MONDAY 24TH AUGUST 2026
IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL

Topic: Think Before You Decide

Bible Reference
“The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV)

A Short Story
Daniel was excited when he received a message from an old friend one Monday morning. The friend told him about a business opportunity that could make him a lot of money within a short time. He sent pictures of cars, expensive clothes, and screenshots of people who had supposedly made huge profits from the business. Daniel was immediately interested.

“You should join now,” his friend told him. “If you delay, you will miss the opportunity.”

Daniel did not have much money, but he was tired of struggling. He had watched other young people make progress while he was still trying to find his feet. He began imagining what he would do with the money if the business worked. He could buy a better phone, support his family, and finally stop asking people for help.

That evening, Daniel was ready to transfer his savings. He had already made up his mind when his older brother asked him a simple question.

“Have you checked how the business works?”

Daniel became quiet. He had not checked anything. He had only listened to his friend and looked at the pictures he had been shown.

His brother advised him to slow down and investigate before putting his money into it. Daniel reluctantly agreed. The next day, he searched for information about the company and discovered several complaints from people who had lost money through the same scheme. He also discovered that the pictures his friend had shown him were being used to attract new people.

Daniel was disappointed, but he was grateful that he had not acted quickly.

That experience taught him a lesson he never forgot. Not every opportunity is from God, and not everything that looks good is good for you. Sometimes wisdom is simply knowing when to stop, ask questions, pray, and think before making a decision.

Today's Message
Every young person will make important decisions. You will make decisions about your education, career, business, friendships, relationships, marriage, money, ministry, and the kind of person you want to become. Some decisions may look small at first, but they can affect many years of your life.

The Bible says that a wise person considers his steps. This means you should not allow excitement, pressure, fear, or the desire to impress people to make your decisions for you. You do not have to say yes simply because everyone around you is saying yes.

Some people have entered wrong relationships because they were afraid of being alone. Some have chosen the wrong career because they wanted to impress their friends. Some have lost money because they wanted quick success. Others have made serious mistakes because they acted before asking questions.

Faith does not mean refusing to think. God expects you to pray, seek wisdom, examine your options, and make responsible decisions. You can trust God and still do your homework.

Before you make an important decision, slow down. Ask yourself what the Bible says about it. Pray about it. Seek advice from mature and trustworthy people. Look at the possible consequences. Do not allow temporary excitement to make a permanent decision for you.

A wise decision today can save you from years of regret tomorrow.

What To Do Today
1. Think about one important decision you are currently considering and refuse to rush into it.

2. Pray about it and ask God for wisdom and clear direction.

3. Seek advice from someone mature and trustworthy.

4. Consider the possible consequences before you make your final decision.

Prayer
Lord, give me wisdom to make good decisions. Help me not to be controlled by pressure, fear, excitement, or the desire to please people. Teach me to think carefully, listen to wise counsel, follow Your Word, and choose what will honour You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Challenge
Before making any important decision today, stop for a few minutes and ask yourself three questions: Is it right? Is it wise? What could be the result?

Anthony Ijere
Christian Author and Revivalist

Download Christian Novels by Anthony Ijere at: https://t.me/anthonyijere

MEL GIBSON’S RESURRECTION EPIC PROMISES TO GO FAR BEYOND THE EMPTY TOMB
Mel Gibson has revealed new details about his long-awaited follow-up to the 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ.
Titled The Resurrection of the Christ, the biblical epic has been filmed as two full-length movies. Production has now wrapped after 134 days of filming across several locations in Italy.
Gibson says the story will be much broader than a simple retelling of Easter morning. The films will reportedly travel beyond Jerusalem into Damascus, Rome, Egypt and the desert, with massive sets constructed to bring the ancient world to life.
The project is expected to explore the Resurrection, the spiritual realm and the events surrounding the birth and growth of the early Church. Gibson has described it as a deeply personal mission that he has carried for more than 20 years.
A new cast will lead the story, with Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen portraying Jesus. The first film is scheduled for release on 6th May 2027, with the second planned for 25th May 2028 - both dates coinciding with Ascension Day.
For Christians, however, the greatest excitement is not merely another biblical film. It is the opportunity for millions of people to once again hear the message at the heart of the Gospel:
JESUS CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED - BUT THE GRAVE COULD NOT HOLD HIM!
As with every film inspired by Scripture, viewers should compare what appears on screen with the truth of God’s Word. The power is not found in Hollywood’s interpretation—the power is found in the historical reality that Jesus Christ is risen!
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
—Matthew 28:6
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day.”
—1 Corinthians 15:3–4
THE CROSS WAS NOT THE END
THE RESURRECTION CHANGED EVERYTHING !
( Courtesy: Kevin Evans of facebook )

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.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

AUGUST 15
DAY 15 - Morning
Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES
Making Daily Decisions That Strengthen the Marriage

Morning Reflection
Choose Your Spouse Again

Good Morning!
There was a time when you chose each other with excitement.
You dressed up.
You made plans.
You dreamed about the future.
Then life happened.
Bills arrived. Children came. Responsibilities increased. Work became demanding. Some dreams changed.
But one of the beautiful things about marriage is that you don't only choose each other on the wedding day.
You keep choosing each other every day.
You choose patience when irritation would be easier.
You choose forgiveness when resentment feels justified.
You choose conversation instead of silence.
You choose faithfulness when temptation appears.
You choose love when feelings are tired.
Your wedding vow may have been spoken once, but its meaning is lived every day.

God's Word
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." — Colossians 3:12

Today's Love Action
Tell your spouse today:
"I still choose you."
Then mention one reason why.

Let's Talk
What made you choose your spouse in the beginning, and what makes you continue choosing them today?

Prayer
Lord, renew our commitment to one another. Help us choose love, faithfulness and grace even on difficult days. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair:
Feelings change with circumstances, but mature love learns to make faithful choices even when emotions fluctuate.

Marriage Nugget
"Marriage becomes stronger when choosing each other becomes a daily decision, not merely a past decision."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts

Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 

Today’s verse is one that should make us pause and consider our lives and how we are living them. It is a warning from Jesus to a spiritually complacent church - a church that looks right on the outside but is spiritually dead on the inside. He commands them to remember the Gospel they heard in the beginning and to remember what they felt, what they learned, and to seek that again in repentance. And not doing so will bring consequences.

The church that was being warned in today’s verse is in the city of Sardish. It was a wealthy trade center that was secure and boasted proudly of their city. But they were prone to sudden attacks that came when they grew overconfident and apathetic. It is this historical overview that Jesus used to mirror the spiritual blindness of the church there. 

What about you? How is your heart? Are you growing apathetic in your spiritual walk? Are you overconfident in your beliefs that you are secure and living in God’s will? It is important that we pause and evaluate our hearts periodically and seek God’s guidance and direction anew.

Do you remember the excitement you felt when you first became a believer? The joy and peace that filled your heart, the eagerness to know more, the desire to learn and grow… It is easy for us to lose sight of that, to grow complacent and take grace for granted. And the more complacent we grow, the harder it is to find that excitement again. 

But it is not impossible.

And Jesus warns us that we need to repent when we find ourselves in a state of spiritual decline and stagnation and to seek Him once again, to turn to the Gospel that brought us joy in the beginning. We must make the choice to turn from spiritual apathy and to align ourselves with God once again. 

Failing to repent and turn back to God can bring consequences. Jesus warned the church of Sardis that He would come like a thief in the night. That is not a reference to His second coming, of His return to earth or the Rapture, though the wording is similar to other passages found in Scripture. Instead, it is a warning that He will come swiftly and unexpectedly to discipline the spiritually sleeping believers. Judgement and discipline come when we least expect it, so it is better to get right with Him now and change those patterns in our lives. 

This verse serves as a wake-up call to anyone who has grown overconfident and overly comfortable. It is time to evaluate our internal reality and our heart posture and determine if it is in the right place. Just because we look good on the outside doesn’t mean we are right on the inside. External reputations and appearances don’t matter when it comes to obedience and surrender. Instead, it is our heart that matters and we need to give it to Him fresh and new each day, choosing to align our lives with His will and not our own. 

#TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

August 11 - Matthew’s Positive Response

#LifeOfChrist

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’ And he got up and followed Him” (Matthew 9:9).

Matthew’s gospel has already established that Jesus offered His forgiveness to the least-loved outcasts of society. It seems evident from the context of this verse that one of those outcasts, Matthew the tax collector (this gospel’s author), had been under real conviction of sin and spiritual need. He would have been very aware of Jesus’ ministry in and around Capernaum, even though he might not have personally heard Him preach or had seen Him do a miracle.

Matthew likely yearned for the forgiveness that was permanently denied to him by unbelieving Judaism, which viewed him as the worst kind of reprobate and traitor. So when Christ called him, Matthew without hesitation “got up and followed Him.”

Luke’s account describes the moment this way: Matthew
“left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him” (Luke 5:28).
Our Lord’s simple but profoundly urgent call was sufficient reason for him to forsake everything he once was and owned. Matthew knew that once he left his tax collector’s position he could never return to it. Of all the Twelve, he no doubt sacrificed the most in wealth to follow Jesus. Like Paul later, he affirmed that “whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Phil. 3:7).

Ask Yourself

If it’s been too long since the significance and honor of Jesus’ call swept over you, see the excitement in Matthew’s reaction to Christ. Watch him lunge at the chance to be one of Jesus’ disciples. Remember again the thrill of being in your Master’s service.

Community Outreach: Connecting with Compassion

At Harvest Edge Missions Center, our weekly community outreach initiatives weave together connection and compassion, bringing us closer to one another and to those we seek to reach for Jesus. Under the leadership of Pastor Tom, alongside the energetic contributions of Pastor Deus and Brother Isaac, these outreach sessions go beyond mere giving; they are profound opportunities for relationship-building, sharing hope, and embodying Christ’s love in tangible ways.

From distributing care packages to lending a helping hand at local events, every action is filled with excitement and purpose.

Once a month, we gather for a meal that transforms into an unforgettable evening of laughter, storytelling, and spiritual growth. With Sister Grace and Sister Nancy guiding faith discussions and Brother Owen uplifting spirits with joyful praise, these gatherings create a true sense of belonging, strengthening our community bonds and igniting our passion for evangelism.

Additionally, our door-to-door missions, led by Brother Reagan’s welcoming smiles, break down barriers as we share God’s message one home at a time. Each gathering enriches lives and enhances our mission: reaching people for Jesus through friendship and unwavering faith.

View Our Website To Learn More: harvestedgemissions.org

#CommunityOutreach #HarvestEdgeMissions #ConnectingWithCompassion #FaithInAction #BuildingRelationships #SharingHope #SpiritualGrowth #Evangelism #ServiceAndJoy #TangibleLove