Now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:6–7 ɴᴋᴊᴠ

For our comfort we are reminded of three definite truths in connection with trials. First, we learn that our trials are only for a “little while.” If the pleasures of the sinner are only for a season, so too the sorrows of the saints are but for a season (cf. Heb. 11:25).

Secondly, we are reminded that there is a need for these sorrows, for these trials are for “a little while, if need be.” The Father does not cause His children a needless tear. The “need” is to prove our faith. This does not mean to prove whether we have faith, but rather to make manifest the preciousness of the faith we have. Gold is not put into the fire to prove that it is gold, but to bring out the precious qualities of the metal. So God proves our faith by various trials to bring out the precious qualities of our faith. Faith, counting upon God in the trial, leads to submission to what God allows. Faith in God enables the soul to wait in patience (Jas. 1:3). The soul may have true faith, but when the trial comes these blessed qualities of faith become manifest: submission, patience, steadfastness, confidence, and dependence upon God.

Thirdly, we learn that trials have a blessed answer in the coming day of glory. The manifestation of these qualities in the day of trial will lead to praise and honor and glory in the day of Jesus Christ. We are apt to think that a time of deep trial, which may prevent us from taking part in active service for the Lord, is all lost time. No, says God, it will be “found to praise” at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Hamilton Smith


https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-18

Charles Spurgeon Morning Devotion August 17th

"The mercy of God."
Psalm 52:8

Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it. It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself--it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself. It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever. It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.

Amazing Facts.
Daily Devotionals

How do you help people who have had negative experiences with the church?

August 17th, 2026

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells a parable about a missing sheep. In the story, the shepherd searches relentlessly until he finds it. Then he lays it on his shoulders and lovingly carries it back home. The Lord wants us to follow His example and send out search parties to look for the lost sheep among us. These missing sheep are our neighbors, friends, and family who have wandered away from the flock.

Here are some specific ways you can help someone who has left the church:

First, pray for them. God promises, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer is powerful.

Invite them back! The biggest issue facing former members is how to reconnect with the church. They could be waiting for the invitation, so you can be the one to help them find a path back. In some cases, a friendly phone call or visit might be all that is needed. Remember to treat missing members the way you would want to be treated. Offer a warm, no-pressure invitation. Be loving and nonjudgmental, and leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

We should also “receive one another, just as Christ received us” (Romans 15:7). Be prepared to receive with open arms those who return, as the father received the prodigal son (Luke 15:20). The shepherd in Jesus’ story called his friends and neighbors in for a celebration. He told them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”

At the end of the parable, Jesus says, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Shouldn’t we feel the same way? Imagine how a person would feel if the entire church turned out to celebrate their return!

Key Bible Texts
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12 KJV)

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE

*TOPIC:*
DILIGENCE: PATHWAY TO GREATNESS.

*TEXTS:*
PROVERBS 12:24; 22:29.
*12:24.*
24. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labour.

*22:29.*
29. Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

*TOPIC:*
DILIGENCE: PATHWAY TO GREATNESS.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Diligence means consistent, earnest, and skilful effort that leads to excellence and advancement. According to Proverbs, those who work hard and refine their skills will stand out, serving before influential people and rising to postions of honour, whether in secular or gospel ministry. True promotion is a reward for diligent effort, not the result of ambition or manipulation. Christian youths must eschew laziness and embrace hard work as a core value. Diligence glorifies God. Wasting time on entertainment and social media without developing one's potential is contrary to godly wisdom. How diligent are you in your studies, skills, career, house chores, community, and church work? Do not be nonchalant. Discover and maximise your potential diligently.

*REFLECTION:*
Diligence breeds excellence.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, deliver me from laziness, in Jesus' name. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
EZEKIEL 1-3.

ED.ii. TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE

"All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure." - 1 John 3:3

The Bible always speaks about two types of people, ways or choices: sheep and goats, corn and chaff, wise and foolish virgins, a wide and a narrow path, a man walking in the light or a man walking in the darkness, a sinner or a righteous person. The Bible says that God wants to bring people from darkness into His wonderful light. Each time you see these two categories of people. The Bible speaks of people who are damned and people who are saved; lost and redeemed people; people who have strayed from the straight road and who belong to the flock; carnal and spiritual people.

The contrast that the Bible indicates between one group and the other is quite large. You stand either on one side or on the other. You choose heaven or hell. You choose death or life. You cannot be saved a little or go to heaven a little. You cannot be pregnant for just a little bit either. Either you are pregnant, or you are not. You are a Christian or you are not. You walk in the light or in the darkness. You are far from God because of sin or your sins are forgiven, and you have entered the presence of God. It is either the one or the other!

Born again is essential

A person has to experience a change within. Rebirth is to take place. The Bible calls it 'being born again'; to go from the old to the new creation. If you are not born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God, let alone enter it. This is essential for all believers. Jesus says that if we give our heart to Him and allow Him, He will come to us.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read: 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!'


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. ⏤ James 1:17

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies. ⏤ John Milton

Lord, we humbly come before You, asking that You hear our prayers, our confession, our requests, and our praise, which we offer to You through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have gone astray and wandered from Your ways, like lost sheep. We have followed too much the desires of our own hearts. We have broken Your holy laws. We have left undone the things we should have done and have done things we should not have done. There is nothing good in us. But You, O Lord, have mercy on us as miserable offenders, and for Jesus' sake, give us the grace to turn away from every evil path and to live in a way that brings glory to Your holy name.

What can we give You, O Giver of all good things, for Your kindness to us as a family? We thank You for the comforts of our home, for the opportunities we have for learning, for our health and happiness, for prosperity, and for all the blessings of Your providence, including the love that unites us as a family.

Help us, O Father, to live in a way that is worthy of all Your favors and gracious kindness. May our hearts be filled with love and gratitude. May our lips speak Your praise. May our lives truly reflect the gratitude we feel.

Sanctify all the blessings of this day. Bless the preaching of Your Word and all the services in which we participated. May Your blessing follow all the work of Your people today in every church and Sunday school. Now grant us restful and refreshing sleep, and may the blessings of this Sunday carry us through the new week. We ask this in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/42/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

I ask you pray this prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”

I ask you pray this prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?

THE HIGHWAY TO HELL OR THE ROAD TO ETERNAL LIFE?

Stop for a moment.

Look at the clock.

Your time on earth is not unlimited.

Every day people leave this world, and none of us knows when our own earthly journey will end.

The Bible says:

“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” — James 4:14

The question isn't whether we will die.

The question is: Are we ready to meet God?

You cannot buy salvation.
You cannot earn salvation.
Good works cannot erase sin.

But there is GOOD NEWS!

JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY TO SALVATION!

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

Jesus died for our sins.
Jesus rose from the dead.
Jesus offers forgiveness.
Jesus offers redemption.
Jesus offers eternal life.

DON'T WAIT FOR A TOMORROW YOU ARE NOT PROMISED.

Turn away from sin.

Turn toward Jesus.

Repent.

Believe.

Surrender your life to Christ.

The door of salvation is open NOW.

---

A DEEP PRAYER OF SALVATION, REDEMPTION & SURRENDER

Lord Jesus Christ,

I come before You just as I am.

I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I need You.

I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, that You were buried, and that You rose again from the dead.

Jesus, I ask You to forgive me.

Wash me clean.

Redeem me.

Restore me.

Break the chains of sin that have held me captive.

Take control of my life.

I surrender my heart, my mind, my body, my past, my present, and my future to You.

I surrender my pride.

I surrender my fears.

I surrender my addictions.

I surrender my bitterness.

I surrender my unforgiveness.

I surrender everything I have been trying to control.

Jesus, be Lord of my life.

Give me a new heart and a renewed mind.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

Teach me to love what You love and turn away from what separates me from You.

When I fall, help me get back up.

When I am weak, strengthen me.

When I am tempted, give me a way of escape.

When I am afraid, remind me that You are with me.

When I doubt, strengthen my faith.

When I wander, bring me back.

I don't want merely to know about You.

I want to know You.

I don't want a religion without relationship.

I want Jesus.

I surrender my eternity into Your hands.

Thank You for the cross.

Thank You for Your blood.

Thank You for Your mercy.

Thank You for Your grace.

Thank You for the resurrection.

Thank You for loving me when I did not deserve it.

From this moment forward, help me live for You.

Jesus Christ, I belong to You.

Amen.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

Don't postpone getting right with God.

You don't know what tomorrow holds.

But you can choose Jesus today.

JESUS IS THE ROAD TO LIFE.

JESUS IS THE SAVIOR.

JESUS IS THE HOPE.

JESUS IS LORD.

Choose Him while you still have today.

==========================================

FREE BIBLE APP FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE!

The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!

Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free.

Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word.

LINK : https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

===========================================

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?

THE HIGHWAY TO HELL OR THE ROAD TO ETERNAL LIFE?

Stop for a moment.

Look at the clock.

Your time on earth is not unlimited.

Every day people leave this world, and none of us knows when our own earthly journey will end.

The Bible says:

“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” — James 4:14

The question isn't whether we will die.

The question is: Are we ready to meet God?

You cannot buy salvation.
You cannot earn salvation.
Good works cannot erase sin.

But there is GOOD NEWS!

JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY TO SALVATION!

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

Jesus died for our sins.
Jesus rose from the dead.
Jesus offers forgiveness.
Jesus offers redemption.
Jesus offers eternal life.

DON'T WAIT FOR A TOMORROW YOU ARE NOT PROMISED.

Turn away from sin.

Turn toward Jesus.

Repent.

Believe.

Surrender your life to Christ.

The door of salvation is open NOW.

---

A DEEP PRAYER OF SALVATION, REDEMPTION & SURRENDER

Lord Jesus Christ,

I come before You just as I am.

I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I need You.

I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, that You were buried, and that You rose again from the dead.

Jesus, I ask You to forgive me.

Wash me clean.

Redeem me.

Restore me.

Break the chains of sin that have held me captive.

Take control of my life.

I surrender my heart, my mind, my body, my past, my present, and my future to You.

I surrender my pride.

I surrender my fears.

I surrender my addictions.

I surrender my bitterness.

I surrender my unforgiveness.

I surrender everything I have been trying to control.

Jesus, be Lord of my life.

Give me a new heart and a renewed mind.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

Teach me to love what You love and turn away from what separates me from You.

When I fall, help me get back up.

When I am weak, strengthen me.

When I am tempted, give me a way of escape.

When I am afraid, remind me that You are with me.

When I doubt, strengthen my faith.

When I wander, bring me back.

I don't want merely to know about You.

I want to know You.

I don't want a religion without relationship.

I want Jesus.

I surrender my eternity into Your hands.

Thank You for the cross.

Thank You for Your blood.

Thank You for Your mercy.

Thank You for Your grace.

Thank You for the resurrection.

Thank You for loving me when I did not deserve it.

From this moment forward, help me live for You.

Jesus Christ, I belong to You.

Amen.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

Don't postpone getting right with God.

You don't know what tomorrow holds.

But you can choose Jesus today.

JESUS IS THE ROAD TO LIFE.

JESUS IS THE SAVIOR.

JESUS IS THE HOPE.

JESUS IS LORD.

Choose Him while you still have today.

==========================================

FREE BIBLE APP FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE!

The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!

Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free.

Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word.

LINK : https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

===========================================

Return to God and be Uplifted!
Repentance brings a change of attitude concerning God. The sinner naturally vilifies God. Even when he speaks of His love, he has no conception of God’s justice and wrath. True repentance brings a sense of the Holy God who cannot look upon sin. It impacts a change of mind concerning sin itself upon a person.
The unrepentant delight in sin. A child of God may be tempted to sin and even fall into sin, but his bosom aches when he does so. A true child of God who has repented cannot enjoy sin and continuously longs for deliverance. Before every child of God, there is a vision both of what he is and what he ought to be. He cries with the poet; “O that a man might arise in me that I might ease to be.”
Repentance gives the sinners a change of mind concerning him. Before our salvation, we all had a good opinion of ourselves. Like the Pharisees, we often thanked God that, “we were not as other men, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as the publican" (Luke 18:11). But, every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted (Verse 14). Where there is true repentance, though, men often despair of themselves, and like the publication, their cry is, “God be merciful to me a sinner”. They echo Paul’s exasperated plea: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death" (Romans 7:24). For Christ came not to call the righteousness, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).
Repentance affects the motions and will, and also creates a change of feeling. We must beware here lest we are deceived. The old time evangelist who specialized in death-bed stories often created mere human emotion filling the mourners' bench with weeping people. These mourners often had a remorse for their evil doings, deeply regretting they had not been better men and women when they were told about meeting their “mother” in heaven. But remorse in not repentance, though I must say remorse is a very common experience for those who commit sin. Someone has called remorse the “echo of lost virtue”.
Remorse is the attitude of mind and heart for some evil done. Repentance, however, goes deeper. Repentance creates a sorrow for what we are rather that remorse for what we have done. Therefore says the Hebrews writer, “Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ (Messiah), let us go into perfection by not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1).
Christian repentance is not merely the pangs of an injured conscience. Christian repentance follows the Holy Spirit’s convicting work deep within our soul (John 16:7 and 8). It lays strong hold upon the human will and brings the sinners into conformity with the will of God. It is heeding God’s call from a life of destruction (Mark 1:15). Repentance does not mean merely shedding tears over our wrong doings. It ends in faith in Christ, the Saviour. The Church must preach and teach until these conditions are obtained in the ministries. Then our revival shall have come. For this is the will of God for all mankind (Acts 17:30).
Today what the Church and the continents at large need is repentance. The call of the pulpit to the pew must be repentance. And that of the crusades to the nations must similarly be repentance, and this must eventuate in confession of sins. The scripture, therefore, tells us: “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God” (Jeremiah3:13).That will move our God to come down and heal our many wounds. We are reminded that, “The Lord’s hands is not shortened, that it cannot save neither is His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquity have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah59:1 and 2). He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confess and forsake them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). “For as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens; be zealous therefore and repent!” (Revelation 3:19).
The repentance must not only be among the lowly citizens but must spring from the governors trickling to the governed. “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man which built his house upon a rock. And everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them not shall be likened to a foolish man which built his house upon the sand,” declares the Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:24 and 26).
Almighty God is calling to the people today as He did to former Israel that, “Therefore also now, says the Lord, Turn even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent Him of the evil. Who knows if He will return and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bride-groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar and let them say: Spare your people O Lord and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then the Lord will be so jealous for His land and pity His people. Yes the Lord will answer and say unto His people, Behold I will send you corn, and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen but I will remove far off from you northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face towards the east sea and his hinder part towards the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up and his savor shall come up because he has done great things. Fear not O land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things. And I will restore to you the years that locusts has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmerworm my great army which I sent among you. And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:12-21: 25 and 26).
The Lord’s northern army is the destruction God brings upon a people as a result of their wickedness. Indeed righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 13:34). For the Lord God of Israel, the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves righteousness and judgement (Psalm 33:5). He stresses that judgement is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). The reason being that when his judgements are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). When a nation leaves wickedness and turns to the Lord, such a people receive pardon and sure favour from the Lord God Almighty. The psalmist thus wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12).
The Lord delights in the humility of a people. This makes Him hear our plea and smile back at us with a pardon. And this humility must start in His sanctuary. He says: “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Therefore every Christian by and far, let us rally in repentance for the healing of our lands. For repentance turns away God’s wrath.
Nineveh found itself in a similar situation many African nations are in today. Plagued with wickedness in diverse places and faced with imminent judgment, the Almighty God used Jonah to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Nineveh: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Unlike most of our folks who hear and turn the head the other way, the Ninevehs believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest-including the king-to the least of them. And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way, and God repented them of the evil that he had said He would bring upon them, and He did it not (Jonah 3).
Repentance touches the core of God’s heart. Humble yourself and return to the Lord your Creator. Repentance automatically brings healing. The Lord says, “Wash you, and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, and judge the fatherless plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together; though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:16-19).
The Living God is the healer of nations. The psalmist has declared of Him: “God be merciful to us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving health among all nations” (Psalm 67:1 and 2). Perhaps this ought to be the prayer on everyone’s lips now.
Stay awake O Christian in the truth!
The good LORD has always extended this gracious invitation to man over the millennia. And, therefore, if it is your desire to know Him as He truly is - the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Savior, and Redeemer of mankind, then pray this prayer of repentance unto salvation: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you with all the sins I have committed and I beg you to forgive me. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Please cleanse my body, soul, and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help Lord, and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you every day, please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Thank you, O Lord for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen!”
Welcome now to this grand and mighty army of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on earth. Read the Bible often, and join a congregation near you where Christ Jesus is preached and the Almighty Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is worshiped in Spirit and in Truth for your own spiritual growth and strength.
The Almighty God make you the apple of His eyes as I solemnly declare of Him: “After He has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye - I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them” (Zachariah 2:8). The peace and love of Christ Jesus the Lord be with you now and forever.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: THE WEIGHT OF COVENANTS, PART 2

MEMORIZE:
"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:" Exodus 19:5 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

MESSAGE:
Holiness is living a life that reflects God’s character, and it is the major weight of a covenant with Him.

Anyone who is in a covenant with God must be like Him (1 Peter 1:16), and this requires doing all that He asks. In return, the fellow will get many blessings from Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

Some people think that life will become a bed of roses when they become believers; however, Jesus never promised that. In today’s Bible reading, He said that everyone who comes to Him should carry His yoke. This means that being a child of God does not mean that a fellow will not bear any weight of God’s covenant, only that the weight will be light and easy to carry with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 2:13 says. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God is willing able to fulfil the terms of your covenant with Him if you allow Him.

When you enter into a covenant with God, you will no longer be permitted to do many of the things that unbelievers do. For them, those things may be right, but not for you. Paul said that although all things are lawful, not all things are expedient (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Some people may argue that listening to worldly music is not a sin; however, for someone who has made a covenant with God, it is wrong. Some may dress seductively, but God will not approve of you dressing like that. You will get stricter instructions because of your covenant with God, but He will always empower you to obey Him.

The good news is that if you carry the weight of God’s covenant well, you will enjoy its fruits forever.

God entered into a covenant with my Father in the Lord, Pa Josiah Akindayomi and gave him certain conditions, and in return, He said that He would start a church through him that would spread around the world. Thank God Pa Akindayomi met those conditions, and when he passed away, God proceeded to fulfil His part of the covenant.

Beloved, play your own part; carry the light yoke of God’s covenant of salvation and see Him move into action to fulfil His part of the covenant by showering you with His blessings. I pray that your life will be filled with God’s glorious blessings, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
Dear Father, please help me to carry the light yoke of your covenant willingly and joyfully. Help me to be holy as You are holy, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
JEREMIAH 37-39

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 14: O WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY
1 O what a wonderful, wonderful
day, day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered in darkness
away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate
friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with
joy I am telling, He made
all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior
made me whole;
My sins were washed away and
my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul!

2 Born of the Spirit with life from
above into God's family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary's
love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was
made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace
He did proffer, He saved
me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior
made me whole;
My sins were washed away and
my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul!

3 Now I've a hope that will surely
endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure
there in those mansions sublime.
And it's because of that wonderful
day, when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal,
from His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior
made me whole;
My sins were washed away and
my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul!



‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL,
SATURDAY, 15TH AUGUST, 2026
*THE WEIGHT OF COVENANTS II*
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1.Father, thank You for the assurance of rest in You. Thank You for calling me from curses into Your blessings, and from sin into holiness.

2.Father, please help me to live in holiness and to be clothed with the garment of holiness for the rest of my life so I can be like You, in Jesus' name.

3.Father, please help me to do all that You ask of me, to bear the weight of Your covenant with the help of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, please come abide with me and in me, and help me to fulfill the terms of Your covenant with me, so I can access Your many blessings for me, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, in the midst of the perversion in the world, please empower me to always obey You against all odds, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me to hearken to all Your instructions and to meet the conditions for the fulfillment of Your covenant in my life, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please help me to carry the light yoke of Your covenant of salvation al through my lifetime, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please let my life be filled with Your glorious blessings, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help all Your children to obey Your voice indeed, and keep Your covenant, so they would become a peculiar treasure unto You above all people, in Jesus' name.

10.Dear Father, please help me to carry the light yoke of Your covenant willingly and joyfully. Help me to be holy as You are holy, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Help him to remain committed to Your covenant, 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)
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#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. By