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

Daily Verse — August 23

Acts 20:16 (NKJV)
“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”

#LordsbookDailys #DailyVerse #August23 #Acts2016 #PurposefulLiving #GodsTiming #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
Knowing His Name Is Not the Same as Knowing Him!

Key Scripture — Acts 19:14–16 (KJV)
“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

Thought Of The Day...
There is a tremendous difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus.
Acts 19 gives us a powerful and sobering picture of this truth. The seven sons of Sceva had heard about the miracles taking place through the Apostle Paul. They had witnessed or heard reports of demons being cast out and lives being transformed through the name of Jesus.
They saw the results, but they did not understand the relationship behind the results.
They wanted the authority Paul demonstrated without possessing the relationship Paul had.
They attempted to use the name of Jesus almost like a spiritual formula. Earlier in the passage they said:
“We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
— Acts 19:13 (KJV)
Notice their language.
They did not say, “Jesus whom we know.”
They said, “Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
Jesus was Paul's testimony, but He had not become their personal testimony.
And that raises a serious question for every believer:
Do you know Jesus for yourself?
It is possible to grow up in church and still only know about Jesus.
It is possible to know Scripture and still not truly surrender to Jesus.
It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus, teach about Jesus, shout about Jesus, and even use the name of Jesus—yet lack a genuine relationship with Him.
Christianity was never intended to be secondhand.
You cannot survive spiritually forever on your mother's relationship with God, your father's prayers, your pastor's anointing, your bishop's revelation, your spouse's faith, or your grandmother's testimony.
Eventually, you must know Him for yourself.
Paul could say:
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…”
— Philippians 3:10 (KJV)
Paul wasn't satisfied merely knowing facts about Christ. His desire was, “That I may know Him.”
“JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?”
These may be some of the most sobering words in Acts.
The evil spirit responded:
“Jesus I know.”
There was no confusion in the kingdom of darkness concerning Jesus.
The demons knew exactly who He was.
During Jesus' earthly ministry, an unclean spirit cried:
“I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.”
— Mark 1:24 (KJV)
James gives us another sobering reminder:
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
— James 2:19 (KJV)
Simply acknowledging that Jesus exists is not the same as belonging to Him.
But then the spirit said something else:
“Paul I know.”
Why was Paul recognized?
Because Paul's life demonstrated that he belonged to Jesus.
Paul wasn't borrowing somebody else's faith. He had encountered Christ for himself. His authority did not come from merely repeating Jesus' name; it flowed from his relationship with and commission from Jesus.
Then came the devastating question:
“BUT WHO ARE YE?”
In other words, You are using the name, but where is your relationship with the One whose name you are using?
The sons of Sceva discovered that the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase.
There is power in the name of Jesus because of who Jesus is.
Jesus declared:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
— Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
His name represents His person, His authority, His victory, His lordship and His kingdom.
We must never reduce the name of Jesus to something we merely shout when we are in trouble. His name belongs to the Savior to whom we surrender our lives.
DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS YOU CALL ON?
Jesus is more than a name mentioned at the end of a prayer.
He is the Son of God.
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:16 (KJV)
He is the Savior.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
— Luke 19:10 (KJV)
He is the Way to the Father.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
— John 14:6 (KJV)
He is the Resurrection and the Life.
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25 (KJV)
He is Lord.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:11 (KJV)
The question is not merely, “Have you heard about Him?”
The question is:
Have you trusted Him?
Have you surrendered to Him?
Are you following Him?
Are you walking with Him?
Does your life belong to Him?
YOU CANNOT BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE'S ANOINTING
The sons of Sceva tried to imitate what they saw Paul doing.
But spiritual authority cannot be copied like a technique.
You can imitate someone's preaching style.
You can imitate someone's prayer language.
You can imitate someone's worship.
You can repeat someone's favorite Scriptures.
But you cannot imitate their relationship with God.
Jesus said:
“Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
— John 15:4–5 (KJV)
Our strength comes from abiding in Christ.
The greatest danger is not weakness that drives us toward Jesus. The greater danger is trying to operate spiritually while disconnected from Him.
The seven sons discovered this painfully.
The possessed man “overcame them, and prevailed against them.”
They entered believing they had authority they did not possess and left “naked and wounded.”
There is a warning here:
Never attempt to substitute religious activity for genuine relationship with Christ.
YOUR PRIVATE WALK MATTERS
Before Paul stood publicly in authority, he had privately surrendered his life to Jesus.
Our public Christianity must be supported by a private relationship with God.
Who are you when there is no microphone?
Who are you when there is no congregation?
Who are you when nobody sees you praying?
Who are you when temptation comes?
Who are you when life becomes difficult?
Do you still trust Jesus when there is nobody around to applaud your faith?
Jesus said:
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
— John 8:31 (KJV)
Real discipleship is demonstrated through continued fellowship, obedience, faith and dependence upon Christ.
KNOW HIM BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES
Don't wait until trouble arrives to try to discover who Jesus is.
Know Him now.
Know Him in prayer.
Know Him through His Word.
Know Him in worship.
Know Him through obedience.
Know Him when everything is going well so that when everything begins falling apart, you already know where your help comes from.
David could face Goliath because David already knew God before Goliath appeared.
Daniel could face the lions because Daniel knew God before he entered the den.
The three Hebrew boys could face the fiery furnace because they knew God before Nebuchadnezzar heated it.
Paul could endure persecution because he knew the Christ for whom he suffered.
And when your day of testing comes, you need more than something somebody told you about Jesus.
You need to be able to declare:
I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
Job said:
“For I know that my redeemer liveth…”
— Job 19:25 (KJV)
There are some storms where somebody else's testimony will not be enough.
You need your own history with God.
You need memories of prayers He answered.
You need moments when His Word carried you.
You need times when you experienced His grace.
You need the confidence to declare:
I know who Jesus is because I have walked with Him for myself!
THE QUESTION STILL STANDS
Acts 19 leaves us with a question that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
Not just the Jesus your pastor preaches.
Not just the Jesus your parents taught you about.
Not just the Jesus you heard about in Sunday School.
But Jesus Christ for yourself.
And perhaps an even deeper question is:
DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT YOU KNOW HIM?
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (KJV)
Knowing Jesus should produce following Jesus.
Following Jesus should produce obedience.
Obedience should produce transformation.
And transformation should cause our lives to testify that we have been with Jesus.

PRAYER...
Father, in the name of Jesus,
Thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Lord, forgive us for every time we have been satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus instead of developing a deeper relationship with Him.
We don't want secondhand faith. We don't want borrowed convictions. We don't want to depend solely upon somebody else's prayers, testimony or relationship with You.
Lord Jesus, we want to know You for ourselves.
Draw us closer to You. Give us a hunger for Your Word, a desire for prayer, a heart of worship and a spirit willing to obey Your voice.
Search our hearts and remove everything that has created distance between us and You.
Teach us not merely to speak Your name but to honor Your name with the way we live.
When temptation comes, remind us who You are.
When storms arise, remind us who You are.
When fear attacks, remind us who You are.
When the enemy challenges our faith, help us stand firmly upon the authority of Your Word.
May our lives testify that we belong to Jesus Christ.
And Lord, let our greatest desire always be the cry of Paul:
“That I may know him.”
We want to know You more deeply, love You more completely, trust You more confidently, obey You more faithfully, and represent You more boldly.
In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.

DECLARATION...
I DECLARE that I will not live on borrowed faith!
I know who Jesus is!
Jesus is my Savior.
Jesus is my Redeemer.
Jesus is my Lord.
Jesus is my Deliverer.
Jesus is my Rock.
Jesus is my Strength.
Jesus is my Hope.
Jesus is my King!
I will seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and grow deeper in my relationship with Him.
I refuse to merely know about Jesus.
I WILL KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
And when life asks me, “Do you know who Jesus is?”
My faith, my testimony, my obedience and my life will answer:
YES! I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS

“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33

I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation.

Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us.

If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way.

If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did.

God bless you!

Let God’s Peace Guard Your Heart (Philippians 4:6–7)

There are seasons when your mind feels full of questions.

What if things don't work out?

What if I lose this opportunity?

What if my plans fail?

What will happen tomorrow?

Sometimes uncertainty can steal the peace we have today.

But God's Word gives us a different way to respond.

The Bible says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Notice the instruction:

Pray.

When you don't know what to do, pray.

When you're worried about tomorrow, pray.

When you are waiting for an answer, pray.

When circumstances are beyond your control, pray.

Prayer doesn't mean pretending that problems don't exist.

It means refusing to face those problems as though you are facing them alone.

God already knows what you're carrying.

He knows the concerns you haven't told anyone.

He knows the questions you keep asking yourself.

He knows the battles happening inside your heart.

And He invites you to bring them to Him.

But Paul gives us another important instruction:

Give thanks.

That can be difficult when life isn't going according to plan.

Yet gratitude changes our focus.

Instead of only looking at what is missing, we begin remembering what God has already done.

Thank Him for life.

Thank Him for His grace.

Thank Him for the people He has placed around you.

Thank Him for the lessons you've learned.

Thank Him for the doors He has opened.

Thank Him for the times He protected you without you even realizing it.

Most importantly, thank Him for Jesus.

Because our greatest hope isn't found in having a perfect life.

Our greatest hope is found in knowing Christ.

God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for our sins and make reconciliation with Him possible.

That truth doesn't change when circumstances change.

And then comes one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God's peace doesn't always mean the storm disappears immediately.

Sometimes the situation remains.

The bills still need to be paid.

The decision still needs to be made.

The answer still hasn't arrived.

The future is still uncertain.

But something inside you can change.

Instead of being controlled by fear, you can learn to trust.

Instead of constantly asking, “What if?”

You can begin saying:

“God is with me.”

Instead of thinking, “I must control everything,”

you can say:

“I will do my part and trust God with the rest.”

Peace doesn't come from knowing exactly what tomorrow will bring.

Peace comes from knowing who holds tomorrow.

So today, don't carry tomorrow's problems with today's strength.

You have enough grace for today.

Bring your worries to God.

Pray honestly.

Give thanks.

Read His Word.

And trust Him one step at a time.

If the worry returns, pray again.

If the fear returns, trust again.

If the uncertainty returns, remember God's faithfulness again.

You don't have to figure everything out today.

God is still working.

Give God your worries, and let His peace guard your heart while you trust Him with what you cannot control.

What is one concern you need to stop carrying alone and place into God's hands today?

#GodsPeace #Philippians46 #Philippians47 #TrustGod #Prayer #FaithOverFear #PeaceInChrist #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

JOY IN THE MORNING
By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah.

This story will bless your life. Ensure you read till the end.

Daniel was the kind of young man people admired from a distance but rarely helped when he needed them most.

He was intelligent, hardworking, and full of ideas. At school, he had always been among the best. His teachers spoke highly of him and often said, "Daniel will go far in life."

Daniel believed them.

But after graduation, life began to tell him a different story.

He wrote applications. He attended interviews. He shared business ideas with people who had influence and resources. Again and again, he heard the same words:

"We'll get back to you."

They never did.

Some people praised his intelligence but refused to support him. Others took his ideas, promised partnership, and disappeared. Even friends who once came to him for advice suddenly became too busy when Daniel was the one asking for help.

Months became years.

One evening, Daniel sat alone in his small room, staring at his laptop. The battery was almost dead. His rent was overdue. His phone had stopped ringing.

He felt abandoned.

"What is the use of being intelligent," he whispered, "if nobody is willing to give me a chance?"

For the first time in his life, Daniel began to doubt himself.

That night, he lay awake with tears in his eyes. He was tired—not because he lacked dreams, but because he was exhausted from carrying them alone.

Before dawn, unable to sleep, Daniel stepped outside. The night was still dark. The streets were quiet.

He sat on a wooden bench and watched the sky.

For a long time, nothing happened.

Then, slowly, the darkness began to change.

A faint light appeared at the edge of the sky.

Daniel watched as morning pushed back the night—not with noise, not with force, but gradually and faithfully.

And something stirred inside him.

He realized that the darkness had not lasted forever.

The morning had been on its way even when he could not see it.

Daniel returned to his room with a different decision. If nobody would help him open a door, he would begin with whatever was in his hands.

He used his intelligence to solve small problems for people around him. He started offering services online. He read more, learned new skills, and refused to let rejection become his identity.

It was not easy.

Some days, he earned nothing. Some days, he wanted to give up again.

But he remembered that morning.

One opportunity led to another. A small client introduced him to someone else. The skills he had developed during his lonely years became the foundation of a growing career.

Years later, Daniel stood before a group of young people and told them something he had learned the hard way:

"Sometimes, the people you expect to help you will not come. Sometimes, doors will remain closed longer than you hoped. But never conclude that your story has ended because you are in a dark season. Keep moving. Keep learning. Keep believing. There is always another way, another door, another opportunity, and another morning."

Daniel smiled as he looked at the rising sun through the window.

He finally understood.

The night had not destroyed him.

It had prepared him to recognize the morning.

Reflection

No matter what you are going through today, do not surrender to the darkness. Your present situation is not the final chapter of your life. You may feel alone, rejected, forgotten, or unsupported, but there is always a way forward.

Sometimes the help you are waiting for will come. Sometimes you will discover strength you never knew you had.

But one thing is certain: the darkest night cannot stop the morning from coming.

Keep going.

Joy may not be visible tonight, but joy is still possible in the morning.

#highlights
#beinspired
#dontgiveup

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Ephesians 4:26-32 begins with an assumption that anger is inevitable: “In your anger do not sin” (v. 26). But Paul quickly guards against any sinful expression of anger: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (v. 31). The emphasis in this passage, as in other epistles, isn’t only on behaviors that give the “devil a foothold” (v. 27) and “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v. 30). It’s also on what we replace our actions with as we “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24). Our individual submission to God’s supernatural righteousness makes it possible to follow His example: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32). In all our relationships, God can help us reflect the forgiving heart of Jesus.

28 Beleifs # 22
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR

We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

Conflict and Courage.
2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-8
I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 2 Kings 20:3.
In the midst of his prosperous reign King Hezekiah was suddenly stricken with a fatal malady. “Sick unto death,” his case was beyond the power of man to help. And the last vestige of hope seemed removed when the prophet Isaiah appeared before him with the message, “Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.”

The outlook seemed utterly dark; yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been his “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And so “he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord.” ...

He whose “compassions fail not,” heard the prayer of His servant. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee....” Gladly the prophet returned with the words of assurance and hope. Directing that a lump of figs be laid upon the diseased part, Isaiah delivered to the king the message of God's mercy and protecting care.32Ibid., 340-342.

Those who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use of the remedial agencies within their reach. It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration.... God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which He Himself has provided.33The Ministry of Healing, 231, 232.