Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic. Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light. As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today. When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest. Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory. When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice. I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left. Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day. Be blessed. **Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

GOD’S BLESSINGS IN UNEXPECTED PLACES When God Brings Blessings to You from the Most Surprising Corners Key Scriptures: Genesis 50:20; 1 Kings 17:8–16; Ruth 2:2–12; Psalm 23:5–6 There are times when God surprises us with blessings in the most unlikely places. We often think that our breakthroughs will come through specific people, opportunities, or plans we have in mind. But God isn’t confined by our expectations. As Psalm 23:5 reminds us, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” God can set a feast for us even in the wilderness, provide for us through unexpected sources, and open doors in places we never thought to look. Take Elijah, for example. During a terrible famine, God could have directed him to a rich household, but instead, He led him to a widow in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16). From that unlikely situation came miraculous provision. Similarly, Ruth went out to gather leftover grain, but God guided her steps to Boaz’s field, where she found favor, sustenance, and a new beginning (Ruth 2:2–12; 4:13–17). What may seem like a mundane task could actually be a divine setup. The place you think is insignificant might just be where God plans to unveil your next blessing. Joseph’s journey also illustrates how God can transform unexpected places into stepping stones for our destiny. The prison may have seemed like a place of despair, but God turned it into a space for preparation and connection (Genesis 39:20–23; 41:1–14). What Joseph perceived as a setback became the very path to his elevation. So, don’t overlook your current situation or season. God can shower you with blessings in the wilderness, lift you up in obscurity, grant you favor among strangers, and create opportunities where you only see obstacles. Be mindful not to get so caught up in how you think God should bless you that you overlook the blessings that come in unexpected ways. Stay prayerful, obedient, humble, and open to divine opportunities. Your blessing might show up through someone you didn’t see coming, in a place that feels unfamiliar, as a small chance, or through a door you nearly passed by. While God’s ways can be surprising, His faithfulness is unwavering. The spot you least anticipate could very well be where your testimony begins. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being beyond the limits of human expectations and circumstances. We trust You to guide us to the places You’ve prepared for us. Lord, please open our spiritual eyes so we can spot divine opportunities. Lead us to places filled with favor, provision, purpose, and destiny. May unexpected doors swing open, surprising helpers come forth, and blessings find us according to Your perfect will. Father, grant us the wisdom to appreciate small beginnings and not overlook ordinary chances. Like Ruth, help us to be in the right field at the right moment. Like Elijah, help us to see Your provision, even when it comes from an unexpected source. We declare that our blessings will not pass us by. What You have set aside for us will find us, even in places we never imagined. Transform our wilderness into a land of provision, our obscurity into a realm of favor, and our everyday steps into divine appointments. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Choose Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18) What are you thankful for today? Sometimes that question is difficult. Not because we have nothing to be grateful for, but because problems can become louder than our blessings. We notice what we don't have. The opportunity we missed. The prayer that hasn't been answered. The relationship that ended. The financial pressure. The disappointment. The plans that didn't work out. And slowly, we can forget everything God has already done. The Bible says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that Scripture doesn't say: “Give thanks only when everything is going well.” It says: “In all circumstances.” That doesn't mean we should pretend that pain isn't painful. It doesn't mean we have to be happy about suffering. It means that even in difficult circumstances, we can still find reasons to trust and thank God. You can be disappointed and grateful. You can be waiting and grateful. You can be hurting and still recognize God's goodness. Gratitude doesn't deny the storm. It reminds you that God is with you in the storm. Think about what you already have. You woke up today. You have another opportunity to live, learn, grow, and serve. You have experienced moments of God's protection that you may not even know about. You have people who care about you. You have lessons from yesterday. You have God's promises for today. And if you belong to Christ, you have something greater than temporary circumstances: You have salvation. Jesus gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God. That gift cannot be measured by money, possessions, success, or circumstances. When everything else changes, the grace of God remains. So don't allow your circumstances to determine whether God is good. God is good even when life is difficult. Sometimes we become so focused on the next blessing that we fail to appreciate the current one. We're waiting for the next job. The next relationship. The next promotion. The next opportunity. The next breakthrough. And we forget to thank God for what is already in our hands. Don't let tomorrow steal today's gratitude. Take a moment today and look around. What has God already given you? What prayers has He already answered? What doors has He already opened? What difficulties has He already brought you through? What lessons has He taught you? What people has He placed in your life? Write them down. You may be surprised by how much you have to thank Him for. And gratitude changes the way we see other people too. Instead of comparing ourselves with someone who has more, we begin appreciating what we have. Instead of becoming jealous of another person's success, we can celebrate with them. Instead of constantly asking, “Why don't I have what they have?” we can say: “Thank You, God, for what You have entrusted to me.” Gratitude doesn't mean we stop pursuing growth. You can be grateful for where you are while still working toward where God is leading you. You can desire improvement without despising your current season. You can have dreams without allowing those dreams to control your happiness. And most importantly, gratitude should lead us back to God. Don't just be thankful for the blessing. Be thankful to the One who blesses. Today, before you ask God for something new, spend some time thanking Him for what He has already done. Thank Him for life. Thank Him for grace. Thank Him for forgiveness. Thank Him for family and friends. Thank Him for opportunities. Thank Him for lessons. Thank Him for protection. Thank Him for Jesus. Even if today is difficult, find one thing to thank God for. Then find another. And another. Gratitude doesn't change everything around you, but it can change what you see within you. Don't wait until everything is perfect before you thank God. Thank Him today. What are three things you can genuinely thank God for right now? #ChooseGratitude #1Thessalonians518 #ThankfulHeart #Gratitude #GodIsGood #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #TrustGod #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

What if the way you start your morning could determine the quality of your entire day? Start your day with three simple things: Gratitude, a Smile, and Happiness. Be grateful for the gift of life, for another opportunity to grow, learn, and become better. Smile, because a positive attitude can change the way you see the challenges ahead. Choose happiness, not because everything is perfect, but because you have decided to approach the day with hope and confidence. Dress well. Smell well. Present yourself well. The way you prepare yourself can influence how you carry yourself throughout the day. Take pride in your appearance—not merely to impress others, but as a reminder that you value yourself and the opportunities ahead. Then, reflect. Sit quietly. Give yourself a few moments away from noise, distractions, and social media. Think about your purpose. What truly matters today? What must you accomplish? What kind of person do you want to be? In silence, your mind sharpens. Sometimes, clarity doesn't come from doing more; it comes from slowing down enough to think. Use your quiet moments to organize your thoughts, set your priorities, pray, reflect, and prepare your mind for the day. Learn to master your morning. Don't allow the morning to control you. Take control of it. Read something valuable, learn something new, pray, exercise, plan your day, and invest in yourself. Remember, character is built in discipline. The world may not see the early mornings, the sacrifices, the reading, the preparation, or the small decisions you make when nobody is watching—but eventually, the results will speak for you. So, read daily. Learn daily. Grow daily. Improve daily. Your morning is more than the beginning of a day; it is an opportunity to build the person you are becoming. «“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier»

WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Stop Comparing Your Life With Others Bible Reference But let each one examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, without comparing himself with someone else. Galatians 6:4 (NIV) A Short Story Grace was 25 years old and had recently completed her university education. She had always been grateful for her progress, but things changed when she became more active on social media. Every morning, she opened her phone and saw people she knew announcing new jobs, getting married, buying cars, travelling to different countries, starting businesses, and celebrating different achievements. At first, Grace was happy for them. After some time, however, she began to feel unhappy with herself. One of her classmates had secured a good job shortly after graduation, while Grace was still searching for work. Another friend had started a successful fashion business. Someone else had recently bought a car. A former schoolmate had even announced her wedding. Grace began asking herself difficult questions. What am I doing with my life? Why is everybody moving forward except me? Have I wasted my time? Maybe I am not good enough. She started feeling ashamed whenever people asked what she was doing. Instead of seeing the things she had already achieved, she focused only on what other people had that she did not have. One evening, Grace visited her aunt, who noticed that she was unusually quiet. After listening to her, her aunt asked her to put her phone away and write down five things she was grateful for. Grace initially struggled to think of five things. Eventually, she wrote down her education, her family, her health, the skills she had developed, and the opportunity to start again. Her aunt then asked her another question. “If you keep looking at another person's journey, how will you have time to focus on yours?” That question stayed with Grace. She realised that she had been measuring her life with other people's timelines. She had forgotten that people do not all start from the same place, receive the same opportunities, or grow at the same speed. Grace decided to stop using other people's achievements as a measure of her own worth. She began applying for jobs more seriously, improving her skills, and working on a small business idea she had neglected. She still celebrated other people's success, but she no longer allowed their success to make her hate her own journey. Today's Message Comparison is one of the easiest ways to lose your peace. You can be doing well and still feel like a failure when you constantly measure yourself against somebody else. As a young person, you may look at your classmates, friends, colleagues, relatives, or people you follow online and feel that you are behind. Someone may already have a good job while you are still searching. Someone may be married while you are still single. Someone may have children while you are still waiting. Someone may own a business while you are still trying to discover what you can do. Someone may be travelling, building a house, buying a car, or becoming popular while you are still taking small steps. It is easy to forget that you are looking at their results without seeing their entire journey. Social media can make this problem worse because people usually show their best moments. You may see someone's new car but not the years of struggle behind it. You may see a beautiful wedding but not know the difficulties the couple faced before getting there. You may see a successful business but not know how many times the person failed before becoming successful. When you compare your ordinary days with somebody else's best moments, you can easily become discouraged. The Bible says in Galatians 6:4 that each person should examine his own work instead of comparing himself with someone else. God did not create you to become a copy of another person. He gave you your own abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and journey. This does not mean that you should become careless about your progress. You should learn from successful people. You should allow good examples to motivate you. You should celebrate the achievements of others and ask yourself what you can learn from them. There is a difference between learning from someone and becoming jealous of the person. Comparison becomes dangerous when another person's progress makes you despise your own life. You may be wondering why your life is taking longer than you expected. Perhaps you prayed for something and it has not happened yet. Perhaps you have worked hard but have not seen the results you expected. Perhaps people younger than you are already achieving things you hoped to achieve. Do not allow this to make you believe that God has forgotten you. Your life is not a race against your friends. You have your own assignment. You have your own season. You have your own responsibilities. You have your own opportunities. Instead of constantly asking, Why am I not like this person? ask, What should I be doing with what God has placed in my hands? That question will change your focus. If you spend all your time watching somebody else's life, you may neglect your own. While you are watching another person's progress, there may be opportunities around you that you are failing to recognise. David did not become king by trying to become Jonathan. Esther did not fulfil her purpose by trying to become another woman. Peter's journey was different from John's, yet Jesus had a purpose for both of them. Your journey may be different from the person beside you, and that is not necessarily a problem. Do not rush into marriage because your friends are getting married. Do not enter a business because everyone seems to be making money from it. Do not choose a career simply because it is popular. Do not spend money trying to look successful because you are afraid of what people will think. Build your own life wisely. Be grateful for where you are while working faithfully toward where you want to be. You can desire growth without hating your present situation. You can pray for more without being ungrateful for what you already have. Remember that slow progress is still progress. Some seeds take longer to grow than others. What matters is that you keep planting, keep learning, keep praying, keep working, and keep trusting God. Your story is still being written. What To Do Today 1. Take a break from comparing your life with people around you or people you follow online. 2. Write down five things you are grateful for and thank God for them. 3. Identify one area of your life that needs improvement and make a practical plan to grow in that area. 4. Celebrate someone else's achievement today without allowing it to make you feel inferior. Prayer Lord, help me to stop comparing my life with other people. Teach me to appreciate what You have given me and to be faithful with the opportunities in my hands. When I see other people's success, help me to celebrate them without becoming discouraged. Give me patience to trust Your timing and wisdom to work faithfully in my own season. Help me to focus on my purpose and become the person You have created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Today, stop asking why your life is not like someone else's. Instead, ask yourself: What can I do with what God has given me? Focus on your journey, take one meaningful step, and trust God with the rest. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

TV Preachers & Beggers I've had a train of thought congeal within the past few minutes. The type of well-know TV preachers who always end their meetings/broadcasts with "I know there's 10 of you that can give $100...or 100 of you who can give $1000..." We've all heard it until we're sick of it; well, if you're like me you're sick of it. Here's the thought that congealed just a few minutes ago: (1) they learned it from their predecessors; (2) they were taught how to do it by their mentors; (3) they've been doing it so long that they're absolutely unable to understand why it's a problem; (4) it's one of the biggest hurdles for non-believers, especially those who've been hurt by church folks; (5) it needs to stop! Nationally-known church leaders who walk in integrity and who do NOT engage in begging for money need to start addressing it in every way possible, and even demand that these charlatans cease & desist. Now, that's my take on it. What do you think?

Social Media Plagiarism What do y'all think about these content creators who are sitting at a desk with a microphone (and sometimes headphone) at the bottom of the video (with someone else's original video above them, who do nothing but point upward and say, "You gotta watch this!"? You can find them by Googling their name. But do they ever produce any original content? I can't figure out how our culture evolved to create systems which reward plagiarism. Now, do you wanna know why it bothers me? Because I'm a true content creator who's trying to make a difference with what God has given me - music, insights, etc. I guess since I've ranted again (several times lately) I guess I deserve whatever negative feedback I might get. Nevertheless, I'd really like to know if this bothers anyone else….

Matthew 22:11-14 NIV “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” God morning and praise God. I hope you are blessed and having a great morning. Long ago in the East, a host of a banquet would provide special garments to his invited guests. These were to his own honor and pride. He would therefore expect all his invited guests to be in that specific attire. Do you think he would allow them who refused to be in his probably expensive, clean and beautiful attire to remain in the banquet? Won't that be a great dishonor to him having spent alot only for someone to participate wearing his or her own garment of choice? Jesus Christ uses this to illustrate how it will be for those who accepted Him but wants to do it under their own terms. Those who want to remain in sin but also in Christ. Those who accepted the Gospel but have willingly refused to be transformed by it. They want to be luke warm, not cold not hot. They want to love Jesus by their own lips whilst their actions shows otherwise. Those who have refused to bear fruit of Spirit but instead are bearing fruits of flesh. In another place the Bible describes them this way Romans 1:21 NIV "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. " Gospel is tranformartive but to those who genuinely accept it and from henceforth take-up their cross and follow Jesus. You cannot tell us you belong to Jesus but also to your old sinful nature. You cannot belong to light and darkness at the same time. Gospel is nothing about mingling with crowd but rather a deep personal relationship with God. It is about true repentance, faith and submission to the ways of God. It is nothing about following your church traditions and what not but rather a deep relationship of submission and obedience to God. The end of those that are lukewarm is clear. They will be cast out of God's presence at the judgement day. Matthew 7:23 NIV Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Brethren, be among the chosen not just those who accepted invitation. It'll be very painful if you wasted all your time lying on salvation. Make it true today through true and genuine repentance and it's tranformartive power. God loves you, have a blessed day. Shalom.

🔥 Human beings are not each other’s enemies… then who is humanity’s true enemy? 😈⚔️ In our lives, there are people who speak against us, hurt us, deceive us, or oppose us. Because of this, we may think, “This person is my enemy.” But the Bible reveals a deeper spiritual truth. 📖 Ephesians 6:12 says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 😈 What is Satan’s purpose? He wants to create hatred, jealousy, conflict, unforgiveness, and division between people. Because if you see another human being as your enemy, you may begin to hate that person. But when you understand this spiritual truth, you can say: “I will not hate this person; I will pray for them, and I will not give Satan’s work a place in my life.” 🙏 ✝️ What did Jesus teach? “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 🔥 Therefore, our battle is not about defeating people; it is about refusing to fall for Satan’s deception. Our weapon is not hatred—it is love. ❤️ Our weapon is not revenge—it is forgiveness. Our weapon is not fear—it is faith. Our weapon is not violence against people—it is God’s Word and prayer. 📖🙏 🛡️ Remember: Do not consider human beings your enemies. Recognize the work of Satan. Stand firm in God’s truth. And pray even for those who have hurt you. Because Christ has not called us to conquer people, but to overcome darkness with the light. ✝️🔥 #JesusChrist #SpiritualWarfare #BibleTruth #Prayer

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." —Philippians 4:8