I WOULD NOT MAKE IT IN THIS WORLD WITHOUT JESUS.

I’m not ashamed to say it. I NEED JESUS.

When I’m strong—I need Him.
When I’m weak—I need Him.
When life makes sense—I need Him.
When everything falls apart—I STILL need Him.

This world will tell you to depend on yourself, but I know where my strength comes from. I’ve been through too much and seen God carry me through too many things to ever believe I got here on my own.

Without Jesus, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Without His grace, mercy, and love, I don’t know where I would be.

If you can say “I WOULDN’T MAKE IT WITHOUT JESUS”, drop a below and share this with someone who needs Him today!

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THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY

Monday, 17th August, 2026

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH!

TEXT: JUDE 1:1–25

KEY VERSE:

«“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (KJV)»

The Christian faith is precious, powerful, and worth defending. In his short but powerful letter, Jude warned believers about false teachers and ungodly influences that had entered among God's people.

Jude's message is simple but urgent:

DO NOT GIVE UP THE FAITH!

We live in a world where truth is often questioned, biblical values are increasingly challenged, and many voices compete for our attention.

But the believer is called to remain rooted in God's Word and to earnestly contend for the faith.

THREE LESSONS FROM JUDE

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH.

Jude 1:3 says:

«“...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”»

To contend for the faith does not mean fighting people. It means standing firmly for the truth of God's Word.

Don't abandon biblical truth because it is unpopular.

Don't compromise your convictions because of pressure.

Don't change God's standards simply because society has changed.

Stand for Christ. Stand for truth. Stand for the Gospel.

BEWARE OF UNGODLY INFLUENCES.

Jude warned that certain ungodly people had secretly entered among the believers.

Their presence was dangerous because they could influence others away from the truth.

This teaches us that not every teaching, philosophy, lifestyle, or spiritual message should be accepted without examination.

Test what you hear against Scripture.
🏽 Ask God for discernment.
Watch the influences around you.
Protect your relationship with Christ.

Be careful what you allow to shape your thinking.

BUILD YOURSELF UP SPIRITUALLY.

Jude 1:20–21 gives believers a powerful instruction:

«“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God...”»

Notice the progression:

Build yourself on the faith.
🏽 Pray in the Holy Ghost.
Keep yourself in God's love.
Look for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

A strong Christian life does not happen accidentally.

You must intentionally develop your relationship with God.

Pray.

Study the Word.

Worship.

Obey God.

Stay connected to Christ.

DON'T COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH

The pressure to compromise can come from many directions.

Friends may pressure you.

Society may pressure you.

Relationships may pressure you.

Entertainment may pressure you.

Even people who claim to know God may pressure you.

But remember:

Your faith is more valuable than acceptance from people.

Never exchange eternal truth for temporary popularity.

Never exchange holiness for pleasure.

Never exchange your relationship with Christ for worldly approval.

HAVE MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING

Jude does not only tell believers to defend the faith; he also teaches us how to respond to people who are struggling.

Jude 1:22 says:

«“And of some have compassion, making a difference.”»

There are people who need correction, but they also need compassion.

There are people who have wandered, but they can still be restored.

There are people who are confused, but God can use you to lead them back to truth.

Therefore, stand firmly for truth while showing the love of Christ.

KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD

Jude 1:21 says:

«“Keep yourselves in the love of God...”»

This does not mean that God's love is weak or that we must earn His love.

It is a call to remain in fellowship and obedience to Him.

Don't allow sin to become your lifestyle.

Don't allow bitterness to occupy your heart.

Don't allow worldly desires to take the place of Christ.

Stay close to Jesus.

GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU

The letter of Jude ends with one of the most beautiful declarations of God's power:

«“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” — Jude 1:24»

What a powerful assurance!

We are called to contend.

We are called to watch.

We are called to pray.

We are called to remain faithful.

But ultimately, God is the One who keeps us. 🏽

When you feel weak, He can strengthen you.

When you are tempted, He can help you.

When you are discouraged, He can restore you.

When you are struggling, He can keep you from falling.

✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

A believer who knows the value of the Gospel will stand firmly for the truth, walk faithfully with Christ, and never trade eternal truth for temporary approval.

🏽 PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of salvation and for the faith You have entrusted to us.

Give me grace to earnestly contend for the faith. Help me to recognize false teachings and ungodly influences. Give me spiritual discernment to know what is true and courage to stand for Your Word.

Build me up in my most holy faith. Teach me to pray consistently and keep me in Your love.

Help me to show compassion to those who are struggling and to point them back to Jesus.

Lord, keep me from falling. Preserve my faith, strengthen my walk, and help me remain faithful until the end.

To You be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forever. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🏽

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PSALMS 73–75

THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE
Birthright is Evangelism

Hebrews 10:25 (Not forsaking the assembling.)


1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.


Hebrews 10:25 commands us to assemble so that everyone can actively encourage and stir each other up in love (Hebrews 10:24). In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the biblical assembly is where everyone participates not a show where everyone sits silently watching a stage. According to Matthew 18:20, whenever even two or three of us gather in His name, Jesus is right there. Gathering as the church is about active fellowship and home to home community (Acts 2:46), not spectator attendance at a venue.

Matthew 5:6 (Hunger and thirst for righteousness.)

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 23:5, 23 But all their works they do to be seen by men. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe... and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.


Jesus said those who hunger for righteousness will be filled, but He defined righteousness as doing the Father’s will in real life (Matthew 7:21) practicing justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). In Matthew 23:5, Jesus explicitly condemned religious leaders who turned faith into an outward show to be seen by people. True righteousness isn't chasing an emotional high at a service; it is walking in obedience, truth, and love every day (1 John 3:7).

Psalm 122:1 (I was glad when they said. Let us go into the house of the Lord)

Acts 7:48-49 However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

John 4:21, 23 - Jesus said to her, 'Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.


In the Old Testament, Psalm 122 referred to the physical temple in Jerusalem. But under the New Covenant, Acts 7:48 states that God does not live in buildings made by human hands. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-23 that true worship is no longer attached to a physical mountain or venue. 1 Corinthians 3:16 proves that we are the temple of God. A church building is just brick and mortar; we are the house of the Lord wherever we go.

We are saved by God's mercy, not by our own works.

Share this with someone who needs to hear about God's mercy today.

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God’s love isn’t earned—it’s freely given.

Mercy meets you right where you are, and every day is a fresh start. Experience His amazing grace and hope with us this Sunday at Valley Church!

Learn More & Connect: www.valleychurchwinnemucca.com

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH 2026.

TOPIC: THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT II

MEMORISE
Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: - (Deuteronomy 7:12)

BIBLE READING: GENESIS 20:1-18 (KJV)

1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.

6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?

11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

18 For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

MESSAGE

Years ago, a highly influential man in an Islamic nation, where church planting was prohibited, invited one of our missionaries to establish a church within his compound. When the church started, his wife said to him, "With your position in government and your influence in this nation, you allowed a church be established in your compound?" He looked at his wife and said, "Don't you dare say a word against these people!" I believe that it was easy for the RCCG to plant a church in that nation, and indeed many nations in the world today, because of God's covenant with its founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.

One of the gains of being in a covenant with God is that you will keep getting greater results than your peers as long as you keep fulfilling your part of the covenant. God will keep giving you results that are beyond your efforts. What other people struggle to get will come to you easily because of His covenant with you.

In Exodus 19:5, God said, "If you will keep my covenant, I will make you a peculiar treasure." This means that people will take a look at you and wonder why God loves you so much. Several times, when I wake up at night and reflect on all the good things God is doing in RCCG, I usually say, "Lord, how can you love us this much?" Some people might claim that it is because we fast and pray, but believe me, some people fast more than we do. I recall vividly that when I became the General Overseer, I had some of my friends join me in a 36-hour non-stop prayer session. We thought this was a remarkable feat until we heard of a man who prayed non-stop for so much longer! I may not have spent as many hours in prayer at a stretch as that person, yet what God has done for RCCG is unprecedented and truly remarkable. Indeed, there are immense gains in being in a covenant with the Almighty God.

Another gain of being in a covenant with God is protection. When a king took Abraham's wife, God intervened by appearing in the king's dream. He went the extra mile to protect her and instructed the king to ask Abraham to pray for him, as we see in today's Bible reading. Beloved, there are immeasurable blessings that flow from being in covenant with God.

KEY POINT
Being in a covenant with God gives you access to tremendous benefits and makes difficult things easy.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR JEREMIAH 44 - 46

HYMN 19 - ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME

1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee! Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

2. Not the labours of my hands, can fulfill thy law's demands could zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone, thou must save and thou alone.

3. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling naked, come to thee for dress, helpless, look to thee fir grace foul to the fountain fly wash me saviour or I die.

4. While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyelids close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.



PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS

DATE: MONDAY AUGUST 17TH 2026

*THE GAINS OF GOD'S COVENANT II

‎PRAYER POINTS

1.Father, thank You for Your covenant to build Your church and never to allow the gate of hell to prevail over it.

2.Father, thank You for the spread of the gospel across the nations of the earth. Thank You for raising men and women to bare the light of the gospel even to the inter lands.

3.Father, thank You for divinely positioning men and women to favour the advancement of Your gospel across the world.

4.Father, please help me never to go out Your covenant for my life. Help me to keep fulfilling my part of the covenant so I can keep enjoying greater results than my peers, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please keep me in Your covenant, and grant me results that are beyond my efforts. Make easy for me what other people struggle to get, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me to keep Your covenant, and make me a wonder to nations, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please show me Your mercy and let it continue to speak for me such that I will constantly enjoy unprecedented and truly remarkable blessings of Your covenant, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please keep me in Your covenant and let me and my household enjoy divine protection everywhere we go, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help me to hearken to Your judgements, to keep and to do them, so I can abide in Your covenant and enjoy Your mercies, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please establish me and my household in Your covenant so we can have access to Your immeasurable blessings and benefits, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Help him to continue to enjoy the gains of Your covenant with him, 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)
‎#GodBlessOThese

prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you.

Matthew 19:27-30

Jesus has just made it clear that following Him has a cost up to and including a believer's life. The rich young ruler has dejectedly walked away after being told that the one thing he lacked to obtain eternal life was apparently the one thing he wasn't willing to give up. His wealth.

Think about it. Sam Walton was one of the wealthiest men in history, Truett Cathy, Jackie O'Nassis, Queen Elizabeth all were extremely wealthy. All had comforts in life that now mean nothing. All of them take their place behind beggars and those who were believers in extreme poverty. Jesus makes the point that the rich seem to believe their wealth gives them extra privilege or consideration at judgement because there's more they have to surrender.

And again Peter makes sure to say the entirely wrong thing. So he looks around seeing the rich man sadly leaving Jesus, perhaps because he had much he could afford that he refused to surrender. So Peter says, Lord, What's in it for us?

The ruler likely had houses, funds he would not run out of. So Peter considers what he's left for Jesus. He left his home, his career, and he's been following Jesus for a few years, now. And he wants to know what his reward is for doing so.

Jesus has already informed them on more than one occasion that they would follow Him in death. And each one died a martyrs death, executed by government or religious leaders beginning with James, brother of John and ending with John, James’ brother. These brother's deaths formed the bookends of apostles’ deaths with James being first and John the last.

Jesus says yes, you will all be awarded, but it comes at a cost. The cost is going to be the terrible suffering they would experience prior to death. Not that their suffering earned them anything, the way the rich believed their wealth earned them something. But that their allegiance with Jesus and relationship with Him gave them eternal life.

In particular, Jesus promises the apostles specifically that they will be on thrones judging Israel. Perhaps this is meant as a small mercy for the apostles whose last living moments will be being judged by those will end up ‘judged’ by them. Not that the apostles will get input on the eternal judgment of these individuals but that they will judge Israel as a whole including these Jewish leaders who are currently burning in torment awaiting eternity.
This really should be the perspective we hold to. The rich young ruler, do you think he regrets his choice now? After 2,000 some odd years of suffering where time has no meaning and no end? How important do you think he considers his summer home now?

His retirement? His first century equivalent to a Bentley? How about the leaders who knew the Scriptures pointed to Jesus but didn't want to give up their power or position. But these leaders to whom the benefits of eternal life were promised if they remained faithful to God.

These Jews were considered first because the promises were made to them. But they, they will be last. And those who were considered last, the Gentiles, pagans, all who responded to Jesus would take the place of those who had been considered first.

The temporal life fortunes in eternity are oftentimes flipped. The temporal riches of this life lure many believers over to a side that appears successful because financial gains are made, but in actuality is abject failure. No wealth we gain is worth what is lost if we don't have Jesus.

So those health and wealth preachers, the ones insisting that poverty is a sign of disfavor with God? Yeah, they will be within sight of the rich young ruler forever reconsidering their life choices and forever incapable of changing them. We don't get the chance to change our minds after death. Our fates are locked, so what are we waiting for? What's in it for us? Only Everything.


[27] Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” [28] And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

God Is Moved by a Repentant Heart

Scripture

Judges 10:16 (NKJV)
So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel

Repentance That Brings God’s Compassion

Judges chapter 10 describes Israel sinking deeper into idolatry and suffering the consequences of turning away from the Lord. Once again they cry out for help but this time God confronts them more directly. Their repentance could not remain only words. It had to be proven by action.

Verse 16 marks a powerful turning point. Israel removes the foreign gods and returns to serving the Lord. This repentance is not partial or emotional only. It is visible and costly. They abandon what had replaced God in their hearts and lives.

The response of God is striking. Scripture says His soul could no longer endure their misery. This reveals the compassion of God. Though Israel’s suffering was the result of their choices God’s heart was still moved by genuine repentance. Discipline had a purpose and restoration followed humility.

For believers today Judges 10 reminds us that God responds to sincere repentance. God is not looking for excuses but for hearts willing to change direction. When repentance is real God’s mercy is near. He does not delight in suffering but in restoration.

Reflection Questions

1. Is my repentance expressed through action or only words

2. Have I removed anything that competes with God in my life

3. Do I trust that God is compassionate when I turn back to Him

Prayer

Lord God search my heart and show me anything that has taken Your place. I choose to turn fully back to You and serve You alone. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Restore me and lead me forward in obedience and trust. In Jesus name Amen.

God's mercy is louder than judgement #jesusislord

ABUNDANCE RICHES

The abundant riches of God refers to God's unlimited wealth, not primarily in money, but in everything He possesses and freely gives to His children. It includes His grace, mercy, love, wisdom, power, peace, joy, provision, and eternal life. God's riches are infinite—they never run out.
Here are some key Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:7 – "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 – "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Romans 11:33 – "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"
Ephesians 3:16 – "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man."
What do God's abundant riches include?
Abundant grace – Forgiveness and unmerited favor.
Abundant mercy – Compassion even when we fail.
Abundant love – An unconditional, everlasting love.
Abundant wisdom – Guidance for every situation.
Abundant peace and joy – Inner stability regardless of circumstances.
Abundant provision – God meeting our needs, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical.
Abundant spiritual inheritance – Every blessing we have in Christ, including eternal life.
So, the abundant riches of God are the fullness of everything God is and has, generously made available to those who belong to Him through Christ. Material provision can be one expression of His care, but His riches are far greater than financial wealth—they encompass every blessing needed for life and godliness.
A helpful way to summarize it is:
The abundant riches of God are His limitless resources, character, and blessings, which He pours out on His children according to His perfect will and glory.