THE PILGRIMS GUIDE WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026 THE PEACE OF GOD A WORD FROM THE WORD: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV. The peace that the LORD Jesus speaks about here in our anchor Scripture above ideates, but not just the absence of conflict; more than that, it includes the presence of divine assurance, wholeness, and tranquility that transcends situations and circumstances. In the world system, peace is often conditional on favourable circumstances, but the peace God gives is unshakable and independent of what is happening around you. The LORD Jesus promises to leave His peace with us; that is a peace that calms the storm within, even when the storm rages without. This peace guards the hearts and minds of the believing child of God, protecting him from every aspect of anxieties, fears, and overwhelming worries. It’s a peace that provides stability to the emotions and strengthens the believer's trust in God. The world is almost filled with people who search for peace from external sources like wealth, relationships, or success; but true peace is found in God through the LORD Jesus Christ alone. When your heart is stayed and securely anchored in His presence, external disturbances and seeming upheavals cannot take away the inner peace that comes from His abiding presence within. Embrace God’s peace today, knowing it is the inheritance of those who trust in Him. As you move through today, let God’s peace rule in your heart, and trust that He is in control; and His peace will sustain you in every situation and circumstance. Where in your life do you need to allow God’s peace to replace anxiety and fear? It is up to you. PRAYER BULLETS: Father, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I receive Your peace today and allow it to rule in my heart. I trust in God’s perfect plan for my life. FURTHER READING: Psalm 46:1-3; 10; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15. _________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

God Is Bigger Than What You're Worried About The problem that's keeping you up at night is not bigger than the God who holds your future. Worry has a way of making our problems feel bigger than they really are. We replay worst-case scenarios, try to figure everything out, and carry burdens that were never meant to rest on our shoulders. Before long, our fears begin to feel greater than our faith. But the size of your problem doesn't change the size of your God. The One who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and raised Jesus from the dead is more than able to handle whatever you're facing today. Give Your Worries to God “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 God never asked you to carry every burden by yourself. He invites you to bring every fear, every uncertainty, and every anxious thought to Him. The moment you surrender your worries to God is the moment you make room for His peace. What feels too heavy for you is never too heavy for Him.

HOW CAN WE TALK WITH JESUS Talking with Jesus is simply praying. You do not need fancy or big words. Just talk to Him out loud or in your mind like you would talk to a close friend or a loving father. Be honest about your feelings, your worries, and your joys. Steps to Start a Conversation: - Find a quiet place: Go somewhere with no distractions so you can focus your mind. - Be yourself: Do not try to sound holy or perform. Jesus wants your real, honest heart. - Share what is on your mind: Tell Him what makes you happy, and tell Him what hurts. - Listen and be still: Prayer is two-way. After you speak, pause, quiet your thoughts, and read the Bible to hear His guidance. - Adoration: Praise Jesus for who He is and His goodness. - Confession: Tell Him your mistakes and ask for His forgiveness. - Thanksgiving: Thank Him for the good things in your life. - Supplication: Ask Him for help, strength, or healing for yourself and others.

Good evening to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. Today was nothing like I had imagined it would be. Mind you, we did not really have any ‘plans’ for today with the exception of taking the dog to the vet and me helping my brother on the computer. The rest of the day really was not accounted for. HOWEVER … leave it to us to figure out a way to fill out a day without even trying. Started with hubs getting sick last night and I ended up taking the dog to the vet. Missed my turn and had to turn around on a busy highway. On the way home, I was not really in a hurry, just driving and when I pulled up to the house, there was a random car in my driveway… no clue who or why … except it was my brother … right on time. Brain fart 101. Totally forgot he was coming, even though my stepson and I had just discussed it. Get inside to help my brother in a computer/tech assistant nightmare for his new job. 2.5 hours later, we think we figured it out. In the middle of that, we get a notice that hubs needs blood work before his appointment tomorrow…we forgot. No worries, plan to go to the new park on the west side, drop kids off, go to get blood work, pick up lunch, have a picnic in the park, then go home after playing. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. What a funny plan. Dropped kids off, no problem. Get to the lab; they were closed. Then they opened the doors, only to tell us that they were still closed. Stopped and got lunch for the kids, drove to the lab’s second office. Get to that lab only to be told, sorry can’t help you; go to the hospital. By now, hubs is starving … haha … go get a sandwich, then the hospital; he gets labs, and I get a cold sandwich. While at the hospital, get notified that the dog is ready to be picked up … the vet is in the opposite direction of the park, and then meds need to be picked up also; fortunately meds and vet are in the same town. By now it is going on 3 p.m.; no time to go back and play at the park. A completely full day…but wait…I am not done yet; we get home and because it is supposed to rain tomorrow…take advantage of the good day and mow. Finish mowing at 9 pm. All of this because I did not make plans. Haha. But … with all that chaos and nonsense that went along with the chaos, there were plenty of laughs, a few arguments, some severe rolling of the eyes and lots of blessings. Even with the chaos, things got done respectfully; kids got to go to their favorite park and have McDonald's, the dog is now talon-free and clean and we got notified that our appointment was moved up by half an hour. All positives. Just because something does not roll down the hill the way that you think it will or should, does not make it bad or a negative. There were plenty of negative aspects to today, but not one of them overshadowed a millimeter of the positives. Each day we have a choice to make: see the positive or see the negative. If you see the positive, it is a great day; if you see the negative, you have a choice … focus on the negative or look for a positive in or from the negative. If you focus on the negative, you will have a bad day; however, if you look for a positive within the negative or because of the negative, you will have a good day. As you prepare for bed tonight, I urge you to look back on your day and see what kind of day you think you had. Look at each component and how many negatives come to mind first…then how many positives? If you are seeing the negatives over the positives, try realigning your sights so that the positives come to mind first. It makes for a much more peaceful mindset. I will confess that it takes some time and practice, but it can be done. Be blessed and good night. **You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. – Matthew 5:14-15

*SEED FOR LIFE* The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. • Luke 8:14 Satan display the world with its most alluring, flattering charms to poor mortals, and as they gaze upon it, its glitter and tinsel eclipse the glory of heaven, and that life which is as enduring as the throne of God. A life of peace, happiness, joy unspeakable, which shall know nothing of sorrow, sadness, pain, nor death, is sacrificed for a short lifetime of sin. • Radiant Religion, p.234 *• A Point To Ponder •* What if Satan cannot persuade me to abandon Christ, but can persuade me to become so absorbed in the things of this life that I have little time, desire, or attention left for Him? _(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)_

🌅 Morning Grace — Today Is a Gift Scripture: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV) This morning, before the worries of tomorrow begin to whisper and before yesterday tries to follow you into today, remember this: Today is a gift from God. You may not know what this day will hold, but you know Who holds it. God has already gone before you. His mercy is waiting for you. His grace is sufficient for you. And His presence will walk with you through every moment. Don’t let fear steal what faith was meant to carry. Don’t let guilt rob you of the grace Jesus already purchased. Don’t let worry consume a day God gave you to live. Walk in His light. Trust His plan. Live in His grace. Some days won’t unfold the way we hoped. There may be unexpected turns, difficult moments, or prayers that still seem unanswered. But even there, God is working. So today, choose faith over fear. Choose grace over guilt. Choose hope over worry. And choose Jesus over everything. ❤️ Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of another morning. Help me not to waste today worrying about things I cannot control. Teach me to recognize Your presence in the ordinary moments and trust You with the uncertain ones. Let my words bring encouragement, my actions show love, and my life point someone toward Jesus. Whatever comes today, remind me that Your mercy is new, Your grace is enough, and I never walk alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏 Today is a gift from God. Make it count for Him. Walking in Grace today, Rise in Grace Ministries ❤️

Today was a reminder that **things can go wrong, plans can fall apart, fear can creep in, and situations can arise that we simply cannot control—and God can still be right there in the middle of every bit of it.** There were moments today involving my son that frightened me and situations that are still unresolved. There was a frightening situation of my own where I know God's protection was over me. There were phone calls, worries, frustrations, and moments when this mama's mind wanted to run ahead and imagine every possible outcome. But God was there. God was with my son. God was with me. God was in the situations I understood, and He was in the ones I didn't. And somehow, right in the middle of everything, God still gave me time with my church family. I got to fellowship, laugh, talk, play games, eat some good food, and simply enjoy being around people I love. For a little while, the weight of the day wasn't quite so heavy. Then I came home and found one more thing to worry about—my chickens weren't locked up like they were supposed to be. Of course, I panicked again! But they were okay. And once again... **God was there.** Looking back tonight, I realize how much time I spent complaining, worrying, getting frustrated, and making everything feel bigger and worse in my mind. Lord, forgive me for the moments when I focused more on the storm than I did on You. Because You never left. Sometimes faith isn't watching God immediately fix everything. Sometimes faith is knowing that **God is already working while we're still waiting.** There are things tonight that I cannot fix. There are things I don't completely understand. There are things I desperately want resolved. So I am putting them at the feet of Jesus. The fear. The anger. The frustration. The unforgiveness. The questions. The things beyond my control. They don't belong in my hands anymore. God was there today. God is here tonight. And God is already in tomorrow. My job is to keep my eyes on Jesus, trust Him, be patient, and allow Him to move in His time—not mine. **Things happen. Life gets messy. We get scared. We get frustrated. We sometimes forget Who is standing beside us. But God remains faithful through every bit of it.** Tonight, instead of asking, *"Why did all of this happen?"* I'm choosing to say: **"Thank You, Lord, for being there through all of it."** In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏❤️

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Saturday, August 15 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 16 — Samson and Delilah ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 PETER 5 — Humble Yourselves Before God 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of 1 Peter! Tomorrow we begin the next book in our progression. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 26 — A Song of Trust in God 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 16 Samson's strength, downfall, and final act reveal the consequences of compromising God's calling. Yet even in his weakness, Samson turns back to God and receives strength for one final victory. His story reminds us never to take God's grace or our calling for granted. ✝️ 1 Peter 5 Peter calls believers to humility, vigilance, and steadfast faith. We are instructed to cast our anxieties upon God because He cares for us, while resisting the devil and standing firm in faith. 🌿 Isaiah 26 Isaiah presents a beautiful song of trust and confidence in God. Even when circumstances are difficult, those who keep their minds fixed on God can experience His perfect peace. ✨ KEY VERSE "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." — Isaiah 26:3 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us to remain faithful to the calling You have given us. Teach us humility, strengthen us when we are weak, and help us cast every anxiety upon You because You care for us. Keep our minds fixed on You so that we may walk in Your perfect peace. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Keep your mind fixed on God today. Surrender your worries to Him, walk humbly, resist temptation, and trust Him even when you cannot see what lies ahead.

A Prayer for Those Struggling with Debt Are you struggling with financial debts? Join me in this prayer. “Lord, we come before your throne today; we pray for everyone struggling from financial debts. You see the burden we all are carrying and the worries we cannot always express. Please provide for our needs, give us wisdom to manage what we have, and open doors for honest opportunities and provision. Give us strength not to lose hope and remind us that we are not walking through this season alone. Lord, make a way where we cannot yet see one. We are holding on to your words in Philippians 4:19 that say, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” “Amen.”

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS *TEXT:* 1 TIMOTHY 4:11-16 11. Command and teach these things. 12. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. *TOPIC:* BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS *THE MESSAGE:* In a society where individualism and humanism are emphasised, godly models become scarce. In today's text, Paul encouraged Timothy to stand out by being an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He must accompany these qualities with sound doctrine and diligently live it out, for his salvation and that of others. These virtues should be lived out without compromise, regardless of one's age. Every believer, young or old, is called to live in a way that reflects Christ and inspires others to follow. Sadly, many young people today are influenced by vices, but Christians are urged to lead lives that model godly character. How is your testimony in your home, community, workplace, and church? Be a role model for Christ's kingdom. *REFLECTION:* Set a good example for your peers. *PRAYER:* Father, reform my character, 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:* JEREMIAH 46-49. ED.ii. THE SABBATH "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." - Exodus 20:8-10 The commandment to keep the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments, so a commandment from the Lord God. The reason I am talking about this is because we live in an incredibly hectic time. Life is so much different compared to fifty years ago. Everything is to be done quickly and in a hurry. This is also because of the increase in science (see Daniel 12: 4). People no longer have peace in today's society. There is also a lack of rest time in the lives of many Christians. A gift from God However, God has given us a day to rest. Exodus 16:29 states: 'The Lord has given you the Sabbath.' The Sabbath is a gift from God and has a holy purpose. Sabbath means to rest, to stop. Every now and then people have to rest from what they are doing. Otherwise you will overwork yourself and get a burnout. When God created heaven and earth, He rested. As His creation was not safe yet, God had a plan to secure His creation. God was able to rest only after Jesus had completed His work on Calvary and rose from the death on the first day of the week. This is why we Christians celebrate the Sabbath day on Sunday. Spiritual rest There is something even more important though and that is our spiritual rest. In Hebrews 4:10 we read about a Sabbath rest for God's people: 'Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.'When you come to Jesus, you will get complete rest in spirit, soul and body. Every day is a Sabbath day for the Christian who is in Jesus Christ. If you are not at rest yet, go to Him who said: 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ⏤ Isaiah 1:18 The best remedy for a troubled heart is to focus on God’s unchanging character. ⏤ Charles Stanley O Lord, we bow before You in loving reverence. All our blessings come from You, and we praise You. We are sinful, and You are holy. We are not worthy to approach You, yet You have made a way for us to draw near to You with confidence, as children to a Father. Lord, cleanse our hearts as we come to You. Fill us with Your Spirit so that, renewed in the spirit of our minds, we may display all the virtues and graces of the Christian life in our daily walk. We need Your cleansing tonight after the day's journey in this sin-stained world. Our feet have been soiled in the dust as we walked through the day, our hands have been stained with the evil around us, our lips have spoken words we should not have spoken, and our hearts have been made unclean by wrong thoughts, feelings, and imaginations. Cleanse us tonight. Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow! We have cares and worries that distract us at the end of the day. Help us to lay them all in Your hands and leave them there. Give us Your peace. Help us to cast our burdens on You and trust that You will take care of them. Make all things work together for our good. Have pity tonight, O God, on this sorrowful, sinful world. Remember the poor and open the hearts of those who have plenty to help those in need. Look with compassion on the sick and give them relief or the patience to endure their pain. Comfort those who are in sorrow. Hear us in these evening prayers, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/39/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.