I think God, in His awesome ways, trains us in the dark. He allows things to happen, and we can’t see what’s in front of us. But we keep swimming from one side to the other because we trust Him and love Him. We know He has our backs because He was faithful to train and prepare us for unpredictable moments on our unpredictable journeys, even in the dark. Sometimes our vision gets blurry and we can’t see the next step, but that’s when we remember the training in faith that God has given us, and we know we will reach the finish line even though we don’t see what’s in front of us. Every stroke we take is a stroke of faith, knowing that the Master is leading the way. - JOHN RAMIREZ

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

*Looking Up*

It’s normal, as well as understandable, to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. Sometimes we're preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something beyond our five senses.

But in his letter to the *Colossians* , Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up:
*“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬*
As we think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider:

- First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King.

- Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed.

- Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever.

- Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His Throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s Sovereign plan.

So when we’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at ourselves, let's look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.

*A Prayer of Thanks for Eternal Life*
Father God, we realize that eternal life began the moment we accepted Your free gifts of Grace and Salvation. As we follow You, help us to always remember to look up—to have an eternal mindset. Give us the wisdom to be mindful of heaven as we are living here on earth. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Wednesday evening Bible study.
Bless us Lord. Continue The Book of Romans

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*God wants our hearts in this relationship. To daily grow and learn how to Live, pleasing To God.

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*it’s here we learn and grow how to Live. Trusting God.
God gives us what we need to serve Him.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*enthusiastically Rejoice. Keep on Praying.
Honorable
Peace.
Kindness
Do Good.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*do what is right. Bless those in authority.
Honor God do what is right.

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*don’t even allow it, give up sinning. Be Full of Christ.
*All Jesus, no more of the flesh.
*back to verse 2 Daily forever Transforming
*Life being pleasing and perfect

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*people having issue with meat offered to idols. Still hung up on religious customs.

*its all about the Heart.

“Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*Jesus Standing in our Place. We’ve got to be assured of Living for Him.
It’s about our Heart.

“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
*be living and honorable.
Goodness and Peace.
Pleasing to God.

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*do what is Right.
*Trust God… it’s about the Heart. Relationship with God, relationship with one another…

Our GOD is Eternal and Powerful, Miracle Working GOD, even in this End Times Generation....

Shweta Ashawani One ovary surgically removed in 2007, and multiple medical reports
through 2021 confirmed that her right ovary was absent. She also struggled with high blood pressure and elevated thyroid levels. A Relative introduced her to the teachings and videos of Apostle Ankit, ([ankitsajwanministries]). As she began listening to the Teachings about Standing on The Word of GOD, It slowly built her Faith in the Divine Power of Healing. Before attending an Anointing Oil Service on October 12, 2025, She underwent new sonography that confirmed her lack of One Ovary. After the service, she got her tests done again and the report showed both Ovaries are Present and Normal in Size, including the Previous Absent Right Ovary!. She also Testified that her blood pressure and thyroid levels had returned to Normal! Amen Nothing is Impossible in GOD, Remember Our GOD is Eternal and Powerful, Miracle Working GOD, even in this End Times Generation....

Three children were killed. The world debated the mother.

What are we missing?

A Christian reflection on the Lindsay Clancy case, spiritual deception, fallen angels, and the reality of spiritual warfare.

Remember the children.

https://lawrencemanickam.substack.com/p/lindsay-clancy-fallen-angels-and

Share God's faithfulness from one generation to the next.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement to remember and proclaim God's goodness.

#Psalm1454 #DeclareHisWorks #GodsFaithfulness #NextGeneration #Testimony #PraiseTheLord #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #Lordsbook

DAY 26 — Evening
Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow.

Reflection
Disagreements are inevitable, but destruction is not.

Good evening,
Tonight, ask yourself whether today's conflicts brought you and your spouse closer to finding a solution—or pushed you further apart.
Remember, your spouse is not the enemy.
The problem is the problem.
When you stand together against the problem, rather than against each other, even difficult situations can become opportunities for growth.

God's Word
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1

Heart Check
When we disagreed today, did my words help solve the problem or deepen the wound?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us to handle disagreements with gentleness and wisdom. Help us control our tongues when emotions rise and remember that we are partners, not enemies. Give us grace to seek solutions without destroying one another. Amen.

Marriage Nugget
"Don't fight your spouse over the problem; stand beside your spouse against the problem."

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

EVENING DEVOTION | REST IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.

Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

As this day comes to an end, pause and thank God.

Thank Him for the victories, the lessons, the protection, and even the challenges He helped you overcome.

Tonight, release your worries, fears and disappointments into God’s hands.

You may not understand everything happening in your life, but remember:

God is still in control.
God is still faithful.
God is still working.

EVENING PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for carrying me through this day.

Forgive my mistakes, strengthen my faith, and give me peace in my heart.

Watch over me, my family, my work and everyone connected to me. Protect us through the night and prepare us for a new day filled with Your grace, wisdom and favour.

Tonight, I choose to rest—not because everything is perfect, but because I trust the One who holds tomorrow.

May God give you peaceful sleep, renewed strength and a blessed tomorrow.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

GOOD NIGHT. REST IN GOD’S PEACE.

May His presence watch over you and your family.

Father in Heaven, thank You for giving me this job and the opportunity to work each day. Even when calls become difficult, customers are challenging, or I feel tired, help me remember that You are with me in every moment.

Guide my words so I can speak with patience, kindness, and wisdom. Strengthen my heart when I feel stressed, discouraged, or overwhelmed. Remind me that my work has purpose and that every effort I make can be a blessing to others and to my family.

Help me not to complain about the challenges of my job, but instead to grow through them. Teach me to love my work, appreciate the opportunities it provides, and give my best in everything I do. Let me see each shift as a chance to learn, serve, and become a better person.

Lord, be my guide through every call, my strength through every challenge, and my peace through every stressful situation. Fill my workplace with positivity, teamwork, and respect. Protect me from negativity and help me maintain a grateful heart.

Today, I choose to always rely on your guidance, work with excellence, and walk with confidence. Thank you! Amen.