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.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 17) 1. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers. 3. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. 4. An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. 5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6. Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. 7. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. 8. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9. He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. 10. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. 11. An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13. Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. 15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it? 17. A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. 19. He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. 23. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. 24. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. 26. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. 27. He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Rip Off the Mask By Shelley Quinn August 14th, 2026 “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13 Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing. “Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?” After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head. “You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!” My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.” He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk. He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason. I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness. Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.” People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares. Verbal camouflage is deceitful. I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you. Let’s rip off the mask and get real!

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 17) 1. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers. 3. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. 4. An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. 5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6. Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father. 7. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. 8. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9. He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. 10. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. 11. An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13. Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. 15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it? 17. A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. 19. He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. 23. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. 24. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. 26. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. 27. He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

“The Lᴏʀᴅ is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lᴏʀᴅ is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about … But now the Lᴏʀᴅ has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” Judges 6:12–13 ɴᴋᴊᴠ God chooses His instruments carefully and uses His own standards in doing so. One criterion He uses is whether a servant considers not only himself but the whole company of God’s people among whom God has placed him. Gideon is an outstanding example of this. Gideon is told, “The Lᴏʀᴅ is with you, you mighty man of valor!” He immediately responds, “If the Lᴏʀᴅ is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” While alone in the winepress, away from his people, Gideon’s heart was occupied with them, not with himself. He had doubtless heard the Lord’s rebuke through the prophet and had been giving serious thought to it. How could the Lord be with him and not with His people? Why was the Lord not doing miracles like He had done when He brought Israel up out of Egypt? Why? Why? Surely the Lord must have forsaken His people! The Lord appreciates a person who thinks like this. Believers today too are more than mere individuals. As Christians we are members of the body of Christ, of the bride of Christ, of the house of God. Each believer today should realize that he or she is a small part of the Church of the Living God, and is affected by the ruin that has come into it through human unfaithfulness. Weak as he felt he was, Gideon was told, “Go in this might of yours … Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites” (vv. 14, 16). May the Lord find us of like mind, usable for Him! Eugene P. Vedder, Jr. Sing aloud to God our strength; He is with us where we go;Fear we not the journey’s length, Fear we not the mighty foe. T. Kelly https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-17

Scripture has much to say about the power of our words. A familiar New Testament passages is James 3:1-12. According to James, keeping control of our tongue is difficult. However, before we lose hope in being able to speak good words to one another, consider what David says in Psalm 141. Here, tucked in the middle of his other requests, the psalmist asks God to “set a guard over [his] mouth” (v. 3). He desires to live a life that contrasts with the evildoers around him (v. 4), a life that welcomes words of truth from others. He says, “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head” (v. 5). Today, God can help us use our words well and speak truthfully to others.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 15) 1. A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5. A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. 6. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. 10. Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. 11. Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12. A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15.All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. 17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 18. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. 20. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21. Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22. Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24. The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. 27. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. 31. The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 15) 1. A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5. A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. 6. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. 10. Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. 11. Hell and Destruction are before the LORD; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12. A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15.All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. 17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. 18. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. 20. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21. Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22. Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24. The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. 27. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. 31. The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. 32. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Rip Off the Mask By Shelley Quinn August 14th, 2026 “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13 Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing. “Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?” After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head. “You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!” My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.” He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk. He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason. I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness. Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.” People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares. Verbal camouflage is deceitful. I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you. Let’s rip off the mask and get real!

August 14 - Jesus Urges Compassion #LifeOfChrist “‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice”’” (Matthew 9:13). Jesus never shied away from speaking directly and bluntly if the situation demanded such talk. Here He pins the Jewish leaders to the wall by quoting from their own most honored scriptural authorities. Their own prophets rebuke them for their spiritual ignorance and their lack of obedience to God’s clear commands. Jesus paraphrases Hosea’s prophetic and divinely inspired words: “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees’ supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity. Without true and godly compassion, all the Pharisees’ rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God. The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is also indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality. Ritual separated from righteousness and a concern for the downtrodden and lost has always been an affront to God. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared, “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:23–24). Ask Yourself In what ways have you let duty and religious reputation become elevated in importance beyond genuine love and compassion for others? What is so empty about the former . . . and so rejuvenating about the latter?