OBEY THE PROTOCOLS OF LIFE

Obedience • Wisdom • Protection

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 19:16 (KJV) “He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.”

1. OBEDIENCE PROTECTS YOU

Many troubles come from ignoring instructions.

Don't break the rules and blame the consequences.

2. RESPECT THE PROTOCOL

Every area of life has rules and procedures—family, marriage, church, work, business and society.

Following the right process can save you: Time • Money • Relationships • Reputation

3. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Listen → Understand → Follow instructions → Act wisely.

4. RESPECT LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY

Respecting authority brings order.

But don't follow blindly. When human instructions conflict with God's Word: Obey God first.

5. FOLLOW GOD'S PROTOCOL

Deuteronomy 10:12 (KJV) “...what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways...”

God's Word should guide your decisions.

KEY LESSON

1. Listen carefully.
2. Follow instructions.
3. Respect boundaries.
4. Honour legitimate authority.
5. Think before acting.
6. Learn from correction.
7. Put God first.

FINAL CHARGE

Life has protocols.

Obedience is not weakness; it is wisdom in action.

Respect the protocol.
Follow the instruction.
Avoid unnecessary trouble.

SHORT PRAYER

Father, give me wisdom to understand and obey Your instructions. Help me respect legitimate authority, follow wise counsel and avoid unnecessary trouble. Give me humility to accept correction and discipline to do what is right. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
+233544295158

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 18)

1. A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.

2. A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3. When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5. It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6. A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.

7. A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

9. He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

11. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13. He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14. The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15. The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16. A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17. The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18. Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19. A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20. A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22. He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD.

23. The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24. A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
Lessons From a Bow and Arrow.

By Bobby Davis

August 18th, 2026

“You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men.” Jeremiah 32:19

After growing up in South America, I felt pretty lost as a teenager, when my family returned to the United States. I spoke English, as I do now, but everything else was completely unfamiliar.

Since I didn’t understand American sports, I looked for something I could get involved with, and for some reason, I chose archery. Before long, I learned all the right techniques and follow-through, but the part I lacked in was experience. Practice does not make perfect, but it does make permanent—so I practiced a lot. I got better, and realized that every single shot had to be carefully executed in order to hit the target.

I learned many lessons from archery—persistence, the rewards of practice, and patience. But it was much later in life before I was able to see how really valuable those lessons were.

You see, I’m rather impatient at times—with other people, and with myself. I’m not sure why that is, since my parents are really models of patience that I should have learned from. I remember a time when the big family Christmas present was a garage door opener. How excited I was to unpack the pieces. I spread them all over the garage floor, and tried to follow the directions. However, it seems that it was manufactured in a foreign country, and the directions didn’t make sense. But there were pictures, so I began assembly without actually trying very hard to decipher the written directions. And that didn’t turn out well.

At times, my father would ask me, “Don’t you think you should do this or that first?” and I would impatiently tell him that I knew what I was doing. That man has the patience of a saint, because not only did he let me try to assemble it, but he also disassembled every piece when I gave up, and started over. Finally, it was done, and we put it up and tried it out. Believe it or not, over 40 years later, that garage door opener still works (although he did have to replace a fuse).

Sometimes I’m impatient with God. And that archery experience comes back again. Consider these wise words from one of my favorite authors, Oswald Chambers. “A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer,” he writes. “God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says – ‘I cannot stand any more.’

“God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly.”

Although I’m not much of an archer anymore, I know that if I’m an arrow in the hands of the Master Archer, He will never miss.

Guarding Your Words Before the Lord

Scripture

Judges 11:30–31 (NKJV)
And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the people of Ammon shall surely be the Lords and I will offer it up as a burnt offering

Trusting God Without Rash Promises

Judges chapter 11 introduces Jephthah, a man rejected by his family but later called to lead Israel in battle. Before the confrontation with the Ammonites, Jephthah makes a serious vow to the Lord. His words are spoken in intensity and pressure, but they are not commanded by God.

The chapter reveals a sobering lesson. Victory was already dependent on God’s power, not on Jephthah’s vow. God did not require a bargain. Yet Jephthah spoke hastily, and his vow brought deep sorrow. His story reminds us that God desires obedience and trust more than dramatic promises.

This chapter does not question Jephthah’s courage or leadership, but it highlights the importance of wisdom and restraint in speech. Words spoken before God carry weight. Faith does not need to manipulate outcomes through vows. It rests in God’s character and promises.

For believers today Judges 11 teaches us to approach God with reverence and wisdom. We do not need to bargain with God in moments of stress. He is faithful without being pressured. Trust honors God more than impulsive promises.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I speak carefully when making commitments before God

2. Have I ever tried to bargain with God instead of trusting Him

3. How can I grow in wise and disciplined speech

Prayer

Lord God teach me to trust You without making rash promises. Guard my words and give me wisdom when I speak. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness rather than trying to secure outcomes through my own vows. In Jesus name Amen.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 18)

1. A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.

2. A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3. When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5. It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6. A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.

7. A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

9. He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

11. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13. He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14. The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15. The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16. A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17. The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18. Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19. A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20. A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22. He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD.

23. The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24. A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Psalm 19:7-9 KJV
[7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.19.7-9.KJV

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 17)

1. Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,
And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests the hearts.

4. An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6. Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.

7. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.

8. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9. He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11. An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

13. Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.

14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

17. A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.

19. He who loves transgression loves strife,
And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.

22. A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.

24. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25. A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.

26. Also, to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27. He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

August 17th, 2026
Read; Psalm 139: 13-14

Our Creator intimately formed us, possessing our innermost being and covering us in our mother's womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, a testament to His marvelous works, and our souls know this truth well. Before anyone knew of our coming, He had divine plans for us. When we consider all God has done, we see His hand in our unique creation, His faithful care for our lives, and His powerful ability to heal. He is not only our Maker but also our constant Sustainer, demonstrating His infinite love through His works.

Prayer
God Almighty, my Savior and Redeemer, thank You for knowing me before I could know myself and for giving me life. I receive the abilities, limitations, history, and relationships You have entrusted to me as part of Your wise care. Keep me from turning my particular gifts into pride or comparing my life with another's. Teach me to steward what You have given with courage and gratitude, honoring the body You formed and using my gifts to love You and serve others. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.