A meek or gentle soul, should be meek in the eyes of GOD alone not for evil, when you appear meek and gentle to evil people they take advantage of you, if you pity the devil, either by attitude or by response you will suffer it temptation and wrath, we are in a time where we don't give chance for evil to rise above the things of GOD, if you have been a cold believer arise and be disciplined, if you are a true believer and you don't know how to pray radically then you have not started, even as humble and meek as Jesus he got angry with the people making his fathers house a place of business, Moses was known as the meek man of the earth, but yet he could not watch the Egyptian bully his people, Daveed is also a meek person, but can't take nonsense especially when it has has to do with the things of GOD, we live in a world full of deciet, you can be meek and gentle but don't keep quiet when you notice evil around you, arise and take authority!! when you sense confusion coming as a man of GOD you surely know!! been meek or quiet or gentle does not mean you should be soft spoken when you see shit going on in your father's house

Daily Bible Lesson. GOD DOES NOT BRING HIMSELF DOWN TO HUMAN STANDARD, HE CALLED US TO RISE TO HIS STANDARD God does not bring Himself down to our human standard. He calls us to rise to His standard. We live in a generation where people are increasingly comfortable redefining God’s Word to fit their preferences. Some say, “I will keep this commandment, but that one is no longer necessary.” But the question is not, “Which commandments do I prefer?” The question is, “What has God commanded?” The Ten Commandments are not ten suggestions. They reveal the character, righteousness, and moral will of God. Scripture says, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” — Romans 7:12. Look carefully at the commandments: 1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Are we putting God first, or have we allowed something else to occupy His place? 2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.” Are we worshiping God according to His Word, or according to human tradition? 3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.” Do our words and lives honor the name we claim to represent? 4. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Why do people readily accept nine commandments while arguing against the fourth? If God wrote all ten, who gave us permission to erase one? 5. “Honour thy father and thy mother.” Do we respect the authority God has established in the family? 6. “Thou shalt not kill.” God values human life. 7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” God calls us to purity and faithfulness. 8. “Thou shalt not steal.” God requires honesty and respect for what belongs to others. 9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” God calls His people to truthfulness. 10. “Thou shalt not covet.” God is not merely concerned with outward behavior; He searches the heart. Notice something important: the commandments are connected. We cannot claim to honor the God who gave the law while deliberately rejecting the commandment we find inconvenient. James 2:10–11 teaches that the One who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” The same God stands behind the whole law. But let us be clear: we are not saved by keeping the law. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet grace does not give us permission to live in rebellion. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15. The law does not replace Christ. Christ leads us to obedience. So before we select which commandments we want to keep, let us humble ourselves and ask: “Lord, what does Your Word say?” God does not need to lower His standard to accommodate our disobedience. He calls us higher. Let us stop choosing between commandments and start choosing obedience to God. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12 God’s standard remains God’s standard—even when society changes. Amazing Love

PROVERB OF THE DAY ( Proverbs 24) 1. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2. For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. 3. Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4. By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8. He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. 9. The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13. My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off. 15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; 16. For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not Let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. 19. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21. My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22. For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring? 23.These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. 25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27. Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. 28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips? 29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” 30. I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. 32. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33. A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; 34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

August 24 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” THE ONE WHO WALKS WITH ME 📖 Isaiah 43:2 (LLV) — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flame will not consume you.” There are promises we might wish God had made. “You will never face deep water.” “You will never walk through fire.” “You will never experience anything that frightens you.” But God does not say those things. He says, “When you pass through the waters…” “When you pass through the rivers…” “When you walk through the fire…” Not if. When. Faith does not exempt us from difficult places. But neither does difficulty mean God has abandoned us. “I will be with you.” Perhaps those are the words we need most when the water begins to rise. God does not always stand on the distant shore and call, “Keep going. You'll make it.” He enters the water with us. When the river is stronger than we are, He is there. When circumstances feel overwhelming, He is there. When we find ourselves walking through something we never imagined we would face, He is there. And notice another important word: “through.” The water is not our destination. The river is not our home. The fire is not the end of our story. We pass through them. Sometimes God delivers us by removing the difficulty. Sometimes He delivers us by carrying us through it. And sometimes, only after we reach the other side, do we look back and realize how faithfully He was with us every step of the way. We may enter the water afraid. We may enter the fire wondering how we will possibly endure. But we never enter alone. The God who promised, “I will be with you,” does not leave when the road becomes difficult. That is precisely when His presence becomes most precious. A new beginning sometimes lies on the other side of deep water: I do not need a life without difficult passages; I need the assurance that God will walk through them with me. Reflection: Am I interpreting a difficult season as evidence that God has left me, or am I looking for His presence with me in the middle of it? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You never promise from a distance. When I pass through deep waters, You are with me. When circumstances threaten to overwhelm me, You remain beside me. When I must walk through the fire, help me trust Your presence more than I fear the flames. Give me courage for today's passage and faith to remember that I am only passing through. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THE CALVARY MINISTRY – ONLINE ✝️ THE CROSS OF CALVARY 🙏🏽 📅 MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026 📜 TEXT: JOHN 18:1–40 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36 (KJV)» 👑✝️ JESUS — THE KING WHO STOOD FIRM John 18 takes us into the final hours before the Cross. Jesus enters the garden knowing exactly what awaits Him. He knows betrayal is coming. He knows arrest is coming. He knows suffering is coming. He knows Calvary is before Him. Yet Jesus does not run. He does not hide. He does not surrender His mission. He willingly stands firm because He came to accomplish the Father's will. ✝️❤️‍🔥 🔥 THREE TRUTHS FROM JOHN 18 1️⃣ JESUS WAS NOT A VICTIM—HE WILLINGLY GAVE HIMSELF. ✝️ When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them whom they sought. When they answered, Jesus said: «“I am he.” — John 18:5» They went backward and fell to the ground. This moment reminds us that Jesus was not powerless. He could have escaped. He could have called for heavenly help. But He chose to remain. Why? Because He was committed to the Cross. His arrest was part of God's redemptive plan. Calvary was not an accident. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. ❤️‍🔥 2️⃣ JESUS' KINGDOM IS GREATER THAN THIS WORLD. 👑 Pilate questioned Jesus about His kingship. Jesus answered: «“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36» The kingdoms of this world are temporary. Positions change. Money disappears. Human power fades. Fame does not last forever. But the Kingdom of Christ is eternal. Therefore, do not build your entire life around things that cannot last. Build your life around Christ. Seek His Kingdom. Obey His Word. Live for eternal things. Jesus is King—not only over heaven, but Lord over our hearts. 👑✝️ 3️⃣ WE MUST STAND FOR TRUTH. 📖🔥 Jesus said: «“Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” — John 18:37» Pilate responded: «“What is truth?” — John 18:38» The world continues to ask that question. But for the believer, truth is not merely an idea. Truth is found in Christ and revealed through God's Word. In a world filled with compromise, confusion and changing opinions, followers of Jesus must remain anchored in truth. Do not compromise your faith because of pressure. Do not deny Christ to gain acceptance. Do not exchange holiness for popularity. Stand for Jesus, even when standing is costly. 🔥 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION Jesus knew the Cross was ahead, yet He remained faithful. What about you? Will you remain faithful when obedience becomes difficult? Will you stand for Christ when people disagree with you? Will you choose holiness when temptation is strong? Will you choose truth when compromise seems easier? Jesus stood firm for you. He endured rejection for you. He accepted suffering for you. He walked toward Calvary for you. Therefore, stand firm for Him. Your faith may be tested. Your obedience may cost you something. People may misunderstand you. But remember: You are serving an eternal King. 👑 Do not allow temporary pressure to make you abandon eternal truth. 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour. Thank You that He willingly stood firm and went toward the Cross for our salvation. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to remain faithful when my faith is tested. Help me not to compromise Your truth for acceptance, popularity, comfort or worldly gain. Give me courage to stand for righteousness. When I am afraid, strengthen me. When I am pressured, remind me of Your example. When temptation comes, help me remember the price You paid for me. Let my life demonstrate that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and King over my life. May I seek Your Kingdom above everything else and remain faithful until the end. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽✝️ 🌹 CALVARY BLESSING May the King of kings strengthen you today. May you remain firm when your faith is tested. May God's truth guide your decisions. May you never exchange eternal treasures for temporary pleasures. May courage rise within you to stand for Christ. And may your life continually declare: Jesus is my King. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Truth. Jesus is my Saviour. 👑✝️ STAND FIRM. THE KING IS COMING! 🔥 THE CROSS STILL SPEAKS! 🔥 By: BR. Emmanuel Dankwah 🙏🏽

PROVERB OF THE DAY ( Proverbs 24) 1. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2. For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. 3. Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4. By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8. He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. 9. The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13. My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off. 15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; 16. For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not Let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. 19. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21. My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22. For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring? 23.These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. 25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27. Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. 28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips? 29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” 30. I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. 32. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33. A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; 34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

🏠 *MOUNT ZION SHEPHERD HOUSE MINISTRIES _Daily Scriptural Prayer Broadcast_ Topic: AFFLICTION IS NOT YOUR IDENTITY Bible Reading: ISAIAH 54 _. _Meditation: Nahum 1:9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. Therefore I decree: * Let every affliction troubling your life come to an end today * Let every recurring affliction in your family never rise again * Let every cycle of failure and disappointment break * Let every power assigned to prolong affliction in your life, be silenced forever * Let every evil pattern repeating itself in your life, seize their operation * Let every battle that has followed you from year to year, end now * You shall never experience the same affliction again * What God has terminated in your life shall never be resurrected in your children's life * Let there be permanent victory over every affliction, in the mighty name of Jesus. Good Morning............ For prayers and counseling: 08114857087 For donations, tithe and offerings: church acc: 3003819228 Name: Mount Zion Shepherd House Ministries Bank: KUDA MICROFINANCE BANK Pastor Bamidele Olusegun Moses

I am not created to be a victim but a victor. Through Christ, I rise above challenges, limitations, fear, and every obstacle before me. I have dominion over circumstances, and nothing shall stop the purpose of God for my life. Today, I declare: ✨ I dominate, I do not beg for relevance. ✨ I overcome, I do not surrender to defeat. ✨ I move forward, I do not go backward. ✨ I am blessed, empowered, and გამარჯვorious. ✨ Everywhere I go, the grace and favour of God speak for me. I am born to win. I represent Christ. I am walking in dominion, and my life shall manifest the glory of God! Say it loud: I HAVE DOMINION

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN MEMORIZE: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalm 127:4 (KJV) BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 1:15-31 15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king. 16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? 17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. 18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not: 19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. 20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. 26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30 Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever. MESSAGE: In (1 Kings 1:1-49), one of King David's sons decided to crown himself king by staging a coup to overthrow his father. Solomon's mother was informed of the development, so she went to David and reminded him that he had promised that her son would succeed him as king. That same day, Solomon was crowned king meaning that Israel had three kings on that fateful day: David, Solomon, and the son who decided to make himself king. Solomon might not even have been aware of the events that led to his coronation; however, because his mother rose and entreated the king on his behalf, he was crowned king. There are certain things that children might miss if their parents don't rise to pray for them. A child may not know his or her left from right and may not even be qualified for an exalted position; however, his or her parents' prayers can elevate that child into that position. The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively. Any parent who does not pray for his or her child is like a mother hen who watches as a hawk carries her chick away, leaving the chick to fight for itself. The chick lacks sufficient strength to fight a hawk; however, if its mother joins in the fight, it would have a better chance of being saved. If you are a parent, do not keep quiet over your children's destiny so that the devil will not tamper with it. Cry out to God to show your children mercy early in their lives. In Psalm 90:14, Moses prayed that God should satisfy him and the children of Israel early with His mercy so that they would rejoice and be glad all the days of their lives. He knew that the secret to lasting joy and gladness was to start enjoying God's mercy early in life. Beloved, if you are a parent, do not neglect your spiritual responsibility over your children. Like Moses, ask God to show your children His mercy early in their lives. Let your prayers position them for opportunities early in life. Your children will begin to enjoy supernatural favour that some people only get to experience as adults if you pray for them now. I pray that God will shower His mercies over you and your household, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Parents should not neglect their spiritual responsibility over their children. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LAMENTATIONS 3 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 28 - GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH 1. Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore (2ce). 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow: Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Song deliverer! Song deliverer! Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce). 3. If I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside: Bear me through the swelling torrent, Land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises! Songs of praises! I will ever give to Thee (2ce). 4. Saviour, come! We long to see thee, long to dwell with thee above and to know in full communion, all the sweetness of Thy love. Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Take thy waiting people home (2ce). [22/08, 10:03 pm] +234 806 008 5461: ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026 *PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for Your promise to bless us and make us fruitful, to multiply and to replenish the earth. 2.Father, thank You for Your promise in Your word that none of Your children will be barren. Thank You because You will visit every awaiting couple with children according to Your will. 3.Father, as arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, please empower all Your children to fulfill Your purpose for their lives, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help all Your children never to go out of Your plan and purpose for their lives. Help them to patiently wait on Your guidance and commands, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help each parent never to fail in their role to pray for their children at all times, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me as a father/mother to command the children You have given me after You, so they won't miss Your purpose in life, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me as a child to my parents not to fail in my role in walking in the godly counsel of my parents, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please show me and all the children You have given me, Your mercy and favour. Satisfy us early so we can rejoice and be glad all the days of our lives, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please strengthen all parents to arise in their spiritual responsibility over the children You have given them, and let all their children begin to enjoy supernatural favour, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please let all the children You have given me bring me joy and shower them and every member of my household with Your mercies, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to enjoy the fruits of his labour over his children, 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) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.[22/08, 7:06 pm] +234 806 008 5461: OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN MEMORIZE: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalm 127:4 (KJV) BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 1:15-31 15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king. 16 And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? 17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. 18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not: 19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. 20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. 26 But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30 Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever. MESSAGE: In (1 Kings 1:1-49), one of King David's sons decided to crown himself king by staging a coup to overthrow his father. Solomon's mother was informed of the development, so she went to David and reminded him that he had promised that her son would succeed him as king. That same day, Solomon was crowned king meaning that Israel had three kings on that fateful day: David, Solomon, and the son who decided to make himself king. Solomon might not even have been aware of the events that led to his coronation; however, because his mother rose and entreated the king on his behalf, he was crowned king. There are certain things that children might miss if their parents don't rise to pray for them. A child may not know his or her left from right and may not even be qualified for an exalted position; however, his or her parents' prayers can elevate that child into that position. The authority that parents have over their children, both naturally and spiritually, is great, and they must learn to use it effectively. Any parent who does not pray for his or her child is like a mother hen who watches as a hawk carries her chick away, leaving the chick to fight for itself. The chick lacks sufficient strength to fight a hawk; however, if its mother joins in the fight, it would have a better chance of being saved. If you are a parent, do not keep quiet over your children's destiny so that the devil will not tamper with it. Cry out to God to show your children mercy early in their lives. In Psalm 90:14, Moses prayed that God should satisfy him and the children of Israel early with His mercy so that they would rejoice and be glad all the days of their lives. He knew that the secret to lasting joy and gladness was to start enjoying God's mercy early in life. Beloved, if you are a parent, do not neglect your spiritual responsibility over your children. Like Moses, ask God to show your children His mercy early in their lives. Let your prayers position them for opportunities early in life. Your children will begin to enjoy supernatural favour that some people only get to experience as adults if you pray for them now. I pray that God will shower His mercies over you and your household, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Parents should not neglect their spiritual responsibility over their children. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LAMENTATIONS 3 - 5 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 28 - GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH 1. Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore (2ce). 2. Open Thou the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow: Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Song deliverer! Song deliverer! Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce). 3. If I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside: Bear me through the swelling torrent, Land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises! Songs of praises! I will ever give to Thee (2ce). 4. Saviour, come! We long to see thee, long to dwell with thee above and to know in full communion, all the sweetness of Thy love. Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Take thy waiting people home (2ce). ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2026 *PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN* ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for Your promise to bless us and make us fruitful, to multiply and to replenish the earth. 2.Father, thank You for Your promise in Your word that none of Your children will be barren. Thank You because You will visit every awaiting couple with children according to Your will. 3.Father, as arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, please empower all Your children to fulfill Your purpose for their lives, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help all Your children never to go out of Your plan and purpose for their lives. Help them to patiently wait on Your guidance and commands, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help each parent never to fail in their role to pray for their children at all times, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please help me as a father/mother to command the children You have given me after You, so they won't miss Your purpose in life, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me as a child to my parents not to fail in my role in walking in the godly counsel of my parents, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please show me and all the children You have given me, Your mercy and favour. Satisfy us early so we can rejoice and be glad all the days of our lives, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please strengthen all parents to arise in their spiritual responsibility over the children You have given them, and let all their children begin to enjoy supernatural favour, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please let all the children You have given me bring me joy and shower them and every member of my household with Your mercies, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to enjoy the fruits of his labour over his children, 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) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

When a calling feels overwhelming and the pressure begins to rise, it’s easy to question whether you’re enough. Drawing from Acts 13 and Paul, this devotional reminds us that God initiates the calling and sustains the work. Find peace in knowing the results are in His hands and discover the strength that comes from obedience.