• 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*

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    [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

    _*HIGHER EVERYDY: (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//

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    https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]
    [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```

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

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

    ```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//

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    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.
    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.
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  • 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!
    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!
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  • 2 Samuel 10

    1 Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun.
    2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,
    3 the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?”
    4 So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.
    5 When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then...
    2 Samuel 10 1 Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. 2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, 3 the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. 5 When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then...
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  • Matthew 20:29-34

    Sometimes the accounts of healings have one detail that makes us question everything. Here it is His question.

    “What do you want Me to do for You?”

    Now you would think this question had an obvious answer. It was two blind men calling out to Jesus so loudly the crowd was telling them to shut up. So he turns with this question. Did He Not know?

    No. Jesus is wanting them to voice it. They wanted to see. Their only hope of that happening was for Him to notice them and heal them. So they called out, then answered his question. You see, they wanted the healing, but it's at this point in ministry that Jesus has watched the newly healed turn from, Him without an ounce of gratitude.

    And now here's two more. Do they desire healing? Or is their concern more eternal in nature? Were these two going to thank Him for the healing or just walk away? Remember the healing of the cripple who was lowered from the rooftop into a house.

    That's when Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven before healing him. The more urgent matter for Jesus was this man's soul. When we come before the Lord, we pray for what we desire, not always necessarily what we need.
    Do not forget that these men and women allowed their handicap to be their occupation for a lifetime.

    Many were aware of the healing happening, few when asked address their need for forgiveness of sin. Jesus asks because the healing led to other issues. These grown adults were incapable of following a traditional career path. They would have to find a way to sustain their existence without relying on begging. And this would cause a financial issue for them.

    So what kind of fool would possibly begin to resent being made well? Keep in mind that many of those who were screaming for excitement at the healing were some of the same people who remained silent when Jesus was being crucified.

    We do the same thing today when we pray for temporary results. Our prayers should reflect more concern for the people's eternal consequences than for earthly temporal results.

    Friday we will interrupt the study on Matthew for a special lesson on the madness occurring today. Be here for “This is Baphomet.”


    [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

    Matthew 20:29-34 Sometimes the accounts of healings have one detail that makes us question everything. Here it is His question. “What do you want Me to do for You?” Now you would think this question had an obvious answer. It was two blind men calling out to Jesus so loudly the crowd was telling them to shut up. So he turns with this question. Did He Not know? No. Jesus is wanting them to voice it. They wanted to see. Their only hope of that happening was for Him to notice them and heal them. So they called out, then answered his question. You see, they wanted the healing, but it's at this point in ministry that Jesus has watched the newly healed turn from, Him without an ounce of gratitude. And now here's two more. Do they desire healing? Or is their concern more eternal in nature? Were these two going to thank Him for the healing or just walk away? Remember the healing of the cripple who was lowered from the rooftop into a house. That's when Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven before healing him. The more urgent matter for Jesus was this man's soul. When we come before the Lord, we pray for what we desire, not always necessarily what we need. Do not forget that these men and women allowed their handicap to be their occupation for a lifetime. Many were aware of the healing happening, few when asked address their need for forgiveness of sin. Jesus asks because the healing led to other issues. These grown adults were incapable of following a traditional career path. They would have to find a way to sustain their existence without relying on begging. And this would cause a financial issue for them. So what kind of fool would possibly begin to resent being made well? Keep in mind that many of those who were screaming for excitement at the healing were some of the same people who remained silent when Jesus was being crucified. We do the same thing today when we pray for temporary results. Our prayers should reflect more concern for the people's eternal consequences than for earthly temporal results. Friday we will interrupt the study on Matthew for a special lesson on the madness occurring today. Be here for “This is Baphomet.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
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  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PROPHECY MEETS DESTINY?

    Can the words spoken over one generation become reality in another?

    Can a person become a victim of a spiritual consequence they did not personally create?

    Can someone become a beneficiary of a prophetic word because of what someone before them did?

    These questions take us into some of the most fascinating accounts in Scripture.

    Hiel rebuilding Jericho.

    Ahaziah becoming entangled in the consequences surrounding Ahab.

    Amalek facing a trans-generational conflict with Israel.

    Jehu receiving a prophetic promise concerning his dynasty.

    Amaziah confronting a dynasty whose prophetic foundation he apparently did not understand.

    And the Canaanite woman confronting what appeared to be a spiritual and covenantal barrier through extraordinary faith.

    What happens when the words spoken over one generation collide with the choices of another?

    Tonight, we go into Scripture to discover the:

    VICTORS & VICTIMS OF PROPHECY.

    Watch the full teaching on GSIM TV:
    https://youtu.be/9DgVY2fQNnc?si=jHAliHjAKP5-arkg

    What does this subject make you think about?

    Don't merely watch.

    Listen.

    Think.

    Search the Scriptures.

    Pray.

    And share.

    Someone somewhere may need this revelation.

    #VictorsAndVictimsOfProphecy #BiblicalProphecy #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualWarfare
    #ChristianFaith
    #GSIMTV
    🔥 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PROPHECY MEETS DESTINY? Can the words spoken over one generation become reality in another? Can a person become a victim of a spiritual consequence they did not personally create? Can someone become a beneficiary of a prophetic word because of what someone before them did? These questions take us into some of the most fascinating accounts in Scripture. 📖 Hiel rebuilding Jericho. ⚔️ Ahaziah becoming entangled in the consequences surrounding Ahab. 🔥 Amalek facing a trans-generational conflict with Israel. 👑 Jehu receiving a prophetic promise concerning his dynasty. ⚔️ Amaziah confronting a dynasty whose prophetic foundation he apparently did not understand. 🙏 And the Canaanite woman confronting what appeared to be a spiritual and covenantal barrier through extraordinary faith. What happens when the words spoken over one generation collide with the choices of another? Tonight, we go into Scripture to discover the: VICTORS & VICTIMS OF PROPHECY. 🎥 Watch the full teaching on GSIM TV: 🔗🖇️📎https://youtu.be/9DgVY2fQNnc?si=jHAliHjAKP5-arkg 💬 What does this subject make you think about? Don't merely watch. Listen. Think. Search the Scriptures. Pray. And share. Someone somewhere may need this revelation. #VictorsAndVictimsOfProphecy #BiblicalProphecy #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #GSIMTV
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  • Good morning, brethren.
    1. Morning devotion for today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026.

    *FROM FAME TO SHAME*

    *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6.

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

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

    *INTRODUCTION*

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

    *1. Stealing Cursed Properties*

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

    *Question*

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

    *2. Self-Confidence and Pride*

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

    *Question*

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

    *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat*

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

    *Question*

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

    *Prayer Points*

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

    *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation

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

    THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026```


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

    ✍🏽🏻‍ 🏽🛰

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

    *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


    Christian Cleansing
    https://dailymanna.app//

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

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

    🏼🏼🏼🏼🏼‍

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

    *REASONABLE SERVICE* 🫵🏽🏽‍🏽‍🏽🏽‍🏽

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



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



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

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

    *(ii) Living a holy life.*

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

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

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



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

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



    Reasonable Service
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    2. Morning Prayer for today.

    MP.i. Morning Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2O26. "FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL ADDICTION" ‘…Help us for the glory of your name…’ Psalms 79:9 NLT FOR FIFTEEN years, Mike Cleveland, airline pilot and founder of ‘Setting Captives Free,’ seemed powerless as his addiction to online pornography devastated his life, his marriage and his family. The spiral of lust enslaved him ‘until there wasn’t a moment of his days free from its tortured domination.’ The cycle of prayers for deliverance, followed by repeated indulgence in porn, XXX DVDs, and sex chat-rooms, plunged him deeper into the darkness of despair and He longed to escape the slimy, secluded underworld of secret soul-destroying sin, but every pathetic attempt left him unchanged, unhinged, and uncertain that freedom was possible for him. Mike turned to self-help books, counsellors and friends without success. His repeated disappointment, when every effort failed, led to increasing guilt and self-incrimination. When his wife insisted on a last-ditch visit to see her pastor (all other remedies had been exhausted), the lights in their bleak prison cell suddenly came on. Mike learned that ‘…deliverance belong(s) to the Lord’ (Jonah 2:9 AMP), and its rules are all dictated by Him. Mike’s old motivations for getting clean—‘saving my marriage for my kids’ sake; I’m a Christian, a seminary graduate and preacher’—were full of ‘loopholes and escape clauses’ and produced one botched disaster after another. His pastor taught him that the only viable motivation for getting clean and staying clean was a commitment to glorifying God in all of his decisions, because God delivers the powerless, ‘For the glory of [His] name.’ When Mike learned, ‘…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1Corinthians 10:31 NIV), the doors to freedom from years of sexual addiction began to open. Yours can too. Bible In A Year: Lam 1:1 – 3:39, Matt 19:15-30, Ps 119:121-128, Pro 18:13-20. Courtesy : Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* THURSDAY, 20TH AUGUST, 2026. *FROM FAME TO SHAME* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 7:1-6. 7 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. 6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. *Timeless Truth:*_"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"_ (1 Corinthians 5:9). *INTRODUCTION* Israel had just experienced a remarkable victory at Jericho. The intimidating walls had fallen, the people had rejoiced, and Joshua’s leadership had received great honour. *"So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noise throughout all the country"* (Joshua 6:27). Yet, within a short time, that fame turned into shame. It is noteworthy that Israel never lost any battle either under Moses or under Joshua. It was natural for them to think that experience is the best teacher. The text shows clearly the danger of leaning only on experience when it comes to spiritual battles. God must continue to lead and the Word of God must remain final. The text teaches us that yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s success when there is hidden disobedience. Sin in the camp can turn triumph into tragedy. God desires not only victorious people, but also holy people. *1. Stealing Cursed Properties* a. *"For the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing"*. A glorious and happy journey suddenly turned sour and sorrowful because of sin. Many great men have also fallen from glory to grass just because of a single sin that became public.One man sinned and the whole nation suffered for it. The army that the whole Canaanites dreaded and could not conquer was conquered by the sin of a single rebel. Obviously, the tempter and demons had a field day. Achan was guilty of stealing what did not belong to him. That was disobedience to one of the ten commandments, *"thou shalt not steal"*. He did not just steal what belonged to his neighbours, which was equally sin, he stole classified materials that God called accursed and those that were to be reserved for God in His sanctuary. He did not feign ignorance when caught, he knew it was forbidden. He went deeper in his sin by hiding it from people until the knock of death became real. God had expressly commanded Israel concerning the devoted things of Jericho. *"And ye shall in any wise keep yourself from accursed thing, lest ye make yourself accursed..."* (Joshua 6:1). Achan secretly took what God had forbidden. He thought since nobody saw it, God could not have seen it either. His private sin produced public consequences: *“the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.”* b. Achan’s action reminds us that what is obtained through disobedience cannot produce lasting blessings. Hidden sin may remain concealed from people, but nothing is hidden from God. The desire for material gain can lead a person from honour to disgrace, from victory to defeat and from fame to shame. Sin will turn fame to shame overnight no matter how long it can be hidden. There are some shame that can never be taken away. Some people's sins are revealed after death and they bring a lot of shame on themselves and their families. The sin of a single person can bring a whole family, church and nation into unlimited ridicule and defeat. *"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"*. There must be care and watchfulness against all forms of sins so as to avoid community, church or societal judgment. Partnership and marriage with accursed and demonized people have deadly consequences and should be avoided. *Question* Is there anything in my life that I have acquired or retained contrary to God’s command? *2. Self-Confidence and Pride* a. Israel had so far won all their battles. Jericho had a population of between 1,200 and 3,000 and yet they had to allow God to guide and lead them. As few as they were, the whole army of Israel was involved. The population of Ai was about 12,000. Shouldn't they ask for guidance as usual? They resorted to recommendations of experience without checking up from God. Unconsciously, pride of past successes results in self confidence. The spies returned with confidence, suggesting that only a small force was needed for such a large city. They thought it was their wisdom and might that had earned them a former victory. Their assessment overlooked the most important factor—the presence and favour of God. They trusted their own strength rather than seeking God's direction. Consequently, about three thousand men went to battle and were defeated. b. Success can sometimes produce overconfidence, making us forget that every victory comes from God. *"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust the name of the LORD"*. Pride as a result of past victory or success are natural reactions that must be deliberately avoided. Human strength, experience, position, wealth and reputation cannot substitute for dependence upon the Lord. *Question* Am I depending more on my past achievements and personal ability than on God? *3. Supplication with Crying after Defeat* a. The shame and defeat brought Joshua to his knees to do what he should have done before sending 3000 for the battle. If he had prayed, remained spiritually sensitive and heard from God, God would have told him not to proceed on the battle, but to settle the issue on ground first. On the other hand, we must commend Joshua for not being touchy. He could have blamed the spies for underestimating the population of Ai. He could have blamed the defeated soldiers for being careless and not smart enough. Joshua did not do that. He could see abnormality and spiritual implications in the unusual and unexpected defeat. When strange things happen to us contrary to the Word and promise of God, we should learn to see the face of God and hear His Word on the matter. b. Israel’s defeat brought fear, discouragement and deep sorrow. Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the LORD with the elders, putting dust upon their heads. His response shows that when God's people experience defeat, they must turn to God in humility and supplication. Prayer should not merely be our response after failure; it should be our posture before every major undertaking. Nevertheless, even in defeat, God can reveal the cause of the problem and lead His people back to restoration. The place of brokenness can become the beginning of renewed obedience. *Question* When I experience failure or defeat, do I genuinely seek God for correction and restoration? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me grace to reject every form of disobedience and to flee from every forbidden thing. Keep me from falling into shame and ridicule 🙏. 2.Father, deliver me from pride, self-confidence and dependence on human strength 🙏. 3.Lord, give me a humble and prayerful heart that seeks Your direction before every decision 🙏. 4.Father, wherever Your children have suffered defeat because of disobedience, expose the root cause, forgive, restore and lead them back to victory 🙏. *HYMN:* Yield Not To Temptation *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 38-42. [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *UNDERESTIMATING SIN'S DEADLINESS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤⚠️‼️🛑❌⚖️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 7:1-6```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads" (JOSHUA 7:6).*_ *When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease - sin - is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.* *Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God's command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirty-six valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God's chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.* *Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua's primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God's name. He wailed: "O Lord, what will thou do unto thy great name?" He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.* *The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 1-2*📜📜 Underestimating Sin's Deadliness https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 246: O BROTHER, LIFE'S JOURNEY BEGINNING; AND GHS 133: OUT OF MY BONDAGE* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CHRISTIAN CLEANSING* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🖤🩸🤍🥼🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ISAIAH 52:1-3```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (ISAIAH 52:1).*_ *Spiritual check-up should be a routine practice for Christians to maintain sanctity. It is your responsibility to cleanse yourself from all the filthiness that is flying all over your community. It starts by watching physically over what you allow into your life, beginning from the books you read, the movies you watch, the friends you keep, and so on.* *Unclean instruments will make you dirty and unacceptable in the sight of God. God wants His children to cleanse themselves and remain pure because He does not want to lose any of them to the devil and to hell, a place of eternal perdition.* *Beloved, you are the holy city of God and "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" (Isaiah 52:1). Consciously pray to God for heart cleansing or sanctification experience where your adamic nature would be uprooted.* *Remember that heaven is for only those who are holy. Trust in God because He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*It starts by watching.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Be clean in an unclean generation.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to live a clean life.*_ Christian Cleansing https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [19/08, 8:10 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026``` *REASONABLE SERVICE* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```ROMANS 12:1-3```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A child who desires to serve God acceptably must offer unto Him a service that is reasonable. This means something that is of highest quality and standard. A reasonable service involves: *(i) Offering your body as a living sacrifice, free of blemish or stain of sin.* *(ii) Living a holy life.* During the Olympic Games, a lot of athletes represented their countries and won various medals. However, some of them were disqualified for various reasons, such as doping (the unlawful use of drugs to enhance performance). They failed because they did not present their bodies for the competition in the natural form. Our Bible passage encouraged believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world in their way of life. Just like the athletes who were disqualified for falling short of the standard expected of them, any child who falls short of God's expectation will surely be disqualified from entering the kingdom of God. *For your service to become reasonable and acceptable to God, you need to genuinely repent of your sins and promise Jesus never to go back to sin anymore. Then you can be assured of eternal life. A service becomes reasonable when it is offered with clean hands and a pure heart.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, make my service acceptable in your sight.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Romans 12:4-8* Reasonable Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk20thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. ⏤ Psalm 5:3 The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, we come to You with nothing but our needs and a meager return of gratitude from our flawed hearts. But we are glad to know that You welcome us even with our needs and sins. Reveal Your love to us so clearly that it kindles our love for You, teaching us to love You more. This morning calls us to praise and thanksgiving. We’ve slept and awakened, preserved and refreshed by Your care. Our lives have been renewed through sleep, and now the sun shines on us again, bringing us joy. Give us a Father’s morning blessing as we step into the duties of this new day. Purify our hearts so that our thoughts and feelings may be pure. Grant us diligence, honesty, truthfulness, and a spirit of service so that we may carry out our tasks in a way that honors Your name. May we learn more and more how to walk with Jesus in the ordinary days, the week-days, so that they too may be brightened by Your grace. Preserve us from foolishness, idle words, and anything that would profane our lives or damage the impression we leave on others. May our daily walk be a living gospel. May we be a blessing to everyone we meet. Keep us from discouraging others. Help us to live in such a way that everyone who knows us will find it easier to be true, holy, and happy. Grant us now a Father’s morning blessing. Then we will be stronger throughout the day, safe amid temptation, and able to live sweetly and for You, through Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Matthew 20:17-34

    Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed.

    Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask.

    He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes.

    And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her.

    She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles.

    James was the first Apostle to die.

    Acts 12:1-2
    [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword.

    Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles.

    After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide.

    And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him.

    Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally.

    Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them.




    [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

    Matthew 20:17-34 Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed. Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask. He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes. And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her. She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles. James was the first Apostle to die. Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles. After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide. And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him. Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally. Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them. [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
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  • Daily Bible Lesson.
    THE HIDDEN POWER OF SALT IN THE BIBLE: WHY GOD USED SALT SO OFTEN

    Have you ever wondered why salt appears over and over again in the Bible?

    It was never just a seasoning.

    From Genesis to the New Testament, salt carried deep spiritual meaning. It represented purity, preservation, faithfulness, covenant, wisdom, and even judgment.

    Let's explore what God was teaching through salt.

    1. ELISHA USED SALT TO HEAL THE WATERS OF JERICHO

    2 Kings 2:19–22

    After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha arrived in Jericho.

    The people said:

    «"The city is pleasant, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."»

    God instructed Elisha:

    «"Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it."»

    Elisha threw the salt into the spring and declared:

    «"Thus says the LORD, 'I have healed these waters; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from them.'" (2 Kings 2:21)»

    Immediately the waters became pure.

    Notice something important.

    The miracle was not in the salt.

    The salt was simply an act of obedience through which God demonstrated His power.

    Spiritual meaning:

    God can cleanse what sin has poisoned.

    He can restore what seemed permanently ruined.

    When God speaks, even bitter waters become life-giving.

    2. EVERY GRAIN OFFERING HAD TO INCLUDE SALT

    Leviticus 2:13

    God commanded Israel:

    «"Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings."»

    Why?

    Because salt preserves.

    It resists corruption.

    It symbolized that Israel's worship should never become spiritually corrupt.

    Spiritual meaning:

    God desires worship that remains pure, faithful, and sincere.

    Our devotion should not spoil with compromise.

    3. GOD ESTABLISHED A "COVENANT OF SALT"

    Numbers 18:19

    God told Aaron:

    «"It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD."»

    Again in:

    2 Chronicles 13:5

    God declared that He gave David the kingdom by a covenant of salt forever.

    In the ancient world, salt was valuable and enduring.

    A covenant sealed with salt symbolized permanence, loyalty, and faithfulness.

    Spiritual meaning:

    God does not abandon His promises.

    What He establishes, He is faithful to keep.

    4. JESUS CALLED BELIEVERS "THE SALT OF THE EARTH"

    Matthew 5:13

    Jesus said:

    «"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"»

    Salt preserves food from decay.

    Likewise, believers are called to preserve truth in a corrupt world.

    We are meant to influence the world—not be influenced by it.

    Spiritual meaning:

    Christians should slow the spread of moral decay by living holy lives, speaking truth, and reflecting Christ's character.

    5. JESUS SAID TO HAVE SALT IN YOURSELVES

    Mark 9:50

    Jesus taught:

    «"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness... Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."»

    This points to inward spiritual character.

    Spiritual meaning:

    God desires hearts marked by wisdom, humility, holiness, and peace.

    6. PAUL COMPARED OUR WORDS TO SALT

    Colossians 4:6

    Paul wrote:

    «"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."»

    Our words should preserve life, bring wisdom, and point people toward Christ.

    Instead of spreading bitterness, believers should speak words that heal, encourage, and build others up.

    7. SALT WAS ALSO A SIGN OF JUDGMENT

    The Bible also uses salt to represent desolation when people reject God.

    After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah:

    Genesis 19:26

    Lot's wife looked back in disobedience and became a pillar of salt.

    Her story stands as a warning against longing for the sinful life God has called us to leave behind.

    Later, Scripture describes lands under God's judgment as barren and covered with salt.

    Deuteronomy 29:23

    Judges 9:45

    These passages show that the same symbol could represent either blessing or judgment, depending on humanity's response to God.

    WHAT DOES SALT REPRESENT IN THE BIBLE?

    Salt symbolizes:

    • Purity

    • Preservation

    • Faithfulness

    • God's everlasting covenant

    • Holiness

    • Wisdom

    • Gracious speech

    • Healing through God's power

    • A warning against corruption and disobedience

    THE GREATEST LESSON

    Salt itself has no supernatural power.

    The Bible never teaches that salt possesses mystical or magical abilities.

    Whenever God used salt, it was because He chose it as a symbol or as part of an act of obedience.

    The power was always God's—not the salt.

    Today, God still heals bitter lives.

    He restores broken families.

    He renews weary hearts.

    He preserves those who remain faithful to Him.

    The same God who healed the waters of Jericho is still able to transform what seems impossible.
    Daily Bible Lesson. THE HIDDEN POWER OF SALT IN THE BIBLE: WHY GOD USED SALT SO OFTEN Have you ever wondered why salt appears over and over again in the Bible? It was never just a seasoning. From Genesis to the New Testament, salt carried deep spiritual meaning. It represented purity, preservation, faithfulness, covenant, wisdom, and even judgment. Let's explore what God was teaching through salt. 1. ELISHA USED SALT TO HEAL THE WATERS OF JERICHO 📖 2 Kings 2:19–22 After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha arrived in Jericho. The people said: «"The city is pleasant, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."» God instructed Elisha: «"Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it."» Elisha threw the salt into the spring and declared: «"Thus says the LORD, 'I have healed these waters; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from them.'" (2 Kings 2:21)» Immediately the waters became pure. Notice something important. The miracle was not in the salt. The salt was simply an act of obedience through which God demonstrated His power. Spiritual meaning: God can cleanse what sin has poisoned. He can restore what seemed permanently ruined. When God speaks, even bitter waters become life-giving. 2. EVERY GRAIN OFFERING HAD TO INCLUDE SALT 📖 Leviticus 2:13 God commanded Israel: «"Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings."» Why? Because salt preserves. It resists corruption. It symbolized that Israel's worship should never become spiritually corrupt. Spiritual meaning: God desires worship that remains pure, faithful, and sincere. Our devotion should not spoil with compromise. 3. GOD ESTABLISHED A "COVENANT OF SALT" 📖 Numbers 18:19 God told Aaron: «"It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD."» Again in: 📖 2 Chronicles 13:5 God declared that He gave David the kingdom by a covenant of salt forever. In the ancient world, salt was valuable and enduring. A covenant sealed with salt symbolized permanence, loyalty, and faithfulness. Spiritual meaning: God does not abandon His promises. What He establishes, He is faithful to keep. 4. JESUS CALLED BELIEVERS "THE SALT OF THE EARTH" 📖 Matthew 5:13 Jesus said: «"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"» Salt preserves food from decay. Likewise, believers are called to preserve truth in a corrupt world. We are meant to influence the world—not be influenced by it. Spiritual meaning: Christians should slow the spread of moral decay by living holy lives, speaking truth, and reflecting Christ's character. 5. JESUS SAID TO HAVE SALT IN YOURSELVES 📖 Mark 9:50 Jesus taught: «"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness... Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."» This points to inward spiritual character. Spiritual meaning: God desires hearts marked by wisdom, humility, holiness, and peace. 6. PAUL COMPARED OUR WORDS TO SALT 📖 Colossians 4:6 Paul wrote: «"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."» Our words should preserve life, bring wisdom, and point people toward Christ. Instead of spreading bitterness, believers should speak words that heal, encourage, and build others up. 7. SALT WAS ALSO A SIGN OF JUDGMENT The Bible also uses salt to represent desolation when people reject God. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: 📖 Genesis 19:26 Lot's wife looked back in disobedience and became a pillar of salt. Her story stands as a warning against longing for the sinful life God has called us to leave behind. Later, Scripture describes lands under God's judgment as barren and covered with salt. 📖 Deuteronomy 29:23 📖 Judges 9:45 These passages show that the same symbol could represent either blessing or judgment, depending on humanity's response to God. WHAT DOES SALT REPRESENT IN THE BIBLE? Salt symbolizes: • Purity • Preservation • Faithfulness • God's everlasting covenant • Holiness • Wisdom • Gracious speech • Healing through God's power • A warning against corruption and disobedience THE GREATEST LESSON Salt itself has no supernatural power. The Bible never teaches that salt possesses mystical or magical abilities. Whenever God used salt, it was because He chose it as a symbol or as part of an act of obedience. The power was always God's—not the salt. Today, God still heals bitter lives. He restores broken families. He renews weary hearts. He preserves those who remain faithful to Him. The same God who healed the waters of Jericho is still able to transform what seems impossible.
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  • IF GOD BE FOR US!

    “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us?”

    This was Joshua’s cry to God in Joshua 7:7 (NLT).

    The Israelites had just fought Ai and suffered a humiliating defeat. But why?

    God had made a covenant with Israel. So, in theory, they should have won. But that’s not what happened. Israel had sinned. One of them had not followed God’s instruction at the previous battle of Jericho. Achan had taken from the battle what had been dedicated to the Lord. This broke the covenant. God was now out of the equation. On top of that, no one asked God what to do concerning the battle at Ai. Spies were sent in and a plan was made, but God was not consulted. Therefore, in the end, Israel was defeated.

    Joshua 7 tells us how God exposed the sin and commanded consequences for Achan and his family. Thus restoring the covenant between God and the Israelites. Then, in Joshua 8, Israel goes on to defeat Ai in a second battle.

    We also have a covenant with God, and it is a new covenant!

    Mark 14:24 says:

    And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.”

    Jesus came to create this new covenant with us and take on Himself the consequences of our sin.

    Hebrews 9:14-15 says:

    Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

    The consequences for our sin (death) were paid once and for all by Jesus' perfect sacrifice for our sins. When we do fall short and sin, and we will, we must confess and repent [turn away] and God forgives. What a tremendous new covenant.

    1 John 1:9 says:

    But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

    What a good God we have! He says to us in Romans 8:31 b:

    If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

    I’ve seen God win so many battles in my life. I encourage you to trust Him so He can win them in yours!

    God bless you!
    IF GOD BE FOR US! “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us?” This was Joshua’s cry to God in Joshua 7:7 (NLT). The Israelites had just fought Ai and suffered a humiliating defeat. But why? God had made a covenant with Israel. So, in theory, they should have won. But that’s not what happened. Israel had sinned. One of them had not followed God’s instruction at the previous battle of Jericho. Achan had taken from the battle what had been dedicated to the Lord. This broke the covenant. God was now out of the equation. On top of that, no one asked God what to do concerning the battle at Ai. Spies were sent in and a plan was made, but God was not consulted. Therefore, in the end, Israel was defeated. Joshua 7 tells us how God exposed the sin and commanded consequences for Achan and his family. Thus restoring the covenant between God and the Israelites. Then, in Joshua 8, Israel goes on to defeat Ai in a second battle. We also have a covenant with God, and it is a new covenant! Mark 14:24 says: And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.” Jesus came to create this new covenant with us and take on Himself the consequences of our sin. Hebrews 9:14-15 says: Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. The consequences for our sin (death) were paid once and for all by Jesus' perfect sacrifice for our sins. When we do fall short and sin, and we will, we must confess and repent [turn away] and God forgives. What a tremendous new covenant. 1 John 1:9 says: But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. What a good God we have! He says to us in Romans 8:31 b: If God is for us, who can ever be against us? I’ve seen God win so many battles in my life. I encourage you to trust Him so He can win them in yours! God bless you!
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  • The man writing history for Rome confirmed the walls fell exactly as Joshua said.
    Flavius Josephus occupies a unique position in the historical study of the biblical period. A Jewish general who surrendered to Rome during the revolt of 66-70 AD, defected and spent the rest of his life writing Jewish history under Roman patronage, Josephus had every professional reason to present a rational, credible, Rome-friendly account of his people's history. He was not a Christian. He had no theological investment in the miracles of the Hebrew Bible being historically accurate. His audience was Roman and Greek.
    In his Jewish Antiquities, written around 93 AD, Josephus covers the story of Jericho from the Book of Joshua.
    He records that when the priests blew the trumpets on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell down of themselves. He does not rationalise. He does not explain. He records the tradition that the walls fell spontaneously — of themselves — which is the language of miraculous causation.
    He also records that Rahab's house was preserved and that she and her family were saved, consistent with the Joshua account of the scarlet cord and the protection of Rahab's household.
    Josephus had access to historical sources and oral traditions that no longer exist. He was writing within living historical memory of the Jewish community's accumulated record of its own past. He was not copying Joshua — he was consulting sources and recording what they told him.
    What they told him matched what Joshua recorded.
    And the walls that fell of themselves, as both Joshua and Josephus describe, fell outward — as the archaeology at Jericho confirmed in the twentieth century.
    Two ancient sources. One modern excavation. All three describing the same direction of collapse.
    Share this with someone who treats Josephus and Joshua as incompatible.
    "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed." — Joshua 6:20
    #Josephus #JerichoWalls #BibleFacts #VerifiedHistory
    The man writing history for Rome confirmed the walls fell exactly as Joshua said. Flavius Josephus occupies a unique position in the historical study of the biblical period. A Jewish general who surrendered to Rome during the revolt of 66-70 AD, defected and spent the rest of his life writing Jewish history under Roman patronage, Josephus had every professional reason to present a rational, credible, Rome-friendly account of his people's history. He was not a Christian. He had no theological investment in the miracles of the Hebrew Bible being historically accurate. His audience was Roman and Greek. In his Jewish Antiquities, written around 93 AD, Josephus covers the story of Jericho from the Book of Joshua. He records that when the priests blew the trumpets on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell down of themselves. He does not rationalise. He does not explain. He records the tradition that the walls fell spontaneously — of themselves — which is the language of miraculous causation. He also records that Rahab's house was preserved and that she and her family were saved, consistent with the Joshua account of the scarlet cord and the protection of Rahab's household. Josephus had access to historical sources and oral traditions that no longer exist. He was writing within living historical memory of the Jewish community's accumulated record of its own past. He was not copying Joshua — he was consulting sources and recording what they told him. What they told him matched what Joshua recorded. And the walls that fell of themselves, as both Joshua and Josephus describe, fell outward — as the archaeology at Jericho confirmed in the twentieth century. Two ancient sources. One modern excavation. All three describing the same direction of collapse. Share this with someone who treats Josephus and Joshua as incompatible. "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed." — Joshua 6:20 #Josephus #JerichoWalls #BibleFacts #VerifiedHistory
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