📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 7–8 | Ephesians 6 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Chronicles 7 Every Tribe Has a Place in God’s Plan 1 Chronicles 7 continues the genealogies by recording several of the remaining tribes of Israel, including Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. While the chapter is largely a collection of family records, it communicates an important theological truth: every tribe and every family had a place within God’s covenant purposes. The genealogies emphasize growth, strength, and military readiness. Many of the descendants are described as mighty men of valor, capable leaders, and faithful members of their tribes. These descriptions remind us that God equips His people with different gifts and responsibilities for the good of the entire covenant community. The chapter also includes moments of sorrow. The descendants of Ephraim experience significant loss when members of the family are killed while attempting to seize livestock. Their grief is remembered within the genealogy, demonstrating that Scripture does not ignore pain or suffering. Even within God’s covenant family, seasons of tragedy become part of the story. Yet the account does not end with grief. God continues His work through later generations. The line of Ephraim continues, eventually leading to Joshua, one of Israel’s greatest leaders. This quiet reminder demonstrates that God often brings future hope out of present sorrow. Human loss never has the final word when God is accomplishing His purposes. The tribes of Asher conclude the chapter with descriptions of strength, fruitfulness, and capable leadership. Together, these genealogies reveal a nation composed of many families, each contributing uniquely to the covenant people of God. None of the tribes stand alone. Together they form the nation through whom God will continue advancing His redemptive plan. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 7 reveals God's faithfulness to every tribe of Israel. He remembers individuals, preserves families, and continues His purposes across generations despite seasons of joy and sorrow. The chapter also teaches that every member of God’s people has significance within His larger plan. This chapter points to Christ, who unites God’s people into one family. The many tribes of Israel anticipated the greater unity found in Christ, where people from every nation, tribe, and language become one body under one eternal King. Jesus gives every believer a meaningful place within His kingdom and equips each one for faithful service. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 7 reminds us that God knows every family, every generation, and every life. Even when our role seems unnoticed, we remain important within His purposes. Seasons of sorrow do not remove us from His plan. In Christ, every believer has been called, gifted, and placed within His family to serve faithfully for His glory. 1 Chronicles 8 God Preserves the Line for His Purposes 1 Chronicles 8 focuses primarily on the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This chapter is especially significant because it prepares readers for the introduction of Saul and later David in the chapters that follow. The detailed record demonstrates that God was carefully preserving families and generations according to His sovereign purposes. Benjamin occupied an important place in Israel’s history. Although the tribe experienced great hardship earlier in Israel’s history, God preserved it and caused it to continue. The genealogies remind readers that God’s grace often restores what appears to have been nearly lost. The chapter records numerous families, leaders, and settlements associated with Benjamin. These details reveal God's concern not only for individuals but also for communities. He establishes people in places where they can live, work, worship, and contribute to the life of the nation. Every family becomes part of the unfolding story of God's covenant. As the genealogy progresses, increasing attention is given to the family that will eventually produce Saul, Israel’s first king. The Chronicler is preparing readers for the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. Although Saul’s reign will ultimately reveal the limitations of human leadership, his genealogy reminds us that even flawed leaders occupy a place within God’s sovereign plan. The preservation of Benjamin also demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human failure. Earlier generations had experienced conflict, judgment, and weakness, yet God continued sustaining the tribe. His covenant purposes were larger than the failures of any single generation. The chapter quietly emphasizes continuity. History is not a disconnected series of events but a carefully directed unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Every generation leads toward the greater purposes God has already established. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 8 reveals God's sovereign preservation of His people. He remembers families, restores what has been weakened, and faithfully guides history according to His covenant. The chapter demonstrates that God's purposes continue even through imperfect people and difficult generations. This chapter points to Christ by preparing the way for Israel’s kingship. Saul would become the nation’s first king, but his reign would reveal humanity’s inability to provide the perfect ruler. That anticipation ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the greater King who perfectly fulfills God’s covenant promises and reigns forever in righteousness. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 8 reminds us that God faithfully preserves His people through every generation. Our lives are connected to His larger redemptive story, even when we cannot fully see how He is working. In Christ, we belong to the family of God, and He continues accomplishing His eternal purposes through ordinary believers who faithfully follow Him. Our confidence rests not in human leadership but in the everlasting King who rules with perfect wisdom, justice, and grace. Ephesians 6 — Standing Firm in the Strength of the Christ Ephesians chapter 6 concludes the letter by bringing together everything Paul has taught about the believer's identity and calling in the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter moves from practical instruction for the home and workplace to the reality of spiritual warfare. It reminds believers that the Christian life is lived in dependence upon the strength of the Christ, who equips His people to stand firm as they participate in His redemptive plan. The chapter begins by addressing relationships within the family. Children are called to honor and obey their parents, reflecting God's order and demonstrating respect for His authority. Parents, in turn, are instructed to raise their children with loving discipline and godly instruction rather than harshness or discouragement. Christian living transforms the home because the Son of God changes the hearts of both parents and children, producing relationships marked by love, respect, and grace. Paul then addresses the relationship between servants and masters, emphasizing that every believer ultimately serves the Christ. Regardless of earthly responsibilities or positions, all work is to be done with sincerity, integrity, and a desire to honor the Son of God. The redemptive plan changes the believer's perspective on daily responsibilities. Ordinary tasks become acts of worship when performed for the glory of the Christ. The central focus of the chapter is the reality of spiritual warfare. Paul reminds believers that their greatest battle is not against other people but against spiritual forces that oppose God's purposes. Christian living therefore requires spiritual strength rather than human determination. The Son of God has not left His people defenseless. He provides everything necessary for them to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Believers are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Victory does not come through personal ability but through dependence upon the Christ. The redemptive plan assures believers that the battle belongs to the Lord, and He faithfully equips those who trust in Him. Paul then describes the armor of God, illustrating the spiritual resources the Lord provides. Truth secures the believer against deception, righteousness guards the heart, the gospel of peace establishes stability, faith extinguishes the attacks of the enemy, salvation protects the mind, the Word of God serves as the Spirit's sword, and continual prayer keeps believers dependent upon the Lord. Each piece of armor points ultimately to the Christ, for He is the embodiment of truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, and the living Word. Christian living is strengthened as believers daily clothe themselves with the character and provision of the Son of God. Prayer occupies a central place in this spiritual battle. Paul encourages believers to pray continually with perseverance for themselves and for one another. The redemptive plan advances as God's people remain dependent upon Him in prayer. Through prayer, believers receive strength, wisdom, courage, and endurance to faithfully proclaim the gospel of the Christ. Even while imprisoned, Paul asks for prayer that he would boldly proclaim the message of the Son of God. His concern is not for personal comfort but for faithfulness to the mission God has entrusted to him. This demonstrates the heart of Christian living. Every circumstance becomes an opportunity to glorify the Christ and advance His kingdom. The letter concludes with words of peace, love, faith, and grace. These blessings summarize everything Paul has taught throughout Ephesians. The believer's life begins with grace, grows through faith, is sustained by love, and rests in the peace that comes through the Christ. The redemptive plan finds its fulfillment in a people who live under His lordship and reflect His character to the world. Throughout Ephesians chapter 6, the Christ is revealed as the believer's strength, protector, commander, and victorious King. Every piece of spiritual armor points back to Him, and every victory is accomplished through His power rather than our own. The Son of God equips His people to stand firm until His work is complete. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that the Christian life is both a privilege and a battle. We are called to faithfully honor the Lord in our homes, our work, and our relationships while recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare. Christian living requires daily dependence upon the strength of the Christ, continual prayer, and confidence in His victory. As we put on the armor He provides and stand firm in His truth, we become faithful witnesses of His grace and active participants in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 5–6 | Ephesians 5 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Chronicles 5 Faith, Failure, and the God Who Gives Victory 1 Chronicles 5 records the genealogies and history of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes settled east of the Jordan River because the land was suitable for their livestock. Although the chapter contains many names, it presents a clear spiritual contrast between trusting God in battle and later abandoning Him through idolatry. The chapter begins with Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son. Because of his sin, however, the privileges of the firstborn were divided among others. Joseph received the birthright, while Judah became the tribe from which the ruler would come. This reveals that spiritual privilege carries responsibility. Position alone cannot replace obedience and godly character. The mention of Judah’s leadership is especially important. Although the chapter focuses on the eastern tribes, it reminds readers that the promised ruler would come from Judah. God was already directing Israel’s history toward David and ultimately toward the Messiah. The tribes east of the Jordan became strong and numerous. When they faced powerful enemies, they cried out to God during the battle. The Lord answered them because they trusted Him. Their victory did not come merely from their military skill, organization, or numbers. God gave the enemy into their hands because the battle belonged to Him. This moment demonstrates the power of dependence upon the Lord. These warriors prepared responsibly, but their confidence was ultimately placed in God. Faith did not eliminate action; it directed their action and gave them confidence that the Lord was fighting on their behalf. Sadly, the chapter does not end with victory. Over time, these same tribes became unfaithful to the God of their fathers and pursued the false gods of the surrounding nations. The people who once cried out to God in dependence gradually turned away from Him in compromise. As a result, the Lord allowed foreign kings to carry them into exile. Their military strength could not protect them once they abandoned the God who had given them victory. The chapter shows that past faithfulness does not guarantee future faithfulness. Every generation must continue walking with the Lord. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 5 reveals that victory comes through faith and dependence upon God, while spiritual compromise eventually leads to loss. The Lord responds to those who cry out to Him, but He also disciplines His people when they persistently abandon His covenant. This chapter points to Christ, the promised Ruler from the tribe of Judah. Unlike Israel’s earthly warriors, Jesus won the ultimate battle through perfect obedience to the Father. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated sin, death, and every spiritual enemy. All who trust in Him share in His victory. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 5 reminds us not to rely upon past victories, spiritual heritage, or personal strength. We must continue trusting the Lord in every battle and guarding our hearts against compromise. In Christ, we have a victorious King who hears us when we call upon Him and gives us strength to remain faithful. The battle belongs to the Lord, but we are called to walk in continual dependence, obedience, and trust. 1 Chronicles 6 Called to Worship and Serve in God’s Presence 1 Chronicles 6 focuses on the tribe of Levi, the family appointed by God to serve in connection with the tabernacle, the temple, the priesthood, and the worship of Israel. While the previous chapters trace royal and tribal lines, this chapter emphasizes the spiritual leadership that God established among His people. The genealogy traces the priestly line from Levi through Aaron and eventually to those who served before and after the exile. These records confirm that priestly service was not based upon personal ambition or human appointment. God called and established those who would minister before Him. Aaron’s descendants carried the responsibility of offering sacrifices and ministering at the altar. Their service reminded Israel that sinful people could not approach a holy God casually. Sacrifice, cleansing, mediation, and obedience were necessary because God is holy. The chapter also gives attention to the Levites who served through music and worship. David appointed singers to minister before the Lord, and their service became an important part of Israel’s spiritual life. Worship was not treated as an afterthought. It was organized, intentional, and centered upon the greatness of God. Different Levite families received different responsibilities. Some served as priests, others as singers, gatekeepers, assistants, or caretakers of sacred things. No single family performed every task. God distributed responsibilities so that His people would serve together in unity. This reveals that ministry is both spiritual and practical. Public worship depends upon many faithful servants fulfilling responsibilities that others may never notice. God values every role when it is performed with humility and faithfulness. The chapter also records the cities assigned to the Levites throughout Israel. Rather than receiving one large territory, the Levites were scattered among the tribes. Their presence reminded the entire nation of God’s Word, worship, and covenant. Spiritual instruction was intended to influence every part of Israel’s life. Yet the priesthood and sacrificial system were never the final answer to humanity’s sin. The priests themselves were imperfect and needed sacrifices for their own sins. Their ministry pointed beyond itself toward a greater Priest who would provide a complete and lasting sacrifice. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 6 reveals God’s holiness and His gracious provision for worship. He appoints priests, establishes sacrifice, orders ministry, and gives His people a way to approach His presence. The chapter also demonstrates that every form of service matters within the work of God. This chapter points directly to Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest. Unlike the descendants of Aaron, Jesus is sinless and serves forever. He did not repeatedly offer animal sacrifices but offered Himself once for all. Through His finished work, believers receive forgiveness and direct access to the Father. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 6 reminds us that worship and service must remain central in our lives. Every believer has been called to serve according to the gifts and responsibilities God provides. Some roles are visible, while others are performed quietly, but every faithful act contributes to the work of God’s kingdom. In Christ, we are brought near to God and made part of a royal priesthood. We no longer depend upon an earthly priest to enter God’s presence on our behalf because Jesus has opened the way. Our response should be lives of worship, holiness, gratitude, and faithful service to the One who has redeemed us. Ephesians 5 — Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom Through the Christ Ephesians chapter 5 continues Paul's practical instruction by describing what it means to live as those who have been transformed by the Christ, the Son of God. Building upon the call to put off the old way of life, this chapter presents three defining characteristics of Christian living: walking in love, walking in light, and walking in wisdom. Each of these is rooted in the believer's relationship with the Christ and reflects God's redemptive plan at work in everyday life. The chapter begins by calling believers to imitate God as His beloved children. This imitation is seen most clearly in love. The Christ demonstrated perfect love by willingly giving Himself for the salvation of humanity. His sacrificial love becomes both the foundation and the model for Christian living. The redemptive plan is centered on the self-giving love of the Son of God, and believers are called to reflect that same love in their relationships with others. Paul then contrasts this Christlike love with the sinful attitudes and behaviors that belong to the old life. Greed, impurity, selfishness, and corrupt speech are inconsistent with the new identity believers have received in the Christ. Christian living is marked by holiness because the Son of God has called His people to reflect His character. The redemptive plan transforms both the heart and the conduct of those who belong to Him. The chapter next describes believers as children of light. Having been rescued from spiritual darkness through the Christ, they are now called to live in a way that reflects truth, righteousness, and goodness. Light exposes what is hidden and reveals what pleases God. Christian living therefore requires discernment, continually choosing what honors the Son of God rather than conforming to the values of the world. Paul encourages believers to use their time wisely because the days are spiritually challenging. Rather than living carelessly, they are to seek the will of the Lord in every circumstance. The redemptive plan gives purpose to every moment of life. The Christ calls His followers to invest their lives in what has eternal value, recognizing that each day presents opportunities to glorify Him. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of seeking satisfaction in temporary pleasures, believers are called to live under the Spirit's influence. This produces worship, gratitude, encouragement, and joyful obedience. Christian living is sustained by the continual work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to reflect the life of the Son of God. Paul then turns to relationships within the home, particularly marriage. He presents marriage as a living picture of the relationship between the Christ and His Church. Husbands are called to love sacrificially, following the example of the Son of God who gave Himself for His people. Wives are called to respond with respect and willing support. This relationship reflects God's redemptive plan by displaying the love, unity, and faithfulness that exist between the Christ and His redeemed people. The chapter concludes by elevating the significance of marriage beyond human companionship. Marriage becomes a testimony to the gospel itself. Just as the Christ lovingly cares for, nourishes, and sanctifies His Church, believers are called to reflect His character in their homes and relationships. Christian living demonstrates the reality of the gospel not only in public ministry but also in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Throughout Ephesians chapter 5, the Christ remains the perfect example of love, holiness, wisdom, and sacrificial leadership. Every instruction flows from His character and points believers back to His finished work. The redemptive plan transforms every area of life, enabling God's people to walk in a manner worthy of the calling they have received. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that our lives should continually reflect the character of the Christ. Christian living means walking in sacrificial love, shining as children of light, living wisely, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every decision. Whether in our worship, our relationships, or our daily responsibilities, we are called to display the beauty of the Son of God. As we follow His example and depend upon His grace, our lives become living testimonies of His transforming power and His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Let's talk about it. “When looking at these four chapters in which Michael appears, we immediately notice that Michael is in conflict with Satan in each of these stories. Michael is the title used for Christ whenever He is at war with Satan. It is also the title connected to Him as the chief of the angels, or leader of the angels. Lucifer was next only to Christ, or Michael, among the angels. Christ’s title as Michael is a reminder that Lucifer rebelled against the chief of the angels and desired to be like God. In each case described in Scripture when Christ takes the title of Michael, He is victorious. The final victory occurs in Daniel 12: 1. At the end of the world, Michael stands up to deliver a faithful generation who have proven Satan’s charges false. Here in Revelation 12, Michael the archangel, or the chief angel, has a litany of angels on His side. The dragon, or Satan, has angels on his side. It is a polemical war that is fought over Satan’s lies against the government of God and Christ’s place in that government. In verse 8, we see that Satan and his angels did not prevail. There was no place in heaven for his lies and for the dissension he had created.” — Revelation: Practical Living in the Judgment Hour by Norman McNulty

WHY WE DON'T PUT AN ALTAR ON AN ALTAR: A Prophetic Revelation on Spiritual Identity. In many cultures across the world, a common weapon of spiritual and psychological warfare involves targeting a person's identity. Malicious individuals, envious colleagues, or hidden enemies often take a person’s photograph, name, or reputation, and subject it to dark altars, malicious gatherings, or toxic rituals. The goal is simple: to suppress, manipulate, or completely destroy the victim's destiny. When people find out their identity is being targeted, fear usually sets in. But today, I want to introduce a universal spiritual law and a proverb that God gave me to break this fear once and for all: "We don't put an altar on an altar". "THE ANATOMY OF AN ALTAR To understand this proverb, we must understand what an altar is. An altar is not just a physical table or a heap of stones; it is a legal landing pad where the spiritual realm interfaces with the physical realm. It is a place of covenants, commitments, and spiritual authority. When a malicious force tries to target your identity, they believe they are subjecting your life to the authority of their domain. YOU ARE THE ALTAR Here is the heavy spiritual mystery they fail to realize: As a believer, you are not an empty vessel. The Apostle Paul reminds us in (1 Corinthians 6:19) that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. If your body is a temple, it means there is an active, burning altar of the Living God residing inside your spirit. You are a moving, living altar. Your identity carries the spiritual frequency, presence, and fire of the God you serve. THE CLASH OF FOUNDATIONS Therefore, when an enemy targets you, they are literally trying to place an altar on top of an altar. In the realm of the spirit, this creates a violent clash of legalities. A lower, human-made, or demonic foundation cannot sit on top of or overwrite a supreme, divine foundation. You cannot place a counterfeit authority over the original authority of God. Instead of their dark setups swallowing up your destiny, your presence as a divine altar enters their space as a disruptive force. THE EXAMPLE OF DAGON We see this law perfectly demonstrated in (1 Samuel 5). When the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they foolishly brought it into the temple of their god, Dagon, and set it right next to him. They tried to place the supreme altar of Jehovah within the domain of a lesser deity. What happened? The next morning, Dagon was found fallen face down on the ground before the Ark. They stood him up again, and by the next day, Dagon had fallen again—this time with his head and hands broken off. A PROPHETIC DECLARATION If you are reading this today, let this proverb give you absolute confidence. You are protected by a permanent spiritual covenant. If they have targeted your life in any hidden room to manipulate your marriage, finances, or health, do not panic. Because you are an altar, their opposition has just invited a consuming fire into its own space. The attack will backfire, the altars of darkness will shatter, and your victory is guaranteed. Remember this truth, declare it over your life, and let the world know: We don't put an altar on an altar. THE "CLASH OF ALTARS" PROPHETIC PRAYER BY PROPHET LORDSON ASAMOAH ( Lordson DeLordson). In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,I stand as a servant of the Living God, and I decree this day over your life: You are a living, breathing altar of the Holy Spirit! Your identity is wrapped in Christ, and your destiny is anchored on a supreme divine foundation. Hear the Word of the Lord: We don't put an altar on an altar! Therefore, I command right now: Every secret gathering, coven, or dark room across the world where your name is being mentioned for evil—let the fire of God scatter them! Any altar of darkness where your picture, your clothing, or your identity has been laid to tie down your destiny—let that lower altar catch fire and shatter to pieces! Just as Dagon fell and broke before the Ark of God. I decree that every opposing power trying to sit on top of your marriage, your finances, or your health must fall face down and break today! Because you are an active altar of God, any dark force that touches your identity has touched a consuming fire.The weapon formed against you will not only fail, it will backfire violently by the power of the Holy Spirit. You are protected. You are fortified. You are victorious. In Jesus' mighty name, AMEN! #SpiritualWarfare#TheClashOfAltars#BackfireToSender#ConsumingFire#VictoryInJesus#ProphetLordsonDeLordson#TempleOfTheHolySpirit#PropheticDeclaration#BelieversAuthority#SpiritualLaws

PRAYER TO RESIST AND DESTROY EVIL ALTERS Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. You are the Most High God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Your Word says in Psalm 91:2, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." Right now, I stand on the rock of Your truth to break, resist, and destroy every evil altar speaking against my life, my family, my community, and my ministry. 1. Renouncing and Resisting Evil Voices The Scripture: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord..." (Isaiah 54:17). The Prayer: Lord, I silence every evil altar speaking failure, sickness, confusion, and delay into my life and community. I command every demonic voice crying out from hidden altars of darkness to be silenced by the blood of Jesus. I refuse to agree with any word or decree sent from an evil altar. 2. Pulling Down Demonic Strongholds The Scripture: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;" (2 Corinthians 10:4). The Prayer: Father, by Your Holy Spirit, I release the fire of God to dismantle every foundational and territorial evil altar fighting my progress. I pull down every stronghold of generational curses, witchcraft, and ancestral worship that has tied down my family, my church, and my city. Let the horns of the wicked be broken right now in Jesus' name. 3. Destroying and Burning Evil Altars The Scripture: "But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire." (Deuteronomy 7:5). The Prayer: O Lord, send Your consuming fire to burn to ashes every satanic altar erected against my ministry and community. I decree that every covenant and sacrifice speaking against my destiny is nullified by the blood of Jesus. Every priest of darkness ministering at evil altars against my life is dethroned and disgraced today. 4. Claiming Ultimate Victory and Freedom The Scripture: "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18). The Prayer: Thank You, Lord, because I am victorious. My life, my community, and my ministry are hidden in Christ. I walk in total freedom, divine protection, and unhindered breakthrough from this day forward. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SATURDAY, 29TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*GO UP INTO THE MOUNTAIN AND PRAY*🌟 📖 Scripture: “And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.” — Mark 6:46 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Make Time to Be Alone With God* After Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the multitude, He did something very significant: He withdrew to the mountain to pray. Jesus had just finished a great work, yet He knew the importance of stepping away from the crowd to spend time with the Father. This teaches us that spiritual strength is renewed in God's presence. There are times when we are surrounded by people, responsibilities, activities, ministry, work, family demands, and countless distractions. But we must intentionally create moments of quietness where we can withdraw from the noise and draw near to God. Prayer is not only for moments of crisis. We need God's presence after victories as much as we need Him during battles. Today, don't allow busyness to rob you of your secret place. Go up to your mountain. Pray. Be still. Listen. Receive strength. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my relationship with God shall become deeper, stronger, and more intimate. I receive grace to cultivate a consistent and meaningful prayer life. I declare that the Lord shall draw me closer to His presence. My hunger for prayer shall increase, my love for His Word shall deepen, and my desire to know Him shall become stronger. Today, I receive spiritual strength for every responsibility God has entrusted to me. Just as Jesus withdrew to pray, I shall learn to withdraw from distractions and seek divine renewal. I declare that every burden weighing upon my heart shall be brought before God in prayer. I shall not carry alone what I can surrender to my Heavenly Father. I proclaim divine wisdom and direction over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. As I seek God, may He guide my decisions and order my steps. I declare that prayer shall become my first response rather than my last resort. Before I react, I will pray. Before I decide, I will seek God. Before I complain, I will give thanks. Today, I declare that every distraction attempting to steal my attention from God shall lose its power over me. I receive discipline to create time for Scripture, worship, meditation, and prayer. I proclaim that my secret place shall become a place of transformation. May God renew my mind, strengthen my faith, purify my motives, and prepare me for every assignment ahead. I declare that I shall not become spiritually empty while being physically busy. The more responsibility God gives me, the more deeply I will depend upon Him. I receive grace to pray when things are going well and when things are difficult. I shall not forget God after receiving His blessings. Today, I declare that the peace of God's presence shall follow me into every environment. What I receive in the secret place shall strengthen me in the public place. I proclaim that my prayer life shall produce visible fruit: greater wisdom, stronger faith, better decisions, deeper love, spiritual maturity, and a more effective Christian witness. I will seek God. I will make time for prayer. I will withdraw from distractions. I will listen for His direction. I will return from His presence strengthened. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥🕊️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Create a quiet moment: Find a peaceful place today where you can spend uninterrupted time with God. 2️⃣ Read Mark 6:45–52: Notice how Jesus withdrew to pray after ministering to the crowd. 3️⃣ Declare: “I receive strength, wisdom, and direction as I seek God in prayer.” 4️⃣ Put away distractions: Set your phone and other distractions aside for a dedicated prayer period. 5️⃣ Pray intentionally: Pray for your relationship with God, family, ministry, work, business, studies, and future. 6️⃣ Listen as well as speak: Spend some quiet moments reflecting on Scripture and asking God to guide your heart. 7️⃣ Practice prayer throughout the day: Before making an important decision or responding to a difficult situation, pause and pray. 8️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for the privilege of entering His presence and for every answer, direction, and strength He provides. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Jesus, who withdrew from the crowd and went to the mountain to pray. Lord, draw me closer to You. Give me a deeper hunger for prayer, Your Word, worship, and Your presence. Forgive me for the times I have allowed busyness, distractions, responsibilities, or worldly concerns to take priority over my relationship with You. Teach me to create a secret place where I can meet with You regularly. When I am successful, remind me to pray. When I am struggling, teach me to pray. When I am confused, help me to pray. When I am making important decisions, lead me to seek Your wisdom first. I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, plans, and future to You. Give me divine direction. Order my steps. Correct me when I am going in the wrong direction and strengthen me when the journey becomes difficult. Lord, renew my spiritual strength. Let my prayer life transform my character and make me more like Christ. May I never become so busy doing things for You that I neglect spending time with You. Let Your presence become my greatest source of strength, peace, wisdom, and confidence. Take me deeper into Your presence, Lord. Teach me to pray, teach me to listen, and teach me to walk according to Your will. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord draw you into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May your prayer life become stronger, your faith deeper, your spiritual discernment sharper, and your hunger for God's Word greater. May God give you wisdom for every decision and direction for every step. May His presence strengthen you in your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every responsibility He has entrusted to you. May your secret place become a place of renewal, revelation, restoration, and divine empowerment. May you never become too busy for God. May every victory drive you closer to Him, and may every challenge teach you to depend upon Him more deeply. 🕊️ May your prayer life flourish. 🔥 May your spiritual strength increase. 📖 May God's Word guide you. 🙏 May His presence refresh you. ✨ May your life reflect Christ wherever you go. 🌟 “HE DEPARTED INTO A MOUNTAIN TO PRAY.” — MARK 6:46 Today, step away from the noise, draw near to God, and receive fresh strength for the journey ahead. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, prayerful, spiritually refreshing, and victorious day 🙏🕊️🔥 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2O26. "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (4)" ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord;...’ Psalms 103:2 NLT THE BIBLE equates God with light, and light with holiness. ‘…God is light; in him there is no darkness at all’ (1 John 1:5 NIV). Paul said that God dwells in ‘…unapproachable light…’ (1 Timothy 6:16 NIV). Scripture refers to Christ ‘…who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners…’ (Hebrews 7:26 NIV). So how should you approach such a God? As you would an auditor when your books don’t balance? Or a dictator who holds the power of life and death? No, Jesus told us to pray, ‘…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name’ (Matthew 6:9 KJV). There’s your answer! You must come to God as a father who loves you dearly and desires only what is best for you, while always regarding Him with profound reverence. As your awe of God expands, your fears in life will diminish. A big view of God translates into big courage; a small view of God generates no courage at all. A puny God can’t help you when cancer strikes, your family is in trouble, or you’ve no way to pay your bills. A ‘do-me-a-favour’ Jesus may look good stuck on your dashboard, but that image can do nothing for your fears. You need an awesome God, who, while diminishing your ego, enlarges your faith and blows your mind. David wrote: ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things…’ (Psalms 103:2-5 NLT). Bible In A Year: Ezek 16:53-19:14; Matt 22:1-14; Ps 103:13-22; Pro 19:17. 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. [28/08, 9:18 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 29TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUNDRY WORDS OF WISDOM* *TEXT:* PROVERBS 13:18-25. 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. *Timeless Truth:*_"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed"_ (Proverbs 13:20). *INTRODUCTION* If people are asked how to differentiate a wise person from a foolish person, the answer will differ according to the wisdom or foolishness of individuals giving the answer. Unfortunately, in most cases, the foolish see themselves as wiser than the wise. The successful and rich farmer in Luke 12:19-21 appeared to have had wisdom to make wealth and multiply it. Most people will take such, today as wise and smart, but God called him a fool. So a wise man in the eyes of an earthly person is not necessarily wise as far as the Ancient of Days is concerned. The Word of God is therefore, the most reliable and best literature on true and divinely approved wisdom. It looks at wisdom in the context of eternity and not in the context of ephemeral things of this world. The book of Proverbs contains practical wisdom for victorious and godly living. The text gives us some lectures on what constitutes true wisdom in the sight of God and in the sight of truth loving men. In essence, we can perceive wisdom in a person through his words, ways of life, values, choices and disciplines. *1. Humility in Receiving Instruction* One of the outputs of wisdom is the humility to accept and obey godly instructions. Anyone who claims, by his actions, that he is above instruction must claim to be on the same table of wisdom with the Omniscience God. That will be foolishness. *“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”* Refusing godly correction often leads to painful consequences, while accepting rebuke produces growth and honour. A teachable spirit is a mark of wisdom. *Question* How do you respond when godly correction is given to you? Is a proud intelligent or wealthy person wise? *2. The Happiness in Realization of Interest* *“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul…”* This is well known experientially. There is joy when righteous desires are fulfilled. What if the desire that is accomplished is evil? Is it still sweet to the soul? This is how to differentiate a fool from the wise. For the wise, when evil desires come to pass, they are sad and unhappy. They cannot rest until they go to God for mercy. The fool reacts differently. They are happy at the evil that happens because *"it is abomination for fools to depart from evil"*. They are always right and wise in their own eyes even when they do evil or evil happens. *Question* Do you rejoice when evil desires are accomplished? Do you rejoice when good things happen to others? You can always judge whether you are a fool in the eyes of God or not. *3. The Healthy of Relationship with the Intelligent* *“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”* Our companions influence our character, decisions and future. Walking with wise people, according to Divine definition of wisdom, promotes wisdom, while intimate association with foolish people can bring sorrow. Your peers influence your principles and your principle determines your prudence. Your relationships reform your Character and your character determines your personality. *Question* Are your closest companions helping you to grow in wisdom and godliness? *4. The Harvests of Reward for Involvements* Whatever is sown will be harvested in multiple folds whether good or evil. It is a matter of time. *"Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.”* Nobody should deceive himself that if he sows sin and sows to the flesh he will reap righteousness and spirituality. Those who sow love and goodness will reap the same with their children. Sin has consequences and eventually, catches up with the unrepentant. God, however, watches over the righteous and rewards those who faithfully follow Him. *Question* What are you sowing with your tongue and talents? *5. Having Righteous Inheritance* *“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children…”* The inheritance can be education, wealth, good spiritual and moral upbringing. A godly inheritance includes more than money and possessions. Faith, integrity, wisdom, good character and the fear of God are treasures that can bless generations. A wise father invests all these good things in the life of the younger generation through any medium possible just like Jesus gave us diver blessings as he departed from the world. *Question* Do you demonstrate wisdom by investing invaluable things to your younger generation through any medium available? *6. The Huge Results of Ignorance* *“Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.”* God can provide abundance through diligent labour. The poor remains poor not because he was made so, but just because he could not till the ground and labour. Furthermore, poor decisions, injustice and lack of wise management may destroy what could have been fruitful. Those who are enjoying bountiful harvests in a godly way are using God's wisdom while those who remain poor should go and learn the wisdom of God. *Question* Are you using the opportunities and resources God has given you with wisdom and good judgment? *7. Home Rulership without Indiscipline* *“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”* The rod is not necessarily physical. It may also be psychological, frowns or stern rebukes. Genuine love does not ignore wrongdoing. A child left to himself will be spoilt and become a source of shame to the parents and the society. Schools might be forbidden from spanking, but God expects parents, both natural and spiritual, to enforce discipline lovingly and godly.Godly discipline, exercised with wisdom and love, helps to correct, train and guide children in the right path. *Question* Do you apply wisdom and love in the discipline of the erring both in the Church and the natural family? *8. Divine Recompence according to the Heart* *“The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.”* God knows the needs of His people and is able to provide for them. The righteous learn contentment and dependence upon God, while wickedness ultimately leads to emptiness. *Question* Do you trust God daily as your Provider and seek to live in righteousness before Him? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me a humble and teachable heart that receives godly correction 🙏. 2.Father, surround me with wise and godly companions who will strengthen my faith 🙏. 3.Lord, help me to leave a lasting inheritance of faith, wisdom and godly character for future generations 🙏. 4.Father, grant Your children wisdom to manage opportunities and resources that You have provided them🙏. *HYMN:* Deeper Deeper *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* PHILEMON [28/08, 9:18 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *WATCH YOUR DESIRES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💓⚠️‼️🛑👁️🧐🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PROVERBS 13:18-25```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil" (PROVERBS 13:19).*_ *"Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion," said the English writer, moralist and sermonist, Samuel Johnson, "and he whose real wants are supplied, must admit those of fancy." The problem often arises from the nature of the desire people harbour. Most people desire what they do not need, but what serves their fancies. Some are never able to distinguish between the needs they should desire and the wants that serve little purpose.* *King Solomon, the writer of these couplets in the Proverbs, could justifiably claim expertise on the sometimes messy topic of desires. He lived for a time to satisfy his personal desires, to feed his body with whatever he wanted. But in the end, he saw them as vanity, inferring by his conduct that he, who was the wisest of men in his time had succumbed to the cravings of the most foolish people. He therefore, warned of the consequences of rejecting instructions, probably alluding to his action, emphasising that even if the desires of such people were accomplished and seemed "sweet to the soul", at least for a time, it offers no incentive to the foolish person to shun evil conducts. He draws a parallel between those that keep company with wise men, and companions of unwise people. He concludes that sinners are invariably unwise in what truly matters in life, and are therefore unable to bequeath a legacy of inheritance to generations after them. Stressing the destructive nature of poor judgment, the wise preacher also counselled against withholding discipline from children, and affirms that it is an expression of love to ensure that children are brought up well. In the end, this is part of what brings satisfaction to the righteous, as the fruit of his labour.* *It is no doubt, desirable to achieve our goals in life, but we must be careful as not every desire is worth pursuing. Some are so deadly that when you set your heart on them, you may lose the ability to determine what is truly good, and what is dangerous. Often, our desires influence how we justly assess our actions. At such a time, it becomes important whose words we obey, whose advice we accept, and whose friendship we keep. The word of God must under-guard our every action. Any desire that panders more to our ego or serves only our flesh runs counter to God's command. We must focus on what God says, and shun any desire that tends towards pride and vainglory.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Unchecked desires are the fuel that power unhinged conducts.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *PHILEMON*📜📜 Watch Your Desires https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; AND GHS 189: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *IN HIS SECRET PLACE - 1* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 91:1-9```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (PSALM 91:1).*_ *_World War I_ soldier, Leonard Knight was saved when a pocket Bible which he was carrying in his breast pocket stopped a German bullet from hitting him. Incredibly, Leonard escaped without a scratch, to the glory of God.* *Optimum security can only be found in God. He has the power to secure you and everything that is committed to His hands. No matter how vehement the storm rages, He is willing to protect you beyond this world and preserve you spotless unto life eternal. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God," Corrie ten Boom posited.* *"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24). Like the chicks find shelter under the wings of mother hen, so you too can dwell in His secret place and enjoy divine security.* *Anyone that chooses God for his/her protection shall be saved and secured from all alarms. Genuine experience of salvation earns you an abode under His wings.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Salvation earns you an abode.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*You are safe in the hollow of His hand.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to dwell in Your secret place.*_ In His Secret Place - 1 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ACHAN'S SIN AND CONSEQUENCES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽⚠️‼️🛑⚖️🔥⚰️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```JOSHUA 7:19-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done" (Joshua 7:20).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 As the children of Israel prepared to attack Jericho, the gateway to Canaan land, God commanded them to destroy all the people of Jericho with all their properties, except the vessels of silver, gold, brass and iron which were meant to be used for God's service. They were warned never to take for themselves any property from Jericho. After conquering Jericho, they proceeded to fight against a tiny enemy town called Ai. But in the process, thirty-six men among the Israelites were killed by the men of Ai, and the rest were chased away shamefully and disgraced because one of the men of Israel called Achan disobeyed God's command. This made God not to protect or help them in the battle. Achan fell into a chain of sins by: *(1) Looking at and admiring the Babylonish garment, money and gold.* *(2) Coveting the Babylonish properties.* *(3) Disobeying God's command by stealing the Babylonish properties.* *(4) Trying to cover his sins by secretly hiding the stolen Babylonish properties in his room.* *(5) Influencing his family members to join him in covering up his sins.* *(6) Causing the death of his family and thirty-six men of Israel.* *(7) Causing the anger of God to come upon the Israelites.* Achan's sins could not be hidden from God. He was exposed and disgraced. Himself, his wife and children were all stoned to death and burnt with all their properties including what he stole and attempted to cover up. *At the tail end of every chain of sins is damnation and destruction. But only Jesus has the power to break the chain and set the sinner free through repentance and cleansing in His precious blood. Repent now and be free from the consequences of your sins.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Lord, give me the grace to keep off from every appearance of sin.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 9:17* Achan's Sin And Consequences https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ⏤ Colossians 3:23 The great thing in prayer is to feel that we are putting our supplications into the bosom of omnipotent love. ⏤ Andrew Murray We come into Your presence, O great and glorious God, to begin the day at Your feet. Without Your blessing, we dare not venture into the twisting paths of the world. We desire to do good work today. Keep us from being satisfied with merely fulfilling our duties; may we do even the smallest tasks with excellence, so as to please You. We also desire to live well in our family life. Sometimes we fail to do our best at home. We grow careless, and we do not speak as affectionately as we should. We are less courteous and kind than we might be. We do not always give the best expressions of love to those closest to us. Teach us, Father, to love at home—and to show our love. Preserve us from impatience, irritability, and frustration in our interactions as a home, and give us the spirit of love. We also desire to show love in all our relationships with the world. Give us a generous heart toward our neighbors. Help us to be like Jesus, who, when reviled, did not revile in return—who bore injury and insult with meekness and gentleness. May we have the same patient love that He had. If we suffer wrong from others, may we bear it quietly, without resentment, returning good for evil and kindness for unkindness. May we have the spirit of helpfulness toward all our neighbors. May we be like the Good Samaritan to anyone we find in distress or need. Enable us to carry the love of Jesus to every life we touch. Make us good interpreters of Jesus' divine love and kindness. May our neighbors see in us the holiness of Jesus. Let our day be one of beauty and grace, full of Jesus and full of goodness to others. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/55/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2026 CRUCIFYING THE FLESH A WORD FROM THE WORD: "Could it be any clearer that our former identity is now and forever deprived of its power? For we were co-crucified with him to dismantle the stronghold of sin within us, so that we would not continue to live one moment longer submitted to sin's power." Romans 6:6 TPT. The three greatest enemies of a Christian are Satan, sin and self. Confrontations by Satan manifest through direct attacks by demonic spirits or indirectly through human agents. The dominance of sin was the problem of humanity until God sent His Son to condemn sin in the flesh. On the other hand, the flesh is the greatest enemy of the believer. When a child of God has their flesh truly crucified, there will be power over satanic confrontations and temptation to sin. Such victory makes a Christian to affirm like Paul the apostle, 'Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.' (Romans 6:14 NLT). You must endeavour to take practical steps as one under God's grace to crucify the flesh with its demands, and let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Be sure to destroy all inducing materials; resist every temptation; reject every enticement; renounce ungodly frienships; and be careful about what you feed your eyes and spirit on; seek counsel on any besetting sins; be constantly involved in God's service; and be disciplined. Also, receive and rely on God's grace through prayer and His Word. Crucifying the flesh means to be dead to sin; to receive the power of God to live above sin. Ask God for this work of grace with determination and faith to end the works of the flesh, He will give you the enablement through His Spirit. PRAYER BULLETS: Father LORD, in the name of the LORD Jesus, and by the help of the Holy Spirit, I repent of every work of the flesh in my life. Help me to live a victorious and Spirit-filled life. FURTHER READING: Colossians 3:1-10; Romans 8:13; Galatians 2:20; 5:19-21. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.

Thirty-seven loyal and fearless chief warriors led David’s army (2 Samuel 23:8-39). Collectively known as “the Thirty” (vv. 13, 23-24), God used these men to fulfill His purpose of making David king of the entire land of Israel (1 Chronicles 11:10). Of these chief warriors, a group called “the Three” (2 Samuel 23:8) were David’s top elite commanders. Josheb-Basshebeth killed eight hundred men at one time (v. 8). Eleazar struck down the Philistines after the rest of the Israelites had abandoned him (vv. 9-10). And Shammah stood his ground against the Philistines and was victorious through God’s power while the rest of Israel’s troops fled (vv. 11-12). The apostle Paul likens the faith of believers in Jesus to warfare, urging us to “put on the full armor of God” in order to “stand [our] ground” (Ephesians 6:13). Today, God can give us courage as we fight our battles and enable us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (v. 10).

ARISE—THE FAILURE WAS NOT THE END! God Still Has Victory Ahead of You! “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed... arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai...” -Joshua 8:1 (KJV) Thought Of The Day... There are moments in life when God will send you back to a place where you previously experienced disappointment—not to embarrass you, but to show you that your last experience does not have to become your final outcome. Joshua 8 begins after one of Israel’s most painful setbacks. Israel had experienced an incredible victory at Jericho. The walls had fallen. God had demonstrated His power. Israel appeared unstoppable. Then came Ai. Ai was much smaller than Jericho, and Israel expected an easy victory. Instead, Israel was defeated. Men lost their lives, the people became discouraged, and Joshua fell before the Lord. But there was sin in the camp. Achan had taken what God had forbidden from Jericho, and Israel suffered the consequences. After the sin was confronted and dealt with, God spoke to Joshua again. And notice what God did not say. God did not say: “Joshua, you failed, so I’m finished with you.” God did not say: “You lost at Ai, so you can never go back there.” God did not say: “Your mistake has canceled your future.” Instead, God said: “FEAR NOT, NEITHER BE THOU DISMAYED... ARISE, GO UP TO AI.” In other words: Joshua, get back up! There is still an assignment on your life. There is still territory to possess. There is still purpose ahead of you. And the place where you experienced defeat is about to become the place where you experience victory! 1. YOUR SETBACK DOES NOT HAVE TO BECOME YOUR IDENTITY Joshua could have allowed the first battle at Ai to define him. He could have said, “Maybe I’m not the leader I thought I was.” He could have lived in regret. He could have become afraid to fight another battle. But God would not allow Joshua to build his identity around one defeat. Someone needs to hear this: You are not your worst moment. You are not the mistake you made. You are not the door that closed. You are not the relationship that failed. You are not the opportunity you missed. You are not the battle you lost. You may have fallen, but God is still able to tell you: “ARISE!” Proverbs 24:16 declares: “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...” The enemy wants you staring backward at what went wrong. But God is calling you forward into what He still has planned. Failure may be part of your story, but it does not have to be the final chapter. 2. BEFORE GOD CHANGED JOSHUA’S SITUATION, HE ADDRESSED JOSHUA’S HEART God said: “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.” Why? Because Joshua had already experienced defeat at Ai. Going back meant confronting the memory of what happened there. Sometimes the hardest places to return to are the places where we were hurt. The places where we failed. The places where we were rejected. The places where we were embarrassed. The places where things did not work the first time. But God understood that before Joshua could fight another battle, his heart needed encouragement. Fear says: “What if it happens again?” Faith says: “What if God gives me victory this time?” Fear remembers what happened yesterday. Faith remembers Who God is today. Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God...” God was telling Joshua: Don't let yesterday's defeat make you afraid of tomorrow's assignment. 3. SOMETIMES GOD WILL SEND YOU BACK TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU LOST God told Joshua: “Arise, go up to Ai.” Think about that. God could have sent Israel somewhere else. But He sent them back to Ai. Why? Because Ai was not supposed to remain a monument to Israel’s failure. God was about to transform it into a testimony of His faithfulness. There are some places in our lives that the enemy wants permanently labeled: DEFEAT. FAILURE. REJECTION. DISAPPOINTMENT. PAIN. But God can rewrite the label! What once reminded you of your tears can eventually remind you of God's faithfulness. What once reminded you of your failure can eventually remind you of God's grace. What once reminded you of what went wrong can eventually become the testimony of how God turned it around. Don't be surprised when God gives you another opportunity in an area where things didn't work before. This time, you are not going back the same. You are going back wiser. You are going back stronger. You are going back more prayerful. You are going back more dependent upon God. And most importantly— YOU ARE GOING BACK WITH GOD! 4. GOD SPOKE VICTORY BEFORE JOSHUA SAW VICTORY God said: “See, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai...” Wait! The battle hadn't even started. The enemy was still occupying the city. The king was still sitting on his throne. The walls were still standing. But God said: “I HAVE GIVEN...” That's faith! God was speaking about the victory as though it had already happened. Joshua's circumstances said: “Ai still belongs to the enemy.” But God's Word said: “I've already given it to you.” Whose report are you going to believe? Sometimes God will speak victory while you're still looking at the battle. God will speak healing while you're still dealing with pain. God will speak provision while you're still looking at the bills. God will speak restoration while you're still looking at broken pieces. God will speak purpose while you're still recovering from disappointment. Faith learns to see what God said before it sees what God said manifested. Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” If God said it, don't allow what you currently see to make you stop believing what He has spoken. 5. THE SAME GOD MAY GIVE YOU A DIFFERENT STRATEGY Jericho and Ai teach us something powerful. At Jericho, God told Israel to march around the city. At Ai, God told Joshua: “Lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.” Same God. Same Joshua. Same Israel. Same promise of victory. Different strategy. Sometimes we get into trouble because we assume that because God moved one way before, He must move the same way again. But God is not limited to yesterday's method. What worked in one season may not be the strategy God gives you in the next. Yesterday He said march. Today He says ambush. Yesterday He said wait. Today He may say move. Yesterday He closed the door. Today He may tell you to knock again. This is why we must remain close enough to God to hear fresh instructions. Proverbs 3:5–6 says: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Don't just ask God for victory. Ask God for strategy. “Lord, show me how to handle this.” “Show me when to move.” “Show me when to wait.” “Show me what to say.” “Show me what not to say.” “Show me the strategy for this season.” 6. OBEDIENCE AFTER FAILURE CAN LEAD TO VICTORY Joshua could not change what happened in chapter 7. But he could obey God in chapter 8. That's a word for somebody. You cannot rewrite yesterday, but you can obey God today. Stop allowing regret over what you cannot change to rob you of obedience concerning what you can do now. Yesterday may contain mistakes. Yesterday may contain tears. Yesterday may contain missed opportunities. But if God woke you up today, there is still purpose ahead of you. Philippians 3:13–14 says: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark...” There comes a moment when you have to stop staring at chapter 7 and start walking into chapter 8. GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH YOUR STORY! A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Maybe you have your own “Ai.” Something didn't work the first time. You prayed, but things didn't happen the way you expected. You stepped out, but you stumbled. You trusted someone and got hurt. You made a decision you wish you could change. And now fear whispers: “Don't try again.” But God says: “FEAR NOT.” Fear says: “Stay down.” God says: “ARISE.” Fear says: “Don't go back.” God says: “GO UP TO AI.” Fear says: “You'll lose again.” God says: “SEE, I HAVE GIVEN IT INTO THINE HAND.” Your setback does not have more authority than God's Word. Get up. Pray again. Believe again. Serve again. Dream again. Trust again. Move when God tells you to move. And this time, don't rely upon yesterday's strategy. Listen for God's instructions for today. Because sometimes your greatest testimony comes from returning to the very place where the enemy thought he defeated you. DECLARATION... I DECLARE that my setback will not become my stopping place! I will not allow yesterday's disappointment to control today's faith. I will not live in fear of failing again. I will arise! I will move forward! I will trust God's Word! I will follow God's strategy! And I will believe what God has spoken even before I see it manifested. The God who brought me through before is still with me now. My failure was not final. My setback was not the end. My purpose is still alive. My assignment is still before me. And through God, victory is still possible! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN! PRAYER... Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You that our failures, disappointments, and setbacks do not have the final word over our lives. When fear tells us to stay down, speak into our spirits again: “Arise!” When discouragement tells us that we cannot try again, remind us that You are still with us. Lord, forgive us where we have disobeyed You, moved ahead of You, or depended upon our own understanding. Cleanse our hearts and restore our confidence in You. Give us courage to face the places that once intimidated us. Give us faith to return when You say return. Give us wisdom to recognize when You are giving us a new strategy. Help us not to depend upon yesterday's victories or remain imprisoned by yesterday's failures. Teach us to hear Your voice today. And Father, when we stand before our “Ai,” remind us that the battle does not belong to fear—it belongs to You. We declare that we are getting back up. We are moving forward. We are trusting again. We are believing again. And we will follow wherever You lead. Our setback will not stop what God has purposed for our lives! In the mighty, matchless, victorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen!