• Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26.
    "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)"

    ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV

    THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one:
    The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours.

    Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation

    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.* .

    MD.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026.

    *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS*

    *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22.

    18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
    19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
    20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
    21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
    22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11).
    Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction.

    *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception*

    a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations.
    b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly.

    *Question*

    Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them?

    *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession*

    a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”*
    b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer.

    *Question*

    Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance?

    *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization*

    When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming.

    *Question*

    Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments .
    2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will .
    3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word .
    4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only .

    *HYMN:* Lord speak to me

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5.
    [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026```


    *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_

    *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.*

    *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."*

    *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*

    Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna21stAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026```

    *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽🏽🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_

    *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.*

    *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.*

    *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.*

    *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_



    A Child With A Difference
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026```

    *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```EXODUS 23:25-26```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_



    Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below:

    *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).*

    *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).*

    *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).*

    *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).*

    *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).*

    *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).*

    *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).*

    *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.*



    ```rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4*



    Profitable Service
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12

    Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan

    O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You.

    We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways.

    Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us.

    Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful.

    O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2O26. "THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)" ‘…command that these stones become bread.’ Matthew 4:3 NKJV THE BIBLE says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one: The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. Bible In A Year: Lam 3:40-5:22; Matt 20:1-16; Ps 119:129-136; Pro 18:21. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝 🌹. MD.iì. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026. *WISDOM IN HANDLING THE VAIN TALKERS* *TEXT:* MATTHEW 22:18-22. 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. *Timeless Truth:*_"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"_ (1 Corinthians 6:20). *INTRODUCTION* In human relationships, there are vain talkers who do not hide their intention to disgrace, humiliate, embarrass and insult us. However, most vain talkers are friendly foes with evil intentions, but with a friendly approach. If they are not handled with wisdom, they will mess up, disgrace and embarass the saints and the preachers, thus, making their messages of non effect or impact. Paul the apostle himself with Apostolic anointing encountered such people like Jesus encountered them in the text. *"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped"* (Titus 1:10,11). Jesus was confronted by people who did not genuinely seek the truth, but wanted to trap Him with their questions. Their outward appearance suggested sincerity, but their hearts were deceptive. Jesus, however, perceived their wicked intentions and responded with divine wisdom. Believers will also encounter vain talkers—people whose words are deceptive, provocative, argumentative or designed to lead others away from truth. We must, therefore, learn from Christ how to respond with spiritual perception, scriptural wisdom and personal conviction. *1. Spiritual and Scriptural Perception* a. Topical Encyclopedia rightly defines spiritual perception as the ability to discern and understand spiritual truths and realities that are not accessible through natural senses or human reasoning alone. It involves a heightened awareness and insight into the spiritual realm, often granted by the Holy Spirit to believers. Spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit, can read into the mind and at times (not in all cases) decipher the motivations and intentions of the heart. It is a lower form of the gift of discernment. They brought the coin with the inscription of Caesar and questioned Jesus on whether it was right to pay taxes to the government. Jesus knew they wanted to rope Him into public controversy that will put Him into trouble with the government of the day. If Jesus said it was right to pay tributes to Caesar, they would use that to paint Jesus as anti-Jewish. If Jesus said it is not right, they would end up putting him at a collision course with the government of the day. Either controversy can be avoided without necessarily doing violence to the truth. He was not a pro-controversy minister on avoidable spiritual or vain conflicts. Many ministers always enjoy being entangled in controversy on things that are non-essentials in the things of the kingdom. Jesus knew their wickedness and said, *“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”* Their question was not an innocent request for guidance; it was a trap. Christ could see beyond their words into their motives. Spiritual perception enables believers to distinguish between genuine questions and deceptive arguments. We must not be carried away by eloquent speech, clever reasoning or religious appearance. The Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit give us discernment to recognize what is behind seemingly innocent conversations. b. Nehemiah, for example, was given a seemingly innocent and reconciliatory invitation by his adversaries. He knew that it was not of God. *"And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him"*. Believers, especially spiritual leaders, must have enough of scriptural understanding and insight of the truth that will generate spiritual perception by the Holy Spirit. However, there are unscriptural perceptions or incorrect insights in the form of a suspicious spirit that always read negative meanings into the actions of the innocent. This is satanic and ungodly. *Question* Do I have sufficient spiritual discernment to recognize deception and vain arguments when I encounter them? *2. Saints as the Saviour’s Possession* a. Jesus revealed deep spiritual truth to them while answering their question. It is one thing to receive an answer to a genuine question and another thing to be patient enough to get the message in the answer. Jesus asked them to show Him the tribute money and then asked whose image and inscription were upon it. When they answered, *"Caesar’s"* . Jesus declared unto them that though He is the Creator of all, He will not take what belongs to others or even what he has bequeathed to others except He was given voluntarily. The metal used for the coin belongs to God, but it has been given to the king and the use is delegated to powers that be. Jesus would not take the gift back except if the gifted decided to endow it back to the Owner or the Creator. He will not forcefully, stylishly or trickishly take back what He has given to others. This is a deep spiritual message that we can learn from God. Jesus declared, *“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”* b. What is the implication of this answer? The coin carried Caesar’s image and therefore must be given to the owner. Also, human beings, including his body, soul and spirit bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), therefore, man must surrender his soul, spirit and body to God to be used at His pleasure being the Owner. Reluctance to give oneself to God, the Owner, is daylight robbery which God the Creator will not even do to those He gave something to. We are owned by God as His possession by Creation and Redemption. Without redemption by Jesus Christ, we are all marked for eternal destruction. *"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"*. So, our appearance, body, heart and soul must be consciously and deliberately given to the glory of God, joyfully. The language of the responsible creature to his Creator is like what a king said: *"And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have"*. Our spirit, soul, time, possessions and all that we have belong to God and none should be denied Him at any time He needs them. Like Thomas, our response to God whenever He demands sacrifice or anything from us, no matter how precious is *"My Lord and my God"*. It is a language of acknowledgement of His being the Creator. It is a language of appreciation of being the Redeemer. *Question* Since I belong to Christ, am I allowing His image and ownership to determine the way I live? Am I always readily giving Him what His Word demands without hesitation or reluctance? *3. Satisfied without Scripture Personalization* When Jesus answered their question, *“they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”* They were amazed by His wisdom, but there is no indication that they surrendered their hearts to His truth. They did not bother to apply the truth to their lives and personalized it. It is possible to admire Scripture, appreciate a powerful message and even marvel at divine wisdom without personally applying it. The danger of vain talk is that we may become satisfied with intellectual discussion rather than spiritual transformation. God’s Word must move from our ears to our hearts and from our hearts to our daily conduct. The messages of Christ are so deep that they require constant and continuous reflection and self application in order to get the best from them. It is not how great a message is, but how transforming. *Question* Am I merely impressed by biblical truth or am I personally applying and obeying it? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, grant me spiritual discernment to recognize deception, hypocrisy and vain arguments 🙏. 2.Father, help me to remember that I belong completely to Christ and to live according to His will 🙏. 3 Lord, deliver me from empty religious knowledge and help me to personalize and practice Your Word 🙏. 4.Father, give us the wisdom of Christ to answer difficult questions with truth, grace, humility and courage. Help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only 🙏. *HYMN:* Lord speak to me *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 3-5. [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *RESPONSIBILITIES OF DUAL CITIZENS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:MATTHEW 22:18-22```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (MATTHEW 22:20, 21).*_ *Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 - 2006, is a figure whose life was shaped by the responsibilities of dual citizenship. While Annan was a Ghanaian citizen by birth, his role in international diplomacy required him to balance his connection to his homeland with his responsibility to the global community. In his role in Ghana, he worked to advance the nation's standing on the world stage, often advocating for African issues and the continent's development in the international arena. On the other hand, in his global duty as UN Secretary-General, his role involved diplomacy with countries in conflict, addressing human rights abuses, and working toward humanitarian aid and general global peace.* *In the passage, the Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus, posed a question about paying taxes to Caesar. The dilemma they presented seemed unsolvable: if Jesus said it was lawful to pay tax, He could alienate the people, who hated Roman rule. But if He said it was unlawful, He could be accused of stirring insurrection. But Jesus, with His wisdom, cut through the manipulation and answered in a way that transcended their trap. He asked for a coin, a denarius, and asked whose image was on it. "Caesar's," they replied. Then, He gave a profound answer that has echoed through history: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."* *Jesus' words highlight that we are citizens of two realms - an earthly kingdom, with earthly responsibilities, and God's kingdom, with eternal responsibilities. While on earth, we are to honour the systems of authority set before us, paying taxes, respecting laws, and fulfilling our civic duties, which are part of our witness to the world. On the other hand, we must always remember that we are made in the likeness of God and, as such, our lives, our hearts, our very being, are His. In all, while our lives may be marked by the needs of the world - job, family, relationships - our ultimate allegiance should lie with God.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A coin has two sides, so do our duties to God and man.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 3-5*📜📜 Responsibilities Of Dual Citizens https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; GHS 223: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE; AND GHS 233: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *A CHILD WITH A DIFFERENCE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👶🏽👦🏽👨🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 SAMUEL 2:22-26```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 SAMUEL 2:26).*_ *Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 26-year-old Indian is referred to as the "world's fastest human calculator." According to the _Limca Book of Records,_ India's equivalent to _Guinness World Records,_ Bhanu's brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts and talents.* *The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli with his wayward and corrupt children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of environmental corruption.* *Samuel did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's children) among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest, prophet and leader for the whole nation of Israel.* *To fulfill God's purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*You can make a difference.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Make definite impact in your world.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Help me Lord, to fulfill Your purpose in life.*_ A Child With A Difference https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [20/08, 9:54 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026``` *PROFITABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```EXODUS 23:25-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee" (Exodus 23:25).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Kingdom work involves the use of our God-given resources, like time, strength, talents and finances, in promoting the kingdom of God. It is a profitable service that attracts rewards on earth and in Heaven. Some of the benefits are outlined below: *(i) Divine Blessings - Provision of food and other needs (Exodus 23:25).* *(ii) Divine Health - Healing and sound health (Exodus 23:25).* *(iii) Long Life - Live long and healthy till old age (Exodus 23:26).* *(iv) Prosperity - God will prosper you in every area of life: academics, career, and material blessings (Job 36:11).* *(v) Honour - Undeserved favour and honour from God. At last, the faithful servant will make it to heaven and live with Jesus forever (John 12:26).* *(vi) Distinction - You will be the head and not the tail. Also, you will have excellent results, and become ten times better (Deuteronomy 28:13).* *(vii) Fulfillment in Life - You will never lack anything that is good. All that you desire shall come to pass (Matthew 6:33).* *It is time to wake up and get involved in kingdom service so that you can get the reward from God.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*May my sacrifice be acceptable unto You oh Lord!*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *1 Corinthians 4:1-4* Profitable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk21stAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ⏤ John Bunyan O God, the source of all truth and grace, You’ve called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light—grant us Your blessing as this new day begins. We ask for Your grace to walk worthy of our high calling, with humility, faith, and hope. May we let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify You. We ask for grace to perform our tasks diligently, to manage our affairs wisely, to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to acknowledge You in all our ways. Order our steps in Your word and don’t let sin have any power over us. Give us our daily bread. Provide what we need for this day. Grant us health of body and soundness of mind so that we’re prepared for the duties ahead. Prosper our efforts as long as they align with Your will. If any of our plans don’t fit into Your plan for our lives, we ask that You set them aside, for we don’t want to go against You or do anything that You won’t approve or bless. Restrain us from all excesses, from unwise words, from foolish vanity, and from uncontrolled emotions. Make us thoughtful, serious, and prayerful. O God, You allowed Your only Son to be tempted by the Evil One so that He could support those who are tempted. We ask You to deliver us from the snares and temptations that constantly surround us, and to strengthen us by Your Spirit so that in all things, we may be more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/47/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • DEMYSTIFYING THE DEMON OF MASTURBATION

    By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

    «“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4»

    Introduction

    There are certain battles people fight in silence. They smile in public, worship in church, preach powerful messages, and yet return home to fight a private war that leaves them feeling ashamed, condemned, and spiritually weak. Masturbation is one of those subjects that many people are afraid to discuss openly.

    Unfortunately, silence has sometimes allowed fear, ignorance, condemnation, and misinformation to grow around the issue. Some people believe every case of masturbation means a demon has entered their body. Others dismiss the matter completely and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of sexual bondage, lust, addiction, or spiritual oppression.

    We must approach this subject with both truth and compassion.

    To demystify something means to remove unnecessary mystery, fear, exaggeration, and confusion surrounding it. Therefore, when we speak about what some describe as the demon of masturbation, we must understand that the issue is often more complex than simply saying, “There is a demon inside me.”

    The real question is: What is driving the behaviour?

    Is it lust? Is it pornography? Is it loneliness? Is it a habit developed over many years? Is it emotional pain? Is it an addiction? Is there genuine spiritual oppression involved?

    Until we understand the root, we may continue fighting the wrong battle.
    In this write-up, twelve points on how to demystify the demon of masturbation and stay free from it have been examined carefully.

    God bless you as you read through it, and I pray you get your freedom from reading it in Jesus name amen.

    1. Masturbation Is Not a Person's Identity

    The first thing I want to say to anyone struggling with masturbation is this:

    You are not masturbation. You are not your addiction. You are not your worst moment.

    A person may struggle with a sexual habit without that habit becoming their identity.

    The devil loves to move people from conviction into condemnation.

    Conviction says:

    «“What you are doing is wrong. Come back to God.”»

    Condemnation says:

    «“You are dirty. You are hopeless. God does not want you anymore.”»

    But Romans 8:1 declares:

    «“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...”»

    The enemy knows that a person drowning in shame will often continue doing the very thing that is destroying them.

    Shame says, “Hide from God.”

    Grace says, “Run to God.”

    When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves. Sin makes people hide. But God came looking for them.

    That is still the heart of God.

    2. The Real Battle Often Begins in the Mind

    Jesus said:

    «“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28»

    Sexual sin rarely begins with the physical act. It often begins in the mind.

    A thought is entertained.

    A fantasy is repeated.

    An image is watched.

    A memory is revisited.

    A desire is fed.

    Eventually, what was once a thought becomes a stronghold.

    This is why Proverbs 4:23 says:

    «“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”»

    The hand may be involved in masturbation, but the battlefield is often much deeper than the hand. The battlefield may be the mind, imagination, appetite, emotions, and habits.

    You cannot consistently feed lust and expect purity to grow.

    You cannot continually consume sexually explicit content and expect your mind to remain unaffected.

    What you repeatedly feed becomes stronger.

    3. Is There Really a “Demon of Masturbation”?

    We need balance here.

    The Bible does not specifically name a spirit called the demon of masturbation. Therefore, we must be careful not to give unscriptural names and descriptions where Scripture is silent.

    However, the Bible clearly teaches that human beings can experience temptation, bondage, strongholds, sinful desires, and spiritual oppression.

    Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:

    «“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”»

    At the same time, James 1:14–15 teaches that people can also be drawn away by their own desires.

    Therefore, not every struggle should automatically be blamed on a demon.

    Sometimes it is:

    - A habit that has been practised repeatedly.
    - An addiction strengthened over time.
    - Exposure to pornography.
    - Sexual fantasies.
    - Loneliness and isolation.
    - Emotional pain.
    - Curiosity that developed into bondage.
    - Lack of discipline.
    - Unresolved wounds.
    - A genuine spiritual attack that exploits an existing weakness.

    The wise believer does not oversimplify the problem.

    Sometimes a demon may exploit a habit, but the habit itself must still be broken.

    You can cast out an evil spirit, but if you return to the same environment, the same pornography, the same fantasies, the same secret lifestyle, and the same triggers without renewing your mind, the cycle may continue.

    Deliverance without discipline can produce temporary relief without lasting transformation.

    4. Lust Is a Fire That Must Not Be Fed

    One of the greatest fuel sources for masturbation is lust.

    Paul instructed Timothy:

    «“Flee also youthful lusts...” — 2 Timothy 2:22»

    Notice that Paul did not say, “Negotiate with youthful lusts.”

    He said, “Flee.”

    There are some battles you overcome by standing and fighting. There are others you overcome by refusing to remain in the environment.

    Joseph did not stay in Potiphar's wife's room to prove his spiritual strength. He ran!

    Sometimes your deliverance begins with leaving the room.

    Turning off the phone.

    Blocking the website.

    Deleting the videos.

    Changing your sleeping pattern.

    Avoiding isolation.

    Refusing to entertain fantasy.

    You cannot pray against a fire while continuously pouring petrol on it.

    5. Pornography Is Often a Major Doorway to Sexual Bondage

    We must be honest: pornography has become one of the greatest enemies of sexual purity in this generation.

    What previous generations struggled to access is now available within seconds on a mobile phone.

    Pornography trains the mind to seek repeated stimulation. It can create unrealistic expectations, intensify fantasies, and strengthen unhealthy patterns of sexual behaviour.

    For many people, masturbation did not become a serious struggle until pornography became a regular companion.

    Therefore, if you sincerely desire freedom, you must address the source.

    Do not merely pray:

    «“Lord, take away this habit.”»

    Also pray:

    «“Lord, give me the courage to remove what is feeding this habit.”»

    Psalm 101:3 says:

    «“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...”»

    Freedom requires honesty.

    What are you watching?

    What are you saving?

    Who are you chatting with?

    What happens when you are alone?

    What time are you most vulnerable?

    Until you identify the trigger, you may keep repeating the cycle.

    6. Repetition Can Become a Stronghold

    A stronghold is something that has gained unusual influence over a person's thinking or behaviour.

    What you repeatedly practise can become easier to repeat.

    This is why some people sincerely hate the habit and still find themselves returning to it.

    The cycle may look like this:

    Trigger → temptation → fantasy → masturbation → temporary relief → guilt → shame → promise to stop → another trigger → relapse.

    The answer is not merely making stronger promises.

    Many people have said:

    «“This is the last time.”»

    Then repeated it again.

    Why? Because willpower alone is often not enough to break a deeply established pattern.

    Real freedom requires a combination of:

    - Repentance.
    - Renewing the mind.
    - Spiritual discipline.
    - Removing triggers.
    - Accountability.
    - Healthy habits.
    - Prayer.
    - Filling your life with the Word of God.

    7. Do Not Fight a Spiritual Battle Without Spiritual Weapons

    If there is a spiritual dimension to your struggle, you must engage spiritual weapons.

    Ephesians 6:17 speaks about:

    «“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”»

    When temptation comes, do not remain mentally passive.

    Speak the Word.

    Pray.

    Worship.

    Change your environment.

    Call someone you trust.

    Go for a walk.

    Read Scripture aloud.

    Refuse to sit in darkness and negotiate with temptation.

    The devil is not afraid of your good intentions. But he recognizes the authority of a believer who stands firmly in the truth of God's Word.

    8. Your Body Must Come Under the Government of the Spirit

    Paul said:

    «“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...” — 1 Corinthians 9:27»

    Your body has desires, but your desires must not become your master.

    There is a difference between having an urge and surrendering to every urge.

    Maturity means learning to say no to yourself.

    The Christian life is not simply about casting out devils. It is also about crucifying the flesh.

    Galatians 5:24 says:

    «“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”»

    There are things prayer will empower you to overcome, but you must still make a decision to walk away.

    God gives grace, but grace is not permission to remain comfortably in bondage.

    Grace empowers us to live differently.

    9. Stop Fighting Alone

    Secrecy is one of the greatest strengths of addiction.

    The enemy tells you:

    «“Don't tell anyone. They will judge you.”»

    But James 5:16 says:

    «“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”»

    This does not mean you should announce your private struggle to everybody.

    Wisdom is necessary.

    Find a mature and trustworthy spiritual leader, counsellor, or accountability partner who can help you without shaming or exploiting you.

    Sometimes freedom begins when you finally say:

    “I need help.”

    There is no shame in seeking help.

    The shame is allowing pride to keep you in chains when help is available.

    10. Replace, Don't Just Remove

    Jesus taught important principles about an empty house in Matthew 12:43–45. The lesson is clear: a life must not merely be emptied of destructive influences; it must be filled with what is good and godly.

    Do not simply say:

    «“I will stop masturbating.”»

    Ask yourself:

    “What will I replace this habit with?”

    Fill your life with:

    - Prayer.
    - Scripture meditation.
    - Productive work.
    - Exercise.
    - Healthy friendships.
    - Fellowship.
    - Service to God.
    - Purposeful activities.
    - Accountability.

    An idle mind can become a playground for temptation.

    When your life has no structure, temptation can easily find space.

    11. If You Fall, Get Up Again

    Perhaps you are reading this and saying:

    «“Pastor, I have tried many times and failed.”»

    Hear me: Do not surrender to failure.

    Proverbs 24:16 says:

    «“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...”»

    The righteous person is not necessarily the person who never faces temptation or never stumbles. The righteous person is the one who refuses to remain on the ground.

    Repent genuinely.

    Receive God's mercy.

    Learn from what happened.

    Identify the trigger.

    Strengthen your boundaries.

    And rise again.

    Micah 7:8 says:

    «“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise...”»

    Your last failure does not have to become your permanent address.

    12. Freedom Is More Than Deliverance

    True freedom is not simply shouting during a deliverance service.

    Freedom is being able to return home and make different choices.

    Freedom is controlling your thoughts.

    Freedom is turning away when nobody is watching.

    Freedom is honouring God with your body.

    Freedom is saying no when temptation says yes.

    Freedom is developing the discipline to live in the light.

    Jesus said:

    «“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36»

    Christ can break chains.

    Christ can heal wounds.

    Christ can renew the mind.

    Christ can restore purity.

    Christ can strengthen weak places.

    But you must cooperate with the process of freedom.

    A WORD TO PARENTS, PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS

    We must stop addressing sexual struggles only with insults and condemnation.

    Calling everyone possessed without understanding their struggle may create more fear than freedom.

    We need truth, but truth must be spoken with love.

    Some people need deliverance.

    Some need discipleship.

    Some need accountability.

    Some need counselling for deep emotional wounds.

    Some need to break free from pornography.

    Some need all of the above.

    The church must become a place where people can seek help without being publicly humiliated.

    Holiness should be preached, but restoration must also be available.

    Jesus never lowered God's standard, but He also lifted people who had fallen.

    PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM

    1. Repent sincerely before God. Do not justify what you know is feeding lust and impurity.
    2. Destroy your triggers. Delete pornography and sexually explicit materials.
    3. Control your private environment. Avoid situations and times when you are consistently vulnerable.
    4. Renew your mind daily with God's Word.
    5. Pray before temptation becomes overwhelming.
    6. Fast and develop spiritual discipline where appropriate.
    7. Exercise self-control in other areas of life.
    8. Get a trusted accountability partner.
    9. Avoid isolation when you know you are vulnerable.
    10. If the struggle feels compulsive or severely distressing, seek appropriate professional support alongside spiritual guidance.
    11. Never give up on your journey toward purity.

    PRAYER FOR FREEDOM

    Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge every habit, lust, fantasy, addiction, and practice that has tried to bring me into bondage. I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

    Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Break every ungodly pattern that has gained control over my life. I renounce every connection with pornography, lust, immoral fantasies, and every practice that dishonours You.

    Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak. Give me the grace to discipline my body, control my thoughts, and flee every appearance of sexual immorality. Let the power of the Holy Spirit break every spiritual oppression and every stronghold operating in my life.

    I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me. My body belongs to the Lord. My mind belongs to Christ. My future will not be destroyed by a secret habit. I receive grace to walk in purity, discipline, and freedom.

    I will rise again. I will not be condemned. I will not remain in bondage. Through Jesus Christ, I am empowered to overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    CONCLUSION

    Masturbation should neither be surrounded by unnecessary fear nor treated casually when it has become connected to lust, pornography, guilt, compulsive behaviour, or spiritual bondage.

    Let us demystify the issue.

    Not every struggle is automatically a demon. Not every demon can be blamed for choices we repeatedly make. But neither should we deny that spiritual warfare can exploit human weaknesses.

    The answer is a balanced pursuit of freedom through repentance, truth, spiritual discipline, renewal of the mind, accountability, wise boundaries, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

    You are not beyond redemption.

    You are not too dirty for grace.

    You are not too weak for God's strength.

    And no chain is stronger than the power of Jesus Christ.

    Your struggle may be private, but your freedom can become your testimony.

    By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
    DEMYSTIFYING THE DEMON OF MASTURBATION By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah «“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4» Introduction There are certain battles people fight in silence. They smile in public, worship in church, preach powerful messages, and yet return home to fight a private war that leaves them feeling ashamed, condemned, and spiritually weak. Masturbation is one of those subjects that many people are afraid to discuss openly. Unfortunately, silence has sometimes allowed fear, ignorance, condemnation, and misinformation to grow around the issue. Some people believe every case of masturbation means a demon has entered their body. Others dismiss the matter completely and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of sexual bondage, lust, addiction, or spiritual oppression. We must approach this subject with both truth and compassion. To demystify something means to remove unnecessary mystery, fear, exaggeration, and confusion surrounding it. Therefore, when we speak about what some describe as the demon of masturbation, we must understand that the issue is often more complex than simply saying, “There is a demon inside me.” The real question is: What is driving the behaviour? Is it lust? Is it pornography? Is it loneliness? Is it a habit developed over many years? Is it emotional pain? Is it an addiction? Is there genuine spiritual oppression involved? Until we understand the root, we may continue fighting the wrong battle. In this write-up, twelve points on how to demystify the demon of masturbation and stay free from it have been examined carefully. God bless you as you read through it, and I pray you get your freedom from reading it in Jesus name amen. 1. Masturbation Is Not a Person's Identity The first thing I want to say to anyone struggling with masturbation is this: You are not masturbation. You are not your addiction. You are not your worst moment. A person may struggle with a sexual habit without that habit becoming their identity. The devil loves to move people from conviction into condemnation. Conviction says: «“What you are doing is wrong. Come back to God.”» Condemnation says: «“You are dirty. You are hopeless. God does not want you anymore.”» But Romans 8:1 declares: «“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...”» The enemy knows that a person drowning in shame will often continue doing the very thing that is destroying them. Shame says, “Hide from God.” Grace says, “Run to God.” When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves. Sin makes people hide. But God came looking for them. That is still the heart of God. 2. The Real Battle Often Begins in the Mind Jesus said: «“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28» Sexual sin rarely begins with the physical act. It often begins in the mind. A thought is entertained. A fantasy is repeated. An image is watched. A memory is revisited. A desire is fed. Eventually, what was once a thought becomes a stronghold. This is why Proverbs 4:23 says: «“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”» The hand may be involved in masturbation, but the battlefield is often much deeper than the hand. The battlefield may be the mind, imagination, appetite, emotions, and habits. You cannot consistently feed lust and expect purity to grow. You cannot continually consume sexually explicit content and expect your mind to remain unaffected. What you repeatedly feed becomes stronger. 3. Is There Really a “Demon of Masturbation”? We need balance here. The Bible does not specifically name a spirit called the demon of masturbation. Therefore, we must be careful not to give unscriptural names and descriptions where Scripture is silent. However, the Bible clearly teaches that human beings can experience temptation, bondage, strongholds, sinful desires, and spiritual oppression. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that: «“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”» At the same time, James 1:14–15 teaches that people can also be drawn away by their own desires. Therefore, not every struggle should automatically be blamed on a demon. Sometimes it is: - A habit that has been practised repeatedly. - An addiction strengthened over time. - Exposure to pornography. - Sexual fantasies. - Loneliness and isolation. - Emotional pain. - Curiosity that developed into bondage. - Lack of discipline. - Unresolved wounds. - A genuine spiritual attack that exploits an existing weakness. The wise believer does not oversimplify the problem. Sometimes a demon may exploit a habit, but the habit itself must still be broken. You can cast out an evil spirit, but if you return to the same environment, the same pornography, the same fantasies, the same secret lifestyle, and the same triggers without renewing your mind, the cycle may continue. Deliverance without discipline can produce temporary relief without lasting transformation. 4. Lust Is a Fire That Must Not Be Fed One of the greatest fuel sources for masturbation is lust. Paul instructed Timothy: «“Flee also youthful lusts...” — 2 Timothy 2:22» Notice that Paul did not say, “Negotiate with youthful lusts.” He said, “Flee.” There are some battles you overcome by standing and fighting. There are others you overcome by refusing to remain in the environment. Joseph did not stay in Potiphar's wife's room to prove his spiritual strength. He ran! Sometimes your deliverance begins with leaving the room. Turning off the phone. Blocking the website. Deleting the videos. Changing your sleeping pattern. Avoiding isolation. Refusing to entertain fantasy. You cannot pray against a fire while continuously pouring petrol on it. 5. Pornography Is Often a Major Doorway to Sexual Bondage We must be honest: pornography has become one of the greatest enemies of sexual purity in this generation. What previous generations struggled to access is now available within seconds on a mobile phone. Pornography trains the mind to seek repeated stimulation. It can create unrealistic expectations, intensify fantasies, and strengthen unhealthy patterns of sexual behaviour. For many people, masturbation did not become a serious struggle until pornography became a regular companion. Therefore, if you sincerely desire freedom, you must address the source. Do not merely pray: «“Lord, take away this habit.”» Also pray: «“Lord, give me the courage to remove what is feeding this habit.”» Psalm 101:3 says: «“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...”» Freedom requires honesty. What are you watching? What are you saving? Who are you chatting with? What happens when you are alone? What time are you most vulnerable? Until you identify the trigger, you may keep repeating the cycle. 6. Repetition Can Become a Stronghold A stronghold is something that has gained unusual influence over a person's thinking or behaviour. What you repeatedly practise can become easier to repeat. This is why some people sincerely hate the habit and still find themselves returning to it. The cycle may look like this: Trigger → temptation → fantasy → masturbation → temporary relief → guilt → shame → promise to stop → another trigger → relapse. The answer is not merely making stronger promises. Many people have said: «“This is the last time.”» Then repeated it again. Why? Because willpower alone is often not enough to break a deeply established pattern. Real freedom requires a combination of: - Repentance. - Renewing the mind. - Spiritual discipline. - Removing triggers. - Accountability. - Healthy habits. - Prayer. - Filling your life with the Word of God. 7. Do Not Fight a Spiritual Battle Without Spiritual Weapons If there is a spiritual dimension to your struggle, you must engage spiritual weapons. Ephesians 6:17 speaks about: «“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”» When temptation comes, do not remain mentally passive. Speak the Word. Pray. Worship. Change your environment. Call someone you trust. Go for a walk. Read Scripture aloud. Refuse to sit in darkness and negotiate with temptation. The devil is not afraid of your good intentions. But he recognizes the authority of a believer who stands firmly in the truth of God's Word. 8. Your Body Must Come Under the Government of the Spirit Paul said: «“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...” — 1 Corinthians 9:27» Your body has desires, but your desires must not become your master. There is a difference between having an urge and surrendering to every urge. Maturity means learning to say no to yourself. The Christian life is not simply about casting out devils. It is also about crucifying the flesh. Galatians 5:24 says: «“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”» There are things prayer will empower you to overcome, but you must still make a decision to walk away. God gives grace, but grace is not permission to remain comfortably in bondage. Grace empowers us to live differently. 9. Stop Fighting Alone Secrecy is one of the greatest strengths of addiction. The enemy tells you: «“Don't tell anyone. They will judge you.”» But James 5:16 says: «“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”» This does not mean you should announce your private struggle to everybody. Wisdom is necessary. Find a mature and trustworthy spiritual leader, counsellor, or accountability partner who can help you without shaming or exploiting you. Sometimes freedom begins when you finally say: “I need help.” There is no shame in seeking help. The shame is allowing pride to keep you in chains when help is available. 10. Replace, Don't Just Remove Jesus taught important principles about an empty house in Matthew 12:43–45. The lesson is clear: a life must not merely be emptied of destructive influences; it must be filled with what is good and godly. Do not simply say: «“I will stop masturbating.”» Ask yourself: “What will I replace this habit with?” Fill your life with: - Prayer. - Scripture meditation. - Productive work. - Exercise. - Healthy friendships. - Fellowship. - Service to God. - Purposeful activities. - Accountability. An idle mind can become a playground for temptation. When your life has no structure, temptation can easily find space. 11. If You Fall, Get Up Again Perhaps you are reading this and saying: «“Pastor, I have tried many times and failed.”» Hear me: Do not surrender to failure. Proverbs 24:16 says: «“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...”» The righteous person is not necessarily the person who never faces temptation or never stumbles. The righteous person is the one who refuses to remain on the ground. Repent genuinely. Receive God's mercy. Learn from what happened. Identify the trigger. Strengthen your boundaries. And rise again. Micah 7:8 says: «“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise...”» Your last failure does not have to become your permanent address. 12. Freedom Is More Than Deliverance True freedom is not simply shouting during a deliverance service. Freedom is being able to return home and make different choices. Freedom is controlling your thoughts. Freedom is turning away when nobody is watching. Freedom is honouring God with your body. Freedom is saying no when temptation says yes. Freedom is developing the discipline to live in the light. Jesus said: «“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» Christ can break chains. Christ can heal wounds. Christ can renew the mind. Christ can restore purity. Christ can strengthen weak places. But you must cooperate with the process of freedom. A WORD TO PARENTS, PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS We must stop addressing sexual struggles only with insults and condemnation. Calling everyone possessed without understanding their struggle may create more fear than freedom. We need truth, but truth must be spoken with love. Some people need deliverance. Some need discipleship. Some need accountability. Some need counselling for deep emotional wounds. Some need to break free from pornography. Some need all of the above. The church must become a place where people can seek help without being publicly humiliated. Holiness should be preached, but restoration must also be available. Jesus never lowered God's standard, but He also lifted people who had fallen. PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM 1. Repent sincerely before God. Do not justify what you know is feeding lust and impurity. 2. Destroy your triggers. Delete pornography and sexually explicit materials. 3. Control your private environment. Avoid situations and times when you are consistently vulnerable. 4. Renew your mind daily with God's Word. 5. Pray before temptation becomes overwhelming. 6. Fast and develop spiritual discipline where appropriate. 7. Exercise self-control in other areas of life. 8. Get a trusted accountability partner. 9. Avoid isolation when you know you are vulnerable. 10. If the struggle feels compulsive or severely distressing, seek appropriate professional support alongside spiritual guidance. 11. Never give up on your journey toward purity. PRAYER FOR FREEDOM Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge every habit, lust, fantasy, addiction, and practice that has tried to bring me into bondage. I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness. Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Break every ungodly pattern that has gained control over my life. I renounce every connection with pornography, lust, immoral fantasies, and every practice that dishonours You. Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak. Give me the grace to discipline my body, control my thoughts, and flee every appearance of sexual immorality. Let the power of the Holy Spirit break every spiritual oppression and every stronghold operating in my life. I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me. My body belongs to the Lord. My mind belongs to Christ. My future will not be destroyed by a secret habit. I receive grace to walk in purity, discipline, and freedom. I will rise again. I will not be condemned. I will not remain in bondage. Through Jesus Christ, I am empowered to overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen. CONCLUSION Masturbation should neither be surrounded by unnecessary fear nor treated casually when it has become connected to lust, pornography, guilt, compulsive behaviour, or spiritual bondage. Let us demystify the issue. Not every struggle is automatically a demon. Not every demon can be blamed for choices we repeatedly make. But neither should we deny that spiritual warfare can exploit human weaknesses. The answer is a balanced pursuit of freedom through repentance, truth, spiritual discipline, renewal of the mind, accountability, wise boundaries, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. You are not beyond redemption. You are not too dirty for grace. You are not too weak for God's strength. And no chain is stronger than the power of Jesus Christ. Your struggle may be private, but your freedom can become your testimony. By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
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  • SERMON TITLE: "HEAR THE SON IN THE LAST AGE"
    Text: Hebrews 1:1-2, Acts 2:17, Joel 2:28-31

    INTRODUCTION: THE TIME WE ARE IN
    Brothers and Sisters, we are not guessing. We are in THE LAST DAYS.
    Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son”

    Acts 2:17 — “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh... and your young men shall see visions”

    God promised visions in the last days. And He is doing it.
    I myself was shown 3 things: A RED 7 IN THE SKY, A GREEN 7 ON THE WALL, AND A SKELETON.

    But hear me: I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as REAGAN a servant& a witness of Jesus to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth. Testify to what I have seen Him do Acts 26:16

    The goal of every vision is this: To bring you back to THE SON. John 3:30



    POINT 1: SPIRITUAL AWAKENING - GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28-29
    “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh”

    We are in Pentecost season. The Spirit is being poured.
    God is waking people up through dreams, visions, and His Word.

    Why? Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint”
    When God stops speaking, people go wild. But God IS speaking.

    THE 3 VISIONS I SAW - GOD’S WARNING:
    RED 7 IN THE SKY - The Blood of Jesus. The work is finished. Time is short. Hebrews 9:12
    GREEN 7 ON THE WALL - Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. Ezekiel 37:9
    SKELETON - What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Dry bones. Ezekiel 37:11

    Application: Don’t chase the sign. HEAR THE SON. Hebrews 1:2

    -

    POINT 2: SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL - COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29, Psalm 51:10
    Revival is not hype. It’s not noise.
    Revival is when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus and to the Word. John 15:26

    2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people... turn from their wicked ways, then I will heal their land.”

    The Spirit was poured at Pentecost to make us like Jesus, not to make us famous.
    Ask God today: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

    ---

    POINT 3: REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY BEFORE GOD Acts 3:19, John 14:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16
    “The day is near. So what do we do?”

    A. REPENT Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out”
    Turn away from darkness. Turn to the Light.

    B. OBEY HIS WORD/COMMANDMENTS John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word”
    Love is not a feeling. Love is obedience.

    C. BE HOLY / BE PURE 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct”
    Why? Because we serve a Holy God. And Jesus is coming for a pure bride. Ephesians 5:26-27

    THE PROMISE: John 10:10 — “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”
    Obedience brings LIFE. Disobedience brings SKELETON.

    ---

    WARNING: DON'T MISS JESUS IN THE VISIONS Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1
    The enemy also gives signs. Matthew 24:24
    Test every vision: Does it lead you to Jesus? To the Cross? To Holiness? To the Word?

    My vision was not to glorify me. John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
    If a vision doesn’t make you love Jesus and obey His Word more, throw it away.

    ---

    CONCLUSION + ALTAR CALL: CHOOSE LIFE TODAY Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 24:44

    Church, the Red 7 says: THE BLOOD IS STILL SPEAKING. Hebrews 12:24
    The Green 7 says: THE SPIRIT IS STILL POURING. Acts 2:17
    The Skeleton says: WITHOUT THE SON, WE ARE DEAD. Ephesians 2:1

    Today God is saying:
    WAKE UP - Spiritual Awakening Romans 13:11
    CLEAN UP - Renewal + Repentance Psalm 51:10
    LINE UP - Obedience to the Word John 14:23
    SHOW UP - Holy and Pure for Jesus 1 Peter 1:16

    “We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience.” Ephesians 5:26
    SERMON TITLE: "HEAR THE SON IN THE LAST AGE" Text: Hebrews 1:1-2, Acts 2:17, Joel 2:28-31 INTRODUCTION: THE TIME WE ARE IN Brothers and Sisters, we are not guessing. We are in THE LAST DAYS. Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” Acts 2:17 — “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh... and your young men shall see visions” God promised visions in the last days. And He is doing it. I myself was shown 3 things: A RED 7 IN THE SKY, A GREEN 7 ON THE WALL, AND A SKELETON. But hear me: I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as REAGAN a servant& a witness of Jesus to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth. Testify to what I have seen Him do Acts 26:16 The goal of every vision is this: To bring you back to THE SON. John 3:30 POINT 1: SPIRITUAL AWAKENING - GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28-29 “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” We are in Pentecost season. The Spirit is being poured. God is waking people up through dreams, visions, and His Word. Why? Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint” When God stops speaking, people go wild. But God IS speaking. THE 3 VISIONS I SAW - GOD’S WARNING: RED 7 IN THE SKY - The Blood of Jesus. The work is finished. Time is short. Hebrews 9:12 GREEN 7 ON THE WALL - Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. Ezekiel 37:9 SKELETON - What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Dry bones. Ezekiel 37:11 Application: Don’t chase the sign. HEAR THE SON. Hebrews 1:2 - POINT 2: SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL - COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29, Psalm 51:10 Revival is not hype. It’s not noise. Revival is when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus and to the Word. John 15:26 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people... turn from their wicked ways, then I will heal their land.” The Spirit was poured at Pentecost to make us like Jesus, not to make us famous. Ask God today: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 --- POINT 3: REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY BEFORE GOD Acts 3:19, John 14:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16 “The day is near. So what do we do?” A. REPENT Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” Turn away from darkness. Turn to the Light. B. OBEY HIS WORD/COMMANDMENTS John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word” Love is not a feeling. Love is obedience. C. BE HOLY / BE PURE 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” Why? Because we serve a Holy God. And Jesus is coming for a pure bride. Ephesians 5:26-27 THE PROMISE: John 10:10 — “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” Obedience brings LIFE. Disobedience brings SKELETON. --- WARNING: DON'T MISS JESUS IN THE VISIONS Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1 The enemy also gives signs. Matthew 24:24 Test every vision: Does it lead you to Jesus? To the Cross? To Holiness? To the Word? My vision was not to glorify me. John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If a vision doesn’t make you love Jesus and obey His Word more, throw it away. --- CONCLUSION + ALTAR CALL: CHOOSE LIFE TODAY Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 24:44 Church, the Red 7 says: THE BLOOD IS STILL SPEAKING. Hebrews 12:24 The Green 7 says: THE SPIRIT IS STILL POURING. Acts 2:17 The Skeleton says: WITHOUT THE SON, WE ARE DEAD. Ephesians 2:1 Today God is saying: WAKE UP - Spiritual Awakening Romans 13:11 CLEAN UP - Renewal + Repentance Psalm 51:10 LINE UP - Obedience to the Word John 14:23 SHOW UP - Holy and Pure for Jesus 1 Peter 1:16 “We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience.” Ephesians 5:26
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26.
    "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION"

    ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT

    FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of Phillip Kotze name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too.

    Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation

    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *FROM FAME TO SHAME*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6.

    7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
    2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
    3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
    4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
    5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
    6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people.

    *1. Stealing Cursed Properties*

    a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”*
    b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided.

    *Question*

    Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command?

    *2. Self-Confidence and Pride*

    a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord.

    *Question*

    Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God?

    *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat*

    a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter.
    b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience.

    *Question*

    When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule .
    2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength .
    3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision .
    4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory .

    *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42.
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```


    *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_

    *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.*

    *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.*

    *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.*

    *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*


    Underestimating Sin's Deadliness
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE*
    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_

    *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.*

    *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.*

    *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.*

    *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_


    Christian Cleansing
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *REASONABLE SERVICE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```ROMANS 12:1-3```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_



    A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves:

    *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.*

    *(ii) Living a holy life.*

    During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form.

    Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God.

    *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8*



    Reasonable Service
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3

    The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer

    O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more.

    This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name.

    May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy.

    Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY
    WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026.
    "TRUST YOUR BIBLE, IT'S TRUE!"

    ‘…that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled...’ Matthew 26:56 NIV

    THE DEATH, burial and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled no less than twenty-nine different Old Testament prophecies. The odds of that happening are virtually impossible! Mathematician Peter Stoner explains it this way: ‘If you were to cover the state of Texas two feet deep in pound coins, then on one, place a mark. What is the probability that a blindfolded person could, on their first attempt, select that coin? That’s the likelihood of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one lifetime. And Jesus fulfilled twenty-nine of them in one day!’ Let’s look at some of the prophecies He fulfilled: 1) ‘…They pierced My hands and… feet’ (Psalms 22:16 NKJV). 2) ‘They divide my garments…and…cast lots’ (Psalms 22:18 NKJV). 3) ‘…in that day…I will make the sun go down at noon, and…darken the earth in…daylight’ (Amos 8:9 NKJV). Jesus predicted both His death and His resurrection. He told His critics, ‘…“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”…the temple he had spoken of was his body’ (John 2:19-21 NIV). Jesus orchestrated every event, including Judas’ betrayal, the high priest’s hypocrisy, and Peter’s denial. Why? ‘That the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ So you can trust your Bible because it’s true. And something else is true too. God is ‘…able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). Note the words ‘immeasurably more.’ What seems impossible to you at the moment, is all in a day’s work for Him. So start trusting Him to work on your behalf.

    Bible In A Year: Gal 4-6, Matt 19:1-14, Ps 119:113-120, Pro 18:10-12. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation
    *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*.

    MD.ii. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *THE PRICE OF DWELLING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND UNITY*

    *TEXT:* GENESIS 33:5-15.

    5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
    6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
    7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
    8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.
    9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.
    10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
    11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.
    12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
    13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
    14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
    15 And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.

    *Timeless Truth:*
    _"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"_ (Psalm 133:1).

    *INTRODUCTION*

    Love and unity are the indispensable catalysts of human relationships that make life worthwhile. Without these two graces, life ceases to have meaning and will breed heartaches, emotional troubles, bitter enmity and rivalries, anguish of the soul and all sorts of relational problems. The fulfilment and joy of natural and spiritual families, communities, nations etc rest on love and unity. *"Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"*. Satan's delight is to fuel relational problems and thereby make the earth another hell for relations. When the foundation of happy relationship and co-existence is destroyed, what shall the righteous do? The foundation of a happy and united family life of Isaac was broken and it had its toll on the children. Parental disunity and favoritism led to bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob. The result was not a sweet experience for each member of the family. After 20 years of separation between the children, the need for peace and unity, so as to end the ugly experience became imperative. They must be commended that they did not die in that situation. They allowed God and let go of their differences. What can we learn from them about how to build the broken walls and foundation of life and unity among brethren? Read on.

    *1. Bridge the Communication Gap*

    a. The main reason Jesus came to pay the ultimate price of redemption is to break the communication barrier between man and God due to sin. Once that barrier is broken, it will be possible to break the communication barrier among fellow brethren. The fact that Jesus paid this price underscores the importance of love and unity among brethren. No man can claim to be godly without conscious and deliberate commitment to living in peace and love with fellow brethren and neighbours. A graceless person will be content with disunity and loveless relationships while true grace makes true reconciliation possible. Jacob initiated it and this shows he had grace. He first settled the problem in the spiritual realm by wrestling with God on a lonely night at Jabbok. His personal encounter with God first changed his life, blew his ego to the wind of heaven, brought a deep transformation into his life and melted his hardened heart of deception. The change must start with you. The godly who desires to live at peace and pleases God must be ready to pray through until his heart is melted with the grace to forgive, forget and fall into the love of God. Ego or self is often the main problem that must bow in order to live at peace and unity.
    b. For the first time after 20 years, Jacob opted to take the lead by asking for a face to face meeting with his estranged brother and bridge the communication gap. *"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee?"*. Take the godly initiative and step: bridge the Communication Gap. Sink all your pride, anger, hatred, bitterness and desire for revenge at the cross and take the initiative. Unknown to him, Esau, though a violent man, secretly desired peace too. It only takes one to bell the cat. Surprisingly, the God of peace that had broken Jacob at the altar of prayer and grace had also dealt with Esau too. Broken communication became mended. *"And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant"*. In bringing peace to a troubled or broken relationship, there may be the need to bring a third party that is respected by both sides and has the wisdom and grace to mend relationships.

    *Question*

    Are you willing to please and bridge the communication gap with someone? How do you want to demonstrate your willingness?

    *2. Bind Your Character with Grace*

    a. Jacob had trained all his wives and children on how to show respect and give honour to the one who had been hurt and might be breathing out revenge and anger. It was not the time prove who was wrong or right. In reconciliation, self defence is minimized. *"Why do ye not rather accept wrong? Why not rather let yourselves suffer wrong and be deprived of what is your due? Why do you not rather take wrong?"* (1Corinthians 6:7). The crucified saint will be willing to accept blame even when he is not convinced that he is wrong for the sake of peace. This is where grace is also needed. *"Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves"*. All the people with Jacob went humbly and bowed to their Daddy's brother. Jacob had depoisoned the hearts of his people so that they could sincerely give the needed and expected honour to Esau. The peaceful person will not be a hypocritical person who will pretend to seek for peace and unity and privately he will be poisoning the hearts of others.
    b. Humility is an essential part of living in love and unity and building again love and unity in a broken relationship. Many apologies, though may be simple, have a way of healing hurt hearts and broken bones and barriers in relationships. It takes humility to bend when the other person is standing on his points which may even be wrong and unacceptable altogether. *"The fruit of peace is shown by them which make peace"*. *"Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of GOD"*.

    *Question*

    Are you willing to pay the price of love and unity so that your life receives the immeasurable blessings of obedience to God or you still want to stick to your gun and end up in perdition?

    *3. Bless Your Companion With Gifts*

    God paid the price of reconciliation with man by giving us the gift of Jesus Christ and all other spiritual and earthly gifts and blessings. True reconciliation must also be sealed up with exchange and acceptance of godly and helpful gifts. Jacob was smart to have prepared gifts for Esau ahead of their encounter. In fact, at first, Esau wanted to wisely reject the gifts. If he had refused, then know that the problem was only solved superficially. *"And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord"*. The Scripture says, *"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men"* (Proverbs 18:16). It is not how much that is affordable, but the heart of love and reconciliation that is behind it. Jacob insisted that the gift should be taken though Esau himself was well to do. *"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it"*. Look at the choice of words of wisdom and humility of Jacob. He was not using words that will fuel the ember of hatred, but words that will calm down nerves. *"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1). Apart from exchanging and acceptance of gifts and visits, true reconciliation will also be manifested by willingness to walk together and experience godly partnership. *"And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go"*.

    *Question*

    How genuine was your previous reconciliation with others?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Father, examine my heart, expose and remove all tendencies in me contrary to abiding in love and unity .
    2.Lord, give me a definite life changing encounter like Jacob that will make me full of grace to initiate and advance peace and love in my family, church and community .
    3.Make me a peacemaker and promoter of reconciliation among people .
    4.Lord, visit all families with broken relationships and help all to open up to true communication and reconciliations .

    *HYMN:* Let love be among us

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42.
    [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026```


    *ENDURING RECONCILIATION* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:GENESIS 33:5-15```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant" (GENESIS 33:5).*_

    *After the horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda focused heavily on national reconciliation. The Gacaca Courts, a system of community-based justice, allowed perpetrators of the genocide to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness, while victims could voice their suffering. The emphasis on unity and a shared vision for rebuilding the country contributed to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and the avoidance of further ethnic conflict. Although there are ongoing challenges, the national narrative of "unity and reconciliation" has continued to play a central role in Rwanda's politics and society.*

    *Jacob had lived for years under the shadow of a broken relationship with his brother, Esau. Their past was filled with deceit, betrayal, and conflict. Having stolen Esau's birth right and blessing, the resultant rift was so deep that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. After years of separation, Jacob now had to face Esau, but with trepidation and fear of retribution. However, what ensued was a stunning picture of grace and a lasting reconciliation, with no record of relapse into hostilities.*

    *Their reconciliation must have been mutual. That "... Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept" showed his willingness to forgive Jacob and let go of his anger and bitterness, and the pain of the past - a rare display of grace. On the other hand, Jacob exemplifies a posture of humility. His bowing before Esau, offering gifts of homage, and acknowledging his wrongs demonstrate the humility required for true reconciliation.*

    *We are called to the same grace and reconciliation that Jacob and Esau experienced. Perhaps there are areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. We are called to extend grace, even when the hurt is deep.*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Reconciliation draws the curtain on a dark past and opens a door for a brighter future.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 39-42*


    Enduring Reconciliation
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 232: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS; GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; AND GHS 75: THE CHURCH'S IS ONE FOUNDATION*

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna19thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *SNUB SATAN* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🫷🏽🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JAMES 4:4-8```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (JAMES 4:7).*_

    *The end of all things draws nearer and nearer every day. This should make us think deeply about the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the impending punishment that would be unleashed on sinners who have chosen to remain adamant and unrepentant now.*

    *The signs of the last days are visible - increased wickedness all over the world, surging compromise of faith among believers, and so on. The devil is out there like a roaring lion looking for those he could devour. Would you snub him or fall into his snares?*

    *Beloved, the time we are in now calls for patience and perseverance. Some have given up already because they have fallen into the hands of the devil by believing it is impossible to maintain their faith considering the pressure associated with this perilous time.*

    *Friend, please hold on to the faith, snub the devil, and keep marching forward. Remember that Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity because she could not snub Satan and resist the temptation of looking back. On the other hand, the young Joseph snubbed Satan by resisting Potiphar's wife's invitation to sin.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Stand firm and snub the devil.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to the faith.*_


    Snub Satan
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday19thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣)*_

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *JOHN'S TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```JOHN 1:29-34```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).*_



    The Bible refers to John the Baptist as the forerunner who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Though John was born before Jesus, he was not greater than Jesus. In fact, John himself declared that someone greater than him would come after, and he was not even qualified to untie his shoe latchet.

    This is to show the high esteem in which John rightly placed Jesus. John proclaimed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. He told the people that Jesus was before him, meaning that Jesus had been before the time of creation.

    John was baptizing people in River Jordan, and it was he who also baptized Jesus Christ. John did not know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit descended and stayed on Christ at His baptism. He diverted attention away from himself, and made men to see Jesus Christ as *"...the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."*

    *Do you know Jesus? Can you point to Him that He is your Friend, Saviour and Lord? If your answer is No, then surrender your life to Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you all your sins. Tell Him to be your Friend and tell others about Him everywhere you go.*



    ```rayer:``` _*Lord Jesus, please take away my sins and make me Your friend today.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Matthew 3:1-12*


    John's Testimony About Jesus
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#SincereMilk19thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
    *#BibleNuggets*
    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but Manikya Kumar one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14

    Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick

    O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

    This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God.

    As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19, 2026. "TRUST YOUR BIBLE, IT'S TRUE!" ‘…that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled...’ Matthew 26:56 NIV THE DEATH, burial and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled no less than twenty-nine different Old Testament prophecies. The odds of that happening are virtually impossible! Mathematician Peter Stoner explains it this way: ‘If you were to cover the state of Texas two feet deep in pound coins, then on one, place a mark. What is the probability that a blindfolded person could, on their first attempt, select that coin? That’s the likelihood of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one lifetime. And Jesus fulfilled twenty-nine of them in one day!’ Let’s look at some of the prophecies He fulfilled: 1) ‘…They pierced My hands and… feet’ (Psalms 22:16 NKJV). 2) ‘They divide my garments…and…cast lots’ (Psalms 22:18 NKJV). 3) ‘…in that day…I will make the sun go down at noon, and…darken the earth in…daylight’ (Amos 8:9 NKJV). Jesus predicted both His death and His resurrection. He told His critics, ‘…“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”…the temple he had spoken of was his body’ (John 2:19-21 NIV). Jesus orchestrated every event, including Judas’ betrayal, the high priest’s hypocrisy, and Peter’s denial. Why? ‘That the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ So you can trust your Bible because it’s true. And something else is true too. God is ‘…able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). Note the words ‘immeasurably more.’ What seems impossible to you at the moment, is all in a day’s work for Him. So start trusting Him to work on your behalf. Bible In A Year: Gal 4-6, Matt 19:1-14, Ps 119:113-120, Pro 18:10-12. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*💝🌹🌷🎀. MD.ii. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE PRICE OF DWELLING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND UNITY* *TEXT:* GENESIS 33:5-15. 5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. 6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. 8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. 9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. 10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. 11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. 12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee. 13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. 14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. 15 And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. *Timeless Truth:* _"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"_ (Psalm 133:1). *INTRODUCTION* Love and unity are the indispensable catalysts of human relationships that make life worthwhile. Without these two graces, life ceases to have meaning and will breed heartaches, emotional troubles, bitter enmity and rivalries, anguish of the soul and all sorts of relational problems. The fulfilment and joy of natural and spiritual families, communities, nations etc rest on love and unity. *"Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"*. Satan's delight is to fuel relational problems and thereby make the earth another hell for relations. When the foundation of happy relationship and co-existence is destroyed, what shall the righteous do? The foundation of a happy and united family life of Isaac was broken and it had its toll on the children. Parental disunity and favoritism led to bitter rivalry between Esau and Jacob. The result was not a sweet experience for each member of the family. After 20 years of separation between the children, the need for peace and unity, so as to end the ugly experience became imperative. They must be commended that they did not die in that situation. They allowed God and let go of their differences. What can we learn from them about how to build the broken walls and foundation of life and unity among brethren? Read on. *1. Bridge the Communication Gap* a. The main reason Jesus came to pay the ultimate price of redemption is to break the communication barrier between man and God due to sin. Once that barrier is broken, it will be possible to break the communication barrier among fellow brethren. The fact that Jesus paid this price underscores the importance of love and unity among brethren. No man can claim to be godly without conscious and deliberate commitment to living in peace and love with fellow brethren and neighbours. A graceless person will be content with disunity and loveless relationships while true grace makes true reconciliation possible. Jacob initiated it and this shows he had grace. He first settled the problem in the spiritual realm by wrestling with God on a lonely night at Jabbok. His personal encounter with God first changed his life, blew his ego to the wind of heaven, brought a deep transformation into his life and melted his hardened heart of deception. The change must start with you. The godly who desires to live at peace and pleases God must be ready to pray through until his heart is melted with the grace to forgive, forget and fall into the love of God. Ego or self is often the main problem that must bow in order to live at peace and unity. b. For the first time after 20 years, Jacob opted to take the lead by asking for a face to face meeting with his estranged brother and bridge the communication gap. *"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee?"*. Take the godly initiative and step: bridge the Communication Gap. Sink all your pride, anger, hatred, bitterness and desire for revenge at the cross and take the initiative. Unknown to him, Esau, though a violent man, secretly desired peace too. It only takes one to bell the cat. Surprisingly, the God of peace that had broken Jacob at the altar of prayer and grace had also dealt with Esau too. Broken communication became mended. *"And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant"*. In bringing peace to a troubled or broken relationship, there may be the need to bring a third party that is respected by both sides and has the wisdom and grace to mend relationships. *Question* Are you willing to please and bridge the communication gap with someone? How do you want to demonstrate your willingness? *2. Bind Your Character with Grace* a. Jacob had trained all his wives and children on how to show respect and give honour to the one who had been hurt and might be breathing out revenge and anger. It was not the time prove who was wrong or right. In reconciliation, self defence is minimized. *"Why do ye not rather accept wrong? Why not rather let yourselves suffer wrong and be deprived of what is your due? Why do you not rather take wrong?"* (1Corinthians 6:7). The crucified saint will be willing to accept blame even when he is not convinced that he is wrong for the sake of peace. This is where grace is also needed. *"Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves"*. All the people with Jacob went humbly and bowed to their Daddy's brother. Jacob had depoisoned the hearts of his people so that they could sincerely give the needed and expected honour to Esau. The peaceful person will not be a hypocritical person who will pretend to seek for peace and unity and privately he will be poisoning the hearts of others. b. Humility is an essential part of living in love and unity and building again love and unity in a broken relationship. Many apologies, though may be simple, have a way of healing hurt hearts and broken bones and barriers in relationships. It takes humility to bend when the other person is standing on his points which may even be wrong and unacceptable altogether. *"The fruit of peace is shown by them which make peace"*. *"Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of GOD"*. *Question* Are you willing to pay the price of love and unity so that your life receives the immeasurable blessings of obedience to God or you still want to stick to your gun and end up in perdition? *3. Bless Your Companion With Gifts* God paid the price of reconciliation with man by giving us the gift of Jesus Christ and all other spiritual and earthly gifts and blessings. True reconciliation must also be sealed up with exchange and acceptance of godly and helpful gifts. Jacob was smart to have prepared gifts for Esau ahead of their encounter. In fact, at first, Esau wanted to wisely reject the gifts. If he had refused, then know that the problem was only solved superficially. *"And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord"*. The Scripture says, *"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men"* (Proverbs 18:16). It is not how much that is affordable, but the heart of love and reconciliation that is behind it. Jacob insisted that the gift should be taken though Esau himself was well to do. *"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it"*. Look at the choice of words of wisdom and humility of Jacob. He was not using words that will fuel the ember of hatred, but words that will calm down nerves. *"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1). Apart from exchanging and acceptance of gifts and visits, true reconciliation will also be manifested by willingness to walk together and experience godly partnership. *"And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go"*. *Question* How genuine was your previous reconciliation with others? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, examine my heart, expose and remove all tendencies in me contrary to abiding in love and unity 🙏. 2.Lord, give me a definite life changing encounter like Jacob that will make me full of grace to initiate and advance peace and love in my family, church and community 🙏. 3.Make me a peacemaker and promoter of reconciliation among people 🙏. 4.Lord, visit all families with broken relationships and help all to open up to true communication and reconciliations 🙏. *HYMN:* Let love be among us *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ENDURING RECONCILIATION* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👥🫂🤝🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:GENESIS 33:5-15```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant" (GENESIS 33:5).*_ *After the horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda focused heavily on national reconciliation. The Gacaca Courts, a system of community-based justice, allowed perpetrators of the genocide to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness, while victims could voice their suffering. The emphasis on unity and a shared vision for rebuilding the country contributed to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and the avoidance of further ethnic conflict. Although there are ongoing challenges, the national narrative of "unity and reconciliation" has continued to play a central role in Rwanda's politics and society.* *Jacob had lived for years under the shadow of a broken relationship with his brother, Esau. Their past was filled with deceit, betrayal, and conflict. Having stolen Esau's birth right and blessing, the resultant rift was so deep that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. After years of separation, Jacob now had to face Esau, but with trepidation and fear of retribution. However, what ensued was a stunning picture of grace and a lasting reconciliation, with no record of relapse into hostilities.* *Their reconciliation must have been mutual. That "... Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept" showed his willingness to forgive Jacob and let go of his anger and bitterness, and the pain of the past - a rare display of grace. On the other hand, Jacob exemplifies a posture of humility. His bowing before Esau, offering gifts of homage, and acknowledging his wrongs demonstrate the humility required for true reconciliation.* *We are called to the same grace and reconciliation that Jacob and Esau experienced. Perhaps there are areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. We are called to extend grace, even when the hurt is deep.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Reconciliation draws the curtain on a dark past and opens a door for a brighter future.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 39-42*📜📜 Enduring Reconciliation https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 232: BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS; GHS 117: SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS; AND GHS 75: THE CHURCH'S IS ONE FOUNDATION* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *SNUB SATAN* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️👿👺❌🫷🏽🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JAMES 4:4-8```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (JAMES 4:7).*_ *The end of all things draws nearer and nearer every day. This should make us think deeply about the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the impending punishment that would be unleashed on sinners who have chosen to remain adamant and unrepentant now.* *The signs of the last days are visible - increased wickedness all over the world, surging compromise of faith among believers, and so on. The devil is out there like a roaring lion looking for those he could devour. Would you snub him or fall into his snares?* *Beloved, the time we are in now calls for patience and perseverance. Some have given up already because they have fallen into the hands of the devil by believing it is impossible to maintain their faith considering the pressure associated with this perilous time.* *Friend, please hold on to the faith, snub the devil, and keep marching forward. Remember that Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity because she could not snub Satan and resist the temptation of looking back. On the other hand, the young Joseph snubbed Satan by resisting Potiphar's wife's invitation to sin.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Lot's wife missed a blissful eternity.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Stand firm and snub the devil.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to hold on to the faith.*_ Snub Satan https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [18/08, 9:45 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026``` *JOHN'S TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🗣️📢📣🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```JOHN 1:29-34```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 The Bible refers to John the Baptist as the forerunner who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Though John was born before Jesus, he was not greater than Jesus. In fact, John himself declared that someone greater than him would come after, and he was not even qualified to untie his shoe latchet. This is to show the high esteem in which John rightly placed Jesus. John proclaimed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. He told the people that Jesus was before him, meaning that Jesus had been before the time of creation. John was baptizing people in River Jordan, and it was he who also baptized Jesus Christ. John did not know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit descended and stayed on Christ at His baptism. He diverted attention away from himself, and made men to see Jesus Christ as *"...the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."* *Do you know Jesus? Can you point to Him that He is your Friend, Saviour and Lord? If your answer is No, then surrender your life to Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you all your sins. Tell Him to be your Friend and tell others about Him everywhere you go.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord Jesus, please take away my sins and make me Your friend today.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Matthew 3:1-12* John's Testimony About Jesus https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk19thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14 Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God. As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age"
    Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18

    INTRODUCTION
    We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”

    God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton.
    But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things:
    Feed His sheep with truth
    Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16

    And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
    So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son.

    1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW
    Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.”
    Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...”

    The visions are not the message. The Son is.
    RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete.

    GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house.

    SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11

    Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
    God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son.

    If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything.

    2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD
    Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

    Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus.
    Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.”
    The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26

    So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.”

    3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT
    Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”
    The day is near. So what do we do?

    Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
    John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.”
    1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.”
    1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

    We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience.
    Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...”

    4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES
    Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age.

    And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age.
    Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.”

    My calling is not a title. It’s to testify.
    And the testimony must always end at the cross.
    Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    CLOSING CALL + PRAYER
    Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7.
    Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him?

    Prayer:
    Father, speak. We are listening.
    Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You.
    Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet.
    Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus.
    Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20


    Summary to Remember
    Visions → to get our attention
    The Son → to get our obedience
    Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness

    Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.
    SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age" Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18 INTRODUCTION We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton. But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16 And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son. 1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...” The visions are not the message. The Son is. RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete. GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11 Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son. If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything. 2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus. Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.” The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26 So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.” 3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” The day is near. So what do we do? Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.” 1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...” 4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age. And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age. Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” My calling is not a title. It’s to testify. And the testimony must always end at the cross. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” CLOSING CALL + PRAYER Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7. Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him? Prayer: Father, speak. We are listening. Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You. Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet. Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus. Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20 Summary to Remember Visions → to get our attention The Son → to get our obedience Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.
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  • SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age"
    Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18

    INTRODUCTION
    We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”

    God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton.
    But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things:
    Feed His sheep with truth
    Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16

    And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
    So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son.

    1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW
    Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.”
    Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...”

    The visions are not the message. The Son is.
    RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete.

    GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house.

    SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11

    Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
    God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son.

    If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything.

    2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD
    Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

    Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus.
    Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.”
    The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26

    So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.”

    3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT
    Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”
    The day is near. So what do we do?

    Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
    John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.”
    1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.”
    1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

    We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience.
    Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...”

    4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES
    Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age.

    And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age.
    Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.”

    My calling is not a title. It’s to testify.
    And the testimony must always end at the cross.
    Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    CLOSING CALL + PRAYER
    Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7.
    Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him?

    Prayer:
    Father, speak. We are listening.
    Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You.
    Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet.
    Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus.
    Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20


    Summary to Remember
    Visions → to get our attention
    The Son → to get our obedience
    Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness

    Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.
    SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age" Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18 INTRODUCTION We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton. But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16 And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son. 1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...” The visions are not the message. The Son is. RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete. GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11 Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son. If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything. 2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus. Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.” The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26 So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.” 3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” The day is near. So what do we do? Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.” 1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...” 4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age. And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age. Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” My calling is not a title. It’s to testify. And the testimony must always end at the cross. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” CLOSING CALL + PRAYER Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7. Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him? Prayer: Father, speak. We are listening. Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You. Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet. Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus. Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20 Summary to Remember Visions → to get our attention The Son → to get our obedience Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.
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  • SERMON TITLE: "He Must Increase& l decrease:

    Am Reagan a servant & a Witness of Jesus in this Last Age"
    Key Texts: John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Revelation 1:1-3, Joel 2:28, Hebrews 1:2, Matthew 24:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16



    INTRODUCTION
    Church, we are living in the last age.
    God is speaking again — Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
    And He is still pouring out His Spirit — Joel 2:28 — “your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.”

    The Lord showed me 3 things( visions): Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and then a skeleton after they vanished.
    I’m not here to be called a title. I’m here for one reason: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
    I am a servant to feed His sheep truth. A witness to testify to what I have seen Him.
    And the message is for you now: Awaken. Renew. Repent. Obey. Be pure. Jesus is coming.

    1. AWAKENING: HEAR THE SON-- GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH THE SON.

    Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.”

    Proverbs29:18 .. ' without visions people perish."

    MESSAGE of the Red 7 vision in the sky — Red speaks of blood. 7 speaks of completion.
    This is heaven’s warning: The blood of Jesus has finished the work, and the time is complete. Joel 2:30-31 — “wonders in heavens... before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”
    God is saying: Wake up. The Judge is at the door. James 5:9

    We cannot sleep in sin when heaven is writing in the sky.
    Romans 13:11 — “it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

    2. RENEWAL & REVIVAL: LIFE ON THE WALL
    Green 7 vision on the wall — Green is life, growth, restoration. The wall is God’s house, the boundary of His people. Ezekiel 22:30 — “I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach.”

    God is calling for renewal. Not new methods. New hearts.
    Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
    Ezekiel 37:4 — “Prophesy to these bones... O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”

    This is revival: When God’s Word brings life back to dead places.
    But it only comes when we return to the Word and the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”

    3. REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE: OR THE SKELETON REMAINS
    Skeleton vision. ,after they vanished. skeleton vision— When the warning of blood and the offer of life are ignored, what’s left is death.
    Ezekiel 37:11 — “These bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up.’”

    This is the danger of the last age: Religious, but dead. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead.”

    The answer is not more activity. It’s repentance.
    Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
    John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.”

    Obedience is proof of love. Purity is proof of waiting.
    1 John 3:3 — “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
    1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”

    4. THE WITNESS: TESTIFY OF HIM, NOT OF SELF
    Acts 26:16 — “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.”

    This is my calling in the last age. Not platforms. Not titles. Witnesses.
    Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    Every vision, every warning, every sermon must point to Jesus.
    John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
    If people leave remembering me, I failed. If they leave hungry for Jesus, I succeeded.

    Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

    APPLICATION: 4 STEPS TO BE READY
    Awaken - Get out of spiritual sleep. Watch and pray. Mark 13:33
    Renew - Ask God to revive your first love. Revelation 2:4-5
    Repent + Obey - Turn from sin. Walk in the Word. James 1:22
    Purify - Live holy as thy God is Holy God.
    SERMON TITLE: "He Must Increase& l decrease: Am Reagan a servant & a Witness of Jesus in this Last Age" Key Texts: John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Revelation 1:1-3, Joel 2:28, Hebrews 1:2, Matthew 24:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16 INTRODUCTION Church, we are living in the last age. God is speaking again — Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” And He is still pouring out His Spirit — Joel 2:28 — “your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” The Lord showed me 3 things( visions): Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and then a skeleton after they vanished. I’m not here to be called a title. I’m here for one reason: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” I am a servant to feed His sheep truth. A witness to testify to what I have seen Him. And the message is for you now: Awaken. Renew. Repent. Obey. Be pure. Jesus is coming. 1. AWAKENING: HEAR THE SON-- GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH THE SON. Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” Proverbs29:18 .. ' without visions people perish." MESSAGE of the Red 7 vision in the sky — Red speaks of blood. 7 speaks of completion. This is heaven’s warning: The blood of Jesus has finished the work, and the time is complete. Joel 2:30-31 — “wonders in heavens... before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” God is saying: Wake up. The Judge is at the door. James 5:9 We cannot sleep in sin when heaven is writing in the sky. Romans 13:11 — “it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” 2. RENEWAL & REVIVAL: LIFE ON THE WALL Green 7 vision on the wall — Green is life, growth, restoration. The wall is God’s house, the boundary of His people. Ezekiel 22:30 — “I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach.” God is calling for renewal. Not new methods. New hearts. Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Ezekiel 37:4 — “Prophesy to these bones... O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” This is revival: When God’s Word brings life back to dead places. But it only comes when we return to the Word and the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” 3. REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE: OR THE SKELETON REMAINS Skeleton vision. ,after they vanished. skeleton vision— When the warning of blood and the offer of life are ignored, what’s left is death. Ezekiel 37:11 — “These bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up.’” This is the danger of the last age: Religious, but dead. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead.” The answer is not more activity. It’s repentance. Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” Obedience is proof of love. Purity is proof of waiting. 1 John 3:3 — “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 4. THE WITNESS: TESTIFY OF HIM, NOT OF SELF Acts 26:16 — “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” This is my calling in the last age. Not platforms. Not titles. Witnesses. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Every vision, every warning, every sermon must point to Jesus. John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If people leave remembering me, I failed. If they leave hungry for Jesus, I succeeded. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” APPLICATION: 4 STEPS TO BE READY Awaken - Get out of spiritual sleep. Watch and pray. Mark 13:33 Renew - Ask God to revive your first love. Revelation 2:4-5 Repent + Obey - Turn from sin. Walk in the Word. James 1:22 Purify - Live holy as thy God is Holy God.
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  • THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD

    By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

    Introduction

    We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society.

    Yet, the Christian is called to live differently.

    Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

    The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone.

    A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them.

    1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS

    One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity.

    The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society.

    1 Peter 2:9 says:

    «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”»

    You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession.

    When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable.

    Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you.

    You belong to Christ.

    2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD

    A changing world needs an unchanging standard.

    Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

    God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging.

    The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world.

    We must therefore become students of the Word.

    Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said.

    People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change.

    But the Word of our God stands forever.

    3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM

    Romans 12:2 says:

    «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”»

    There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world.

    Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it.

    This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society.

    We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions.

    You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt.

    You can live among people who compromise without compromising.

    You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light.

    4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

    A challenging world requires spiritual strength.

    Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

    Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience.

    There are battles that human strength cannot win.

    Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience.

    A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise.

    Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father.

    We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him.

    5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH

    Challenges are part of the journey.

    James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity.

    This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us.

    Sometimes God changes the situation.

    Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it.

    Sometimes He uses the situation to change us.

    Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith.

    Your trial is not the end of your story.

    The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you.

    David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence.

    Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him.

    The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone.

    God remains faithful in the fire.

    6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART

    Proverbs 4:23 says:

    «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”»

    The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism.

    If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us.

    That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate.

    Not everything that is popular is profitable.

    Not everything that is trending is godly.

    Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.

    A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary.

    7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD

    Jesus said in Matthew 5:14:

    “You are the light of the world.”

    Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.”

    He said, “You are the light.”

    Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines.

    The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ.

    Your workplace should experience your integrity.

    Your family should experience your love.

    Your community should experience your kindness.

    Your generation should see Christ through your character.

    We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives.

    8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD

    A challenging world is also a hurting world.

    People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion.

    The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love.

    Jesus said in John 13:35:

    “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

    Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities.

    We must love.

    We must forgive.

    We must encourage.

    We must help.

    We must show compassion.

    Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting.

    9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY

    One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things.

    Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal.

    This world is not our final destination.

    Our possessions are temporary.

    Our positions are temporary.

    Our earthly achievements are temporary.

    But eternity is forever.

    Therefore, we must live with eternity in view.

    Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul.

    Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure.

    Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause.

    10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP

    Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit.

    Galatians 6:9 says:

    «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”»

    There may be moments when you feel tired.

    There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered.

    There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle.

    But keep going.

    Keep praying.

    Keep believing.

    Keep serving.

    Keep loving.

    Keep trusting God.

    Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life.

    CONCLUSION

    The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God.

    We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him.

    We are called to stand when others fall.

    To shine when others walk in darkness.

    To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular.

    To demonstrate love when hatred increases.

    To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult.

    And to remain faithful until the end.

    Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16:

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful.

    The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed.

    The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient.

    The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine.

    Therefore, stand firm.

    Stay prayerful.

    Stay in the Word.

    Stay holy.

    Stay humble.

    Stay faithful.

    And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.

    PRAYER

    Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.

    — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
    #LifeofaChristian
    #PJCares
    THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah Introduction We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society. Yet, the Christian is called to live differently. Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV). The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone. A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them. 1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity. The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society. 1 Peter 2:9 says: «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”» You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable. Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you. You belong to Christ. 2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD A changing world needs an unchanging standard. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging. The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world. We must therefore become students of the Word. Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said. People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change. But the Word of our God stands forever. 3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM Romans 12:2 says: «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”» There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it. This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society. We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions. You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt. You can live among people who compromise without compromising. You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light. 4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH A challenging world requires spiritual strength. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience. There are battles that human strength cannot win. Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise. Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father. We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him. 5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH Challenges are part of the journey. James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity. This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it. Sometimes He uses the situation to change us. Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith. Your trial is not the end of your story. The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you. David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence. Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him. The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. God remains faithful in the fire. 6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART Proverbs 4:23 says: «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”» The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism. If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us. That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate. Not everything that is popular is profitable. Not everything that is trending is godly. Not every opportunity is an assignment from God. A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary. 7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD Jesus said in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.” He said, “You are the light.” Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines. The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ. Your workplace should experience your integrity. Your family should experience your love. Your community should experience your kindness. Your generation should see Christ through your character. We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives. 8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD A challenging world is also a hurting world. People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion. The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities. We must love. We must forgive. We must encourage. We must help. We must show compassion. Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting. 9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal. This world is not our final destination. Our possessions are temporary. Our positions are temporary. Our earthly achievements are temporary. But eternity is forever. Therefore, we must live with eternity in view. Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul. Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure. Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause. 10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit. Galatians 6:9 says: «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”» There may be moments when you feel tired. There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered. There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle. But keep going. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep trusting God. Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life. CONCLUSION The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God. We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him. We are called to stand when others fall. To shine when others walk in darkness. To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular. To demonstrate love when hatred increases. To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult. And to remain faithful until the end. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful. The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed. The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient. The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine. Therefore, stand firm. Stay prayerful. Stay in the Word. Stay holy. Stay humble. Stay faithful. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. PRAYER Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah #LifeofaChristian #PJCares
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  • Sermon Title: "FEED MY SHEEP, NOT YOUR AGENDA"
    Key Texts: Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

    INTRODUCTION
    The Lord is asking the same question today He asked Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” John 21:17
    But in this last age, many shepherds have left the sheep to chase the world.
    And many sheep have left holiness to chase prosperity.
    Both are losing the eternal gift.

    1. WARNING TO SHEPHERDS: YOU LEFT THE HEART OF THE LORD
    Ezekiel 34:2-4 — “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed... and you have not sought the lost.”

    God’s heart for His people is:
    Feed them the Word, not opinions
    Heal the broken, not use them
    Seek the lost, not ignore them

    But some shepherds today have “given into the world and its things.”
    Jeremiah 23:1 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.

    Why? Because it’s not sanctified. Ministry without holiness becomes business.
    John 10:13 — The hireling sees the wolf and flees because he cares nothing for the sheep.

    God’s warning: Ezekiel 34:10 — “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand.”

    2. WARNING TO THE CHURCH: YOU LEFT HOLINESS FOR PROSPERITY
    The message says: “saved church not clinging to holiness bcos jealous, hatred, gossip and not obeying the word... itching ears for prosperity gospel instead of soul eager for sanctification gospel.”

    This is exactly what Paul warned:
    2 Timothy 4:3-4 — “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

    Holiness is being traded for hype.
    Hebrews 12:14 — “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

    Signs of a church that left holiness:
    Jealousy and hatred - Galatians 5:19-21 works of the flesh
    Gossip - Proverbs 16:28 separates close friends
    Disobedience to the Word - James 1:22 “be doers of the word”
    Prosperity over the Cross - 1 Peter 2:2 “long for the pure spiritual milk”

    When we chase blessings more than the Blesser, we lose the eternal gift: sanctification and seeing God.

    3. GOD’S CALL BACK: RETURN TO THE SHEPHERD
    1 Peter 5:2-4 — “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

    To Shepherds:
    Repent. Return to feeding, not fleecing. Acts 20:28 — “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.”

    To the Church:
    1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
    Holiness is not legalism. It is love. It is being set apart for God.

    Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

    CLOSING PRAYER
    Father, forgive us.
    Forgive shepherds who fed themselves and left Your sheep. Put back in us the heart of the Lord for Your people.
    Forgive Your church for chasing prosperity and ignoring sanctification. Create in us clean hearts.
    Let us hunger for Your Word, not myths. Let us love holiness, not gossip and jealousy.
    Make us a people ready for Jesus. In His Name, Amen.

    SHEPHERDS AND HOLINESS:

    Message:
    This is a warning and a call. Ezekiel 34: shepherds, return to the heart of the Lord for His people. Don’t feed yourself and leave the sheep.
    Church, Hebrews 12:14 — pursue holiness. Don’t trade sanctification for prosperity. Jealousy, gossip, disobedience
    Sermon Title: "FEED MY SHEEP, NOT YOUR AGENDA" Key Texts: Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 INTRODUCTION The Lord is asking the same question today He asked Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” John 21:17 But in this last age, many shepherds have left the sheep to chase the world. And many sheep have left holiness to chase prosperity. Both are losing the eternal gift. 1. WARNING TO SHEPHERDS: YOU LEFT THE HEART OF THE LORD Ezekiel 34:2-4 — “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed... and you have not sought the lost.” God’s heart for His people is: Feed them the Word, not opinions Heal the broken, not use them Seek the lost, not ignore them But some shepherds today have “given into the world and its things.” Jeremiah 23:1 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Why? Because it’s not sanctified. Ministry without holiness becomes business. John 10:13 — The hireling sees the wolf and flees because he cares nothing for the sheep. God’s warning: Ezekiel 34:10 — “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand.” 2. WARNING TO THE CHURCH: YOU LEFT HOLINESS FOR PROSPERITY The message says: “saved church not clinging to holiness bcos jealous, hatred, gossip and not obeying the word... itching ears for prosperity gospel instead of soul eager for sanctification gospel.” This is exactly what Paul warned: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” Holiness is being traded for hype. Hebrews 12:14 — “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Signs of a church that left holiness: Jealousy and hatred - Galatians 5:19-21 works of the flesh Gossip - Proverbs 16:28 separates close friends Disobedience to the Word - James 1:22 “be doers of the word” Prosperity over the Cross - 1 Peter 2:2 “long for the pure spiritual milk” When we chase blessings more than the Blesser, we lose the eternal gift: sanctification and seeing God. 3. GOD’S CALL BACK: RETURN TO THE SHEPHERD 1 Peter 5:2-4 — “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” To Shepherds: Repent. Return to feeding, not fleecing. Acts 20:28 — “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” To the Church: 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” Holiness is not legalism. It is love. It is being set apart for God. Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” CLOSING PRAYER Father, forgive us. Forgive shepherds who fed themselves and left Your sheep. Put back in us the heart of the Lord for Your people. Forgive Your church for chasing prosperity and ignoring sanctification. Create in us clean hearts. Let us hunger for Your Word, not myths. Let us love holiness, not gossip and jealousy. Make us a people ready for Jesus. In His Name, Amen. SHEPHERDS AND HOLINESS: Message: This is a warning and a call. Ezekiel 34: shepherds, return to the heart of the Lord for His people. Don’t feed yourself and leave the sheep. Church, Hebrews 12:14 — pursue holiness. Don’t trade sanctification for prosperity. Jealousy, gossip, disobedience
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