matter. The only record that will determine our eternal destiny is whether our names remain written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 20:12, 15; 21:27). God isn’t looking for nominal Christians. He’s looking for converted Christians. This isn’t a call to leave the church—it is a call to be the church. The remnant is not merely identified by a name on a record, but by those who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Today is the day to examine our hearts. Have we settled for the appearance of religion, or have we truly surrendered everything to Christ? A profession without conversion is one of Satan’s greatest deceptions. Don’t be satisfied with your name in the church books. Make sure, by God’s grace, it’s written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2026. TOPIC: YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 BIBLE READING READ: MATTHEW 26:15, 27:3-5 (KJV) MATTHEW 26:15 (KJV) 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. MATTHEW 27:3-5 (KJV) 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. MESSAGE: In today's world, many people are selling their salvation for all kinds of mundane things. Some have sold their salvation for money, while others have sold it for fame or positions. There is, however, nothing in this world that is worth trading your salvation for. Anything that a person wants to acquire that will require the person to commit a sin is a trap of the enemy to get the fellow to sell his or her salvation and end up in hell. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asked His disciples, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" These questions still apply to us today. There is no gain in trading the salvation of your soul for anything because nothing in this world is as precious as your soul. Esau is an example of someone who traded something precious for something mundane and temporary. In Genesis 25:29-34, he chose to despise his privileged position in his father's house for just a bowl of pottage. He sold his birthright so cheaply just because he was hungry, and in Hebrews 12:17, the Bible says that he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. In like manner, Judas sold his salvation for money in today's Bible reading. He threw everything he had learnt from Jesus down the drain for 30 pieces of silver. Whatever lures a person to trade his or her salvation only wants to destroy the fellow. It might offer immediate pleasure and instant gratification, but the devil ultimately aims to use it to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). One way the devil tries to lure believers into trading their salvation is by making them believe that some sins are not as important as others and telling them that such sins do not matter. However, there is no act of sin that is not significant; every sinful act matters in God's sight. Every little compromise is a step out of His protective and merciful covering. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says that a serpent will bite whoever breaks a hedge. In other words, sin exposes a fellow to the attack of the enemy. Beloved, do not toy with sin because it only offers a one-way ticket to hell. I pray that you will not trade the salvation of your soul for anything in the world, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT Nothing is worth losing the salvation of your soul over. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 15-17 HYMN 14: O WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY 1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day Day I will never forget; after I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Saviour I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend He met the need of my heart; Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart ! CHORUS Heaven came down and glory fill my soul, When at the cross the Saviour made me whole; My Sins were washed away And my night was tuned to day Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! 2. Born of the Spirit with life from above Into God's family divine, justified fully thru Calvary's love, o what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer He saved me, 0 praise His dear name! 3. Now I've a hope that will surely endure After the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure, There in those mansions sublime. And it's because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received. ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2026 *YOUR SALVATION IS NOT FOR SALE* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the salvation of my soul and that of my family. Thank You for paying for my salvation with Your life hanged on the cross. 2.Father, please help me to guard my salvation with all my heart, and with all my soul, and never to loose it at any point of my life, in Jesus' name. 3.Father, please help me not to give in to anything that will require me commiting a sin so I won't fall into satanic trap, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me not to trade the salvation of my soul for riches or wealth or anything in this world, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me to put my body under subjection to Your word. Help me to remain disciplined such that my flesh will not lead me into selling off my salvation, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me never to betray my faith in Christ Jesus, never to deny my faith in the face of persecution. May I not get to the point where it will be too late to repent, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me to continue to work on myself until I become perfect as You are, in heaven, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me to depart from sin and all unrighteousness, may I not compromise in the secret or in the open, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please show me any area of my life that is not under Your perfect will, and help me to return to You wholeheartedly before it will be late, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as many that have traded their salvation for the mundane things of this world, please help them to repent and to return to You today, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ May he never trade the salvation of his soul for anything in this world, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ Happy weekend! #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

Lifeline Today Sunday August 9 Handling Rejection 2 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters living here?" And so they rejected him. Mark 6:3 (GNB) To get over rejection, we have our Master as role model to follow. He handled His rejection as if it was nothing. He was not disgusted at the way they treated Him. Know that it is not everybody that will believe you for who you are. Go round it as He did, go on and continue the pursuit of your purpose. View the rejection as a redirection toward a better fit rather than a final failure. As painful as rejection can be, don't let fear of it stop you from putting yourself out there. It's important to learn from it, build resilience, and keep trying. Blaming yourself or others won't help. Think about it: if you’re being rejected, that means you’re trying. And if you’re trying, that means you’re more likely to succeed. So being rejected isn’t a bad thing - it’s just part of getting where you need to be. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “Rejection isn’t failure. Failure is giving up. Everybody gets rejected. It’s how you handle it that determines where you’ll end up.” Prayer: Father Lord God, I stand in authority and renounce and break the power of the spirit of rejection over my life, and I declare my total freedom from it. I refuse to be weighed down by feelings of rejection or accept any form of rejection that comes my way, because I know that I am accepted and loved by You. I choose to see beyond every form of rejection, trusting that You are working all things together for my good, in Jesus name.

Lifeline Today Sunday August 9 Handling Rejection 2 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters living here?" And so they rejected him. Mark 6:3 (GNB) To get over rejection, we have our Master as role model to follow. He handled His rejection as if it was nothing. He was not disgusted at the way they treated Him. Know that it is not everybody that will believe you for who you are. Go round it as He did, go on and continue the pursuit of your purpose. View the rejection as a redirection toward a better fit rather than a final failure. As painful as rejection can be, don't let fear of it stop you from putting yourself out there. It's important to learn from it, build resilience, and keep trying. Blaming yourself or others won't help. Think about it: if you’re being rejected, that means you’re trying. And if you’re trying, that means you’re more likely to succeed. So being rejected isn’t a bad thing - it’s just part of getting where you need to be. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “Rejection isn’t failure. Failure is giving up. Everybody gets rejected. It’s how you handle it that determines where you’ll end up.” Prayer: Father Lord God, I stand in authority and renounce and break the power of the spirit of rejection over my life, and I declare my total freedom from it. I refuse to be weighed down by feelings of rejection or accept any form of rejection that comes my way, because I know that I am accepted and loved by You. I choose to see beyond every form of rejection, trusting that You are working all things together for my good, in Jesus name.