May the Creator fulfill the deepest wishes hidden within everyone’s heart.

May every person who is silently waiting for something beautiful finally receive the happiness they have been praying for. May those who are smiling while carrying unseen pain find peace, and may those who have lost something precious be blessed with something even more beautiful in return.

May every difficult chapter of life eventually lead to a better one. May darkness be replaced by light, sadness by happiness, disappointment by hope, and loneliness by the warmth of genuine love and companionship.

May the Creator protect us and our loved ones from every danger, hardship, illness, sorrow, and anything that is beyond our control. May our mistakes be forgiven, our hearts be filled with peace, our paths be made easier, and our lives be blessed with endless goodness and prosperity.

For everyone carrying a dream in their heart—may that dream one day become reality. For everyone waiting for a better tomorrow—may that tomorrow arrive sooner than expected. And for those going through difficult times right now, may they never lose hope, because sometimes beautiful things take time to find their way into our lives.

May the Creator keep everyone safe, happy, peaceful, and surrounded by the people they love. May every sincere prayer find its way to acceptance, and may every heart receive the happiness it truly deserves.

May everyone’s wishes come true, may everyone stay blessed, and may peace and happiness always find their way back to us.

*The Power of Words*

Words have power.

We use thousands of them every day to communicate. They help us share joy and sadness. They help us learn and grow. We use them to build each other up—or to tear each other down. And yet, we often underestimate the impact of our words.

Are you giving thought to the words you speak over yourself or about others daily? Are they words rooted in doubt, fear, and insecurity, or do they come from the truth, goodness, and security in God’s promises?

In *Psalm 46:1,* the Psalmist makes a powerful declaration of God's truth and promise: *“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”*

And this declaration leads to action in the next verse: *“Therefore we will not fear” (verse 2).*

Our declarations have the power to guide our actions. So what is it that you are declaring? Maybe today, you need the reminder to speak the truth of the words that come from God—our refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble *(Psalm 46:1).*

As God's child, we have been given freedom in Christ to choose and use words wisely *(Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29)*

So today, as we remember that God is our refuse and strength, let's choose words of life. May our tongue be an instrument of blessing, as we declare what is true, pure, admirable, and praiseworthy *(Philippians 4:8)*

*Prayer*
Father God, we want to believe Your promises—that You are our refuge and strength. Help us to believe it. Help our trust in You translate into actions. You know what we are up against. And yet, we know that we can face all things with You. When we are weak, You are strong. When we are unsure, You are steady. When we are afraid, You give us courage. Thank You! Amen.

August 29
“WHEN I CANNOT SEE HIS HAND”
WHEN MY SOUL IS DISCOURAGED
Psalm 42:5 (LLV) —
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Sometimes
the voice
we listen to
most carefully
is our own.
We rehearse
our worries.
We repeat
our disappointments.
We imagine
what might
go wrong.
And before long,
our thoughts
begin speaking
louder
than our faith.
The writer
of Psalm 42
understood.
His soul
was cast down.
Troubled.
Restless.
He longed
for God,
yet God
seemed far away.
His tears
had become
his food
“day and night.”
People around him
were asking,
“Where is
your God?”
And then
something changes.
The psalmist
stops listening
to his troubled soul
and begins
speaking
to it.
“Why are you
cast down,
O my soul?”
He does not
deny
his sadness.
He does not say,
“You shouldn't
feel this way.”
He acknowledges
exactly
where he is.
But he refuses
to let
his feelings
have the final word.
“Hope
in God.”
Sometimes
we need
to do
the same.
Our fear says,
“This will never
get better.”
And we answer,
“Hope
in God.”
Our disappointment says,
“God has
forgotten me.”
And we answer,
“Hope
in God.”
Our circumstances say,
“There is
no reason
to praise.”
And faith answers,
“I will
yet praise Him.”
That little word
“yet”
contains
a remarkable
amount of faith.
The psalmist
is not praising
because everything
has already changed.
His circumstances
are still difficult.
His soul
is still troubled.
But he looks
beyond
what is true
at this moment
toward what
he knows
about God.
“I will
yet
praise Him.”
Not because
I can see
the answer.
Not because
the sadness
has disappeared.
But because
this moment
is not
the entire story.
There will be
another chapter.
There will be
another morning.
There will be
another song.
And God
will still
be God.
Faith does not
require us
to silence
every painful feeling.
But it does teach us
that our feelings
are not
the only voice
allowed
to speak.
Sometimes
we must remind
our own soul
of what
it has temporarily
forgotten.
God is
still faithful.
God is
still present.
God is
still worthy
of my trust.
And even here,
I can say:
“I will yet
praise Him.”
A new beginning sometimes starts with changing which voice I listen to:
when my discouraged soul speaks fear, I can answer it with hope in God.
Reflection: What has my discouraged heart been telling me lately, and what truth about God do I need to speak back to it?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know the moments when my soul becomes discouraged and my thoughts become filled with worry. Thank You that I do not have to pretend those feelings are not real. But help me not to let them become the final voice in my heart. Teach me to speak Your truth to myself, to place my hope in You, and to remember that today's difficulty is not the end of my story. Even when I cannot yet see the answer, let my heart say with faith, “I will yet praise You.” In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Power of Words

Words have power.

We use thousands of them every day to communicate. They help us share joy and sadness. They help us learn and grow. We use them to build each other up—or to tear each other down. And yet, we often underestimate the impact of our words.

Are you giving thought to the words you speak over yourself or about others daily? Are they words rooted in doubt, fear, and insecurity, or do they come from the truth, goodness, and security in God’s promises?

In Psalm 46:1, the Psalmist makes a powerful declaration of God's truth and promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

And this declaration leads to action in the next verse: “Therefore we will not fear” (verse 2).

Our declarations have the power to guide our actions. So what is it that you are declaring? Maybe today, you need the reminder to speak the truth of the words that come from God—your refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

As God's child, you have been given freedom in Christ to choose and use words wisely (Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29).

So today, as you remember that God is your refuse and strength, choose words of life. May your tongue be an instrument of blessing, as you declare what is true, pure, admirable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

SERMON TO KINGDOMS OF KINGS ON EARTH — WHAT SON IS SPEAKING THROUGH VISIONS — ABOUT KING OYO OF TORO DEAD AT 34 AND KING HARALD V OF NORWAY DEAD AT 89 — SAME WEEK — WHY KINGDOMS MUST FOLLOW THOSE ALIVE IN CHRIST SO THAT SOULS EVEN IF DEAD REMAIN OF LORD'S

Preach for living ones — Green 7 lens — Spiritual advice — With scriptural support

---

TEXT: Ps 146:3-4 — Do not put your trust in princes, nor in son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish.

Dan 2:21 — He removes kings and raises up kings.

Rom 14:8 — For if we live, we live to Lord; and if we die, we die to Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are Lord's.

1. SAD NEWS CONFIRMED — TWO THRONES EMPTY — ONE YOUNG, ONE OLD — SAME WEEK

Son has shown me — Red 7 judgement first to house 1 Pet 4:17 — then to thrones — for Green 7 purification — Now fulfillment seen:

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Toro Kingdom, Uganda — world's youngest monarch crowned at 3 years — died about 10pm August 27, 2026 aged 34 — ruled 31 years — Toro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced with profound sadness, heavy heart.

King Harald V of Norway, Europe — died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. August 28, 2026 aged 89 — reigned since 1991 — 35 years — Europe's oldest living monarch — now succeeded by King Haakon — BBC confirmed "Norway's King Harald dies aged 89".

Young Africa king 34 — Old Europe king 89 — Both removed same 48 hours — Job 12:23 — He makes nations great, and destroys them... He takes away understanding of chiefs...

Why Son allowed both? To speak to ALL kingdoms — black and white — traditional and modern — Thrones are temporary.

2. WHAT SON IS SPEAKING / SHOWN THROUGH VISIONS — WHY I SAID KINGDOMS MUST FOLLOW THOSE ALIVE

Son showed Red 7 — massive sorrow on house to end massive glory Rom 8:18 — Gold pure Job 23:10 — Then shake thrones Heb 12:27 — Because some culture norms they worship not with alignment with sound doctrine — If not corrected, souls do not remain Lord's when dead — they rest in assembly of dead Prov 21:16.

My word was: Should these kingdoms of kings on earth need to follow those alive so that their souls even if dead remain of Lord's.

Spiritual meaning:

Luke 9:60 — Jesus said: Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach kingdom of God.
Rev 1:18 — I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.

Follow those alive = Follow Christ alive and those alive in Christ — not follow dead ancestors, dead kings, dead traditions, dead drums.

John 11:25-26 — I am resurrection and life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

If kingdoms follow alive Christ now, then Rom 14:8 fulfilled — Whether live or die, you are Lord's — Soul remains Lord's even if body dies — 2 Cor 5:8 — absent from body, present with Lord.

If follow dead culture, John 8:24 — If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins — Soul does NOT remain Lord's.

3. WHERE CULTURE NORMS OF THESE TWO KINGDOMS MISSED SOUND DOCTRINE

A. Toro Kingdom culture:

Worship of Nyalebe sacred drum as god — sounding drum to become king — Ex 20:3 — You shall have no other gods before Me — Acts 17:24 — God does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor in drums.
Lion-skin crown treated as power object — Col 2:8 — Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to tradition of men, and not according to Christ.
Consulting Emisambwa, ancestors, mediums when king dies — turning drums upside down — Deut 18:11-12 — Or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are abomination to LORD — Isa 8:19 — Should a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? — Lev 20:6 — I will set My face against the person who turns to mediums.

This culture, if continues, makes heir Prince also miss Lord.

B. Norway Kingdom culture — King Harald V era:

Kingdom called Christian but now secular — Church blessing same-sex — Isa 5:20 — Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil — Rom 1:26-27 — exchange natural use for unnatural.
Royal tolerance of scandals — 1 Cor 6:9-10 — Do not be deceived... neither fornicators... nor homosexuals... will inherit kingdom of God.
Tradition of Lutheran state church as culture, not as Christ alive — 2 Tim 3:5 — Having form of godliness but denying its power.
2 Tim 4:3-4 — Time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires... will turn their ears away from truth, and be turned aside to fables.

King Harald V was loved for warmth and humility — King Charles tribute said "warmth and humility" — But warmth without truth cannot keep soul — Need Eph 4:15 — speaking truth in love.

Both kingdoms — Toro traditional, Norway modern — both need return to sound doctrine.

4. SPIRITUAL ADVICE — WHAT KINGDOMS MUST DO NOW SO SOULS REMAIN LORD'S EVEN IF DEAD

Tit 2:1 — But as for you, speak things which are proper for sound doctrine.

For Toro — Heir Prince to be enthroned:

Let Christ be crowned first in Karuziika Palace — Matt 6:33 — Seek first kingdom of God and His righteousness. — Josh 24:15 — As for me and my house, we will serve LORD.
Stop giving worship to objects — Drum, crown, stool are artifacts, not gods — John 4:24 — God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
Bury King Oyo with gospel — Not with calling dead spirits — 1 Thess 4:14 — For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. — Let funeral preach resurrection — so his soul, if he believed, remains Lord's — Rom 14:8.
Teach true Israel — 1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin — True kingship established by righteousness Prov 16:12 — throne established by righteousness — Not by millet bread rituals.

For Norway — New King Haakon VIII:

Acknowledge King of kings over King of Norway — 1 Tim 6:15 — King of kings and Lord of lords — Ps 2:10-12 — Be wise, O kings... Kiss Son, lest He be angry.
Lead nation back to sound doctrine — Rev 3:19 — As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. — Remove blessing of sin — Return to 1 Cor 6:11 — And such were some of you. But you were washed, sanctified, justified in name of Lord Jesus.
Use Nidaros Cathedral not as museum but to preach Acts 20:28 — Church purchased with His own blood belongs to Christ — That Harald V soul and all Norwegians who die — remain Lord's only if washed in Blood — Rev 1:5 — To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
Pray for kings — 1 Tim 2:1-2 — Supplications... be made for kings... that we may lead quiet and peaceable life in all godliness.

For All Kingdoms of Earth:

Heb 12:27-28 — Yet once more I shake... that those things which cannot be shaken may remain... we are receiving kingdom which cannot be shaken.

If kingdoms follow those alive — Christ alive — then promise:

Rom 14:8 — Whether live or die, we are Lord's.
Rom 8:38-39 — Neither death nor life... shall be able to separate us from love of God which is in Christ Jesus.
Rev 14:4 — 144,000 follow Lamb wherever He goes — It is not written they died — thus in spiritual lens won't suffer death — Those living to be raptured with dead in Christ raising first in air then them meeting Christ on clouds — 1 Thess 4:16-17 — But regardless, even when they die still belong to Lord — Rom 14:8.

If refuse — more thrones empty — Isa 40:23 — He brings princes to nothing.

ALTAR CALL TO KINGDOMS:

King Oyo dead 34 — King Harald V dead 89 — Young or old — appointment stands — Heb 9:27 — It is appointed for men to die once, but after this judgment.

Toro and Norway — Choose now whom you will follow — Dead customs or Alive Christ?

Deut 30:19 — I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

Let both new kings — Prince heir of Toro and King Haakon VIII of Norway — declare: My kingdom belongs to Christ — From now we follow those alive — So our souls even if dead remain Lord's.

Rev 5:12 — Worthy is Lamb who was slain to receive power...

Amen — Let living ones hear — Repent or perish — Thrones fall so only Christ throne remains forever.

SERMON TO KINGDOMS — THRONES ON EARTH ARE TEMPORARY — KING OF KINGS IS ETERNAL — FOR TORO KINGDOM & ALL KINGDOMS — SAD NEWS OF KING OYO AT 34

What Son is speaking / shown through Red 7 Visions — Spiritual Advice for Kingdoms whose culture norms worship not with alignment to sound doctrine — So that souls even if dead remain of Lord's

Ps 146:3-4 — Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish.
Dan 2:21 — He removes kings and raises up kings.

1. CONFIRMED SORROW — KING OYO OF TORO DEAD YOUNG — SAD NEWS

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV — world's youngest monarch crowned at 3 — died at about 10pm on August 27, 2026, aged 34, after nearly 31 years reign. 5b66

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki confirmed: profound sadness — immeasurable loss — continuity of Crown assured, leaves Prince heir. 64ba

Living ones in Toro, Uganda — hear — Job 1:21 — Naked came I... LORD gave and LORD has taken away — And some other king in Europe dead too — Same week — Trumpet sounding to thrones: thrones shake.

2. WHAT SON IS SPEAKING THROUGH VISIONS — RED 7 LENS TO KINGDOMS

Through Red 7 vision — judgement of correction first to house made 1 Pet 4:17 — purified with love Heb 12:6 — Gold pure Job 23:10 — Now to evil doers and to thrones — heavier strokes if refuse Luke 12:48 — because God will not share glory with idols.

Son is saying: Kingdoms of kings on earth need to follow those alive so that their souls even if dead remain of Lord's — Rom 14:8 — For if we live, we live to Lord; and if we die, we die to Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are Lord's.

Why? Because some culture norms worship not with alignment with sound doctrine:

Worship of royal drums as gods — Ex 20:3 — No other gods before Me.
Consulting dead kings, ancestors, spirits of dead — Deut 18:10-12 — abomination — Lev 20:6 — I will set My face against person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits.
Mock battles, millet rituals to appease ancestors — Isa 8:19 — Should a people seek their God? Should they seek dead on behalf of living?
Lion-skin crowns, sacred drums turned upside down when king dies — tradition that gives power to object not to Christ — Col 2:8 — Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to tradition of men... and not according to Christ.
Fornication, drunkenness in enthronement celebrations — Gal 5:19-21 — will not inherit kingdom of God.

These culture norms — if not corrected — soul does not remain of Lord's when dead — perishes — John 8:24 — If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins — Heb 9:27 — It is appointed for men to die once, but after this judgment.

3. SPIRITUAL ADVICE TO KINGDOMS — FOLLOW THOSE ALIVE — SOUND DOCTRINE

What must kingdoms do so souls even if dead remain of Lord's?

A. Acknowledge King of kings over cultural kings

1 Tim 6:15 — He who is blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Ps 2:10-11 — Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of earth. Serve LORD with fear.
Dan 4:32 — Till you know that Most High rules in kingdom of men.

No Omukama, no Kabaka, no Kyabazinga, no king in Europe is King of kings — All thrones under Christ — Rev 19:16 — KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Advice: Toro Kingdom and all kingdoms — Put Christ first in palace — Matt 6:33 — Seek first kingdom of God — Not drum first.

B. Worship in Spirit and Truth — Not Ancestors

John 4:24 — God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Culture says seek ancestors — Sound doctrine says seek Christ — 1 Tim 2:5 — For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

Col 1:18 — That in all things He may have preeminence.

Advice: Stop consulting dead — Isa 8:19 — Burial rites should point to Christ resurrection 1 Thess 4:14 — not turning drums upside down to call spirits. Let royal drum be culture artifact — not god.

C. Repent — Believe Gospel — Live Pure — Belong to Lord in Life and Death

Acts 20:28 — Church purchased with His own blood — belongs to Christ.

To belong to Lord even if dead — must belong to Lord while alive:

Rom 10:9 — If you confess with your mouth Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from dead, you will be saved.
2 Cor 5:15 — He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin — true Israel.
Tit 2:11-12 — Grace teaches us that, denying ungodliness... we should live soberly, righteously.

King Oyo promoted education, youth, tourism — Good works — But good works without sound doctrine cannot keep soul as Lord's after death — Eph 2:8-9 — For by grace you have been saved through faith... not of works. 64ba

Soul remains Lord's only if sealed by Blood — Eph 1:13 — Sealed with Holy Spirit of promise — Rom 14:8.

D. Pray for Kings — But Teach Kings Sound Doctrine

1 Tim 2:1-2 — Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers... be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable life in all godliness.
2 Tim 4:2-3 — Preach word!... For time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.

Kingdoms — Do not just mourn — Reform — Let chaplains preach Christ crucified, not syncretism — 1 Cor 2:2 — I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

4. FINAL WARNING — THRONES FALL TO TEACH THAT ONLY CHRIST THRONE REMAINS

Heb 12:27-28 — Yet once more I shake... that those things which cannot be shaken may remain... Therefore, since we are receiving kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace.

King Oyo died 34 — young — like father died 1995 — Ps 90:12 — So teach us to number our days, that we may gain heart of wisdom.

Some king in Europe dead too — Same shake — Isa 40:23 — He brings princes to nothing; He makes judges of earth useless.

Spiritual advice from Son through visions: Let kingdoms now turn — Follow those alive in Christ — Not dead traditions — So souls of kings and subjects even if dead remain of Lord's — Rom 14:8.

If refuse — More thrones will empty — Rev 6:15 — Then kings of earth... hid themselves.

If obey — Rev 21:24 — And kings of earth bring their glory and honor into New Jerusalem.

ALTAR CALL TO TORO & ALL KINGDOMS:

Josh 24:15 — Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve LORD.

Leave ancestor worship — Leave drum worship — Believe Blood — Live pure — Be true Israel — Church bought by Blood belongs to Christ — Whether live or die — Yours remains Lord's.

Let Toro say: From today — Christ is Omukama of Toro — King of kings reigns in Karuziika Palace.

Rev 5:12 — Worthy is Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

Amen — Rest King Oyo — But let living kingdoms hear and repent — Before throne empty again.

Dear God, You’re great and mighty, full of love and everything good. I pray today that You calm my heart emotionally and physically. Your word in John 14:1 says, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” God, regardless of what I’m facing right now, give me the strength to endure and the peace that reminds me greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I trust that You’re meeting every need according to Your riches and glory, and I’m declaring that pain, sadness, anxiety, and worry have no place in me right now. When I grow tired and weary, renew my strength. You’re my refuge, and I trust You to fight every battle I’m facing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

IT WAS LIKE A DREAM
When God Turns Captivity Into a Testimony
Key Scripture: Psalm 126:1–6
There are times when God transforms your life so profoundly that it feels almost surreal. Psalm 126:1 tells us, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” Some breakthroughs are so remarkable that the pain of yesterday fades into the background. God has the power to shift you from sorrow to joy, from being overlooked to being embraced, from feeling stuck to experiencing growth, and from a long wait to a season of fulfillment.
Take Joseph’s story, for instance. He went from being thrown into a pit to becoming a slave, then from slavery to prison, and finally from prison to the palace (Genesis 37; Genesis 39–41). Just picture waking up one day as a prisoner and realizing that God has set you up to be second in command in Egypt. It must have felt like a dream come true. Similarly, David’s journey was nothing short of miraculous—he went from tending sheep in the fields to reigning as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11–13; 2 Samuel 5:3–4). When God intervenes in your life, He can elevate your status, transform your circumstances, and reshape your future in ways you never saw coming.
Maybe you find yourself in a season where change feels elusive. Your prayers might seem unanswered, doors may appear firmly shut, and your dreams could feel out of reach. But remember, just because things are delayed doesn’t mean they’re denied. God can turn a situation around in an instant. Psalm 126:2 reminds us, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” The very mouth that once cried can become a source of testimony. The eyes that shed tears can become witnesses to God’s inYour current chapter isn’t the end of your story. Keep planting seeds of faith, keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God. Psalm 126:5 reminds us, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” One day, you might find yourself looking back at those moments of sorrow and saying, “Look at what the Lord has accomplished!” What God is about to do in your life could be so incredible that it’ll be hard to put into words. Your next testimony might be so amazing that all you can say is: IT WAS LIKE A DREAM!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who changes our circumstances. We trust that You can turn our tears into laughter, our sadness into joy, and our bondage into freedom.
Lord, please remember everyone who is waiting for a breakthrough. Shift their situations according to Your perfect plan. Open doors that no one can close, restore what has been lost, and bring hope where disappointment has taken root.
Father, let our stories be so extraordinary that we will know for sure it was Your hand at work. May those who have seen our struggles also witness Your unwavering faithfulness.
We declare that our season is shifting. Tears will transform into testimonies, waiting will lead to fulfillment, and what seems impossible will become a testament to Your power. Soon, we will look back and say, “It was like a dream!”
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Daily devotion for August 25th
How To Celebrate
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27
It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful.

There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy.

There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving.

Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
Rip Off the Mask

By Shelley Quinn

August 14th, 2026

“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13

Finishing a brief therapy session, I slumped down on the side of my hospital bed. A charge nurse popped into my room to ask how I was doing.

“Great,” I smiled. “How was your son’s game?”

After our quick exchange I turned back to my therapist who sat on the window ledge, shaking his head.

“You are your own worst enemy, Shelley!”

My puzzled look prompted his further explanation. “I know you well enough now to know that when your pain becomes intolerable, you breathe in short gasps and perspiration beads on your forehead. But, you smile and gloss over your condition with a friendly word. Most people can’t be cheery when they’re suffering, and—hey—medical personnel are trained to determine treatment by reading facial expressions.”

He had worked with me earlier that month during my first week of hospitalization, following a five-hour spinal surgery. I suffered several complications—including nerve damage in my groins and an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Now, I had been readmitted because I couldn’t walk.

He called it correctly—brutal pain surged through my back, groins, and shoulder. His gentle rebuke echoed words from my distant past, when a spinal surgeon called me “my own worst enemy” for the same reason.

I’m a “grin-and-bear it” kind of gal. Not wanting to be perceived as a whiner, I mask the truth with a smile, using verbal camouflage to hide my brokenness.

Don’t pity me—you likely hide behind the same deflection technique. Have you ever arrived at church heavy-hearted, and when someone asked how you’re doing, you replied, “Doing great! Happy Sabbath!”? Later, you headed home with the same sadness, and no one had the opportunity to pray for you. Or you laugh off hurt feelings following a cutting remark, and never privately confront the abuser. Or a loved one asks, “Is something wrong?” and you hide your frustration with “No! I’m fine.”

People are not mind readers! Our words define us. When we express ourselves honestly, we become visible. When we hide behind a mask of verbal camouflage, we are invisible to others. Some of us wall in our pain, and—sadly—we often feel as if no one really cares.

Verbal camouflage is deceitful.

I get it! We don’t want to wear our feelings on our sleeves. But we need to figure out an honest response to the casual question, “How are you?” If you’re not doing fine—don’t lie about it. While you don’t want to gush out unwanted details, a simple, “I’ll get better!” or “I’m trusting the Lord!” or “I’m blessed, no matter what!” are some of the possible responses. If the person is unknown to you, or too busy to stop for discovery, they’ll go on. If, however, they respond, “Tell me about it!” you will know God placed that person in your path to comfort you.

Let’s rip off the mask and get real!