Summer's officially winding down and, much of the country starts the transition between long, lazy days of summer and juggling the chaos of deadlines, frantic schedules, and extracurricular activities. For me, I will jump into my 24th year in the classroom. 24 years of slow, sluggish days of recovery from the previous school year to the mach-3 craziness of a typical school day: a frazillion questions—some of which actually have something to do with the subject—as well as a litany of excuses, accommodation requests, apathy, and a cacophony of laughter directed at me because of something stupid I inadvertently or did. Of course, it also comes meaningful and insightful classroom discussions, fond memories, and watching a light bulb come as a connection is made between the head and the heart. I pray for many more school years to come. Typically on the first day of school, the most frequent prompt that comes up is: what I did last summer. This prompt produces a variety of responses, ranging from vacations, camping trips, swimming, tubing, fishing, and the county fair. I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as well as what would be my answer. All things considered, I had an eventful summer. I embarked on another road trip, a budding impromptu tradition that takes me along American’s backroads exploring places I have never seen before. These annual road trips have become therapeutic for me. The weekend after I returned, I went to my 40th High School Reunion, reliving old memories and seeing classmates I honestly thought I would have never seen again. Next, my wife and I spent our 28th Anniversary exploring the old territorial capitol of Montana, Virginia City. However, despite all of that activity, if I had to honestly define my summer, I would describe it as a time to heal. This last spring, I lost my mother the same week my wife lost her job. It was a world turned upside-down. In addition to the typical annual stress of teaching during a second semester, I had to be an emotional strength and encourager for my wife as we grieved the loss of my mother. We had to juggle a household that, for a time, dealt with a 60% income drop, a loss of insurance, and an uncertain future. Now, I will emphatically state that God came through for us during that ordeal. He absolutely did. However, those months also took a great toll on my being. I didn’t feel like myself at home or at work. My filters were down. My emotions were raw, shriveled and depleted. I was subdued and weak. I just wanted to crawl under a rock. But the summer brought a time of restoration of heavy solitude. It brought with wonderful experiences alone, with my wife, and with God. The teacher in Ecclesiastes writes of seasons in life: “A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up, A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, A time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2–8) Life is filled with seasons. As much as we try, they are unavoidable. Frankly, it is easy to cling to God when life is wonderful; however, true spiritual growth comes when life isn't peachy. We always enjoy mountain top experience; however, it is also important to remember that nothing grows on a mountain top. The rich, fertile soil lies in the valley. It often seems superficial that use suffering to test us or to teach us a lesson. More often, he quietly sits with us in difficult seasons for us to cling to. So what is the answer to that question asked in nearly every classroom in America? I healed. My summer was a time for restoration, a time for healing. In a matter of days, the school year kicks off and a new season begins. And with the new year, when the next season arrives, my grip on God—with prayer and knowledge he is with me—remains tighter than ever.

Weekend Manna for 29 August 2026 ::: You are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made !!! The Coming Education Crisis: Welcome To The Age Of Artificial Education ::: https://trulightdailymanna.co.za/29-august-2026

Thank you Jesus Titled: At His Feet bible text:(Luke 10:38-41). Are you at the feet of Jesus? Just like Mary in the book of Luke 10:39 Many of us are worried about so many things just Martha with so much things in our hands. Instead of worrying and troubled of so many things, there is just one thing needed to come at the feet of Jesus ( Luke 10:41), and surrender all your burdens and cares and take upon his yoke (voluntary) and learn of him, for his yoke is easy and the lord he would put us is light. (Matthew 11:28-30). Serving is great but if it has become more important than our lord then we need to back and sit at his feet ( discipleship fellowshipping with Him( in corrections, dealings, in sufferings, in bad days, good days, every moment, in total obedience and discipline) because discipleship is a lifelong process to be transformed into the image, the full personality of our master the lord Jesus Christ. The woman in the painting isn't just sitting at his feet but her gaze is fixated on him alone. Where is your gaze fixated at? Is it on storms, winds, which life is throwing at you? Remember when the book of Matthew 14:27-29 when peter walked on the water but due to a strong wind he was afraid he began to sink. Because he allowed the strong wind and fear which brings doubts in our hearts will make us sink in the waters of life, sweeps us by the strong wind just like a house built on sinking sand. Come my brother and sister at his feet with a faith so strong that no winds of life will sweep you off, hoping,trusting ever on our eyes being fixated on Jesus. God bless you Happy a full filled week/weekend.

It’s been a while since I checked in. I hope everyone is doing well and keeping great. Wishing you all an amazing weekend ahead. Stay blessed, happy, and well!

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Don't Spend Money Just to Look Rich Bible Reference One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbour. Proverbs 17:18 (NIV) A Short Story Michael had recently started working, and for the first time in his life, he had a regular income. He was excited because he could finally afford some things he had wanted for a long time. However, he soon became more interested in looking successful than in becoming financially stable. Whenever he saw his friends buying expensive phones, clothes, shoes, and watches, he felt uncomfortable using the things he already had. He wanted people to see that he was also doing well. One weekend, he spent almost half of his salary on a new phone because he wanted to take better pictures and appear more successful on social media. A few weeks later, his friends invited him to an expensive outing. Michael did not have enough money, but he did not want to admit it. He borrowed money from someone and joined them. After that, he borrowed again to buy clothes for another event. Before long, a large part of his monthly income was going into things he did not really need. One evening, Michael needed money for an important personal expense, but his account was almost empty. He looked around his room and realised that he had many expensive things but very little savings. His phone was new, his clothes were impressive, and his pictures looked good online, but financially, he was struggling. That experience made him realise something important. He had been spending money to convince other people that he was doing well instead of actually building a stable life. Michael decided to change. He began budgeting his income, reducing unnecessary spending, saving regularly, and buying things because he needed them rather than because he wanted people to notice him. It took time, but he eventually became more financially responsible. Today's Message Money is an important part of life. Whether you are a student, employee, business owner, apprentice, minister, or young professional, you will have to make decisions about money. How you handle money today can affect your future. One of the biggest financial mistakes young people make is spending money to impress other people. You buy clothes you cannot afford because you want people to notice you. You buy an expensive phone because you do not want anyone to think you are struggling. You spend heavily at parties because you want your friends to see you as generous. You take loans for things you do not need simply because you want to maintain a certain lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with looking good or enjoying the good things you can genuinely afford. The problem begins when appearance becomes more important than wisdom. You do not have to look rich to be successful. Some people have expensive phones but no savings. Some drive good cars but are deeply in debt. Some wear expensive clothes but cannot handle an unexpected financial problem. Social media can make people feel pressured to look successful even when they are struggling privately. Do not build your life around people's opinions. Proverbs 21:20 says, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Wisdom includes knowing how to keep some of what you earn instead of spending everything immediately. If you earn money, learn to budget. Know what comes in and what goes out. Separate your needs from your wants. Save something, even if it is small. Learn a skill that can increase your income. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be careful about borrowing money simply to maintain an appearance. You also need to understand that your value does not come from what you own. Your phone does not determine your worth. Your clothes do not determine your importance. The car you drive does not determine your future. The number of people who like your pictures does not determine your success. You are valuable because God created you and gave your life purpose. There is nothing shameful about starting small. If you cannot afford something, you do not need to pretend that you can. If you are still building your career, be honest about your season. If your business is still growing, do not spend all your profit trying to look successful. Build quietly. Learn. Save. Invest in yourself. Grow your income. Support your family wisely. Give to God faithfully. Prepare for the future. One day, you may be able to afford the things you desire without destroying your financial stability to get them. Remember that financial maturity is not simply about earning more money. It is also about knowing what to do with the money you already have. Do not let pressure from friends, social media, relationships, or society push you into financial decisions you will regret later. It is better to live within your means today and build a stronger future than to impress people today and struggle tomorrow. What To Do Today 1. Look at your spending from the past week and identify one unnecessary expense you can reduce. 2. Create a simple budget for the money you currently receive. 3. Start saving something regularly, even if the amount is small. 4. Before buying something expensive, ask yourself whether you need it, can afford it, and whether it will help your future. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to handle money responsibly. Deliver me from the desire to impress people with things I cannot afford. Teach me discipline, contentment, patience, and good financial habits. Help me to use the resources You give me wisely, to prepare for the future, to help others, and to honour You with my finances. Give me the wisdom to build a stable life instead of living for appearances. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Before spending money today, ask yourself three questions: Do I need it? Can I afford it? Will this decision help or hurt my future? Do not spend to impress people. Build a life that is genuinely strong, not merely one that looks successful. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

Subject: Request for Support: Mayuge Gospel Crusade & Leadership Conference (Aug 28–30, 2026) ​Dear Friends, Partners, and Well-Wishers, ​We warmly invite you to stand with us as we prepare for the upcoming Gospel Crusade and Leadership Conference, scheduled for August 28th – 30th, 2026, at New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge. ​Organized under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Charles (Host) and Brother Siraji (Co-host), this three-day gathering aims to bring spiritual transformation, community empowerment, and divine healing to the Mayuge region. ​"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" — Mark 16:15 ​To ensure the success of this event and accommodate the growing ministry needs, we are humbly appealing for support of any kind from well-wishers, ministries, and community members. ​Areas Where Support Is Needed: ​Financial Contributions: To assist with logistics, speaker transport, and event administration. ​Public Address & Equipment: Sound systems, lighting, generator power, and stage setup. ​Hospitality & Catering: Food, clean drinking water, and accommodation for guest ministers and volunteers. ​Publicity & Printing: Banners, flyers, posters, and radio/local announcement support. ​Prayer Support: Interceding for open hearts, physical healing, and peace throughout the three days. ​Whether through a monetary donation, provision of physical supplies, or spiritual intercession, your contribution will directly impact lives during this powerful weekend. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. ​How to Contribute & Get in Touch: ​Host: Pastor Charles | Contact: +256 780670022 ​Co-Host: Brother Siraji | Contact: +256 755145044 ​Location: New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge ​Dates: August 28th – 30th, 2026 ​If you feel led to support or require further information, please reach out directly to Pastor Charles or Brother Siraji. May God abundantly bless you for your generosity and partnership in this vision.

happy weekend

Subject: Request for Support: Mayuge Gospel Crusade & Leadership Conference (Aug 28–30, 2026) Dear Friends, Partners, and Well-Wishers, We warmly invite you to stand with us as we prepare for the upcoming Gospel Crusade and Leadership Conference, scheduled for August 28th – 30th, 2026, at New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge. Organized under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Charles (Host) and Brother Siraji (Co-host), this three-day gathering aims to bring spiritual transformation, community empowerment, and divine healing to the Mayuge region. "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" — Mark 16:15 To ensure the success of this event and accommodate the growing ministry needs, we are humbly appealing for support of any kind from well-wishers, ministries, and community members. Areas Where Support Is Needed: Financial Contributions: To assist with logistics, speaker transport, and event administration. Public Address & Equipment: Sound systems, lighting, generator power, and stage setup. Hospitality & Catering: Food, clean drinking water, and accommodation for guest ministers and volunteers. Publicity & Printing: Banners, flyers, posters, and radio/local announcement support. Prayer Support: Interceding for open hearts, physical healing, and peace throughout the three days. Whether through a monetary donation, provision of physical supplies, or spiritual intercession, your contribution will directly impact lives during this powerful weekend. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. How to Contribute & Get in Touch: Host: Pastor Charles Co-Host: Brother Siraji Location: New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge Dates: August 28th – 30th, 2026 If you feel led to support or require further information, please reach out directly to Pastor Charles or Brother Siraji. May God abundantly bless you for your generosity and partnership in this vision. +25675145044 brother siraji co host

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“LORD, ORDER OUR STEPS” “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV) Heavenly Father, we thank You for waking us up this Saturday morning and blessing us with another day. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, protection, and faithfulness throughout another week. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed… They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Lord, today we ask You to order our steps. Direct our decisions, conversations, relationships, families, finances, careers, and ministries. Help us to trust You even when we cannot see what lies ahead. Your Word says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). Father, strengthen those who are tired, discouraged, grieving, or carrying burdens privately. Remind us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Touch those who are sick mentally, physically, and emotionally. Bring healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration according to Your will. Strengthen caregivers and give wisdom to doctors and medical professionals. Bless our families. Restore broken relationships, bring peace into our homes, protect our children and loved ones, and let our households declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Lord, provide for those seeking employment, financial increase, and open doors. We stand on Your promise: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Father, prepare us for what is ahead. When You say move, give us courage to move. When You say wait, give us patience. When You close a door, help us trust You. When You open one, give us faith to walk through it. Protect us throughout this weekend. “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in” (Psalm 121:8). Today we declare: Our steps are ordered, our minds are guarded, our families are covered, our needs are supplied, and our future is in God's hands! “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen and Amen!