🏫 Right now, a child is waiting for a classroom to learn and waiting to meet Christ through education. 👉 You can be their answer. 🙏 Donate Today: m25forty.reachapp.co/projects/school-expansion 🌐 Learn more about our work: www.M25Forty.org #M25Forty #DontJustImagine #BeTheChange #BuildTheFuture #EducateToElevate #OneRoomAtATime #FaithInAction #SponsorAChild #EternalImpact #GenerousLiving

Please pray for our family! President Trump has paused immigrant visas for Ethiopians, and the pause is currently set to be permanent. Pray with us that this delay is immediately lifted so we can go home and build our family, home, and ministry together. We know this is in God's will! We praise God for blessing us with marriage and a daughter. As missionaries—an American husband and an Ethiopian wife—we've seen God guide us through every step of the immigration process. Our daughter has her US passport and my wife's marriage visa is approved. Now we just need the path cleared so we can all return to the USA together. God bless all who pray for us in Jesus' name! Amen!

Please pray for our family! President Trump has paused immigrant visas for Ethiopians, and the pause is currently set to be permanent. Pray with us that this delay is immediately lifted so we can go home and build our family, home, and ministry together. We know this is in God's will! We praise God for blessing us with marriage and a daughter. As missionaries—an American husband and an Ethiopian wife—we've seen God guide us through every step of the immigration process. Our daughter has her US passport and my wife's marriage visa is approved. Now we just need the path cleared so we can all return to the USA together. God bless all who pray for us in Jesus' name! Amen!

Matthew 20:1-16 And Jesus continues with the lesson of the first being the last with this parable. A landowner is the comparison this time. The Kingdom of God is like a landowner seeking employees in the early morning. He hires them for a denarius for the day. This was the typical amount for a day's wages for a laborer so this wouldn't have been unusual. The unusual bit would come later. But then Jesus adds to the story that this owner then returns to the market another 4 times to hire workers for the same amount he paid workers for all day. And at the end of the day this landowner lines up those he hired and begins paying them by starting with the latest hired and chosing to pay all workers a full day's wage. Now Jesus did this as part of a lesson, explaining that those who worked and bore the heat of the day would complain. But the truth is a denarius was a fair wage for the period of a full day. And the owner was well within his rights to pay what he wished. The idea was that what was given was the same reward whether one came early or one came late. The big picture is Jesus is making it clear that the reward of eternal life goes to even those who show up late. In context, Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is going to be open to the groups the nation of Israel considered beneath them and as a result would be jealous of those who are brought into the kingdom even if they were not brought in from the beginning as Israel was. Even today, non messianic Jews are extremely jealous in defending their position before God as His original people and cannot grasp that from 70 AD to current times there's been no temple at which to offer sacrifice. No real Aaronic priesthood either. The thought of anyone entering into God's kingdom apart from the nation of Israel is repugnant to them, let alone the idea someone would be entering before them. And some of the apostles really continued to struggle with this concept of Gentiles being welcomed into God's Kingdom. Especially Peter, who was part of the problem that became known as the first great heresy of the church. It took the Apostle Paul to correct him. So the Catholic notion of an infallible Peter is entirely fictional. It took 2 consecutive visions from God to get Peter off his butt to go speak with Cornelius. Even then, Peter hesitated to share the gospel with a Gentile. And even after this, Peter shares in the heresy and even Barnabas is carried away. Jesus is using the national pride of Israel against them. He knows their jealousy regarding others who joined the Kingdom. The first century Jews were zealous for their nation while at the same time having what they considered good reasons to despise other nations. The faithful Jews who did receive Jesus heard Him when He taught that ALL nations would be blessed with the gift of being able to turn to Him and believe. They heard him. And this was one of the great failures of Peter and some of the other believers. On the day of judgment, the faithful witnesses will be standing behind the believers of today for their reward. Not because we earned it, but because God has mercy. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [15] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. [16] This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!’ [17] And the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. [19] And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Moses knew the Messiah would be rejected and God says if any Israelite does not listen to Him, God would require their punishment and they will be utterly cut off from the people of God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are the new Israel. We are the saints, we are the last who became first. We are not better than the Jews, we are not worse off. We are saved by grace through faith. We should with our very last breath be sharing the gospel with everyone. [1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; [4] and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ [7] They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ [8] “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ [9] When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. [10] And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”

August 18 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY ROCK 📖 Psalm 18:2 (LLV) — “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I take refuge; my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.” Life does not always give us steady ground. Circumstances change. Plans collapse. People disappoint us. Things we thought were certain suddenly are not. David knew that kind of life. He had known victory and danger. Friendship and betrayal. Celebration and fear. There were times when he literally hid among the rocks to escape those who wanted to destroy him. Perhaps that is why his words carry such confidence. “The LORD is my rock.” Not: The LORD might become my rock if trouble comes. Not: The LORD was my rock when things were difficult. The LORD is my rock. Right now. David's security was not found in the stability of his circumstances. It was found in the unchanging character of his God. Then David keeps going. “My fortress.” When danger surrounds me, God is my security. “My deliverer.” When there seems to be no way out, God is my rescuer. “My shield.” When the battle comes close, God stands between me and what would destroy me. “My stronghold.” When everything around me feels uncertain, there remains somewhere I can stand. Notice something beautiful in David's words. Again and again he says: “My.” My rock. My fortress. My deliverer. My God. My strength. My shield. My salvation. My stronghold. David was not describing a God he had merely heard about. He was describing the God he had learned to trust. There is a difference between knowing that God is a rock and being able to say, “He is my rock.” That kind of confidence is formed through walking with Him. Through storms. Through uncertainty. Through prayers answered in unexpected ways. Through discovering, again and again, that when everything else moves, God does not. The storm may still come. The ground around us may still shake. But our confidence does not rest upon the absence of trouble. It rests upon the presence of Someone who cannot be moved. A new beginning finds somewhere solid to stand: when everything around me changes, the Lord remains my rock. Reflection: What feels uncertain in my life today, and am I trying to find security in changing circumstances or in the unchanging character of God? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my rock when everything around me feels uncertain. You are my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, and my refuge. Teach me not merely to know these things about You, but to trust them personally. When circumstances shift beneath my feet, remind me that You have not moved. Help me stand securely in You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ENTER HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKFULNESS 📖 Psalm 100:4-5 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him and bless his name! For the Lord is good; his love endures forever, and his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100 calls the whole world to come before God with joy, gratitude, and praise. The psalmist bases this invitation on three certainties: - God is good - His goodness endures - His faithfulness never changes. Gratitude does not depend on what we are experiencing today, but on who God is. Even when circumstances are difficult, his goodness endures and his faithfulness remains intact. Looking to God's faithfulness changes how we face the future. He who was faithful yesterday will be faithful again tomorrow. Praise then becomes a declaration of faith: “Lord, I don’t understand everything, but I know that you are good and faithful. This morning, take a few moments to remember your faithfulness. Thank you for what you have already done, for what you are doing now, and for what you will yet accomplish. Gratitude prepares your heart to see God’s work in your life. Lord, thank you for your goodness and faithfulness. Teach me to praise you in every circumstance and to move forward with confidence, knowing that your faithfulness endures from generation to generation. #GratitudeToGod🙏🏼 #SpiritAndLife🔥

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

THE CALVARY MINISTRY – ONLINE ✝️ THE CROSS OF CALVARY 🙏🏽 📅 TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026 📜 TEXT: JOHN 8:1–12 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” — John 8:12 (KJV)» 💡 JESUS — THE LIGHT THAT BREAKS THE DARKNESS The world is filled with darkness—sin, deception, fear, hatred, confusion and hopelessness. But into that darkness, Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world.” ✝️💡 Light does not negotiate with darkness. When light appears, darkness disappears. Jesus came to reveal the truth, expose sin, offer forgiveness and lead humanity back to God. In John 8, Jesus encountered a woman whose life had been marked by sin and shame. The religious leaders wanted condemnation, but Jesus demonstrated both mercy and truth. He did not approve of her sin, but neither did He allow her past to become the end of her story. 🔥 THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 8 1️⃣ JESUS DOES NOT CONDEMN THE REPENTANT HEART. ❤️ The woman was brought before Jesus publicly and accused of her sin. Yet Jesus responded with wisdom and mercy. «“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” — John 8:7» Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of those who were ready to condemn someone else while ignoring their own need for mercy. The Cross reminds us that we are all dependent upon God's grace. Therefore, never allow your past to convince you that you are beyond God's mercy. There is forgiveness in Christ. 🙏🏽 2️⃣ JESUS FORGIVES, BUT HE ALSO CALLS US TO CHANGE. 🔥 Jesus told the woman: «“Go, and sin no more.” — John 8:11» This is the balance of the Gospel. Jesus does not say, “Your sin does not matter.” Neither does He say, “You are beyond redemption.” He says, in effect: “I forgive you—now walk in a new direction.” Grace is not permission to continue in sin. Grace gives us the power to leave the old life behind and follow Christ. 3️⃣ THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS WALK IN HIS LIGHT. 💡 «“He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” — John 8:12» Following Jesus means allowing His light to guide our decisions, relationships, words, attitudes and character. When His light enters your life, you cannot remain comfortable in darkness. His light reveals what needs to change. His light gives direction when you are confused. His light gives hope when you are discouraged. His light gives courage when you are afraid. His light gives life when you feel spiritually dead. 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION Perhaps there are areas of your life that you have kept hidden in darkness. Bring them to Jesus. Do not run from the light. Run toward the Light. When Jesus exposes something in your heart, it is not always to destroy you—it is often to restore you. Your past may have been dark, but your future can be illuminated by Christ. You may have fallen, but you can rise again. You may have failed, but God's grace can restore you. You may have wandered, but you can return to the Father. Never allow condemnation to keep you away from the One who came to save you. Jesus is the Light of the world. Walk in His light. Live by His truth. Reject the darkness. Follow Him daily. ✝️🔥 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Search my heart and expose every area of darkness that does not please You. Give me the courage to repent sincerely and turn away from every sinful way. Lord Jesus, shine Your light upon my heart, my thoughts, my words, my relationships and my decisions. Help me not to live according to the patterns of this world, but to follow You faithfully. When I fall, give me grace to rise. When I am tempted, give me strength to overcome. When I am confused, let Your Word guide me. May my life reflect the light of Christ so that others may see You through me. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽✝️ 🌹 CALVARY BLESSING May the Light of Christ shine brightly upon your life. 💡 May every darkness be overcome by His presence. May His mercy restore you. May His grace strengthen you. May His truth guide you. May His Word protect you. And may your life become a testimony of what happens when a person chooses to walk with Jesus. Leave the darkness. Follow the Light. Walk in holiness. Live for Christ. 💡✝️ JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! 🔥 THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! 🔥 By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah 🙏🏽

Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 TITLE: "FORGETTING THE PAST, PRESSING TOWARD THE PRIZE" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV) "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." Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV) "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Do not let yesterday hold you back from what God has prepared for tomorrow." DAY'S REFLECTION Life is a journey, and every journey has a past, a present, and a future. Some people remain trapped by past failures, disappointments, regrets, or even past successes. But Paul teaches us an important principle in Philippians 3:13–14: keep moving forward. Paul says, "forgetting those things which are behind." This does not mean literally erasing the past from our memory. Rather, it means refusing to allow the past to control our present or determine our future. Past failures should teach us, not imprison us. Past successes should encourage us, not make us complacent. The phrase "reaching forth" speaks of stretching forward with determination. Paul was focused on what was before him. He understood that spiritual growth requires continual progress. The Christian life is not about becoming comfortable with yesterday's achievements; it is about continually pursuing God's purpose. Paul says, "I press toward the mark." To press means to pursue with determination despite difficulties. The mark is the goal or destination toward which he was moving. This teaches us that reaching God's purpose requires focus, perseverance, and discipline. Hebrews 12:1 uses the picture of a race. Runners cannot successfully complete a race while carrying unnecessary weights. Likewise, there are attitudes, habits, relationships, distractions, and sins that can slow our spiritual progress. We must be willing to lay them aside. The writer then gives us the secret of endurance: "Looking unto Jesus." Our eyes must remain fixed on Christ. People can disappoint us, circumstances can change, and our own strength can fail, but Jesus remains the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus Himself endured the cross because He focused on the joy that was set before Him. In the same way, we must look beyond temporary difficulties toward the eternal purpose God has prepared for us. Today, do not allow yesterday's failure to cancel tomorrow's opportunity. Learn from the past, release what must be released, remove every unnecessary weight, and keep your eyes on Jesus. The race is not over. Keep running. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV) "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. The past should be a lesson, not a prison. 2. Spiritual progress requires letting go of unnecessary weights. 3. God's purpose requires determination and perseverance. 4. We must keep our eyes on Jesus rather than becoming distracted by circumstances. 5. The Christian journey is a race that requires patience and endurance. 6. There is a God-given prize ahead for those who faithfully continue. EVERYDAY ACTION Release one past burden, remove one distraction, and take one purposeful step toward God's will today. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me release the past and press forward with faith. Remove every weight that slows me down and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus until I fulfil Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I will not be controlled by my past. I press forward toward God's purpose and keep my eyes on Jesus. Every weight is removed, my faith is strengthened, and I will finish my race faithfully and receive the prize in Christ Jesus. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

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