AUGUST 16 – DEVOTIONAL
A Reason to Praise 🙌🏾
Text: Psalm 91:4; Psalm 103:1–5
There are some things we can only look back on and say, “It could only have been God.” As we continue in this season of New Beginnings, today is not about asking God for anything. It is simply about pausing to praise Him for the many ways He has covered us, kept us, rescued us, and given us another chance.
There were moments we did not know how we would make it through, yet God brought us through. There were times we made mistakes, faced disappointments, or found ourselves in places we never expected to be, but His mercy did not let go of us. Even when others saw our faults, God saw us with compassion. His grace kept reaching for us.
The psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Today, let us remember. Remember His protection. Remember His mercy. Remember the doors He opened and the ones He closed. Remember the times He rescued us from what we could see and from what we could not see. Remember the grace that gave us another opportunity to begin again.
Beloved, before you ask God for the next new thing, take a moment to thank Him for what He has already done. Your story is filled with evidence of His goodness. If He has covered you this far, He is worthy of your praise today. Give Him the glory, give Him the honour, and give Him the praise. Simply say, “Thank You, Jesus, for covering me.”
Have a Praise-filled Sunday! May you and your family continually experience God’s covering, mercy, protection, and unfailing love. May your hearts overflow with gratitude as you remember His goodness and step confidently into every new beginning He has prepared for you. Shalom! 🙏🏾
Bible Reading Summary
Nehemiah 11:1–12:26
The people of Judah worked together to repopulate Jerusalem and strengthen the restored city. Leaders willingly lived there, while others were chosen by lot to move from their towns. The chapter records the families, priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers who served in Jerusalem. It shows how everyone had a role in rebuilding and maintaining the community. Their organised service and dedication helped establish Jerusalem as a functioning city of worship and service to God.
Key Themes:Â Community, willing service, organisation, worship, responsibility, and unity.
1 Corinthians 10:14–33
Paul warns believers to stay away from idolatry and anything that competes with their devotion to Christ. He explains that Christians cannot participate in both the Lord’s table and idol worship. At the same time, Paul teaches them not to live in unnecessary fear but to use wisdom and consider how their actions affect others. Whether eating, drinking, or doing anything else, believers should do everything for God’s glory and seek the good of others.
Key Themes:Â Avoiding idolatry, devotion to Christ, Christian freedom, wisdom, consideration for others, and glorifying God.
Psalm 34:11–22
David teaches that those who desire a good life should control their words, turn away from evil, and pursue peace. He reminds us that God watches over the righteous and hears them when they cry for help. The Lord is close to those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Although righteous people may experience many troubles, God promises to deliver them. He also protects those who trust Him and ultimately brings justice.
Key Themes:Â Godly living, peaceful relationships, prayer, God’s nearness, deliverance, and His protection.
Proverbs 21:14–16
These verses show how kindness can calm anger and how justice brings joy to those who desire what is right. They warn that refusing wisdom and choosing a path of foolishness eventually leads to destruction. The passage encourages us to respond wisely to others, pursue justice, and remain on the path of understanding. A person who continually rejects wisdom places themselves in danger and moves away from the way of life.
Key Themes:Â Kindness, justice, wisdom, self-control, righteous living, and avoiding foolishness.
Final Reflection
Today’s passages remind us that our relationship with God should influence how we serve, speak, make choices, and treat others. Nehemiah shows the importance of everyone playing their part in God’s work. Paul reminds us to keep Christ first and use our freedom responsibly. Psalm 34 encourages us to pursue peace and trust God when life becomes difficult, while Proverbs calls us to choose wisdom and justice.
The simple lesson is this: Put God first, serve faithfully, treat others with love, pursue peace, and choose wisdom in everything you do.
You are specially invited to BOA’s August zoom meeting on the topic: New Beginnings, New Victories and New Blessings.
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:19 -20 Speaker. Pastor George Annane Host Minister Joyce King
Date: 7/16/26
Time 4pm EST, 8pm GMT, 9pm UK & 10pm European time.
Zoom ID: 819 4369 4022 Passcode: 936644
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