IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU HAVE LIFE

”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11).”

Christianity is the unveiling of a present reality: Christ in you; His life, glory, righteousness, wisdom, dominion and grace unveiled and revealed in and through you. This is real. Christianity isn’t a religion. It’s the very life and nature of God imparted to you in Christ and lived through the power of the Holy Spirit.

This life isn’t something you’re going to get when you get to heaven. The Apostle John states it as a present truth in our opening scripture: “...God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Then he continues in the 12th verse, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” This is absolute.

You can’t have eternal life any other way. If you have Jesus, you have it. Read His words in John 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” He had said earlier in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Then He made a most profound declaration in the 26th verse, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” This helps to understand why Jesus is, Himself, eternal life and the only One who can give it: _*“…we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Remember His words in John 14:6, _*“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Being born again, you’ve come to the Father through Jesus Christ and have received His life. Therefore, be ever conscious of His divine life in you (1 John 5:13). Let it go beyond doctrine to consciousness and experience. Eternal life is what makes you superior to Satan and the limitations of this world. It’s why you have the capacity to live above sin, sickness and death, and live from God instead of trying to reach Him.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 John 5:11-13 (KJV) ”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

Colossians 1:26-27 (NIV) ”the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

1 John 5:20 (NIV) ”We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

GOOD PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT THINGS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
They're feeding people who are hungry. 
They're helping families in crisis. 
They're supporting children and schools. 
They're caring for animals. 
They're helping people with disabilities and special needs. 
They're supporting churches and community programs. 
They're giving athletes opportunities to compete.
But every one of these organizations needs something:
FUNDING.
That's why I'm excited about our NEW fundraising program.
It gives organizations another way to raise money without charging them a fee to participate.
When supporters purchase organic supplements and health products through an organization's fundraising link:
20% of the first order goes back to the organization
 10% of every subsequent order continues to support the organization
And because subsequent purchases can continue generating funding, this isn't simply about raising money once.
It's about creating an opportunity for ongoing support.
Imagine if everyday purchases could help:
Rescue more animals
 Feed more families
 Provide more resources to students
 Help more athletes participate
 Serve more people in need
 Strengthen community ministries
That's the opportunity.
I'm looking for organizations that want to explore this new fundraising model.
Drop a comment or send me a message for more details!
Let's create more funding for the people and causes that make our communities stronger.
#Fundraising #CommunityImpact #NonprofitFundraising #Charity #GiveBack #MakeADifference

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

The Coming of Elijah and the Restoration of All Things

Jesus taught that before the great and terrible Day of the Lord comes, there would be a work of restoration. He spoke about the coming of Elijah, the one who would come to prepare the way and restore all things. Hallelujah!

Just as God sent Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord and to prepare the nation of Israel to recognize and receive the Son of God, once again we see the manifestation of this ministry.

At that first moment, the mission was directed toward the nation of Israel, the Jews. Elijah came to prepare the people for the manifestation of the Messiah. But in this final manifestation, the mission is broader. It is not limited only to the Jews, but reaches all the peoples of the earth, especially the Church that is spread among the nations.

However, this time the mission is even broader. It is not only about preparing the way and presenting Jesus Christ to the people. It is also about confronting the works of darkness, bringing down the power of Satan, and confronting his kingdom.

It is a ministry of restoration, preparation, and spiritual confrontation. God is calling His people back to His Word, to repentance, holiness, and true worship, preparing them for the manifestation of the Lord.

Hallelujah! The God who sent Elijah in the past is the same God who continues to work to restore all things and prepare His people for the great Day of the Lord.

Romans 6:

"1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

*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.

Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

When we are in Christ, we truly have nothing to fear or worry about because God always ensures things will work out for our good. When we live, we live to carry out work for God – evangelizing, ministering, helping those in need, etc. When we die, we don't lose. We return to our heavenly home, awaiting the day Christ returns to the world. As Christians, we have no reason to fear death because we know what waits for us on the other side – our hope remains valid.

Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 27 August 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar.


Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. (Genesis 27:2)

No one knows when he will die
For over 30 years I went to the same dentist. But he grew older and began to plan his retirement. A successor started working in the practice, and for two years they planned to share the workload. I had another appointment with the older dentist for the annual check-up. Then suddenly, the practice assistant called me and informed me that the dentist had unexpectedly died of a heart failure two weeks before.
 This news troubled me and once again reminded me that no one can know the day of his death. Therefore, it isn’t enough just to plan for retirement. We should also be prepared for death.
 The most important thing is not to die unreconciled with God. Therefore, reconcile yourself with Him now! He knows everything we have done in our lives – the good and the bad deeds. When you confess your sins to God, they are covered by the blood of the Lord Jesus. As a result, you will die with the certainty that your future is with Christ in heaven!
 It is also important to settle personal matters before death comes. Many things are easier for those who survive you if you leave everything in good order. Abraham did this, as we can read in Genesis 25:5-10.
 “There is but a step between me and death.” (1 Samuel 20:3)

Today’s reading: Judges 1:1-15 – 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

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…