Two young men 👱🏾‍♂️👨🏼‍🦳went fishing 🎣🦦 one day.One of them 👨🏼‍🦳had a stick he brought with him.Anytime he👨🏼‍🦳 caught a fish 🐟 ,he used the stick to measure it.If the stick was longer than the fish 🐠 he put it in his bucket 🪣.If the stick was shorter than the fish 🐠 he threw it back into the river 🌊💦.After a while,his friend👱🏾‍♂️ asked whether there was a mystery 😨 to what he was doing .He 👨🏼‍🦳replied that he had a frying 🍳 pan 🥘 which he had measured with the stick.If the fish 🐟 was longer than the stick,it meant it won't fit in the frying pan 🥘 that's why he👨🏼‍🦳 threw them back into the river 🌊💦(by the way,he could have just cut the fish 🐠 in two).Our minds are like the frying pan 🥘 in this story.Anything beyond the capacity of our minds to receive 📲 📨 we throw away.Heaven doesn't waste resources.Therefore God 👑🙏 expects us to build capacity before He releases certain resources.When the widow👩🏻‍🦰 in 2 Kings 4:1-7, borrowed empty 🫙 vessels from her neighbors 🧑🏽‍🦳👩🏾‍🦳👱🏻‍♀️the oil 🪔🛢️ continued to flow 🫗. Build 💪 capacity through reading 📚 📚 📖,training, personal 💻 development, going for seminars, and mentorship 🧠 in the area of your calling.Provide a new wineskin and God 👑👑 will pour new wine 🍷 into your life 🧬(Matt.9:17). Have a lovely day 💝❤️💖.

Dear Father, You instructed a young prophet, saying, “Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.” But there was an old prophet who came and misled him, saying, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.” But he lied to him. This very act cost the young prophet his life. The unsettling part of this story is that the Scripture refers to a man who caused the downfall of another in the same field he operated, a prophet! I strongly believe in and advocate for mentorship, and a model who has gone before us often has greater influence on our decisions, especially when its a trusted voice. Today, I am concerned about people we look up to, whose words of direction and contributions to our assignment, although genuine, may lead us astray. I think of those moments in our destiny when, in what seems like a dilemma, we must choose between obedience to You and what appears to be rebellion against a trusted voice. And like the younger prophet, we may be faced with the risk of letting our guard down. How can we, in such situations, know which way to go? Especially when what they talk us into is not bad in itself. If a man who clearly heard You fell victim, how can we trust our own discernment? I do not have all the answers, Father. But I have developed a pattern: whenever I experience contradictions, to always check back with You. I believe in mentorship, but I also believe that every trusted voice may not always speak a trusted word. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #mentorship #instructions #dilemma #obedience

Dear Father, You instructed a young prophet, saying, “Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.” But there was an old prophet who came and misled him, saying, “I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water.” But he lied to him. This very act cost the young prophet his life. The unsettling part of this story is that the Scripture refers to a man who caused the downfall of another in the same field he operated, a prophet! I strongly believe in and advocate for mentorship, and a model who has gone before us often has greater influence on our decisions, especially when its a trusted voice. Today, I am concerned about people we look up to, whose words of direction and contributions to our assignment, although genuine, may lead us astray. I think of those moments in our destiny when, in what seems like a dilemma, we must choose between obedience to You and what appears to be rebellion against a trusted voice. And like the younger prophet, we may be faced with the risk of letting our guard down. How can we, in such situations, know which way to go? Especially when what they talk us into is not bad in itself. If a man who clearly heard You fell victim, how can we trust our own discernment? I do not have all the answers, Father. But I have developed a pattern: whenever I experience contradictions, to always check back with You. I believe in mentorship, but I also believe that every trusted voice may not always speak a trusted word. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #mentorship #instructions #dilemma #obedience

A WORD TO PASTORS AND MINISTERS Beloved Pastors and Ministers, I want to plead with us as men and women of God: let us be careful about the way we approach other pastors, churches, and ministries for connection or support. If you desire to connect with someone, simply reach out and connect. Introduce yourself, share about your ministry, build a genuine relationship, and allow God to establish the connection. We should not reduce ourselves, our ministries, or the work God has entrusted to us to repeated begging and emotional appeals for financial assistance. There is nothing wrong with sharing a need. There is nothing wrong with asking for support when there is a genuine project or a legitimate ministry need. However, there is a difference between presenting a need with dignity and continually begging people for assistance. The Church is bigger than money. Ministry relationships should not begin and end with financial requests. Let us learn to build genuine friendships, fellowship, mentorship, partnership, prayer relationships, and ministry connections. When God connects people, He can create opportunities that money alone cannot create. If you need help, you can communicate your need respectfully. If someone is willing to support, appreciate them. If they are not able to support, do not become offended or continue pressuring them. Let us protect the dignity of the ministry. Pastors should be able to connect with other pastors simply because they want fellowship, encouragement, spiritual growth, and kingdom partnership—not only because they need money. Let us trust God as our ultimate provider. Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” May God give us wisdom, humility, integrity, and the right spirit as we build relationships within the Body of Christ. Connect because you value the person. Build because you value the relationship. Partner because you value the Kingdom. And trust God to provide for the needs of His work. May the Lord bless and strengthen every pastor and ministry leader. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen. From your brother and fellow servant in Christ, Pastor Deba Eric

Anthony Ijere is a contemporary Nigerian Christian author, novelist, teacher, and spiritual mentor dedicated to inspiring believers through the power of the written word. Based in Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria, he is passionate about raising a generation of young people who understand their identity, discover their purpose, and walk boldly in God's divine plan for their lives. Through deep biblical insight and engaging storytelling, Anthony combines spiritual teaching with practical life application, making complex truths simple, relatable, and transformational. His writings focus on themes such as destiny, prayer, spiritual warfare, obedience, personal transformation, Christian character, revival, and purpose driven living. His unique blend of narrative creativity and devotional teaching has made his works impactful among young believers seeking direction, growth, and spiritual stability. Anthony's ministry is strongly centered on youth revival and spiritual awakening. He believes that many destinies are lost through distraction, wrong influences, fear, compromise, ignorance, and lack of spiritual direction. Through books, teachings, and mentorship, he seeks to help believers break destructive cycles, renew their minds, and align themselves with God's original purpose. Inspired by the teachings and ministries of seasoned servants of God, including Apostle Joshua Selman and other notable Christian voices, Anthony writes with a burden to awaken spiritual hunger, strengthen faith, and stir believers toward deeper intimacy with God. His messages consistently emphasize holiness, surrender, prayer, discipline, and total dependence on the Holy Spirit. Beyond writing, Anthony actively encourages and mentors young people within local communities, helping them cultivate prayer lives, leadership qualities, godly values, and kingdom minded vision. His passion is not only to inform minds but also to transform lives and raise believers who will influence their generation for Christ. As the founder and voice behind projects such as IGNITE Youth Revival Magazine, Anthony Ijere continues to challenge young people to rise above limitations, reject mediocrity, and pursue destinies that glorify God. His writings are marked by clarity, conviction, spiritual depth, and a sincere desire to see believers walk in excellence and fulfill their divine assignments. Through every page he writes, Anthony carries a singular mission: to inspire revival, ignite purpose, and leave a lasting spiritual legacy that points hearts back to Jesus Christ.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK MEMORIZE: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" Proverbs 1:5 (KJV) BIBLE READING: ACTS 18:24-28 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. MESSAGE: In Yorubaland, where I come from, the elders have an adage that says, 'The lantern cannot see its own bottom.' What they mean by this saying is that, no matter how knowledgeable a fellow is, there are areas in the fellow's life that will be hidden from his or her view. This is why you must be willing to receive feedback from others who can see you more objectively than you can see yourself. In Revelation 3:15-17, the Lord said that some people, according to their own judgment, believed they had everything going well for them because they were rich and appeared not to lack anything; however, by His own standards, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. If a person is too proud to receive feedback, people will see the fellow walking towards a ditch and leave him or her to fall into it. Proverbs 24:6 says that in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety. People who are open to corrections and feedback tend to escape many troubles, while those who think they know it all often stumble into avoidable problems. Jesus is described as the wisdom and power of God in (1 Corinthians 1:24), yet when He came to earth, He sat under teachers, listening to them and asking them questions (Luke 2:46-47), and the Bible recorded that He grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52). He was also open to feedback, as we see in Matthew 16:13-16, where He asked His disciples to tell Him what other men, and even they themselves think of Him. In today's Bible reading, Apollos was already an established teacher of the word before he met Aquilla and Priscilla. When they heard him teach, however, they recognised that he needed further insight and knowledge of God's word. As a result, they took him aside to expound the way of the Lord to him more perfectly. Submitting to their mentorship and feedback helped Apollos become a better teacher of the word, who mightily proved to the Jews through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Saviour. Beyond submitting to mentors and being open to learning and growth, how a fellow receives and processes feedback will determine whether he or she will grow or remain stagnant. Beloved, if you want to grow in wisdom, you must be willing to humble yourself to listen and learn from others. You should also ask the Holy Spirit for guidance at all times. I pray you will continue to grow in wisdom and favour before God and man, in Jesus' name. REFLECTION: Are you open to learning from others and receiving feedback? BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 6 - 8 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 24 - I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS 1. I want to be like Jesus, So lowly and so meek; For no one mark'd an angry word, That ever heard Him speak. 2. I want to be like Jesus, So frequently in prayer; Alone upon the mountain top, He met his Father there. 3. I want to be like Jesus, I never, never find That He, though persecuted was To anyone unkind. 4. I want to be like Jesus, Engaged in doing good; So that of me it may be said "He hath done what he could." 5. I want to be like Jesus, Who sweetly said to all, "Let little children come to Me;" I would obey the call. 6. But oh I'm not like Jesus, As anyone may see; o gentle Saviour, send Thy grace, And make me like to Thee. PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL Wednesday 5th August 2026 BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK ‎ ‎PRAYER POINTS 1.Father, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of counsel and understanding. Thank You for surrounding me with men and women after your heart, to guide and to instruct me in Your way. 2.Father, please, help me never to come to the point where I am too wise to be corrected. Help me to open my ears to wise counsels, in Jesus' name. 3.Father, please help me to be willing and ready to receive feedback from people who can see me more objectively than I can see myself, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me to always be open to corrections and feedback so I can escape many troubles and not fall into satanic ditch, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me to humble myself enough to learn from people who are ahead of me and also from my subordinates. Teach me how to ask the right question, so I can continually grow in wisdom, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me to submit myself to mentorship and feedback so I can become a better teacher of Your word, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me to be willing to submit myself to listen and to learn from others, so I can grow in wisdom, in Jesus' name. 8.Holy Spirit, please guide me, and lead me in all the steps I need to take and the path I need to walk so I can live a life that is pleasing to the Father, in Jesus' name. 9.Holy Spirit , please help me to continue to grow in wisdom and favour before God and man, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please help me never to wander out of the way of understanding, so I won't remain in the congregation of the dead, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Please help him to continue to grow in divine wisdom and favour before God and man, 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) These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

🌟 Welcome to Christian Connection ✝️ A simple and user-friendly platform designed to connect Christians, churches, non-profits, and organizations with professionals eager to share their God-given talents. Whether you’re seeking coaching, mentorship, or expert support, our community makes it easy to serve, grow, and collaborate all without long-term commitments or high costs. Are you looking to volunteer your skills? Set up your profile, browse opportunities, and apply to projects that match your expertise. Or, if you’re seeking help, post your needs and connect with trusted professionals ready to serve. Together, we’re building a vibrant community committed to faith, service, and Kingdom impact. Let’s share our gifts for His glory ✝️🙌 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.christianconnection.pro #ChristianConnection #ShareYourGifts #ServeTheKingdom #FaithInAction #ChristianCommunity #GrowInChrist #VolunteerWithPurpose #SupportTheChurch #KingdomWork #TogetherInFaith

🌟 Be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12 #LeadByExample #LeadershipSkills #1Timothy4 #BeTheExample #Mentorship #LordsBook

🔥 PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS 🔥 WISDOM FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL SURVIVAL .....Navigating Influence, Honour, and Leadership in a Complex World LEAD SCRIPTURES "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." — Matthew 10:16 "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." — Proverbs 16:7 "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." — Proverbs 18:16 "By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war." — Proverbs 24:6 "Wisdom is better than strength." — Ecclesiastes 9:16 INTRODUCTION One of the greatest misconceptions in life is to assume that good intentions alone are enough to navigate society. Scripture never teaches believers to be naïve. Jesus Himself warned, "I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." (Matthew 10:16). Sheep are symbols of innocence, but wolves represent environments where wisdom is essential. The Kingdom of God does not encourage manipulation, yet it repeatedly commends wisdom, discernment, prudence, and understanding. "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established." (Proverbs 24:3). Every society develops its own culture, values, and patterns of interaction. Where honour is neglected, leadership becomes difficult. Where everyone assumes there is nothing to learn, growth slows, relationships weaken, and institutions struggle to flourish. "Only by pride cometh contention." (Proverbs 13:10). The believer is therefore called to combine humility with discernment, courage with restraint, conviction with wisdom, and truth with gracious conduct. The goal is not merely to survive society but to influence it for righteousness. "The wise shall inherit glory." (Proverbs 3:35). THE MENACE OF AN EGALITARIAN SOCIETY WITHOUT A CULTURE OF HONOUR Equality in human dignity is a biblical truth. "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34). Yet Scripture also recognizes different responsibilities, gifts, and offices within society and the Church. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists..." (Ephesians 4:11). When a culture loses the ability to distinguish between equal worth and different responsibilities, several problems emerge. A society that no longer honours wisdom often stops learning. "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning." (Proverbs 1:5). A generation that rejects correction eventually resists growth. "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul." (Proverbs 15:32). Where everyone assumes they already know everything, teachability disappears. "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him." (Proverbs 26:12). Where honour declines, mentorship weakens. Yet Scripture commands, "Obey them that have the rule over you... for they watch for your souls." (Hebrews 13:17). Where respect diminishes, unnecessary conflict multiplies. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3). The biblical answer is neither arrogance nor unhealthy submission. It is a culture where humility, honour, truth, and wisdom coexist. STRATEGIC WISDOM FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL SURVIVAL 1. Cultivate Spiritual Discernment Before Public Influence "The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself." (Proverbs 22:3). Wisdom sees beyond appearances. Discernment helps believers respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. 2. Honour People Without Idolizing Them "Honour all men." (1 Peter 2:17). Biblical honour recognizes the dignity of others while reserving worship for God alone. 3. Stay Teachable Throughout Life "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser." (Proverbs 9:9). A teachable spirit creates continuous growth, regardless of age or status. 4. Let Character Sustain What Talent Begins "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." (Proverbs 22:1). Influence built only on ability is fragile; influence supported by integrity endures. 5. Speak With Wisdom and Restraint "He that hath knowledge spareth his words." (Proverbs 17:27). Not every battle deserves an immediate response. Silence is sometimes an expression of strength. 6. Adapt Without Compromising Convictions Paul declared, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22). Biblical adaptability is not hypocrisy. It is wise contextualization for the sake of God's mission. 7. Build Strategic Relationships "Iron sharpeneth iron." (Proverbs 27:17). Healthy relationships expand vision, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities for service. 8. Learn the Difference Between Position and Influence David respected Saul's office even while fleeing from Saul's hostility. "I will not stretch forth mine hand against my lord." (1 Samuel 24:10). Respecting an office does not require approving every action. 9. Develop Competence "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings." (Proverbs 22:29). Skill often opens doors that complaint never will. 10. Choose Humility Over Pride "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6). Humility is not weakness; it is strength under God's direction. 11. Be Peaceable Without Becoming Passive "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18). Peacemaking seeks reconciliation without surrendering righteousness. 12. Remember That True Promotion Comes From God "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west... But God is the judge." (Psalm 75:6–7). Human systems may delay recognition, but faithful stewardship remains valuable before God. 🔥 WISDOM NOTES 🔥 Wisdom protects where strength alone cannot. "Wisdom is a defence." (Ecclesiastes 7:12). 🔥 Honour is not weakness; it is evidence of maturity. 🔥 Humility opens doors that pride permanently closes. 🔥 Influence grows where trust is consistently cultivated. 🔥 A wise believer studies both Scripture and the realities of the society in which God has placed them. Like the sons of Issachar, they seek to understand the times and know what ought to be done. "Men that had understanding of the times." (1 Chronicles 12:32). 🔥 Kingdom influence requires both spiritual depth and practical wisdom. 🔥 The goal is not merely to survive difficult environments but to become salt and light within them. "Ye are the salt of the earth... Ye are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13–14). FINAL THOUGHTS🤔🧠 The Christian life is neither an escape from society nor surrender to it. Christ calls His followers to engage the world with wisdom, integrity, courage, and compassion. We are not called to imitate every cultural pattern, but neither are we called to ignore the realities around us. The serpent's wisdom must always be balanced by the dove's innocence. Strategic thinking must never become deceit. Adaptability must never become compromise. Honour must never become flattery. Conviction must never become arrogance. The believer who walks with God, grows in wisdom, honours others, develops competence, and remains faithful to truth is positioned not only to endure changing times but also to shape them for God's glory. 🙏 PRAYER LINES 🙏 Father, grant me the wisdom that comes from above, pure, peaceable, and full of good fruits. (James 3:17). 🙏 Teach me to walk wisely in every relationship and every assignment You entrust to me. (Ephesians 5:15–17). 🙏 Deliver me from pride, self-sufficiency, and every spirit that resists instruction. (Proverbs 11:2). 🙏 Give me discernment to know when to speak, when to be silent, when to advance, and when to wait upon You. (Ecclesiastes 3:7). 🙏 Establish my life upon integrity, humility, competence, and godly influence. (Proverbs 22:1). 🙏 Let my life reflect both the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove, according to the teaching of Christ. (Matthew 10:16). 🙏 Raise me to become a godly influence in my generation for the advancement of Your Kingdom. (Daniel 12:3). In Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen. #PhilosophicalReflections #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianLeadership #KingdomLeadership #FaithAndCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #BiblicalLeadership #WisdomForLife #InfluenceMatters #ServantLeadership #KingdomCulture #PurposeDriven #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #Integrity #Discernment #LeadershipMatters #KingdomImpact #GloryToGod

🌟 Welcome to Christian Connection ✝️ A simple and user-friendly platform designed to connect Christians, churches, non-profits, and organizations with professionals eager to share their God-given talents. Whether you’re seeking coaching, mentorship, or expert support, our community makes it easy to serve, grow, and collaborate all without long-term commitments or high costs. Are you looking to volunteer your skills? Set up your profile, browse opportunities, and apply to projects that match your expertise. Or, if you’re seeking help, post your needs and connect with trusted professionals ready to serve. Together, we’re building a vibrant community committed to faith, service, and Kingdom impact. Let’s share our gifts for His glory ✝️🙌 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.christianconnection.pro #ChristianConnection #ShareYourGifts #ServeTheKingdom #FaithInAction #ChristianCommunity #GrowInChrist #VolunteerWithPurpose #SupportTheChurch #KingdomWork #TogetherInFaith