• “Don’t let yesterday’s burden become today’s barrier to tomorrow’s miracle.”

    Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us…”

    This verse tells us not only to lay aside sin, but also to lay aside “every weight.” Because burdens can become a definite hindrance to reaching the purpose and destiny God has set before us.

    If we continue carrying the wounds, disappointments, rejection, failures, guilt, bitterness, worries, and the inability to forgive others from our past, we cannot run with complete faith on the new path God has placed before us.

    God brought Lot and his family out of destruction. As they left Sodom, God clearly commanded them not to look back.

    But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
    (Genesis 19:26)

    Her feet were moving forward, but her heart was being pulled backward.

    This is also a warning for us.

    God may have brought you out of an old situation. But if you continue carrying old wounds and memories, your body may move forward while your heart remains stuck in the past.

    Run away from sin.
    Lay your burdens before God.
    Stop constantly dwelling on the past, and run toward the future God has prepared for you.

    Your past does not have to become the verdict of your future. God still has a path for you; there is still a race to run, a goal to reach, and a miracle ahead of you.

    Don’t carry yesterday’s burden while running toward tomorrow’s miracle. Lay it at the feet of God and run!

    When the burden becomes lighter, the race becomes faster.
    When the heart is set free, faith becomes stronger.

    The moment you surrender your burden to God can become the beginning of your new race!

    Hepsi Sam
    “Don’t let yesterday’s burden become today’s barrier to tomorrow’s miracle.” Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” This verse tells us not only to lay aside sin, but also to lay aside “every weight.” Because burdens can become a definite hindrance to reaching the purpose and destiny God has set before us. If we continue carrying the wounds, disappointments, rejection, failures, guilt, bitterness, worries, and the inability to forgive others from our past, we cannot run with complete faith on the new path God has placed before us. God brought Lot and his family out of destruction. As they left Sodom, God clearly commanded them not to look back. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) Her feet were moving forward, but her heart was being pulled backward. This is also a warning for us. God may have brought you out of an old situation. But if you continue carrying old wounds and memories, your body may move forward while your heart remains stuck in the past. Run away from sin. Lay your burdens before God. Stop constantly dwelling on the past, and run toward the future God has prepared for you. Your past does not have to become the verdict of your future. God still has a path for you; there is still a race to run, a goal to reach, and a miracle ahead of you. Don’t carry yesterday’s burden while running toward tomorrow’s miracle. Lay it at the feet of God and run! When the burden becomes lighter, the race becomes faster. When the heart is set free, faith becomes stronger. The moment you surrender your burden to God can become the beginning of your new race! Hepsi Sam ✍️
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  • RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS!
    Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line!

    Scripture :
    “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2
    Thought Of The Day...
    There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question:
    What am I carrying that God never told me to carry?
    Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus.
    The writer says:
    “Let us lay aside every weight…”
    Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin.
    Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively.
    Some weights are fear.
    Some weights are disappointment.
    Some weights are unforgiveness.
    Some weights are people’s opinions.
    Some weights are past failures.
    Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit.
    Some weights are worry about things you cannot control.
    And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying:
    “I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!”
    First Peter 5:7 says:
    “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
    You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time.
    Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus.
    LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU
    Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says:
    “…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
    There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away.
    David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24:
    “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…”
    We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender.
    We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward.
    Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say:
    “Lord, show me ME.”
    Not my neighbor.
    Not my spouse.
    Not my family.
    Not the people at church.
    ME!
    Show me what needs to change.
    Show me what needs to go.
    Show me what I need to surrender.
    Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me.
    RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU
    The Scripture says:
    “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
    Notice it says “the race that is set before us.”
    You don't have to run somebody else's race.
    You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling.
    You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty.
    Galatians 6:4 says:
    “But let every man prove his own work…”
    God has given you a race.
    Your assignment may be different.
    Your journey may be different.
    Your timing may be different.
    Your obstacles may be different.
    And your testimony may be different.
    Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life.
    YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY!
    RUN WITH PATIENCE
    This may be one of the hardest parts.
    “…run with patience…”
    We want God to do it now.
    We want the prayer answered now.
    We want the door opened now.
    We want the healing now.
    We want the breakthrough now.
    We want the situation changed now.
    But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us.
    Isaiah 40:31 declares:
    “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”
    Patience does not mean you have stopped believing.
    Patience means:
    “God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.”
    When you're tired—keep running.
    When you're disappointed—keep running.
    When people misunderstand you—keep running.
    When prayers seem unanswered—keep running.
    When you cannot see the finish line—keep running.
    Why?
    Because God never promised that the race would always be easy.
    But He promised that He would be with you.
    KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
    Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret:
    “Looking unto Jesus…”
    Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem.
    Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people.
    Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances.
    LOOK TO JESUS!
    Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water.
    Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink.
    The storm was already there when Peter stepped out.
    The difference was where Peter was looking.
    As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him.
    But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over.
    And somebody needs to hear this today:
    DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU!
    JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER
    Hebrews calls Jesus:
    “…the author and finisher of our faith.”
    If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story.
    If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends.
    Philippians 1:6 says:
    “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
    God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race.
    There are still chapters God is writing.
    There are still prayers God is answering.
    There are still doors God can open.
    There are still people God wants you to impact.
    There is still purpose in you.
    So don't quit because you're tired.
    Don't quit because it became difficult.
    Don't quit because somebody walked away.
    Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable.
    LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT.
    TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN.
    STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE.
    RUN WITH PATIENCE.
    KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
    And when your strength gets low, remember:
    THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT!


    PRAYER...
    Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone.
    Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry.
    Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience.
    When we become tired, strengthen us.
    When we become discouraged, encourage us.
    When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus.
    When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway.
    Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us.
    We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit.
    Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith!
    Give us grace to run.
    Give us patience to endure.
    Give us strength to continue.
    And give us faith to finish.
    In the mighty name of Jesus,
    Amen and Amen!

    DECLARATION...
    TODAY I DECLARE:
    I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God.
    I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will.
    I will not compare my race with anyone else's race.
    I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult.
    I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing.
    I will keep moving when I feel tired.
    I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough.
    MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS!
    He is the Author of my faith.
    He is the Finisher of my faith.
    What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete!
    I WILL NOT QUIT!
    I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
    I WILL RUN MY RACE!
    I WILL KEEP THE FAITH!
    AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG!
    In Jesus’ name—Amen!
    RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS! Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line! Scripture : “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2 Thought Of The Day... There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question: What am I carrying that God never told me to carry? Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus. The writer says: “Let us lay aside every weight…” Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin. Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively. Some weights are fear. Some weights are disappointment. Some weights are unforgiveness. Some weights are people’s opinions. Some weights are past failures. Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit. Some weights are worry about things you cannot control. And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying: “I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!” First Peter 5:7 says: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time. Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus. LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says: “…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…” There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away. David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…” We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender. We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward. Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say: “Lord, show me ME.” Not my neighbor. Not my spouse. Not my family. Not the people at church. ME! Show me what needs to change. Show me what needs to go. Show me what I need to surrender. Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me. RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU The Scripture says: “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Notice it says “the race that is set before us.” You don't have to run somebody else's race. You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling. You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty. Galatians 6:4 says: “But let every man prove his own work…” God has given you a race. Your assignment may be different. Your journey may be different. Your timing may be different. Your obstacles may be different. And your testimony may be different. Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life. YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY! RUN WITH PATIENCE This may be one of the hardest parts. “…run with patience…” We want God to do it now. We want the prayer answered now. We want the door opened now. We want the healing now. We want the breakthrough now. We want the situation changed now. But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us. Isaiah 40:31 declares: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Patience does not mean you have stopped believing. Patience means: “God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.” When you're tired—keep running. When you're disappointed—keep running. When people misunderstand you—keep running. When prayers seem unanswered—keep running. When you cannot see the finish line—keep running. Why? Because God never promised that the race would always be easy. But He promised that He would be with you. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret: “Looking unto Jesus…” Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem. Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people. Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances. LOOK TO JESUS! Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water. Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink. The storm was already there when Peter stepped out. The difference was where Peter was looking. As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him. But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over. And somebody needs to hear this today: DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU! JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER Hebrews calls Jesus: “…the author and finisher of our faith.” If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story. If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends. Philippians 1:6 says: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race. There are still chapters God is writing. There are still prayers God is answering. There are still doors God can open. There are still people God wants you to impact. There is still purpose in you. So don't quit because you're tired. Don't quit because it became difficult. Don't quit because somebody walked away. Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable. LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT. TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN. STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE. RUN WITH PATIENCE. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. And when your strength gets low, remember: THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT! PRAYER... Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone. Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry. Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience. When we become tired, strengthen us. When we become discouraged, encourage us. When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus. When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway. Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us. We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit. Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith! Give us grace to run. Give us patience to endure. Give us strength to continue. And give us faith to finish. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen and Amen! DECLARATION... TODAY I DECLARE: I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God. I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will. I will not compare my race with anyone else's race. I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult. I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing. I will keep moving when I feel tired. I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough. MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS! He is the Author of my faith. He is the Finisher of my faith. What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete! I WILL NOT QUIT! I WILL NOT GIVE UP! I WILL RUN MY RACE! I WILL KEEP THE FAITH! AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG! In Jesus’ name—Amen!
    Praying
    1
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  • Transform your dining room into the perfect setting for unforgettable meals and cherished memories.

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    🍽️ Transform your dining room into the perfect setting for unforgettable meals and cherished memories. 📞 Contact Us: (631) 425 6400 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.coastalenterprisesny.com #CoastalEnterprisesNY #ElegantDining #LuxuryInteriors #HomeRenovation #DiningRoomDesign #TimelessStyle #CustomSpaces #FineDiningAtHome #HomeMakeover #DesignWithClass
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  • August 26
    “WHO GOD IS TO ME”
    MY HOPE
    Psalm 71:5 (LLV) —
    “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You have been my trust since my youth.”
    Hope
    is often
    spoken of
    as something
    we wish
    will happen.
    “I hope
    things get better.”
    “I hope
    everything works out.”
    “I hope
    tomorrow
    will be easier.”
    But biblical hope
    is different.
    It is not
    a wish.
    It is
    confidence
    placed
    in Someone.
    “For You
    are my hope,
    O Lord GOD.”
    The psalmist
    does not say,
    “My hope
    is that
    my circumstances
    will improve.”
    His hope
    is God.
    Then he looks
    backward.
    “You have been
    my trust
    since my youth.”
    There is something
    beautiful
    about faith
    that has lived
    long enough
    to remember.
    Years
    bring memories.
    Some joyful.
    Some painful.
    Some we would
    gladly live
    again.
    Others
    we are simply
    grateful
    to have survived.
    But when
    we look back,
    we can often see
    something
    we could not see
    while we were
    living through them.
    God
    was there.
    Through doors
    that opened.
    Through doors
    that closed.
    Through prayers
    answered
    as we hoped.
    Through prayers
    answered
    in ways
    we did not
    understand.
    Through beginnings.
    Through endings.
    Through laughter.
    Through tears.
    God
    was there.
    And yesterday's
    faithfulness
    becomes
    today's reason
    for hope.
    The psalmist
    does not pretend
    the future
    holds no uncertainty.
    Later he prays,
    “Do not cast me away
    when I am old;
    do not forsake me
    when my strength
    is gone.”
    He knows
    life changes.
    Strength fades.
    Tomorrow
    contains things
    we cannot predict.
    But God
    does not change
    with our seasons.
    The God
    who held us
    when we were young
    does not become
    less faithful
    as the years
    pass.
    So hope
    does not require us
    to know
    what happens next.
    Hope says,
    “I know
    who will be there.”
    Perhaps
    that is why
    this is
    the right place
    to finish
    our journey.
    We have called Him:
    My Rock.
    My Shepherd.
    My Light.
    My Refuge.
    My Strength.
    My Keeper.
    The One
    who walks
    with me.
    My Hiding Place.
    And now,
    after remembering
    all those things,
    we can look
    toward whatever
    comes next
    and say:
    You are
    my hope.
    A new beginning can face an unknown tomorrow because it remembers a faithful yesterday:
    I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the God who will be there.
    Reflection: When I look back over my life, where can I see God's faithfulness giving me reason to trust Him with what still lies ahead?
    Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been faithful through every season of my life. Thank You for the times I recognized Your hand and for the times You were working when I could not see it. When tomorrow feels uncertain, help me remember yesterday's faithfulness. You have been my trust, and You remain my hope. Whatever years or days lie ahead, let me face them with confidence—not because I know what they hold, but because I know You will be there. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    August 26 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY HOPE 📖 Psalm 71:5 (LLV) — “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You have been my trust since my youth.” Hope is often spoken of as something we wish will happen. “I hope things get better.” “I hope everything works out.” “I hope tomorrow will be easier.” But biblical hope is different. It is not a wish. It is confidence placed in Someone. “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD.” The psalmist does not say, “My hope is that my circumstances will improve.” His hope is God. Then he looks backward. “You have been my trust since my youth.” There is something beautiful about faith that has lived long enough to remember. Years bring memories. Some joyful. Some painful. Some we would gladly live again. Others we are simply grateful to have survived. But when we look back, we can often see something we could not see while we were living through them. God was there. Through doors that opened. Through doors that closed. Through prayers answered as we hoped. Through prayers answered in ways we did not understand. Through beginnings. Through endings. Through laughter. Through tears. God was there. And yesterday's faithfulness becomes today's reason for hope. The psalmist does not pretend the future holds no uncertainty. Later he prays, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” He knows life changes. Strength fades. Tomorrow contains things we cannot predict. But God does not change with our seasons. The God who held us when we were young does not become less faithful as the years pass. So hope does not require us to know what happens next. Hope says, “I know who will be there.” Perhaps that is why this is the right place to finish our journey. We have called Him: My Rock. My Shepherd. My Light. My Refuge. My Strength. My Keeper. The One who walks with me. My Hiding Place. And now, after remembering all those things, we can look toward whatever comes next and say: You are my hope. A new beginning can face an unknown tomorrow because it remembers a faithful yesterday: I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the God who will be there. Reflection: When I look back over my life, where can I see God's faithfulness giving me reason to trust Him with what still lies ahead? Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been faithful through every season of my life. Thank You for the times I recognized Your hand and for the times You were working when I could not see it. When tomorrow feels uncertain, help me remember yesterday's faithfulness. You have been my trust, and You remain my hope. Whatever years or days lie ahead, let me face them with confidence—not because I know what they hold, but because I know You will be there. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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  • Good morning brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

    MD.i. MORNING TEA
    THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2O26.
    "WELCOME THIS CHANGE"

    ‘…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...’ Exodus 12:11 NCV.

    THE BOY Scout motto is ‘Be prepared,’ and it’s a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, ‘…eat…fully dressed as if you were going on a trip…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.’ In other words, ‘Be ready when I tell you to move!’ Maybe there’s an area in your life where God is telling you it’s time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don’t! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow’s recipe for failure. You can’t become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. John Patterson said, ‘Only fools and dead men don’t change…Fools won’t, and dead men can’t.’ Change isn’t the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies, and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Jim Penner says: ‘Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise…Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow and new opportunities come…friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away…While many changes become enjoyable new seasons…sometimes they’re painful. But no matter what season of change you’re experiencing…you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, ‘I am God…I haven’t changed…’ (TM). His mercies endure forever…and it’s an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you.’

    Bible In A Year: Ezek 1-4, Matt 21:1-11, Ps 119:161-168, Pro 19:3-8. 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. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA*

    MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *EXPLOITS THROUGH CONQUERING FAITH*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 11:10-23.

    10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.
    11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.
    12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.
    13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
    14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.
    15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
    16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;
    17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
    18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
    19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
    20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
    21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
    22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
    23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

    *Timeless Truth:*_"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions"_ (Hebrews 11:32-33).


    *INTRODUCTION*

    William C. Martin (1878) penned down this song relevant to the topic of discussion.
    "In the warfare that is raging
    For the truth and for the right,
    When the conflict, fierce, is raging
    With the powers of the night,
    God needs people brave and true:
    May He then depend on you?
    Refrain:
    May the Lord depend on you?
    Loyalty is but His due;
    Say, O spirit, brave and true,
    That He may depend on you".
    God's covenants to Israel were majorly earthly and therefore, their warfares to possess their promises were physical. For the New Testament, the covenant is mostly spiritual and heavenly and therefore the warfares of the New Testament saints are spiritual. *"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal..."* (2 Corinthians 10:4). Lessons on Old Testament physical warfares are meant to teach the New Testament saints some important features of spiritual warfare which is a major part of successful and victorious Christian living.
    Joshua and Israel faced formidable kings, fortified cities and numerous enemies, yet God gave them victory. Their exploits demonstrated that conquering faith rested on obedience to God's authority and instructions with perseverance until the battle was completely won. When faith is anchored in God, no enemy can ultimately withstand His purpose for His people.

    *1. Determined Destruction Accomplished*

    a. God had concluded from the time of Abraham that the Amorites would be obliterated when their iniquities reached the peak when God could no more tolerate them (Genesis 15:15,16; Exodus 34:11-13). The time now came to start possessing the land as promised, but they must fight for it, for it would not come on a platter of gold. All the promises of God have been paid for by the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. However, the adversary is always there to contest against those blessings and believers must be ready to contend and possess it as God has given us assurance of victory as legitimate owners of the blessings. Our Lord Himself said, *"the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force"* (Matthew 11:12). The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 were commended for their violence of faith, courage and determination as they fought spiritual warfares. The violence of believers is spiritual and had to do with violence and force of faith. Nobody will be able to possess his possessions here on earth and enter heaven eventually if he does not learn to be brave and violent in spiritual warfare against the flesh, fiends, faithlessness, fear and foolishness.
    b. Joshua did not leave unfinished what God had commanded him to accomplish. Hazor, the head of the northern kingdoms, was captured and destroyed and its king was put to death. The destruction was decisive because Joshua understood that partial obedience could jeopardize the victory God had promised. Conquering faith is determined faith—it does not retreat because the opposition is strong or the assignment is difficult. What God commands must be pursued with courage and perseverance. Joshua, with courageous faith, moved along the will and Word of God and destroyed those that God had condemned to destruction because they refused to repent.

    *Question*

    Are there areas of your life where God expects you to exercise determined faith and completely overcome persistent opposition?

    *2. Done According to the Divine Authority*

    a. The destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua in the text took about 7 years though it was recorded as if they all happened in rapidity. God had told them that they would conquer the land *"little by little"*. (Exodus 23:30, Deuteronomy 7:22). You don't expect those formidable enemies to be overcome without giving a strong fight and resistance. Spiritual wars, like the physical wars are at times protracted. In order to overcome the adversary, there is a need to maintain a persistent and untiring warfare disposition and attitude for Satan and his agents will not give up without a strong and persistent resistance. So, fight manfully onward and never give up but persist until you laugh last. God has destined and programmed you for total victory. The "little by little" approach also gave the Canaanites the opportunity to repent and seek for mercy like Rahab and her household and the Gibeonites did.
    Joshua acted according to the command of the LORD. Those who perished must have been adamant because it had been settled that Israel would destroy all of them just like Rahab confessed (Joshua 2:9-11). All those who perished perished because they chose to and not for lack of opportunity to repent. Rahab and her household, the Giebeonites and the Shechemites decided not to perish and they did not because they did the needful. Those people refused to repent, their hearts were hardened through rejection of mercy. This hardening of men’s hearts is when God gives man up to his sin after the person refused the mercy of God (Romans 1:24-28).
    b. How could Joshua have overcome? Israel was not trained in the art of warfare at the time. Second, Israel did not have horses and chariots to fight, whereas the Canaanites had in abundance. Yet, God told them that it was a battle of faith and therefore, they should not fear the better equipped and stronger adversaries. *"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire"*. It was like the case of little David versus the giant Goliath. Spiritual battles, while doing the needful, do not look at the size and the arrogance of the adversaries. With faith in God, their horses and chariots will be defeated. *"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God"* (Psalm 20:7). Can you imagine a poorly trained and inexperienced army of Israel defeating better trained
    coalition of nations in their multitudes with their horses and chariots? Obeying God's Word and instruction is always a guarantee of victory regardless of the might and the arsenal of the adversaries. Joshua did not depend on personal wisdom or military strength; he carried out God's instructions. Verse 15 emphasizes that Joshua did everything the LORD commanded Moses, and Moses had commanded Joshua. True exploits are accomplished under divine authority. Faith becomes powerful when it is joined with obedience. The victory was not merely Joshua's achievement; it was God's purpose being fulfilled through a yielded servant. We too must learn to follow God's Word even when His instructions challenge our natural reasoning.

    *Question*

    Are your decisions and actions being governed by God's Word and divine authority?

    *3. The Defeat of the Dreaded Adversaries*

    The Anakims were the most dreaded adversaries of Israel while they were in the wilderness. In fact, the spies (10 of them) sent said they were like grasshoppers compared to the Anakims (Numbers 13:27-33). It was the fear of those people that made Israel to be punished in the wilderness with 40 years of wandering and deaths. God delayed this fight to be their last fight so that Israel would have, from experience, learnt the art of warfare. They did not know that God had His own strategy of training them to be fit for the warfare against those terrorizing adversaries. When God gives a promise, don't look at your weakness and be asking how possible. God has His own plan to make you fit enough to deal with the enemy before He Himself takes over. "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is to follow" and victory is certain.
    b. The promise of Deuteronomy 9:1–3, which specifically predicts the defeat of the fearsome Anakites, is fulfilled(Joshua 11:21–23). Those who once appeared invincible were overcome by the power of God. Joshua's victory teaches us that yesterday's giants need not determine today's destiny. Through conquering faith, intimidating obstacles can become testimonies of God's faithfulness. Finally, the land had rest from war. When God's people trust Him, obey His commands and persevere in faith, victory and divine rest become possible.

    *Question*

    What “giant” or dreaded adversary are you allowing to intimidate you instead of confronting it through faith in God?

    *Prayer Points*

    1.Lord, give me conquering faith to overcome every persistent opposition standing against Your purpose for my life.
    2.Father, help me to walk in complete obedience to Your Word and submit every decision to Your divine authority .
    3.O Lord, bring down every giant and defeat every dreaded adversary confronting my progress, destiny and calling .
    4.Father, grant Your children lasting victory and divine rest after every battle and let their lives become testimonies of Your mighty exploits .

    *HYMN:* May The Lord Depend On You.

    *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 11-12.
    [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS)

    MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *BETWEEN JUDGMENT AND MERCY* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:JOSHUA 11:10-23```

    ```KEY VERSE:``` _*"There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle" (JOSHUA 11:19).*_

    *Mercy from God is that vital element that no one can earn, deserve or merit. It is an inalienable deed that underpins God's dealings with fallible humankind, saved or unsaved. When all else fails, God's mercies will never fail.*

    *The Canaanites and other nations in the Promised Land engaged in battle against Joshua and the Israelites without seeking a peace agreement, despite their unfavourable position. In this chapter, Joshua faced a coalition of Canaanite forces, defeating them before turning his attention to the northern region. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, with its spoils taken by the Israelites. Joshua then advanced towards the hills and southern territories, continuing the conflict until the entirety of the land was subdued and allocated to the tribes of Israel. The account raises challenging questions regarding the nature of a loving God permitting such violence, particularly the killing of women and children. This narrative has sparked criticism towards the Scripture, leading to inquiries about the justness of these holy wars and casting doubt on divine benevolence, consequently perplexing many readers.*

    *The text emphasises that the people in the land repeatedly heard about God's actions but chose to resist and did not seek mercy, with the Gibeonites being the only exception, although through deceit. Instead of pursuing peace, they relied on military might, having engaged in idol worship and iniquity for centuries, including horrific sacrifices. Ultimately, God's judgment deemed it necessary to cleanse the land of those viewed as rebels and enemies, as the people were prepared to oppose Him rather than embrace His ways.*

    *No one can fight against God and expect to win. It is an effort in futility when we roll out our battle gear instead of pleading and repenting. God delights in mercy. He's not interested in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn to Him in repentance and live. "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..."*

    ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Entreaty secures favour faster than conflict.*_

    ```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 11-12*


    Between Judgment And Mercy
    https://dailymanna.app//
    *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 155: LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART; GHS 158: COME BELIEVING; AND GHS 159: WHY DO YOU WAIT?*

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#DailyManna24thAugust2026*
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    *#LeadershipNuggets*
    *#RevivalNuggets*
    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

    ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *BE HOLY, GOD IS HOLY* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

    ```TEXT:1 PETER 1:13-21```

    ``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 PETER 1:16).*_

    *Dispute over paternity can be resolved through a DNA test and lay to rest such controversy. Likewise, holiness puts to silence every debate on who a child of God is. God is holy, and anyone who professes to be His child must possess this very nature of God - holiness. An unholy life has no resemblance to God and no usefulness to the world.*

    *"Be ye holy" is God's command. Heaven is a holy place. The God of heaven is a Holy Being. The angels are holy creatures. Everything in heaven is holiness. It is impossible to get to heaven if we die unholy. The Holy Bible clearly states that: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).*

    *Holiness is not optional; it is mandatory for all who desire to see God and live with Him in eternity. To be holy simply means to be purged from inward and outward sins. Consecration, strong thirst, and hunger for the experience in desperate prayer will allow God to accomplish it in your life.*

    ```QUOTE:``` _*Be purged.*_

    ```CHALLENGE:``` _*To get to heaven, holiness is non-negotiable.*_

    🏽🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to remain holy till the end.*_



    Be Holy, God Is Holy
    https://dailymanna.app//

    *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter*
    *#HigherEveryday24thAugust2026*
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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026```

    *GOD MADE US SPECIAL* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽🏽

    ```PSALM 139:14-18```



    ```Key Verse:``` _*"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:14).*_



    Everything that God created is beautiful, and He made each of us uniquely special. Lily loved to look in the mirror and admire how she looked. One day, a friend at school teased her about her glasses and called her *"ugly".*

    Lily felt sad and wondered maybe she was not special after all. That night, her mom reminded her that God made her beautiful and unique. *God does not make mistakes,"* her mom said. *"You are wonderfully made, and He loves you just as you are!"*

    Lily smiled, realizing that she was special, just as God intended. She no longer felt the need to compare herself to others, understanding that God's love for her was unconditional.

    *God made you special too, and you do not need to measure your worth against anyone else. Embrace who you are, because you are wonderfully created, and God loves you just as you are!*



    ```rayer:``` _*God, thank You for making me special. Help me to live for You always.*_ 🏽

    ``` Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 1:4-7*


    God Made Us Special
    https://dailymanna.app//

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    *#SincereMilk24thAugust2026*
    *#GCK*
    *#WorshipNuggets*
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    *#LeadershipNuggets*
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    *#CrusadeNuggets*
    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]

    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

    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

    He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. ⏤ John Bunyan

    Almighty God, the Father of us all, in whom we live and move and have our being—we worship You and give thanks to Your great and holy name. Our hearts are full of memories of Sunday. May we be like those who have walked among fragrant flowers, carrying the scent on our very garments. May we be more joyful, more trusting, more holy, more loving, and more prayerful because of the holy influences that saturated our lives yesterday.

    You are the God of the evening and the morning. Every day reveals where You have walked in love. We thank You for this day that now shines upon us. We need Your presence with us through all its hours, for we don’t know what they hold for us:
    what duties,
    what problems that must be solved,
    what decisions that must be made,
    what responsibilities that must be met,
    what surprises of joy or sorrow,
    what temptations,
    what conflicts,
    what dangers.

    We don’t know—but You do, and we’re not afraid to leave it all in Your hands. Bless us with peace, wisdom, and strength for whatever lies ahead. Take our hands and guide us.

    We consecrate ourselves to You this day, O God, for life and service. We are Yours, and we present ourselves as a living sacrifice to You. We want to live only for You. Help us to renounce all claims on ourselves and truly be Yours. If we are called to any hard duty, task, or service—give us the grace to accept Your will cheerfully and to do what pleases You. Work deeply in us by Your Spirit, continuing the renewal of our nature, and building us up in holiness and righteousness, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/50/morning

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good morning brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2O26. "WELCOME THIS CHANGE" ‘…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...’ Exodus 12:11 NCV. THE BOY Scout motto is ‘Be prepared,’ and it’s a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, ‘…eat…fully dressed as if you were going on a trip…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.’ In other words, ‘Be ready when I tell you to move!’ Maybe there’s an area in your life where God is telling you it’s time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don’t! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow’s recipe for failure. You can’t become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. John Patterson said, ‘Only fools and dead men don’t change…Fools won’t, and dead men can’t.’ Change isn’t the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies, and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Jim Penner says: ‘Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise…Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow and new opportunities come…friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away…While many changes become enjoyable new seasons…sometimes they’re painful. But no matter what season of change you’re experiencing…you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, ‘I am God…I haven’t changed…’ (TM). His mercies endure forever…and it’s an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you.’ Bible In A Year: Ezek 1-4, Matt 21:1-11, Ps 119:161-168, Pro 19:3-8. 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. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026. *EXPLOITS THROUGH CONQUERING FAITH* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 11:10-23. 10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. 11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. 12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. 13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. 14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. 15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; 17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them. 18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. 19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. 20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. 21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities. 22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. *Timeless Truth:*_"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions"_ (Hebrews 11:32-33). *INTRODUCTION* William C. Martin (1878) penned down this song relevant to the topic of discussion. "In the warfare that is raging For the truth and for the right, When the conflict, fierce, is raging With the powers of the night, God needs people brave and true: May He then depend on you? Refrain: May the Lord depend on you? Loyalty is but His due; Say, O spirit, brave and true, That He may depend on you". God's covenants to Israel were majorly earthly and therefore, their warfares to possess their promises were physical. For the New Testament, the covenant is mostly spiritual and heavenly and therefore the warfares of the New Testament saints are spiritual. *"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal..."* (2 Corinthians 10:4). Lessons on Old Testament physical warfares are meant to teach the New Testament saints some important features of spiritual warfare which is a major part of successful and victorious Christian living. Joshua and Israel faced formidable kings, fortified cities and numerous enemies, yet God gave them victory. Their exploits demonstrated that conquering faith rested on obedience to God's authority and instructions with perseverance until the battle was completely won. When faith is anchored in God, no enemy can ultimately withstand His purpose for His people. *1. Determined Destruction Accomplished* a. God had concluded from the time of Abraham that the Amorites would be obliterated when their iniquities reached the peak when God could no more tolerate them (Genesis 15:15,16; Exodus 34:11-13). The time now came to start possessing the land as promised, but they must fight for it, for it would not come on a platter of gold. All the promises of God have been paid for by the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. However, the adversary is always there to contest against those blessings and believers must be ready to contend and possess it as God has given us assurance of victory as legitimate owners of the blessings. Our Lord Himself said, *"the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force"* (Matthew 11:12). The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 were commended for their violence of faith, courage and determination as they fought spiritual warfares. The violence of believers is spiritual and had to do with violence and force of faith. Nobody will be able to possess his possessions here on earth and enter heaven eventually if he does not learn to be brave and violent in spiritual warfare against the flesh, fiends, faithlessness, fear and foolishness. b. Joshua did not leave unfinished what God had commanded him to accomplish. Hazor, the head of the northern kingdoms, was captured and destroyed and its king was put to death. The destruction was decisive because Joshua understood that partial obedience could jeopardize the victory God had promised. Conquering faith is determined faith—it does not retreat because the opposition is strong or the assignment is difficult. What God commands must be pursued with courage and perseverance. Joshua, with courageous faith, moved along the will and Word of God and destroyed those that God had condemned to destruction because they refused to repent. *Question* Are there areas of your life where God expects you to exercise determined faith and completely overcome persistent opposition? *2. Done According to the Divine Authority* a. The destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua in the text took about 7 years though it was recorded as if they all happened in rapidity. God had told them that they would conquer the land *"little by little"*. (Exodus 23:30, Deuteronomy 7:22). You don't expect those formidable enemies to be overcome without giving a strong fight and resistance. Spiritual wars, like the physical wars are at times protracted. In order to overcome the adversary, there is a need to maintain a persistent and untiring warfare disposition and attitude for Satan and his agents will not give up without a strong and persistent resistance. So, fight manfully onward and never give up but persist until you laugh last. God has destined and programmed you for total victory. The "little by little" approach also gave the Canaanites the opportunity to repent and seek for mercy like Rahab and her household and the Gibeonites did. Joshua acted according to the command of the LORD. Those who perished must have been adamant because it had been settled that Israel would destroy all of them just like Rahab confessed (Joshua 2:9-11). All those who perished perished because they chose to and not for lack of opportunity to repent. Rahab and her household, the Giebeonites and the Shechemites decided not to perish and they did not because they did the needful. Those people refused to repent, their hearts were hardened through rejection of mercy. This hardening of men’s hearts is when God gives man up to his sin after the person refused the mercy of God (Romans 1:24-28). b. How could Joshua have overcome? Israel was not trained in the art of warfare at the time. Second, Israel did not have horses and chariots to fight, whereas the Canaanites had in abundance. Yet, God told them that it was a battle of faith and therefore, they should not fear the better equipped and stronger adversaries. *"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire"*. It was like the case of little David versus the giant Goliath. Spiritual battles, while doing the needful, do not look at the size and the arrogance of the adversaries. With faith in God, their horses and chariots will be defeated. *"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God"* (Psalm 20:7). Can you imagine a poorly trained and inexperienced army of Israel defeating better trained coalition of nations in their multitudes with their horses and chariots? Obeying God's Word and instruction is always a guarantee of victory regardless of the might and the arsenal of the adversaries. Joshua did not depend on personal wisdom or military strength; he carried out God's instructions. Verse 15 emphasizes that Joshua did everything the LORD commanded Moses, and Moses had commanded Joshua. True exploits are accomplished under divine authority. Faith becomes powerful when it is joined with obedience. The victory was not merely Joshua's achievement; it was God's purpose being fulfilled through a yielded servant. We too must learn to follow God's Word even when His instructions challenge our natural reasoning. *Question* Are your decisions and actions being governed by God's Word and divine authority? *3. The Defeat of the Dreaded Adversaries* The Anakims were the most dreaded adversaries of Israel while they were in the wilderness. In fact, the spies (10 of them) sent said they were like grasshoppers compared to the Anakims (Numbers 13:27-33). It was the fear of those people that made Israel to be punished in the wilderness with 40 years of wandering and deaths. God delayed this fight to be their last fight so that Israel would have, from experience, learnt the art of warfare. They did not know that God had His own strategy of training them to be fit for the warfare against those terrorizing adversaries. When God gives a promise, don't look at your weakness and be asking how possible. God has His own plan to make you fit enough to deal with the enemy before He Himself takes over. "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is to follow" and victory is certain. b. The promise of Deuteronomy 9:1–3, which specifically predicts the defeat of the fearsome Anakites, is fulfilled(Joshua 11:21–23). Those who once appeared invincible were overcome by the power of God. Joshua's victory teaches us that yesterday's giants need not determine today's destiny. Through conquering faith, intimidating obstacles can become testimonies of God's faithfulness. Finally, the land had rest from war. When God's people trust Him, obey His commands and persevere in faith, victory and divine rest become possible. *Question* What “giant” or dreaded adversary are you allowing to intimidate you instead of confronting it through faith in God? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me conquering faith to overcome every persistent opposition standing against Your purpose for my life. 2.Father, help me to walk in complete obedience to Your Word and submit every decision to Your divine authority 🙏. 3.O Lord, bring down every giant and defeat every dreaded adversary confronting my progress, destiny and calling 🙏. 4.Father, grant Your children lasting victory and divine rest after every battle and let their lives become testimonies of Your mighty exploits 🙏. *HYMN:* May The Lord Depend On You. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 11-12. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BETWEEN JUDGMENT AND MERCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🆚🆘🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 11:10-23```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle" (JOSHUA 11:19).*_ *Mercy from God is that vital element that no one can earn, deserve or merit. It is an inalienable deed that underpins God's dealings with fallible humankind, saved or unsaved. When all else fails, God's mercies will never fail.* *The Canaanites and other nations in the Promised Land engaged in battle against Joshua and the Israelites without seeking a peace agreement, despite their unfavourable position. In this chapter, Joshua faced a coalition of Canaanite forces, defeating them before turning his attention to the northern region. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, with its spoils taken by the Israelites. Joshua then advanced towards the hills and southern territories, continuing the conflict until the entirety of the land was subdued and allocated to the tribes of Israel. The account raises challenging questions regarding the nature of a loving God permitting such violence, particularly the killing of women and children. This narrative has sparked criticism towards the Scripture, leading to inquiries about the justness of these holy wars and casting doubt on divine benevolence, consequently perplexing many readers.* *The text emphasises that the people in the land repeatedly heard about God's actions but chose to resist and did not seek mercy, with the Gibeonites being the only exception, although through deceit. Instead of pursuing peace, they relied on military might, having engaged in idol worship and iniquity for centuries, including horrific sacrifices. Ultimately, God's judgment deemed it necessary to cleanse the land of those viewed as rebels and enemies, as the people were prepared to oppose Him rather than embrace His ways.* *No one can fight against God and expect to win. It is an effort in futility when we roll out our battle gear instead of pleading and repenting. God delights in mercy. He's not interested in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn to Him in repentance and live. "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..."* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Entreaty secures favour faster than conflict.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 11-12*📜📜 Between Judgment And Mercy https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 155: LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART; GHS 158: COME BELIEVING; AND GHS 159: WHY DO YOU WAIT?* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE HOLY, GOD IS HOLY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🤍🥼✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 PETER 1:13-21```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 PETER 1:16).*_ *Dispute over paternity can be resolved through a DNA test and lay to rest such controversy. Likewise, holiness puts to silence every debate on who a child of God is. God is holy, and anyone who professes to be His child must possess this very nature of God - holiness. An unholy life has no resemblance to God and no usefulness to the world.* *"Be ye holy" is God's command. Heaven is a holy place. The God of heaven is a Holy Being. The angels are holy creatures. Everything in heaven is holiness. It is impossible to get to heaven if we die unholy. The Holy Bible clearly states that: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).* *Holiness is not optional; it is mandatory for all who desire to see God and live with Him in eternity. To be holy simply means to be purged from inward and outward sins. Consecration, strong thirst, and hunger for the experience in desperate prayer will allow God to accomplish it in your life.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Be purged.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*To get to heaven, holiness is non-negotiable.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to remain holy till the end.*_ Be Holy, God Is Holy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD MADE US SPECIAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😁🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 139:14-18```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:14).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Everything that God created is beautiful, and He made each of us uniquely special. Lily loved to look in the mirror and admire how she looked. One day, a friend at school teased her about her glasses and called her *"ugly".* Lily felt sad and wondered maybe she was not special after all. That night, her mom reminded her that God made her beautiful and unique. *God does not make mistakes,"* her mom said. *"You are wonderfully made, and He loves you just as you are!"* Lily smiled, realizing that she was special, just as God intended. She no longer felt the need to compare herself to others, understanding that God's love for her was unconditional. *God made you special too, and you do not need to measure your worth against anyone else. Embrace who you are, because you are wonderfully created, and God loves you just as you are!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, thank You for making me special. Help me to live for You always.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 1:4-7* God Made Us Special https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer 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 He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. ⏤ John Bunyan Almighty God, the Father of us all, in whom we live and move and have our being—we worship You and give thanks to Your great and holy name. Our hearts are full of memories of Sunday. May we be like those who have walked among fragrant flowers, carrying the scent on our very garments. May we be more joyful, more trusting, more holy, more loving, and more prayerful because of the holy influences that saturated our lives yesterday. You are the God of the evening and the morning. Every day reveals where You have walked in love. We thank You for this day that now shines upon us. We need Your presence with us through all its hours, for we don’t know what they hold for us: what duties, what problems that must be solved, what decisions that must be made, what responsibilities that must be met, what surprises of joy or sorrow, what temptations, what conflicts, what dangers. We don’t know—but You do, and we’re not afraid to leave it all in Your hands. Bless us with peace, wisdom, and strength for whatever lies ahead. Take our hands and guide us. We consecrate ourselves to You this day, O God, for life and service. We are Yours, and we present ourselves as a living sacrifice to You. We want to live only for You. Help us to renounce all claims on ourselves and truly be Yours. If we are called to any hard duty, task, or service—give us the grace to accept Your will cheerfully and to do what pleases You. Work deeply in us by Your Spirit, continuing the renewal of our nature, and building us up in holiness and righteousness, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/50/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
    Knowing His Name Is Not the Same as Knowing Him!

    Key Scripture — Acts 19:14–16 (KJV)
    “And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

    Thought Of The Day...
    There is a tremendous difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus.
    Acts 19 gives us a powerful and sobering picture of this truth. The seven sons of Sceva had heard about the miracles taking place through the Apostle Paul. They had witnessed or heard reports of demons being cast out and lives being transformed through the name of Jesus.
    They saw the results, but they did not understand the relationship behind the results.
    They wanted the authority Paul demonstrated without possessing the relationship Paul had.
    They attempted to use the name of Jesus almost like a spiritual formula. Earlier in the passage they said:
    “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
    — Acts 19:13 (KJV)
    Notice their language.
    They did not say, “Jesus whom we know.”
    They said, “Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
    Jesus was Paul's testimony, but He had not become their personal testimony.
    And that raises a serious question for every believer:
    Do you know Jesus for yourself?
    It is possible to grow up in church and still only know about Jesus.
    It is possible to know Scripture and still not truly surrender to Jesus.
    It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus, teach about Jesus, shout about Jesus, and even use the name of Jesus—yet lack a genuine relationship with Him.
    Christianity was never intended to be secondhand.
    You cannot survive spiritually forever on your mother's relationship with God, your father's prayers, your pastor's anointing, your bishop's revelation, your spouse's faith, or your grandmother's testimony.
    Eventually, you must know Him for yourself.
    Paul could say:
    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…”
    — Philippians 3:10 (KJV)
    Paul wasn't satisfied merely knowing facts about Christ. His desire was, “That I may know Him.”
    “JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?”
    These may be some of the most sobering words in Acts.
    The evil spirit responded:
    “Jesus I know.”
    There was no confusion in the kingdom of darkness concerning Jesus.
    The demons knew exactly who He was.
    During Jesus' earthly ministry, an unclean spirit cried:
    “I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.”
    — Mark 1:24 (KJV)
    James gives us another sobering reminder:
    “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
    — James 2:19 (KJV)
    Simply acknowledging that Jesus exists is not the same as belonging to Him.
    But then the spirit said something else:
    “Paul I know.”
    Why was Paul recognized?
    Because Paul's life demonstrated that he belonged to Jesus.
    Paul wasn't borrowing somebody else's faith. He had encountered Christ for himself. His authority did not come from merely repeating Jesus' name; it flowed from his relationship with and commission from Jesus.
    Then came the devastating question:
    “BUT WHO ARE YE?”
    In other words, You are using the name, but where is your relationship with the One whose name you are using?
    The sons of Sceva discovered that the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase.
    There is power in the name of Jesus because of who Jesus is.
    Jesus declared:
    “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
    — Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
    His name represents His person, His authority, His victory, His lordship and His kingdom.
    We must never reduce the name of Jesus to something we merely shout when we are in trouble. His name belongs to the Savior to whom we surrender our lives.
    DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS YOU CALL ON?
    Jesus is more than a name mentioned at the end of a prayer.
    He is the Son of God.
    “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
    — Matthew 16:16 (KJV)
    He is the Savior.
    “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
    — Luke 19:10 (KJV)
    He is the Way to the Father.
    “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
    — John 14:6 (KJV)
    He is the Resurrection and the Life.
    “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
    — John 11:25 (KJV)
    He is Lord.
    “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
    — Philippians 2:11 (KJV)
    The question is not merely, “Have you heard about Him?”
    The question is:
    Have you trusted Him?
    Have you surrendered to Him?
    Are you following Him?
    Are you walking with Him?
    Does your life belong to Him?
    YOU CANNOT BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE'S ANOINTING
    The sons of Sceva tried to imitate what they saw Paul doing.
    But spiritual authority cannot be copied like a technique.
    You can imitate someone's preaching style.
    You can imitate someone's prayer language.
    You can imitate someone's worship.
    You can repeat someone's favorite Scriptures.
    But you cannot imitate their relationship with God.
    Jesus said:
    “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
    — John 15:4–5 (KJV)
    Our strength comes from abiding in Christ.
    The greatest danger is not weakness that drives us toward Jesus. The greater danger is trying to operate spiritually while disconnected from Him.
    The seven sons discovered this painfully.
    The possessed man “overcame them, and prevailed against them.”
    They entered believing they had authority they did not possess and left “naked and wounded.”
    There is a warning here:
    Never attempt to substitute religious activity for genuine relationship with Christ.
    YOUR PRIVATE WALK MATTERS
    Before Paul stood publicly in authority, he had privately surrendered his life to Jesus.
    Our public Christianity must be supported by a private relationship with God.
    Who are you when there is no microphone?
    Who are you when there is no congregation?
    Who are you when nobody sees you praying?
    Who are you when temptation comes?
    Who are you when life becomes difficult?
    Do you still trust Jesus when there is nobody around to applaud your faith?
    Jesus said:
    “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
    — John 8:31 (KJV)
    Real discipleship is demonstrated through continued fellowship, obedience, faith and dependence upon Christ.
    KNOW HIM BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES
    Don't wait until trouble arrives to try to discover who Jesus is.
    Know Him now.
    Know Him in prayer.
    Know Him through His Word.
    Know Him in worship.
    Know Him through obedience.
    Know Him when everything is going well so that when everything begins falling apart, you already know where your help comes from.
    David could face Goliath because David already knew God before Goliath appeared.
    Daniel could face the lions because Daniel knew God before he entered the den.
    The three Hebrew boys could face the fiery furnace because they knew God before Nebuchadnezzar heated it.
    Paul could endure persecution because he knew the Christ for whom he suffered.
    And when your day of testing comes, you need more than something somebody told you about Jesus.
    You need to be able to declare:
    I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
    Job said:
    “For I know that my redeemer liveth…”
    — Job 19:25 (KJV)
    There are some storms where somebody else's testimony will not be enough.
    You need your own history with God.
    You need memories of prayers He answered.
    You need moments when His Word carried you.
    You need times when you experienced His grace.
    You need the confidence to declare:
    I know who Jesus is because I have walked with Him for myself!
    THE QUESTION STILL STANDS
    Acts 19 leaves us with a question that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
    DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
    Not just the Jesus your pastor preaches.
    Not just the Jesus your parents taught you about.
    Not just the Jesus you heard about in Sunday School.
    But Jesus Christ for yourself.
    And perhaps an even deeper question is:
    DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT YOU KNOW HIM?
    Jesus said:
    “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
    — John 10:27 (KJV)
    Knowing Jesus should produce following Jesus.
    Following Jesus should produce obedience.
    Obedience should produce transformation.
    And transformation should cause our lives to testify that we have been with Jesus.

    PRAYER...
    Father, in the name of Jesus,
    Thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Lord, forgive us for every time we have been satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus instead of developing a deeper relationship with Him.
    We don't want secondhand faith. We don't want borrowed convictions. We don't want to depend solely upon somebody else's prayers, testimony or relationship with You.
    Lord Jesus, we want to know You for ourselves.
    Draw us closer to You. Give us a hunger for Your Word, a desire for prayer, a heart of worship and a spirit willing to obey Your voice.
    Search our hearts and remove everything that has created distance between us and You.
    Teach us not merely to speak Your name but to honor Your name with the way we live.
    When temptation comes, remind us who You are.
    When storms arise, remind us who You are.
    When fear attacks, remind us who You are.
    When the enemy challenges our faith, help us stand firmly upon the authority of Your Word.
    May our lives testify that we belong to Jesus Christ.
    And Lord, let our greatest desire always be the cry of Paul:
    “That I may know him.”
    We want to know You more deeply, love You more completely, trust You more confidently, obey You more faithfully, and represent You more boldly.
    In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
    Amen.

    DECLARATION...
    I DECLARE that I will not live on borrowed faith!
    I know who Jesus is!
    Jesus is my Savior.
    Jesus is my Redeemer.
    Jesus is my Lord.
    Jesus is my Deliverer.
    Jesus is my Rock.
    Jesus is my Strength.
    Jesus is my Hope.
    Jesus is my King!
    I will seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and grow deeper in my relationship with Him.
    I refuse to merely know about Jesus.
    I WILL KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
    And when life asks me, “Do you know who Jesus is?”
    My faith, my testimony, my obedience and my life will answer:
    YES! I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

    Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!
    DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS? Knowing His Name Is Not the Same as Knowing Him! Key Scripture — Acts 19:14–16 (KJV) “And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” Thought Of The Day... There is a tremendous difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus. Acts 19 gives us a powerful and sobering picture of this truth. The seven sons of Sceva had heard about the miracles taking place through the Apostle Paul. They had witnessed or heard reports of demons being cast out and lives being transformed through the name of Jesus. They saw the results, but they did not understand the relationship behind the results. They wanted the authority Paul demonstrated without possessing the relationship Paul had. They attempted to use the name of Jesus almost like a spiritual formula. Earlier in the passage they said: “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” — Acts 19:13 (KJV) Notice their language. They did not say, “Jesus whom we know.” They said, “Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” Jesus was Paul's testimony, but He had not become their personal testimony. And that raises a serious question for every believer: Do you know Jesus for yourself? It is possible to grow up in church and still only know about Jesus. It is possible to know Scripture and still not truly surrender to Jesus. It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus, teach about Jesus, shout about Jesus, and even use the name of Jesus—yet lack a genuine relationship with Him. Christianity was never intended to be secondhand. You cannot survive spiritually forever on your mother's relationship with God, your father's prayers, your pastor's anointing, your bishop's revelation, your spouse's faith, or your grandmother's testimony. Eventually, you must know Him for yourself. Paul could say: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV) Paul wasn't satisfied merely knowing facts about Christ. His desire was, “That I may know Him.” “JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?” These may be some of the most sobering words in Acts. The evil spirit responded: “Jesus I know.” There was no confusion in the kingdom of darkness concerning Jesus. The demons knew exactly who He was. During Jesus' earthly ministry, an unclean spirit cried: “I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” — Mark 1:24 (KJV) James gives us another sobering reminder: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” — James 2:19 (KJV) Simply acknowledging that Jesus exists is not the same as belonging to Him. But then the spirit said something else: “Paul I know.” Why was Paul recognized? Because Paul's life demonstrated that he belonged to Jesus. Paul wasn't borrowing somebody else's faith. He had encountered Christ for himself. His authority did not come from merely repeating Jesus' name; it flowed from his relationship with and commission from Jesus. Then came the devastating question: “BUT WHO ARE YE?” In other words, You are using the name, but where is your relationship with the One whose name you are using? The sons of Sceva discovered that the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase. There is power in the name of Jesus because of who Jesus is. Jesus declared: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” — Matthew 28:18 (KJV) His name represents His person, His authority, His victory, His lordship and His kingdom. We must never reduce the name of Jesus to something we merely shout when we are in trouble. His name belongs to the Savior to whom we surrender our lives. DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS YOU CALL ON? Jesus is more than a name mentioned at the end of a prayer. He is the Son of God. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16 (KJV) He is the Savior. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (KJV) He is the Way to the Father. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6 (KJV) He is the Resurrection and the Life. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” — John 11:25 (KJV) He is Lord. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:11 (KJV) The question is not merely, “Have you heard about Him?” The question is: Have you trusted Him? Have you surrendered to Him? Are you following Him? Are you walking with Him? Does your life belong to Him? YOU CANNOT BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE'S ANOINTING The sons of Sceva tried to imitate what they saw Paul doing. But spiritual authority cannot be copied like a technique. You can imitate someone's preaching style. You can imitate someone's prayer language. You can imitate someone's worship. You can repeat someone's favorite Scriptures. But you cannot imitate their relationship with God. Jesus said: “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5 (KJV) Our strength comes from abiding in Christ. The greatest danger is not weakness that drives us toward Jesus. The greater danger is trying to operate spiritually while disconnected from Him. The seven sons discovered this painfully. The possessed man “overcame them, and prevailed against them.” They entered believing they had authority they did not possess and left “naked and wounded.” There is a warning here: Never attempt to substitute religious activity for genuine relationship with Christ. YOUR PRIVATE WALK MATTERS Before Paul stood publicly in authority, he had privately surrendered his life to Jesus. Our public Christianity must be supported by a private relationship with God. Who are you when there is no microphone? Who are you when there is no congregation? Who are you when nobody sees you praying? Who are you when temptation comes? Who are you when life becomes difficult? Do you still trust Jesus when there is nobody around to applaud your faith? Jesus said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” — John 8:31 (KJV) Real discipleship is demonstrated through continued fellowship, obedience, faith and dependence upon Christ. KNOW HIM BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES Don't wait until trouble arrives to try to discover who Jesus is. Know Him now. Know Him in prayer. Know Him through His Word. Know Him in worship. Know Him through obedience. Know Him when everything is going well so that when everything begins falling apart, you already know where your help comes from. David could face Goliath because David already knew God before Goliath appeared. Daniel could face the lions because Daniel knew God before he entered the den. The three Hebrew boys could face the fiery furnace because they knew God before Nebuchadnezzar heated it. Paul could endure persecution because he knew the Christ for whom he suffered. And when your day of testing comes, you need more than something somebody told you about Jesus. You need to be able to declare: I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! Job said: “For I know that my redeemer liveth…” — Job 19:25 (KJV) There are some storms where somebody else's testimony will not be enough. You need your own history with God. You need memories of prayers He answered. You need moments when His Word carried you. You need times when you experienced His grace. You need the confidence to declare: I know who Jesus is because I have walked with Him for myself! THE QUESTION STILL STANDS Acts 19 leaves us with a question that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart: DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS? Not just the Jesus your pastor preaches. Not just the Jesus your parents taught you about. Not just the Jesus you heard about in Sunday School. But Jesus Christ for yourself. And perhaps an even deeper question is: DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT YOU KNOW HIM? Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (KJV) Knowing Jesus should produce following Jesus. Following Jesus should produce obedience. Obedience should produce transformation. And transformation should cause our lives to testify that we have been with Jesus. PRAYER... Father, in the name of Jesus, Thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Lord, forgive us for every time we have been satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus instead of developing a deeper relationship with Him. We don't want secondhand faith. We don't want borrowed convictions. We don't want to depend solely upon somebody else's prayers, testimony or relationship with You. Lord Jesus, we want to know You for ourselves. Draw us closer to You. Give us a hunger for Your Word, a desire for prayer, a heart of worship and a spirit willing to obey Your voice. Search our hearts and remove everything that has created distance between us and You. Teach us not merely to speak Your name but to honor Your name with the way we live. When temptation comes, remind us who You are. When storms arise, remind us who You are. When fear attacks, remind us who You are. When the enemy challenges our faith, help us stand firmly upon the authority of Your Word. May our lives testify that we belong to Jesus Christ. And Lord, let our greatest desire always be the cry of Paul: “That I may know him.” We want to know You more deeply, love You more completely, trust You more confidently, obey You more faithfully, and represent You more boldly. In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. DECLARATION... I DECLARE that I will not live on borrowed faith! I know who Jesus is! Jesus is my Savior. Jesus is my Redeemer. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Deliverer. Jesus is my Rock. Jesus is my Strength. Jesus is my Hope. Jesus is my King! I will seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and grow deeper in my relationship with Him. I refuse to merely know about Jesus. I WILL KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! And when life asks me, “Do you know who Jesus is?” My faith, my testimony, my obedience and my life will answer: YES! I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF! “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV) Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!
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  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    I told you about our trying out a new translation ap so that my friend and I can communicate without someone to translate for us. She is my husband’s age and then there is my catawampus brain. I told you about how we laughed so hard and loud that I got into trouble … haha. Let me give you another giggle from that wonderful ap.

    Yesterday while I was cooking dinner, my oldest little came and asked for help with her new baby doll that needed batteries. I told her to go see Opa because he had the screwdrivers. She did. Then she came back to ask for batteries. I looked all over my house and found batteries in every size but the one I needed. As I was trying to explain that we would go to the store after dinner, my German disappeared. So I asked, “Kanst du liesen?” which in my version of German is “Can you read?” She said yes. I was like Yes, I can use the app. I typed that we would go to the Dollar Store after dinner and turned the phone for her to read. I asked if she understood. She shook her head. I looked at the phone and the words looked wrong. (All languages have a vibe and this was not right.) The app had reset itself to Spanish. So, no, my German little could not read the Spanish translation. We giggled. I fixed it. She understood.

    Later, my daughter-in-law had a great conversation, in English, about how we each have the same fear. When we attempt the other’s language, we are afraid of saying the wrong word. This brought up some memories of when I tried to ask her in front of her house if s he remembered the keys … however, the word for keys is similar to shoes and castles. So I actually asked if she had her shoes, castles and then keys, trying to make my brain and mouth work together.

    There is a language barrier between us, but it is only a barrier if we allow the enemy to hold it between us. The barrier is only as strong as we allow it to be. Fear is a powerful tool and can keep you from trying new things. Such as … having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Last year, when they came, I purchased translating ear buds; they were slow on the translation and sometimes did not translate. This year we are trying the app and if I make sure it is set to German and English, I have even attempted to pronounce what it tells me. The attempt is there. The love is there. The barrier is coming down one word, one attempt, one text at a time. As we endeavor to be able to speak to each other, play goofy nugget games and faces with each other, breaking through the barrier one brick at a time … we take away the enemy’s fortress.

    The enemy would have us all cowering in our little corners, afraid and resistant to step out in faith. But … I was not made to live in fear. I was not made to cower. I was made to step out in the power of Jesus Christ and share his Peace and Love while planting seeds of hope.

    Today I encourage you to seek His face. Lay at His feet the barriers that you are facing, the fear that has you stationary, the battles that seem to be holding you back in your mind. I urge you step out in the faith and power of the Father and watch the fear barriers crumble. I am not completely confident in speaking German, but when it does start coming out … even if it is wrong…I tried. Trying is half the battle.

    Be blessed.

    **For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. I told you about our trying out a new translation ap so that my friend and I can communicate without someone to translate for us. She is my husband’s age and then there is my catawampus brain. I told you about how we laughed so hard and loud that I got into trouble … haha. Let me give you another giggle from that wonderful ap. Yesterday while I was cooking dinner, my oldest little came and asked for help with her new baby doll that needed batteries. I told her to go see Opa because he had the screwdrivers. She did. Then she came back to ask for batteries. I looked all over my house and found batteries in every size but the one I needed. As I was trying to explain that we would go to the store after dinner, my German disappeared. So I asked, “Kanst du liesen?” which in my version of German is “Can you read?” She said yes. I was like Yes, I can use the app. I typed that we would go to the Dollar Store after dinner and turned the phone for her to read. I asked if she understood. She shook her head. I looked at the phone and the words looked wrong. (All languages have a vibe and this was not right.) The app had reset itself to Spanish. So, no, my German little could not read the Spanish translation. We giggled. I fixed it. She understood. Later, my daughter-in-law had a great conversation, in English, about how we each have the same fear. When we attempt the other’s language, we are afraid of saying the wrong word. This brought up some memories of when I tried to ask her in front of her house if s he remembered the keys … however, the word for keys is similar to shoes and castles. So I actually asked if she had her shoes, castles and then keys, trying to make my brain and mouth work together. There is a language barrier between us, but it is only a barrier if we allow the enemy to hold it between us. The barrier is only as strong as we allow it to be. Fear is a powerful tool and can keep you from trying new things. Such as … having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Last year, when they came, I purchased translating ear buds; they were slow on the translation and sometimes did not translate. This year we are trying the app and if I make sure it is set to German and English, I have even attempted to pronounce what it tells me. The attempt is there. The love is there. The barrier is coming down one word, one attempt, one text at a time. As we endeavor to be able to speak to each other, play goofy nugget games and faces with each other, breaking through the barrier one brick at a time … we take away the enemy’s fortress. The enemy would have us all cowering in our little corners, afraid and resistant to step out in faith. But … I was not made to live in fear. I was not made to cower. I was made to step out in the power of Jesus Christ and share his Peace and Love while planting seeds of hope. Today I encourage you to seek His face. Lay at His feet the barriers that you are facing, the fear that has you stationary, the battles that seem to be holding you back in your mind. I urge you step out in the faith and power of the Father and watch the fear barriers crumble. I am not completely confident in speaking German, but when it does start coming out … even if it is wrong…I tried. Trying is half the battle. Be blessed. **For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
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  • 21-08-2026

    Remembering God’s Faithfulness

    Psalm 77:12 (AMP)
    “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”


    There are moments when life feels overwhelming and our hearts become filled with questions. In those moments, it is easy to focus on what God has not done yet instead of remembering everything He has already done.

    Psalm 77:12 gives us a powerful spiritual practice: remember.

    David intentionally chooses to look back at God’s faithfulness. He remembers His works, His miracles, His protection, and His goodness. Remembering changes our perspective. It reminds us that the God who carried us yesterday is still the God who is carrying us today.

    Maybe you are facing something right now that feels bigger than your strength. Before fear tells you that God has forgotten you, stop and remember.

    Remember the doors He opened.
    Remember the prayers He answered.
    Remember the times He provided when you didn't know how things would work out.
    Remember the moments when He gave you strength to keep going.

    Your current situation may be uncertain, but God's character has not changed.
    Sometimes faith is simply saying, “I don't understand what God is doing right now, but I remember what He has done before.”

    Your memories of God's faithfulness can become fuel for your faith in today's uncertainty.

    Prayer
    Father, help me to remember Your goodness when I am tempted to focus on my problems. Remind me of every time You have carried me, provided for me, protected me, and answered my prayers. When I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust who You are. Let the memories of Your faithfulness strengthen my faith today. I choose to remember Your wonders and praise You for Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Today’s Thought
    When you don't know what God is doing, remember what God has already done.

    Declaration
    I will remember God's faithfulness. I will not allow today's uncertainty to erase yesterday's miracles. The God who was faithful before will remain faithful today and tomorrow.







    21-08-2026 Remembering God’s Faithfulness Psalm 77:12 (AMP) “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” There are moments when life feels overwhelming and our hearts become filled with questions. In those moments, it is easy to focus on what God has not done yet instead of remembering everything He has already done. Psalm 77:12 gives us a powerful spiritual practice: remember. David intentionally chooses to look back at God’s faithfulness. He remembers His works, His miracles, His protection, and His goodness. Remembering changes our perspective. It reminds us that the God who carried us yesterday is still the God who is carrying us today. Maybe you are facing something right now that feels bigger than your strength. Before fear tells you that God has forgotten you, stop and remember. Remember the doors He opened. Remember the prayers He answered. Remember the times He provided when you didn't know how things would work out. Remember the moments when He gave you strength to keep going. Your current situation may be uncertain, but God's character has not changed. Sometimes faith is simply saying, “I don't understand what God is doing right now, but I remember what He has done before.” Your memories of God's faithfulness can become fuel for your faith in today's uncertainty. Prayer Father, help me to remember Your goodness when I am tempted to focus on my problems. Remind me of every time You have carried me, provided for me, protected me, and answered my prayers. When I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust who You are. Let the memories of Your faithfulness strengthen my faith today. I choose to remember Your wonders and praise You for Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Today’s Thought When you don't know what God is doing, remember what God has already done. Declaration I will remember God's faithfulness. I will not allow today's uncertainty to erase yesterday's miracles. The God who was faithful before will remain faithful today and tomorrow.
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  • 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

    Sometimes we think healing means the memories will disappear.

    But healing can look different.

    The story remains, but the pain no longer controls you.

    The wound becomes a scar.
    The scar becomes a testimony.
    And what once broke you can become part of the story God uses to strengthen you.

    You can forgive without excusing.
    You can remember without remaining bound to the past.
    You can move forward because God is greater than what happened to you.

    “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

    𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

    #Healing #Forgiveness #GodHeals #ChristianFaith #GodsGrace #HurtPeopleHurtPeople
    𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🤍 Sometimes we think healing means the memories will disappear. But healing can look different. The story remains, but the pain no longer controls you. The wound becomes a scar. The scar becomes a testimony. And what once broke you can become part of the story God uses to strengthen you. You can forgive without excusing. You can remember without remaining bound to the past. You can move forward because God is greater than what happened to you. 📖 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. #Healing #Forgiveness #GodHeals #ChristianFaith #GodsGrace #HurtPeopleHurtPeople
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  • Sin Away, parody of Take Me Away from Freaky Friday, live with my daughter at Memories Event Venue in Frankfort, KY on 6/28/2024.

    https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDUrppEe/
    Sin Away, parody of Take Me Away from Freaky Friday, live with my daughter at Memories Event Venue in Frankfort, KY on 6/28/2024. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDUrppEe/
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